It feels like yesterday when I think back to my time in France last summer. Each morning I would walk across the villa to the kitchen and begin my day’s work. Throughout the day there was a calm serenity in the air—even while I was busy cooking, a stillness remained. From time to time a guest would peek in and say, “something smells delicious,” and that always made me smile. That simple joy is exactly why I chose to spend my vacation serving food made from the heart.
There was a perfect harmony on this tranquil land, filled with greenery, two private pools and a peaceful lake where a family of swans swam. Rosemary bushes grew everywhere, so abundant that you never ran out of the fragrant herb. I would daydream of living here whenever I passed the tall lemon tree outside the kitchen, where I prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had longed to serve meals like pancakes and chia puddings to as many people as possible, and it was a delight to watch those dreams come true during the retreat.
One of the most remarkable things was witnessing the transformation in our guests. After a few days many of them began to shine in a noticeable way. The retreat affected not only the participants but also Jan and Cynthia—the yoga teachers and organizers—and me. We had come together to offer a restorative experience in the South of France, combining yoga and plant-based meals so guests could rest and reconnect with themselves. In that sense we succeeded. Most of the time I couldn’t stop smiling; the week brought me closer to myself than I had been in a long time.
This retreat was truly special for me.
After the success of that week we immediately booked and began planning for June 2018, knowing we wanted to share the experience again. Even though I worked during many of the activities, the retreat pulled me inward and clarified what truly matters in life. It gave me the strength to start choosing for myself and sparked a deep, lasting change. I left with more than just sun-kissed skin—I returned renewed and determined.
If you’d like to join this year’s yoga retreat, visit the retreat’s dates and pricing page for details and to sign up. I highly recommend this week if you’re looking for relaxation, nourishing plant-based meals, and the chance to enjoy a serene, beautiful setting in Narbonne.
I look forward to sharing my food with you—everything I prepare comes from passion and love. I’ll also lead a fun workshop during the retreat. Weeks like this, when my attention is fully on doing what I love, naturally lead me to act from the heart and share a passion that brings joy. Those are true moments of bliss.
Be sure to sign up to find your own moment of bliss this June.
One Love,
A.J.