Yoga Holidays :: Wine & Yoga in Provence

I would like to complete my yoga teaching training with a yoga holiday, ideally in India, but more likely in Europe. I am planning to review a few places I have been short-listing for location, style and good value.

My husband and I have been invited to spend a week of yoga and wine tasting in La Madalene, a beautiful mansion in Provence. My friend spent a yoga week there in 2009 and came back refreshed and re-energised. We are seriously considering to join this year, as it sounds to me - a  trainee yogini - and Steve - a would-be wine connoisseur - a good compromise. The delicious cuisine, not exclusively vegetarian, is a plus for my carnivore husband. And, compared to other yoga holidays on offer, the costs are reasonable. It is easily accessible by low-fare airlines, but we wouldn't mind to combine a road trip across France.

La Madalene, a converted priory in the foothill of Mt.Ventoux in Provence, sits on a sandstone outcrop surrounded by mature trees with views over vines, fruit orchards and mountains. The house has been carefully renovated and tastefully decorated with a mix of contemporary classics and antique Provencal furniture. I love the natural colours vivified by touches of magenta.

 Photos (c) Dawn Lintern, courtesy of her Facebook Photo Album

Dawn Lintern, yoga teacher and talented singer, has been practising since 2000 and practising for about 15. She focused on Ashtanga for several years, studying with practitioners such as John Scott, Gingi Lee, Hamish Hendry, Nancy Gilgoff and Danny Paradise. She has done teacher-training with David Swenson, with Narayani in Sivananda yoga and more recently Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers. Dawn teaches Ashtanga at Triyoga and Hatha yoga at Yogahome and the North London Buddhist Centre, where she teaches a more personal, creative style combining the riches of her ongoing exploration into different styles of yoga and teaching. Her aim as a teacher is to give as much individual attention as possible, whilst tuning in to the group dynamic and energy of each class in order to encourage people to discover their potential and blossom.


She will be in Provence in May and August. Check the details here.