Discover a stunning retreat in a centuries old farm-hamlet. A secret spot and special hide away in the gorgeous Tarn-et-Garonne department in southwest France – it’s the perfect place to relax and re-energise…
The Happy Hamlet rustic retreat
“It’s a place to love what you do and do what you love” says Suska Karjalainen who runs the Happy Hamlet retreat, surrounded by nature, fields of sunflowers and vineyards.
This is a gorgeous retreat where you can invest in your well being with activities such as yoga, pilates and fitness as well as having lots of fun. Combined with exploring the local area, delicious organic food and wine tasting, a holiday here guarantees food for your body, mind and soul.
The Happy Hamlet was once home to several families. It is a unique combination of old stone buildings that have been renovated to the highest standard and offers facilities to ensure a wonderfully relaxing break. Time and thought has been put into preserving as much of the old as possible whilst introducing modern comforts. The luxury of this “home away from home” doesn’t come from golden door handles or flashy decoration, it’s the soul of this special site and its people that will charm you. With an easy drive to the cities of Albi, Bordeaux and Toulouse, with numerous chateaux and picturesque villages to visit, there’s lots to do if you want to venture out and explore.
Retreats to refresh and re-energise
The retreats at The Happy Hamlet are led by inspiring professionals from all around the world. The group size is small (maximum 8 guests) ensuring instruction and support on a personal level for yoga, pilates and general fitness, art, music, cooking and wine tasting retreats. As well as the retreat activities you will be taken out for visits to places such as local vineyards for wine-tastings, an organic lavender farm for souvenir shopping, a medieval village and its gourmet market for a dinner under the stars with fellow-villagers. The retreats are all-inclusive meaning that once you arrive you may leave your purse behind and concentrate on the main goal – to relax and recharge your batteries.
Accommodation is in large and charming double/twin rooms at the Guest House. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a window and natural light. The ancient barn has been turned into common facilities, with a lounge, platform for activities, dining room, professionally equipped kitchen – and stunning views over the surrounding valleys. In the mornings or after the activities you can plunge into the natural swimming pool to cool down – or sweat it off in the sauna in a wooden barrel. Steal a moment to yourself and relax in a hammock in the shade of the bamboo trees, the gentle sound of a natural spring nearby will sooth your mind.
About The Happy Hamlet
The Happy Hamlet is a place that genuinely strives to offer happiness in small moments and in day-to-day lives. Suska and her French partner Nico traveled and lived around the world before settling down in this little corner of paradise. It took them nearly six months, 25,000 kilometers and visits to 86 properties in 15 departments in the South France to find what they were looking for. Today they work closely with the local community, the artisans, producers and service providers, in order to support surrounding small businesses. They’ve created a feel good atmosphere where their ethos is “we’re not a ‘typical’ retreat center. A luxury anything. A trendy anything. A standard anything. Anything that isn’t good for you.”
They’ve valued the history and the aesthetics, the old and the new, the wonderful local food and wine, the sunshine and the peaceful nature, the magical starry sky – simple ingredients that make us all happy.
Join them for their summer and autumn programme of retreats and living the good life. It’s great for groups, friends and families to relax, unwind and feel good.
Find out more at: www.thehappyhamlet.com where you can also book accommodation only.
