Whether you’re a yogi or not, there’s always time for a relaxing trip away to a stunning location. Recently, James and I were lucky enough to be invited on a yoga retreat to the jaw-dropping 5 star hotel, Le Mas Candille in the South of France.
*Please note that this was a gifted press trip but all opinions remain our own*
Our travel – how to get there
So, one of the only parts of the package not included was our travel. However, it’s incredibly easy to get to the hotel and flights (especially this time of year) are relatively inexpensive.
We flew with easyJet as they’re on of our favourite airlines. I don’t think we’ve ever had an issue with them! We started our journey at Liverpool airport as, despite it not being too close to us, it was one of the only airports still operating flights to Nice in the winter months.
It’s definitely something to bare in mind if you’re travelling around this time of the year, as not all airlines have many services available. We flew into Nice and the flight only took around 1 hour 45! And, as we travelled with hand-luggage only, it made for one of the easiest trips ever.
The hotel is only 20 minutes away from Nice airport by car, so whether you hire are car or book an airport transfer, its a quick hop on over. We were lucky enough that Tina who owns the hotel, kindly offered to give us a lift (with her puppy dog Moose in tow)!
Our first impressions
Holy guacamole…
Now, I’m not going to lie to you guys. You know this is my honest little part of the internet. This place is unreal. And by unreal I mean it literally is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
After buying the property around 20 years ago, Tina and Mark have done an unbelievable job of transforming it from an old French farmhouse, into a luxury resort where every little detail has been thought of.
As soon as you enter the reception, you’re met with the most incredible smell. It has the aroma of a spa and to our surprise, it was in fact Neom Organics candles burning away in the background. A fantastic touch that really did set the whole weekend off on a delightful foot!
Once we’d checked in and dropped our bags off, a member of staff took the time to show us around the grounds – this really did help us navigate the 3 hectares the hotel is sat on.
We were shown around the many different areas to sit and relax, the different pools (the hydrotherapy pool, La Pergola pool and also the Jacuzzi), the area which we would be taking our yoga classes, the spa and finally to the inside of the hotel.
As soon as we finished our grand tour, we were shown to our room. Ugh this room! I’m a sucker for all things french and the decor of room 301 blew us both away.
The subtle blue colour that coated the walls and the beautiful headboard that you were greeted with as you entered were both so calming and tranquil. Every little detail had been thought about; from the tote bags you could use during your stay to the shoe horn and the miniature toiletries, we loved every last one.
The facilities
The hotel is jam packed with facilities to use during your stay. While we were there two of the pools weren’t available to use as it’s currently low season, but that didn’t stop us hopping in the hydrotherapy pool and Jacuzzi which were both lovely and warm!
There was also an outdoor gym space, if you really fancy working out on your holiday (which sadly, I do). It boasts a treadmill, elliptical trainer, rower, bench with free weights and a bike. You can easily get a good full body workout in as well as all the cardio you could ever want!
I’m not going to lie, as we were on a yoga retreat, we only used the space to film some workout content for my Instagram. Otherwise I would have more than likely used it every day.
Just behind the gym and heated pools you’ll find the most gorgeous little spa! Within our package we were treated to a 1 hour treatment or 2 x 30 minute treatments. I opted for a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage and the lift and firm eye treatment (30 mins). James chose the 30 minute scalp massage and back massage like mine.
I won’t lie when I tell you I could’ve fallen asleep during that hour! It was the most relaxing time ever. Even if you’re heading there for a short weekend, I would highly recommend booking in for a treatment. You can see a full list of offerings here.
Inside the hotel there is the most gorgeous bar and restaurant space! We ate lunch in the bar on the first and second day and ate dinner there on the first evening. The food is exquisite, but we’ll talk about that in a second 😉
Let’s talk about food
Now, if you know James and I, you’ll know we’re massive foodies. Let me tell you, this place caters for the food lovers of the world!
If you’re a fan of flavourful dishes, you’re in for a treat at Le Mas Candille. There are a number of options for dining at the hotel, and we opted to have dinner in their Michelin-Star restaurant on the Friday evening. Boy am I glad we did!
For €55 per person you can experience true artistic gastronomy. Their team of chefs clearly care about the produce they’re using and the way in which they cook each dish, as everything came out perfectly. We couldn’t fault a thing!
We enjoyed 3 courses which we chose from the main menu, as well as a special treat from the chef. I would genuinely return there for dinner night after night if I could!
Within our Yoga and Spa Weekend Package we also had breakfast each morning. We were so in awe of the breakfast set-up when we came down on Saturday! The vibrant colours of all the different foods and juices, and the amount of choice was a thing of beauty.
We could have easily laid our table out each morning with the biggest array of food to enjoy. Alas, we did have yoga sessions to attend so ate slightly less than we would’ve done, but still got to indulge in some incredibly tasty treats!
If the chefs could just fly over and create that for us at home every day, I’d be one happy woman…
Our timetable
Friday
10.00am – Arrival at hotel, check in and drop off our luggage
10.30am – Quick tour around the hotel and facilities
11.00am – Grab our camera gear and head off to shoot content for the hotel and Sweaty Betty
1.00pm – Grab a table in the hotel bar and enjoy some lunch
3.00pm – Have an explore and hop in the Jacuzzi & hydrotherapy pool
5.00pm – Head to our first yoga session
7.00pm – Grab a post-yoga shower and get ready for dinner
8.00pm – Enjoy a four course meal in the hotel’s Michelin-Star restaurant
11.00pm – Bed time to rest up before a busy day
Saturday
8.00am – Wakey wakey! It’s time to get showered and head down for breakfast
10.00am – Head over to La Pergola for our first yoga session of the day
12.00noon – Venture back to the hotel bar for our 3 course wellness lunch (included in the package)
1.30pm – Take a trip to the spa for our super relaxing treatments (included)
2.30pm – Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the spa facilities (trying not to fall asleep from being so relaxed)
4.30pm – Head back to the room to change for yoga
5.00pm – Enjoy our second yoga session of the day
7.00pm – Get showered and changed ready to head into the local village to enjoy dinner
7.15pm – Eat our body weight in pizza and desserts!
10.00pm – Time to rest up before our last morning of yoga
Sunday
7.30am – Get up and dressed for breakfast
8.00am – Try to choose between all of the different breakfast options…
9.00am – Head over to La Pergola for our final yoga practise
11.00am – Namaste! That’s the 8 hours of yoga successfully completed!
12.00noon – Get showered and changed and head for an explore in the local village
4.00pm – Head back to the hotel to relax before heading out for dinner
7.30pm – Meet the lovely Tina for dinner at La Cave de Mougins (perfect if you’re a lover of tapas and good wine like us!)
11.30pm – Head back to the hotel before we head home tomorrow
Monday
This was a sad day….
We absolutely loved our stay at Le Mas Candille. Not only do we feel extremely blessed to have been given the chance to go and visit, but it was one of the best trips I think I’ve ever had.
We were so welcome from the word go. The hotel, facilities, package and surrounding areas were incredible. If you’re ever on the look out for a luxury stay, both James and I couldn’t recommend this place enough!
If you’re interested in their packages, here’s what is coming up:
Yoga and Spa Weekend Package
20th – 22nd March
24th – 26th April
Book here
The Art of Perfumery at Le Mas Candille
7th – 8th March: Iris and Violet
4th – 5th April: Orange Blossom & Neroli
2nd – 3rd May: La Rose de Grasse
Book here
They also offer packages if you’re interested in food, want a wellbeing getaway or if you’re on the hunt for a honeymoon!
If you want to book your stay, I’d highly recommend going direct as they offer the best rates. Want to ask any more questions about our trip? Leave us a comment below or message me on any of my social channels.
