Single room upgrade
Looking for more privacy? Upgrade to a single room for the duration of this retreat.
USD 500
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duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Jul 19 - 24, 2024
activity level
Moderate
group size
12
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
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Emery Bryant
bio
My path to becoming a yoga instructor began with a deep interest in the anatomy and physiology of the human body long before I ever took my first yoga class. My collegiate studies in the fields of Biology & Health Promotion and Wellness Management have provided me with extensive knowledge and understanding of body mechanics. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2002 and a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management in 2020. In the years between the completion of my bachelor’s degree & the master’s degree, my attention focused on yoga as well as other forms of movement and exercise. My love of learning was satisfied with numerous certifications, hands-on training, and employment in the fitness industry. I draw from my science education and years of experience teaching fitness classes to make sure every yoga session addresses the individual needs of the student in a safe and effective manner.
In 2007, I earned an RYT yoga instructor certification in the VariYoga style. VariYoga was developed by the collaborative effort of Andrea Fournet and Bryan Fowler of the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville, AR. VariYoga (short for “variety”) was born from Andrea’s and Bryan’s 25 years combined teaching experience and is influenced by the styles of Iyengar, Anusara and Viniyoga, creating a non-dogmatic practice that recognizes “one size does not fit all”. In my yoga classes I draw from this well-rounded training to help students, particularly beginners, modify the practice to suit their individual needs.
After many years and hundreds of hours on the mat as a student and teacher, I found myself looking for ways to deepen my personal practice both externally, exploring the limits of my physical capabilities, as well as internally, developing stronger mental concentration and focus. What I found was Ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga (the original “Power Yoga”) is a very dynamic, focused, and vigorous style of yoga, sure to challenge even the most seasoned athlete and dedicated yogi. Since completing the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series teacher training course with Wade and Kathleen Mortenson of Maya Yoga in Kansas City, I enjoy helping motivated students take their yoga practice and fitness level to new heights.
My Vinyasa yoga classes have continued to evolve over the years with the addition of each new training and learning experience. The Core Strength Vinyasa training with Sadie Nardini helped me take the basic principles of Vinyasa flow and teach them in a way that allows students to connect to the core of the poses on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic.
My most recent yoga certification has taught me to apply my knowledge and experience to the demanding needs of a specific population, collegiate athletes. Thanks to my Power Yoga for Sports and RYT 500 training under the tutelage of Gwen Lawrence, yoga instructor to the New York Giants and countless other professional athletes, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with numerous university athletic programs. The physical and mental demands placed on young competitive athletes are great and the benefits of a regular yoga practice are apparent. I lead teams such as volleyball, basketball, swimming & diving, softball, and golf in sport specific yoga sessions to complement their training regimen. Both the coaches and student athletes alike are seeing the positive effects of yoga on flexibility, balance, core stability, injury prevention and mental focus paying off on the court, field, or in the pool!
In addition to teaching yoga in a studio setting, private lessons and offering yoga teacher training, I am also a full-time faculty member at Missouri State University. I teach Yoga, Healthy Lifestyles and Exercise Physiology.
Although yoga always has been, and continues to be, my first love as well as my area of specialty, my training and experience in various other fitness modalities has deepened my understanding of exercise physiology and made me a better yoga instructor. As an instructor of Pilates, TRX Suspension Training and SilverSneakers, I work with a wide range of clients from pre-teens to retirees, from the inactive to the fitness enthusiast. No two bodies are alike, but everyone can benefit from an individualized and intelligently constructed yoga practice.
15+ years after embarking on my yoga journey I find that, even though I’m consistently growing stronger, increasing flexibility, and gaining balance, when it comes to my yoga practice (or life for that matter) the challenges never cease, the awakening is never complete, and there is always something more to discover…that’s what draws me back to the mat day after day.
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Take a break from the mundane and come experience the charming hillside village of Saint-Jeannet, located in the French countryside just 25 minutes from Nice on the French Riviera. Here, you can step out of your comfort zone and transform both your inner and outer landscape as you enjoy French fare, daily yoga sessions, and group excursions around the area. From perfume-making workshops and nature immersions to beach days and wine tastings, this retreat is geared towards ultimate relaxation and unified community spirit in the quaint backdrop of a small French town. Anchored at a 19th century guesthouse within the mountains, you’ll find yourself disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the world, so you can reconnect with your heart and like-minded souls.
Take a leap of faith and embark on a six-day escape to France that will help you hone your yoga practice while enjoying all there is to see in the French countryside. For certified yoga teachers, earn 8 hours of continuing education credits learning ways to infuse your classes with an energetic focus by weaving elements of Tai Chi into your sequences. Secure your spot today and start planning for the retreat of a lifetime.
Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · Saint-Jeannet
Arrive in Nice
Group transfer from airport/train to accommodation
Check-in at The FrogS’ House
Free time
Grounding Yoga
Welcome buffet dinner and tour (wine included)
Day 2 · Saint-Jeannet
Invigorating Yoga
Community brunch
Free time or optional Nice tour (see add-ons)
Wine tasting at the village vineyard
Free time
Grounding Yoga
Community dinner
Day 3 · Saint-Jeannet
Invigorating Yoga
Community breakfast
Hike with picnic lunch
Release & purify meditation with river bathing
Free time
Grounding Yoga
Community dinner
Day 4 · Grasse & Saint-Jeannet
Kashmir Yoga with Beniot
Community breakfast
Tour of Grasse with perfume-making workshop
Free time
Grounding Yoga
Community dinner
Day 5 · Antibes & Saint-Jeannet
Invigorating Yoga
Community breakfast
Beach day in Antibes
Free time
Farewell dinner
Day 6 · Departure
Morning yoga
Breakfast and closing ceremony
Check out of accommodation
Group transfer to airport/train
Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to France – get settled in the quaint town of Saint-Jeannet and connect with your group at a welcome dinner
Welcome to Saint-Jeannet, a charming medieval village located in the cliffs of southern Nice. This idyllic area is a quiet respite for all who visit, with ancient streets, quaint cafes, and a slow-paced atmosphere to help you rest and relax.
Upon arrival, take your transfer from the train or the airport (however you choose to arrive) to the retreat house and enjoy some free time to get settled. At 5:00 pm, we’ll come together for our first yoga session in the shala on the top floor of the house, with views of the majestic cliffs overlooking the village. From here, we’ll freshen up and indulge in a communal welcome buffet dinner with the group to get to know everyone, where you’ll also experience a formal introduction to the area and a brief tour. Sip some local wine as you snack on French favorites and soak in the picturesque backdrop of Saint-Jeannet with new friends and a new perspective on life.
Day 2
Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace before an evening wine tasting in the village
Today, you don’t need an alarm, as we get to enjoy a slow-paced morning at the house. Our first yoga session doesn’t start until 10:00 am, so savor a peaceful wakeup and time for relaxation. After our daily practice, we’ll enjoy a community brunch and ample free time to rest, relax, or explore. You have the option of a sightseeing excursion in Nice that features a food tour. Sample all the best local fare and see the major highlights of the city. (See add-ons below for pricing and more information.)
At 4:00 pm, we’ll head to the village vineyard for a delectable wine tasting, where we can enjoy all the flavors of the country’s best wines. The day will end with a grounding yoga session and community meal back at the house.
Day 3
Hike to a peaceful river for a purifying meditation and river bathing experience to reconnect with nature and ourselves
Rise and shine to a beautiful day in France with the sun shining and birds chirping. We’ll start our morning with a yoga session to wake up the mind and body, followed by a community breakfast spread. This is the time to center yourself and connect with fellow retreaters.
Today, our goal is to reconnect to the heartbeat of nature during an 8k hike. We have two options for our adventure. We can hike straight from the FrogS House to the Cagnes River and swim in the fresh and clear water to purify our bodies. We also have the option of taking an hour drive to the Esteron Valley and hike along the banks to the clay mud pools. The locals believe the mud has therapeutic properties, and visitors are encouraged to cover their bodies with it and exfoliate the skin. No matter which option we choose, Emery will lead us through a guided meditation to help us energetically purify the soul before we cleanse the body in the healing waters. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and a day immersed in the natural world.
Once we make our way back to the house, we’ll have free time to rest, enjoy a grounding yoga session, and close out the night at a group dinner with wine on the house’s terrace. From sunrise to sunset, a perfect day will grace your heart and soul.
Day 4
After a Kashmir Yoga session, spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Grasse and participate in a perfume-making workshop
We’ll start the day with a Kashmir Yoga session lead by guest instructor Beniot. Focusing on the breath, we’ll align and ground through this ancient practice, preparing us for the day ahead. After breakfast, we’re headed to the commune of Grasse, located on the French Riviera. This area is known for its perfume industry, a legacy that is reflected at the Musée International de la Parfumerie and various perfumeries scattered within the ancient streets. Here, we’ll participate in a perfume-making workshop and learn all about the subtle hints of French scents that make them so beloved to all. If time permits, we’ll also stop at a goat farm or an ancient oak forest on the way back to the house.
After a day in Grasse, we’ll wind down with a relaxing yoga session and close out the night with a group meal. Here, we can reflect on a beautiful experience in this beautiful country and rest our heads with gratitude in our hearts.
Day 5
Soak in the sun during a beach day with the group!
After a restful sleep, we’ll start our morning with yoga and breakfast that will prepare us for what’s in store today. At 11:00 am, put your swimsuit on and head to the pristine beaches in Antibes to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the healing ocean water!
When we return to the house, we’ll have time to prepare for our farewell meal, one that will bring us all together for laughter and cheer. As we reflect on a magical retreat, we’ll indulge in wine and French specialities before we say our final goodbyes in the morning.
Day 6
Bid France adieu – close out the retreat with morning yoga and one last community breakfast
Wake up with the sun and offer gratitude in our morning yoga session for all the amazing memories we’ve created this week. This transformational experience has left us with love, courage, and unforgettable experiences in our hearts. We’ll fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then participate in a closing ceremony to solidify the inner and outer work we’ve accomplished. From here, pack up and take your group transfer to the train station or airport. We hope this experience has been life-changing, one that will inspire you to travel and practice yoga across the globe. Au revoir!
