An Autumn immersion for allowing, expressing and processing individual & collective grief.
14th - 17th November, 2024
Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux - France
Prices from €1,188
When we feel we need to hold in and hide our grief, it claws and gnaws away at our soul. Because it wants to be seen. It wants to be expressed.
This immersion is a celebration of the Autumn season and cycles of letting go. To support us in expressing and processing individual & collective grief. The space has been created to bring us together in community to reflect, feel held and heal within whichever grief and sadness we may be carrying. We prepare for the winter season and work with the natural cycles of the earth to find deeper strength and connection to a more resilient, rested and rooted you.
It is often said there are no words for grief, but we’ve found that there is a common language spoken by anyone who has truly opened to their grief. A layer of understanding that is also a permission slip to finally let your grief surface without the need to minimise, beautify or lighten it.
This immersion is like a bone-deep sigh for your body and a kindling of hope for your soul. A place where you can finally begin to explore, feel and express rather than suppress the many layers of your grief.
It is not designed to help you get over or heal from your grief, because we understand that that’s not how grief works. Once we know grief, we walk with it for life. Instead, this retreat is created to bring together a community willing to be touched and transformed by grief. We intend to hold a supportive space where you can safely explore and express your grief, so you can heal not from but through and within whichever grief and sorrow you are carrying.
We grieve with our bodies (that carry the anguish and stress of loss), minds (that try to make sense of a world after and without) and souls (that forever hold the sorrow and loss for who or what we lost). We have designed this retreat to hold and support you at all these layers.
Your body, with herbs, tinctures and nourishing foods drawing from the wisdom of herbalism & Chinese medicine to support you as you dive deep, as well as breathwork to release the tension grief has stored.
Your soul, through carefully designed ritual spaces and deep connection with each other and the earth that carries us, inviting you to gently express and process your grief.
Your mind, through tools, knowledge and practices that will ease its busy whirring and find stillness, space and acceptance, allowing you to close chapters and enter new cycles of your life.
Our bodies to be supported and nourished
Our emotions to be expressed and given space
Our spirits to be expanded and loved
Our minds to find safety and ease
Where
The immersion will be hosted in France on the Arcachon Bay, in the beautiful Villa La Tosca that rests right on the shores of the beach where the tides pull in and all the way out to create a unique landscape where pine trees, mud and sand co-exist.
The Arcachon Bay is renowned for its healing and soothing properties for the respiratory system. The daily movement of the extensive tides and natural environment diffuse a quality of ionized air and energy that exist nowhere else. The area has hosted many painters, writers, and those seeking deep rest throughout time.
Autumn & Grief
In Chinese Medicine, the season of Autumn is connected with the organ of the Lungs, and the emotion of Grief. This is why we will work with grief in Autumn, it naturally means inner layers of grief will rise to the surface to be felt and explored during this season.
As the landscape transforms around us, transitioning from the aliveness of summer into the slumbering death of winter, the inner layers of our grief surface, asking to be felt and explored. It is a season of letting go, of moving inward as we conserve energy for the winter that is to come.
Your Team
Nora’s journey into healing began with deeply personal experiences: a very human story of loss, addiction, burnout and ultimately—a long journey of learning to unravel, trust and follow the deeper knowing. Drawing on this intuitive wisdom as the healing and guiding force within, Nora’s work centers the cycles of death and rebirth. The natural and unique rhythm of change present within all of us. In her words “I believe all inner work is grief work. The hands of grief hold it all- Our pain. Our love. Our Hearts and everything in between.”
Driven by natural curiosity, Nora’s path has woven through a diverse array of disciplines. Nora is trained and teaches Breathwork and Chinese Medicinal Herbalism. She has studied various lineages of emotional release work and Parts work (Internal Family Systems) which act as foundational elements across all her spaces. Her experience in birth work has also cultivated a profound ability to be present with intensity. To hold someone with utmost patience, care and an unshakeable trust in the (re)birth unfolding. Her ongoing inquiry into medicine, philosophy, neuroscience, and spiritual anatomy, combined with her deep respect for the body’s innate wisdom, informs and shapes her unique offerings. Guided by a deep reverence for plant wisdom and a belief in nature as the most profound teacher, Nora integrates botanical insights into her integrative approach to healing."
Nora’s approach is rooted in radical acceptance, and presence, emphasising that healing is not about fixing but about embracing our multifaceted human-ness. She creates spaces where cultivating a deep relationship with every aspect of oneself is the intention. Her work ultimately lies in a vision of belonging. Deeply. To and within oneself.
Celine intertwines her values, knowledge, expertise, and care for the world to craft transformational gatherings and sessions for both people and the planet. With a background in experiential, spatial design and hospitality, along with her training in conscious feelings, breath-work, spiritual coaching, shamanic practices, rituals, and energy healing, she believes curated gatherings and intentional rituals can profoundly improve how we live, work, relate, and navigate life, especially in today’s challenging times.
She created Yuliaen in response to a need for spaces where we can fully express all parts of ourselves without judgement, reconnect with nature as a guide, to ourselves, and each other on deeper levels than societal structures typically allow. Her sessions and retreats fuse the various healing modalities she practices with carefully curated physical spaces, tools, people, facilitators, and rituals.
Celine empowers individuals to meet themselves at their innermost depths… So they can discover their profound internal power, aliveness, joy, and unique capacity to navigate challenges and live meaningful, intentional lives, far beyond what they may believe is possible. She teaches that embracing unity and acceptance within ourselves and our pain can create a harmony within our lives, for others, and for the planet.
Celine trains under the lineage of Celtic shamanic practitioner Steven Mulhearn and Peggy Dylan, a pioneer of Rebirthing and Breathwork practices. She weaves their sacred teachings into her spaces, enriching the transformative journeys she offers.
Kim's journey into the realm of grief began with deeply personal losses—her mother's passing at 20 and her father's twelve years later—propelling her into the tumultuous waters of grief. Over the past decade, she has delved into these uncharted territories, exploring how we navigate life after its very foundation has been shattered, and find the courage to live again - perhaps even more fully than before.
Driven by a natural curiosity, Kim's path has led her through a diverse array of disciplines. Trained in breath work, coaching, grief ritual facilitation, NLP, systemic approaches, and parts work, she is currently pursuing certification in TRE and studying psychology. She seamlessly integrates this wealth of knowledge and intuition into her practice, creating compassionate spaces for those journeying with grief.
Kim's approach is rooted in radical acceptance and curiosity, emphasizing presence with all that is over a quest for transformation. She values honesty and authenticity, and her keen attunement to internal incongruencies invites those she works with to cultivate deeper honesty with themselves. Her work fosters self-authority and inner trust, nurturing an openness to the full spectrum of life’s experiences.
“We don't heal from grief;
Grief is the medicine.
We don't move on from it;
We move with it
We don't get over a loss;
We give it a place within us”
— Kim Wassenaar
Your journey through practices that touch:
Body, Mind, Soul
We choose not to reveal too much, as our minds can get in the way of our journey when they are anticipating programs and comparing the days to expectations.
We work through three pillars of the body, soul and mind. From breathwork to intuitively working with herbs and clay, rituals in nature that support internal grief processes, anger work and emotional healing processes - the days are filled with interludes of deep transformational work, joy, rest, connection and creation.
We are happy to answer any further questions in a call after you have filled in the application form.
A typical day may look like:
(8 am) Morning circle/activity
(9:30am) Breakfast & you time
(11:00am) AM Practice/Workshop
(13:00) Lunch
Sleep, write, read, relax, wander, connect
(15:00) PM Practice/Workshop
(17:30) Evening sunset meditation
(18:00) Dinner
(19:30) Night time sharing circle
Reflections of the day etc.
(9:30) Sleep
ABEL JALALE
Nourishing Food As Medicine
Food is an essential pillar of our immersions and we strive to make it as much a ritual as any of the other practices we offer. In this spirit, we work with Abel, a holistic chef who understands the importance of food as medicine. We haven’t just ‘hired’ him to cook for you during those four days: we have collaborated with him every step of the way to ensure his carefully drawn up menu weaves seamlessly with the flow of the retreat and the demands of your body as you move with your emotions and grief.
Abel has a vast body of knowledge about what foods to eat during every season and how food can come to support deeper emotional processes and sustain our bodies holistically. You will also learn which foods are best to eat for different issues you may be facing and how different foods impact your physical body.
Rooms & Pricing
The Villa has a total of 8 en suite bedrooms, 3 single rooms (double bed) and 5 rooms at double occupancy (twin beds).
For couples, friends or family members wiling to share a bed our large single rooms can be made double for a cheaper price each. This immersion is a beautiful space to come and share/process with your family members.
We ask for a 30% deposit to secure your place.
WE HAVE PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE FOR 3 - 4 INSTALLMENTS.
PAYMENT PLANS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL 3 MONTHS
BEFORE THE START DATE OF THE IMMERSION.
See our terms and conditions here
We really hope to have you join us!
Please note that the maximum number of spaces for this retreat is 15
#1 La Chaudiere | En-suite Ground floor Twin bed
Located on the ground floor, La Chaudiere is our smallest yet most intimate and cozy room. In warm purple tones and colors, its simple yet elegant style is the perfect space to retreat to at night. In the corner of the room there is a big plush arm chair for you to read or write in. The ensuite bathroom features a pebble floor tiling, the same cozy atmosphere and comes with complete amenities.
Perfect for sharing with a friend or other retreat participant.
Rates: €1,188 per person | Double occupancy
#2 Le Studio | En-suite Ground floor Twin bed
Located on the ground floor, Le Studio is a spacious room with its own integrated kitchenette and direct back garden access. This room hosts a fresh simple and clean atmosphere, a large brown cozy armchair to sink into. The shower has a cocooning effect with real pebble flooring.
Perfect for sharing with a friend or other retreat participant.
Rates: €1,188 per person | Double occupancy
#3 La Foret | En-suite 1st Floor Tree view Twin bed
Located on the 1st floor, La Foret is a bedroom which fully encapsulates you in warm red and orange autumn colors. The room feels like a warm hug…as you look out the window onto the beautiful oak tree tops. With its own fireplace, gold features and antique furniture/paintings its a true decade french chateau inspired style room. The en-suite bathroom features a large shower in bright white and grey tones.
Perfect for sharing with a friend or other retreat participant.
Rates: €1,518 per person | Double occupancy
#4 Le Bassin | En-suite 1st Floor Seaview Twin bed
Located on the 1st floor, Le Bassin offers access to a large vaulted loggia and a terrace from which you can admire the sunset and a magnificent view of the ocean, Arcachon and Cap Ferret. Its magnificent headboard, crafted from carved antique Chinese doors, lends it a delightfully exotic tone. Its period marble fireplace, where you can sit by the fire in winter, its original lamps whose cut-outs create a unique play of light, and its high bedside tables made by a local craftsman, all combine to create a cozy, warm atmosphere.
Perfect for sharing with a friend or other retreat participant.
Rates: €1,683 per person | Double occupancy
#5 La Verandah | En-suite Seaview Twin bed or Double Queen size bed
Located on the ground floor, La Vérandah immerses you in the surrounding landscape, directly connected to the garden and beach. This beautiful sea-view room opens onto a loggia/terrace where comfortable seating invites you to relax in the presence of a beautiful custom built statue, whether you prefer to read, dream or simply savor the moment as you watch the squirrels play under the hundred-year-old trees.
Perfect for sharing with a family member/friend or other retreat participant.
Rates: €1,683 per person | Double occupancy
#6 Le Confort | En-suite 2nd floor Attic Double King size bed
Located on the 2nd floor, Le Confort is perhaps our most romantic room, as it is a former attic converted into a loft style room. We renovated the beautiful original pine parquet floor and chose soft, velvety fabrics to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Just above the large Asian acacia wood bed, the skylight lets you glide into the night, gazing up at the starry sky.
Perfect for single occupancy or couples, friends/family willing to share.
Rates: €1,980 | Single occupancy or €1,600 per person | Double occupancy (shared bed)
#7 La Vue | En-suite 360° Sea view Double King size bed
As its name suggests, this suite, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors in the villa's belvedere, takes your gaze to the marvelous horizon of the ocean and pine forest, with Arcachon and Cap Ferret in the distance. Its luxurious, peaceful and harmonious atmosphere will provide you with unforgettable moments of relaxation, totally immersed in the landscape. Here, time stands still, and you feel as if you're suspended in the clouds. The sun gently awakens you with its delicate pink hues, and colors your evening with deep shades of orange and red.
Perfect for single occupancy, couples or friends willing to share.
Rates: €2,144 single occupancy or €1,700 per person | Double occupancy (shared bed)
#8 L'Eau Vive | En-suite Sea view Double King size bed
Located on the 1st floor, L'Eau Vive is the largest suite in Villa La Tosca. Deliciously fresh and energized, this refined 80 m² suite lives up to its name! It features two private terraces: the first offers an exceptional view of the Bassin and the gardens, while the second overlooks our ecological swimming pool. Also accessible from the room, a vaulted loggia offers the perfect setting for a yoga or meditation session, with the murmur of the garden spring in the background.
Perfect for single occupancy, couples or friends willing to share.
Rates: €2,144 single occupancy or €1,700 per person | Double occupancy (shared bed)
The practice of allowing and expressing our grief is what permits us to feel our full spectrum of aliveness, whichever emotions or density we may be moving through. Grief is a part of the celebration of life, of gratitude for what has been and what can be to come. Although we go deep, we also fly high, bridging our Sadness and our Joy as we come together in community.
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This immersion is for those who have lost… Whether it is a past version of yourself, a loved one, a yet to be born child, a deep pain for the loss in the world, or simply a sadness and pain that doesn’t know its origin, all is welcome. This immersion is also for those who wish to connect deeper to the cycles of nature and draw from their wisdom to prepare for the winter, for those looking for a community to be supported in strength and softness.
For those wanting to take time for introspection and create deeper inner freedom and resilience within themselves. For those who simply need support, a place to come and share the pain in their heart, whether individual or collective.This immersion is for both women and men.
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•Three nights accommodation at Villa la Tosca - Private use of the property
•Three full days of immersion program
•2x Daily workshops/practices
•1x Daily morning practice
•1x Daily guided meditations
•2x Deep ritual practice
•Personal Herbs/tinctures to take home
• Welcome & departing gifts
•Daily space and time for rest/self-reflective practices
•Outdoor walks to embrace nature.
•Breakfast, lunch and dinner - all food is seasonal, organic,
vegetarian and locally sourced.
•Food that has been chosen to support the body specifically for Grief and the Autumn season, details will be given on how to best support your body before the winter.
•Outdoor ecological swimming pool & wild swimming in the bay
•Bikes available
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Yes.
Our payment policy requires you to pay in 3 installments:
1. 30% non refundable deposit to confirm your space2. We invoice 40% of the remaining fee 12 weeks before the immersion commencement date
3. We invoice 30% of the remaining fee 6 weeks before the immersion commencement date
We ask that the payments be completed within 5 working days of the invoice date.
Terms and conditions apply.Paying in one installment is also possible please specify this in your application form.
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The immersion will primarily be conducted in English. However, you are welcome to express yourself in your native language or whichever language feels most comfortable during the various practices. Our facilitators collectively speak English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish and are happy to provide additional support in these languages.
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Please still fill in the application and let us know that you would like to schedule a discovery call with us. We will be happy to answer any questions and see if you are the right fit for this journey.
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The prices of this immersion have been specifically set to ensure a fair pay to all our facilitators and cover basic costs, venue, food, gifts etc. We are at this time unable to offer gifted spaces however this is something we are working towards as we create and host more immersions.
Should you be so kind and wish to pay a space forward for a stranger in need or pay for someone else's place please get in touch with us. -
Yes! However this is handled separate to us by our venue Villa La Tosca, if you wish to book extra nights you can do so directly via their website and booking system.