Spring 2026 travels will be announced soon!

Rest, Reflect, Renew

Retreat to Bordeaux & Basque Country

March 21 - 30, 2026

If you’re an independent woman craving both adventure and belonging, eager to write your next chapter with clarity and joy, this retreat is for you! Mornings begin with gentle grounding, days unfold with cultural exploration, and evenings we gather in intimate salons. With just four women—each seeking the courage to step into her next phase—you’ll find yourself held in a circle that invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your own story.

Apply now

Picture this: you're sitting on the beach of the Atlantic coast while the waves wash up on shore in front of you. You've lost track of time because you're lost in thought. This morning's massage therapist found every knot of tension and now it's all melted away. Soon enough, you will join your companions at lunch for some fresh seafood and lively conversation but for now, the time is yours. What are you thinking about? What do you love? Where do you find flow?

You already feel better than when you left home. Your body is getting needed rest. Your mind has lost some of its chatter. Your heart is filling with joy—at your gorgeous surroundings, the fantastic company you're with, and the overall nourishment you're supplying it with.

In time, the answers to your questions will come. You don't have to decide today. But you've taken the very first important step and that's carving out time and space for yourself. The answers will dawn on you, you're sure of it.

Welcome to your third chapter reset

This isn’t just a trip to France.

It’s a chance to pause, breathe, and savor—while discovering new rituals that you’ll carry home long after your suitcase is unpacked.

For ten days, we’ll immerse ourselves in Bordeaux and the Basque Coast—where vines, tides, and craft traditions shape daily life. With a small circle of just four women, you’ll be guided through cultural experiences, seaside walks, artisan ateliers, and restorative pauses. Each evening, we’ll gather for a short salon—a guided conversation and reflection that helps transform travel into retreat.

Come home rested, renewed, and connected—to yourself and to new friends who just “get it.”

Your companions

This isn’t a sightseeing trip. It’s a retreat—carefully designed for just four women ready to trade busyness for belonging, and distraction for depth. Participation is deliberate, because who you travel with matters as much as where you go.

You’ll be surrounded by kindred spirits—women who are curious, creative, and open to contemplation. Together, you’ll explore, share, and discover. And when you return home, you’ll carry more than photos and souvenirs: you’ll bring new perspective, deepened friendships, and a clearer vision for what comes next.

Why you should be here

This experience is designed to reset your mindset by opening you up to new experiences while giving you space to wonder. It’s about noticing how your body feels, your mind shifts, and your heart opens as we move through France together.

How did your body feel while journaling on the sand dunes, breathing in the Atlantic air?

What was your state of mind while stretching by the water’s edge in Biarritz?

Where was your heart as you wandered cobblestoned streets in Bayonne, ice cream cone in hand?

You should be here if you’re ready to:

Step away from daily demands and gift yourself time.
Explore not just a new place, but new parts of yourself.
Find belonging in the company of women who understand where you are and where you're headed.
Gather fresh rituals—small, soulful practices you can bring home.
Return with a renewed sense of clarity, confidence, and joy.

This isn’t a trip you’ll forget after scrolling through your photos. It’s a retreat that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bag.

Here's what awaits you

Heart & body gentle grounding

You will begin each day with a gentle physical grounding ritual like Pilates-inspired stretching, mindful breathing, or a seaside walk. With a journaling prompt, you will spend some time in quiet reflection and establish your purpose for the day.

Engage your curiosity

With an eye on the ancient place you're in, you will participate in engaging experiences, learn about regional traditions, and observe historic rituals.

Discover the history of chocolate production and why it began in Bayonne
Step across the symbolic threshold of the Camino de Santiago trail, joining the footsteps of millions
Visit a century-old textile workshop on a private guided tour to learn how Basque fabrics are traditionally woven

Body wellness reset

Spend time on yourself. You will travel to the coastal town of Biarritz, a worldwide favorite, where you will spend the day getting pampered with massage, mineral-rich scrubs, warm seawater baths, and a restorative thalassotherapy session. Afterward, your body and mind will feel relaxed and refreshed.

Connect with your soul

Every evening we will spend time together in a traditional salon, indulging in a short reading or theme to weave together our day's activities. This ritual will close the circle of the day as we link the thoughts from our morning journaling with learning from our day's activities, and to our intentions for the future.

Mind. Body. Soul. Yes, please.

Your own cocoon

What's the most restorative gift you can give yourself? Comfortable, soft, peaceful, sleep. After our evening salon, after our shared dinner, after bidding your fellow travelers a good night, you will gratefully slip into your own room and close the door.

Your bedroom—your sanctuary—is yours and yours only.

Over the course of nine nights, we will stay across just three locations, meaning you really will feel at home in your own space every night. Every bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom and all the amenities you'll need.

Hotel in Bordeaux

With a subtle blend of tradition and modernity, you will find peace and quiet in this 18th century elegant residence. The top attractions of the city are just steps away. The rooms are soundproof, the air conditioning is available (though unlikely needed in March), and coffee/tea is within reach.

Hotel in Bayonne

Each modern bedroom is equipped for your absolute comfort so you are able to get the most out of your stay. Its location, perched atop the ramparts of the historic walls, is truly unmatched. This hotel has a contemporary spirit and is full of charm.

Nourishment

Breakfast

Each day will begin around the hotel buffet with a proper French breakfast. That first steaming café crème or espresso is a ritual in itself. Expect baskets of crusty baguettes and croissants, creamy butter and local jams, plus seasonal fruit and protein to set us up for the day. In the Basque Country, you might even spot gâteau Basque (a tender cake filled with pastry cream or black cherry jam) alongside the classics.

Lunch and Dinner

Meals will unfold at their own rhythm—sometimes a picnic in the vineyards with simple, perfect sandwiches; sometimes a lively brasserie lunch; sometimes a sumptuous dinner with courses that stretch into the evening. Traveling in such a small circle means we have the freedom to decide together: a light lunch followed by ice cream in Bayonne, or a leisurely feast of seafood in Biarritz with the Atlantic just beyond our table. And dessert? It’s France. Always.

And of course the wine...

(As if you could forget.) Bordeaux is one of the most storied wine regions in the world, with terroirs ranging from bold Médoc reds to the golden sweetness of Sauternes. We’ll sip and savor a variety, guided by local expertise. In the Basque Country, we’ll add a twist: perhaps a glass of Txakoli, the crisp coastal white poured high to release its spritz, or a taste of piment d’Espelette–infused liqueur. Each sip is a chance to experience the spirit of the region—vibrant, rooted, and unforgettable.

Reserve your place

Yes! You should join this retreat if you:

...are ready to pause the busyness of daily life and give yourself the gift of time, deep thought, and renewal.
...want to immerse yourself in the wines, crafts, and coastal beauty of southwest France while discovering new rituals to bring home.
...are craving kinship with a small circle of thoughtful women who, like you, are navigating their own next chapters.

What you can expect from the retreat

Step away & reset — Leave behind the noise and demands of everyday life. Create space to breathe, consider, and listen to yourself in a new setting.
Seamless travel, stress-free days — Every detail is handled: the itinerary, the driving, the reservations. All you have to do is arrive with your suitcase and let the experience unfold.
A circle of inspiring women — Because of our thoughtful application process, you’ll be joined by curious, intelligent travelers who are eager to share stories and experiences.
Small, intimate group — With just four women, conversations go deeper, laughter rings louder, and friendships last longer.
An investment in you — This isn’t just a getaway; it’s time to nurture your creativity, learn new rituals, and imagine the direction you want to take in your next chapter.
A taste of place — From Bordeaux’s world-renowned wines to Basque coastal traditions like espadrille-making, chocolate, and Txakoli, you’ll immerse yourself in the terroir and culture that make this region unforgettable.

If this resonates with your wishes and desires, it's time to say YES and join us for this transformational journey!

Yes. Definitely yes!

The itinerary

Day 1, March 21, 2026

Arrival day! We will meet at a hotel very close to the airport in Bordeaux where you can immediately start to unwind. As fellow travelers arrive, you can meet them as you enjoy refreshments and drinks in the hotel bar. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your own room where you can settle in as only you know how.

On this day, the first of your journey, we will start out with an orientation walk of historic Bordeaux. You will meet grand squares, the riverfront, and hidden corners. (This will depend on arrival schedules. If need be, we will do this on Day 2.)

We will stay flexible as we will all be a bit discombobulated and everyone will need time and space to adapt.

Day 2, March 22

You will find that each day settles into a lovely, predictable rhythm, while allowing us to experience many different things along the way. We will begin each day with gentle grounding: activities like stretching, breathing, and some reflection. If we didn't take our orientation walk on Day 1, we will do that.

The late morning to early afternoon will bring us to immersive discoveries and on this day we will attend a wine tasting class at the incomparable Cité du Vin where you will be introduced to the subtle complexities of Bordeaux wine.

Back at the hotel, you will have free time to use as you most need. Will that be a nap, sitting in a quiet cafe, a long hot shower, or getting out your journal? Only you can decide.

We will gather once again this evening for a celebratory meal, complete with conversation over Bordeaux wine (what else)?

Day 3, March 23

After our gentle grounding session, we will set off on a day trip, seeking out the nearby cobblestoned village of Saint-Émilion. After an overview of its history , we will visit one or two women-owned estates, and you will discover the process of what it takes to produce such exceptional vintages. You will come away thoroughly impressed by their skills, ingenuity, and fortitude.

Upon returning to Bordeaux, you will have time to rest before we gather again in our salon. This will give us a chance to reconnect, process what we learned during the day, and discover what we will take home after our experiences.

Day 4, March 24

After breakfast, we will spend a little time in our morning grounding session before we check out of the hotel and head south. Along the way, we will make a stop at the tallest dune of Europe. A short journey to the top and you will be met with a breathtaking vastness of both sand and sea.

It's here, atop the dune, that you will be given time to pause and think about what called you to this journey, where you stand in this moment, and where you'd like to go next. Will you draw? Will you be inspired by poetry? Will you just lie back and breathe in the ocean air?

We will end our day in the medieval town of Bayonne, checking into the hotel atop the ramparts of the ancient city walls. After rest time, we will have dinner and get some sleep.

Day 5, March 25

Once again, we will need resetting and orientation in our new location. Beginning our day as we do with some gentle stretches, we will then set off on an exploratory and informative walk of the town. You have finally arrived in Basque Country: it's time to learn about this classical nation with its very own traditions, culture, and language.

One of the things you'll learn is that chocolate, so renowned in France and Switzerland especially, was born in Bayonne in the 1600s. It's with this knowledge that we will enter the shop of the oldest chocolatier in the heart of Bayonne, sample their wares, and enjoy a proper French tea service complete with a special type of hot chocolate.

You will have time to let your curiosity run free during the rest of the afternoon. Stop in at a shop where you can try homemade, authentic sheep's milk ice cream. You can pop into the jambon museum and you will learn that dry-cured ham is a regional specialty. You could spend hours at the Musée Basque, which focuses on the culture, decorative arts, architecture, and language of the region. I'll have a whole host of ideas for you.

Then you will have time to return to your bedroom, enjoy some needed down time, and refresh. We will meet again in our salon for a discussion, have dinner, and head for bed.

Day 6, March 26

To mark the mid-point in our journey, today will be a day to focus entirely on yourself. We will travel a short distance to the nearby town of Biarritz, where you will be treated to a coastal wellness day. Take off your shoes and take a solo walk on the sandy beach. Head inside the spa room for your thalassotherapy appointment. Stay for a massage and maybe a mani-pedi. Sit on the shore and watch the powerful Atlantic waves crash—perhaps you'll spot a professional surf team. Take your sketch pad or journal to a quiet spot and lose yourself in the moment. We will meet at noon to indulge in an oceanside luncheon, complete with some of the freshest seafood you can find.

Your day, your choices.

And we will end our day using the same, familiar rhythm. After your rest we will meet in the salon where we can share what we gathered and created on this day. Then dinner. Then rest.

Day 7, March 27

After rising, breakfast, and doing some gentle grounding exercises, we will head out to a neighboring coastal town for a cooking class where you will discover new flavors and combinations. You will learn about the products of this region that make its foods truly unique. You will return with recipes to take home, letting you savor your journey for years to come.

We will explore the region a little bit this afternoon, as we will drive to a nearby village and visit the workshop of a traditional cloth factory. With our private guide, you will be introduced to the process behind authentic Basque weaving. Bring your curiosity and your questions as the company, established in the early 1900s, has been awarded the Living Heritage Company Label by the French government—these people know a thing or two about weaving.

Heading to a nearby park, we will take a moment to process our day. What did we appreciate? What rituals will we bring home? Then, depending on our time and energy, we will either have dinner nearby, or drive back to Bayonne.

Day 8, March 28

Driving a little farther afield, we will be heading to the doorway to the Pyrenees in all its verdant glory. Today, you are a pilgrim, taking inspiration from other seekers who have come before you. Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port is a popular launch pad for those embarking on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail. Also known as the Way of Saint James, hikers and cyclists follow its various routes as a physical manifestation of a path towards spiritual growth.

Gathering before the venerated porte (door) that represents the beginning of the trail, we will pause, breathe, and set our intention for the small journey we will embark upon. Depending on your energy and enthusiasm, you may walk a few minutes or a few hundred yards—you'll know when you are done. Or maybe you won't be done? Perhaps you'll realize you'll be back someday to walk even further?

As Saint-Jean is one of the most beautiful villages of France (an official designation), we will linger, enjoying the little shops, the medieval citadel, and the picturesque river running through town. Perhaps we'll stay for dinner.

Day 9, March 29

This morning we’ll check out of our Bayonne hotel and begin the drive north toward Bordeaux. Along the way, we’ll pause in the Landes region, where pine forests meet the Atlantic. A gentle forest or seaside walk will give us space to breathe and savor our final hours on the coast. Over lunch, we’ll enjoy the bounty of the sea—perhaps fresh oysters or prawns in the relaxed seaside town of Arcachon or nearby Cap Ferret.

By afternoon, we’ll arrive in Bordeaux and allow time for a little leisurely wandering or last-minute shopping—the perfect chance to pick up a few thoughtful souvenirs. That evening, we’ll gather in the city for our farewell celebratory dinner, raising a final glass to the discoveries, friendships, and new rituals we’ll carry home.

Day 10, March 30

Alas, all good things must come to an end. You will need to check out of your hotel room by noon, hug everyone goodbye, and I'll ensure you have transportation to the Bordeaux airport. Remember you will need to be at the airport three hours ahead for your international flight. Some of you may decide to extend your stay in France - just let us know!

Depending on weather and our own interests and/or anything out of our control, this itinerary may be subject to change.

What's included

single-occupancy upscale lodging
breakfast every day
three special meals with wine: refreshments on the arrival day, the opening welcome dinner and the farewell celebration on our final night together
daily grounding rituals
evening salons
all fees for curated cultural and artisan experiences (guides, tickets, materials)
a journaling kit with prompts to guide your reflections
thalasso spa experiences
transportation while on the retreat
my expertise: planning, guidance, inside information, retreat facilitation, and amazing curated adventures

What's not included:

personal excursions, purchases, and meals
your personal alcoholic beverages except during our group meals (as listed above in "what's included")
airfare and any other transportation to the meeting location
transportation before and after official retreat dates; personal transportation during the retreat
passport, visa, or any other travel fees
personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (highly encouraged)
gratuities for personal goods and services

This looks and sounds amazing. I want to apply!

A note from your host and guide, Libby

Shifts in life rarely come easily. Leaving behind what feels familiar and stepping toward something new can be equal parts exhilarating and unsettling. That’s why giving yourself permission to pause—time to ponder, breathe, and re-orient—is so vital. If we push ahead too quickly, we risk second-guessing our choices and missing the clarity that comes from stillness.

I know this because I’ve lived it. Looking back, I can see I was in the midst of a major transition, though at the time I only felt restless and uncertain. The path ahead wasn’t clear. So I did something that felt bold: I stepped away from routine. I traveled. I experimented. I carved out space to ask myself what really mattered.

And then it happened—the shift I didn’t even know I was waiting for. The fog lifted, the pieces fell into place, and I began to make decisions that reflected who I truly was and what I loved most. Life feels more aligned, more abundant, because of it.

I want that for you, too.

So, my fellow traveler—what do you most need right now? Space to breathe? A spark of inspiration? A circle of women who understand this season of life?

This retreat is an invitation to gently re-imagine what comes next.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need travel insurance?
I highly recommend that you research and obtain insurance coverage. I am not an insurance agent so I cannot recommend any particular policy. Be sure to understand what you are purchasing; here is a great article from Forbes Magazine about travel insurance versus travel protection. The nerds over at NerdWallet have a good article on how to research and find the best policy for your situation. Rick Steves also has some tips and tricks. Check your coverage for cancellation, medical, and evacuation.
What's the weather going to be like?
Early spring weather in the southwest of France can be quite variable, with some sun and potentially a little rain. Temperatures in Bordeaux range between 50° F and 70° F and it will be cooler and windier on the coast.
I have dietary restrictions - can that be accommodated?
We can find plenty of meat-free options for you in southwest France. If you have other concerns, please connect with me so we can discuss further.
What's the activity level of this trip?
Actively active but not excessive. We will be walking around towns - it's possible to walk up to four hours a day (but not all at once)! We won't be running, we won't be taking long hikes.
What should I pack?
I send a packing list to all my travelers! That being said, you won't need anything dressy, you should plan to pack in layers, and you can spend the whole trip in a pair of nice sneakers.
Where and when do we meet up?
I will meet you when you arrive at the hotel on March 21. I will get you checked into your room as soon as it's available. I will provide refreshments, allowing the time for everyone to mingle and settle in after their long travels.
What kinds of arrangements do I need for getting home?
You should plan to fly out of the Bordeaux Airport departing on March 30. We will be staying at a hotel five minutes away from the airport to make it easy for any flight time. I will drive you there; plan to depart the hotel three hours before your flight. You may have to leave earlier depending on others' schedules. Remember that hotel checkout is at noon, so if your flight is later in the day, we can store your bags.

But I have another question!

That always happens - just contact me and I'll be happy to answer anything.

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