The Slow Bloom Retreat: South of France

A stone building with pink bougainvillea climbing the wall next to arched windows and a small door. The street is narrow and winding with an archway at the end.

Saint-Jeannet, France

June 20-27th, 2027

Investment

Early Pay-in-Full Rate: $3,400
• $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot
• Remaining balance due by May 15
• Must be paid in full by May 15 to receive the early rate

Standard Rate: $3,700
• $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot
• Remaining balance due by October 1

Notes

• The $500 deposit is non-refundable and secures your place on the retreat.
• If the balance is not paid by May 15, your registration will automatically move to the Standard Rate of $3,700.

What Sets These Retreats Apart

Bright, spacious room with white walls, wooden floor, large windows, and minimal decor including a bookshelf, blackboard, and potted plant.

01 / A nervous system–first approach to being in your body

These retreats are grounded in gentle, somatic practices that support nervous system regulation rather than performance or pushing. Movement is slow, optional, and responsive. Stillness is welcome. Rest is respected.

The intention is not to stretch, fix, or achieve anything, but to help you feel safe enough in your body to listen again. From that place, clarity, softness, and insight arise naturally, without force.

A rustic stone alleyway with an archway framing historic buildings, potted plants, and a parked motorcycle.

02 / Presence over productivity

There is no rush to “make the most of your time” here.

The rhythm of the retreat is intentionally spacious, allowing you to arrive fully in each moment, whether that’s sharing a meal, sitting quietly, walking, or simply doing nothing at all. Phones fade into the background. Attention comes back into the body, the senses, and the experience of being where you are.

This kind of presence is subtle, but powerful. It’s what many people don’t realize they’ve been missing until they feel it again.

A close-up of a person's hands holding a glass rod and a torch, melting a small piece of orange glass.

03 / Making something with your hands, in the place you are

Every retreat includes a tangible, hands-on creative experience rooted in the local culture. Glass blowing, pottery, flower arranging, or other traditional crafts become a way to slow down, engage the senses, and connect more deeply to the place and its people.

Creating something physical becomes a form of meditation, a reminder of patience, imperfection, and being with the process rather than the outcome. You don’t just visit a place, you participate in it.

Group of eight women in casual hiking clothes and hats, smiling and posing on a bridge with a scenic mountainous landscape and houses in the background.
An outdoor dining area on a wooden deck with a long table set for breakfast, featuring plates, cups, jars, and a glass of orange juice. A large yellow umbrella provides shade, and there is green foliage and potted plants around. In the background, there are old buildings and a mountain under a clear blue sky.
View from a balcony overlooking a hilly landscape with houses, greenery, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
View of an outdoor patio with a long dining table set with plates, glasses, and cutlery, surrounded by chairs. Yellow umbrellas provide shade. The patio is paved with wooden planks and greenery, with bushes and a tree in the background.
A rustic building with a small porch, stone steps, and colorful flower pots. Green vine climbs up a post and blue shutters on the windows. Balconies with plants and clothing are visible.

Itinerary

June 20th | Sunday | Arrival

Transport from Nice to Our Retreat Center in Saint-Jeannet

Village Tour with Benoit (owner and villager)

Opening Ceremony

Dinner

June 21st | Monday

Gentle Morning Yoga & Movement

Breakfast

Hike, River Bathing, Picnic

Rest, Free Time, Relaxation

Gentle Evening Yoga

Dinner

June 22nd | Tuesday

Gentle Morning Yoga & Movement

Breakfast

Non-Violent Communication Workshop #1

Lunch

Glass Blowing Workshop with Local Artisan

Gentle Evening Yoga

Dinner

June 23rd | Wednesday

Gentle Morning Yoga & Movement

Breakfast

Hike & Picnic in 1000 Year Old Ancient Forest

Gentle Evening Yoga

Dinner

June 24th | Thursday

Gentle Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Village & Art Tour in Vence; Stop at the Henri Matisse Chapel

Lunch

Free Time

Gentle Evening Yoga

Dinner

June 25th | Friday

Gentle Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Antibes Day Trip; Beach, Lunch, Picasso Museum, Cultural Tour

Gentle Evening Yoga

Dinner

June 26th | Saturday

Departure Day

A bedroom with two single beds, each with white linens, brown throws, and beige pillows. The beds have rolled towels on top. There's a large window with wooden trim and cream curtains, and a wooden headboard with built-in small shelves holding plants. A ceiling light fixture illuminates the room, which has wooden flooring and minimal decor.
Bathroom with a walk-in shower, white tiled walls, and a mirror, with view into a bedroom with two beds and wooden accents.
Bathroom and bedroom with wooden accents, mirror, sink, towels, bed with beige and brown bedding, and simple decor.
A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed, white bedding, and brown pillows. Two white rolled towels are on the bed. There are small plants on shelves and nightstands. The room has a window with white and beige curtains, a wood floor, and modern decor.
A cozy bedroom with a bed, beige bedding, and pillows. An open window shows a view of rooftops and mountains in the distance.

Details

A hillside town with tightly packed buildings overlooking a distant view of the bay and horizon under a clear blue sky.
    • Premium lodging at The Frog’s House

    • All daily meals (local & seasonal) when on site & on picnics

    • Twice daily guided yoga & movement sessions

    • All workshops & excursions

    • Ample time for rest & reflection

    • Round-trip airport transport (40 minutes from Nice airport)

  • Step 1: Share Your Interest
    Fill out the interest form. Once it comes through, I’ll personally reach out to let you know about availability and answer any questions you may have. *If you’ve already filled it out, please email me at crystalgrayyoga@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap.

    Step 2: Reserve Your Place
    To hold your spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. (Best views given first).

    Step 3: Complete Your Registration
    After your deposit is submitted, you’ll receive the retreat contract to review and sign. At that time, you’ll choose one of the following options:
    • Pay the remaining balance in full by May 15 (If selecting the “paying in full” option.
    • Or begin a payment plan (a $300 processing fee applies), with all payments completed by November 1st.

    Step 4: Book Your Travel
    Once six participants have paid in full, I’ll let you know it’s time to book your flights and travel arrangements.

    Step 5: Secure Trip Insurance
    Because retreat payments are made directly to the retreat center, I’m unable to offer refunds. Travel insurance is required to protect you in the event of an emergency or cancellation and reimbursement of funds.

    Step 6: Arrive & Settle In
    Pack your bags, take a deep breath, and get ready for a nourishing, soul-steadying experience in France.

  • Logistics & Planning

    Who is this retreat for?
    This retreat is for women who are craving rest, reflection, meaningful connection, and a slower pace. No yoga experience is required. This is not about performance or flexibility. There is yoga, but it’s not a “yoga retreat”, per se.

    Do I need a passport or visa?
    A valid passport is required for travel to France. At this time, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays, but please check current travel requirements.

    What airport should I fly into?
    Nice (NCE). Once your flight is booked, I’ll share recommended arrival times and ground transportation options. (Don’t book flight until I say it’s time to do so.)

    Is transportation provided from the airport?
    Yes!

    How does the payment plan work?

    Pay the $500 deposit now to save your spot. Then, if you wish to pay the rest in full, complete the full remaining payment by May 15th, 2026. If doing a payment plan, an additional $300 will be added. All payment plan payments must be received by November 1st, 2026.

    Is the deposit refundable or transferable?
    Due to the nature of running retreats, I am not able to refund any of the payments.

    Is trip insurance required?
    Yes. This protects us both. Since I send your payment directly to the retreat center, I will not have access to funds to refund you.

    How can I make a payment?

    You may pay via Venmo, check, or invoice (transaction fees apply).

    Can I transfer my spot to someone else?
    Absolutely. As long as Crystal approves it as it’s important for her to protect the energy of the group.

    The Experience Itself

    What will a typical day look like?
    Think slow paced. Slow sightseeing. Being present. Slow mornings. Gentle yoga, breakfast, cultural tour or hands-on craft experience, gentle evening yoga, and slow, relaxed dinner.

    Is this a yoga retreat?
    While yoga is included, we are more focused on nervous-system supportive movement, somatic practices, reflection, and presence, not intense asana or long days on the mat.

    How physically demanding is it?
    Classes are always full of choice, rest, and modifications. Big focus on accessibility. Classes are designed around YOU and the group and are focused on physical, emotional, and energetic balancing.

    Will there be free time?
    You bet. I tried to schedule some free time in each day with some days lighter in activities than others while still trying to get in a decent amount of experiences.

    How many people will attend?
    6-12.

    Accommodations, Food & Comfort

    What are the sleeping arrangements?
    All rooms and prices are set for private accommodations. Reach out for shared pricing info.

    Do I get to choose my room?

    The rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis with the balcony rooms facing the ocean assigned first.

    Can dietary needs be accommodated?
    Yes, within reason and ability. Contact me directly.

    Is alcohol included?
    It isn’t included however, local bottles of wine can be purchased for a very reasonable fee.

    Is there Wi-Fi? Should I plan to unplug?
    While wifi is available, I strongly encourage phone free time an staying uplugged as much as possible. Digital cameras are highly encouraged!

    Emotional Safety & Group Dynamics

    What if I’m feeling emotionally tender or going through a lot?
    Everything is invitational, nothing is forced, and privacy is respected. You are encouraged to set any needed boundaries.

    Do I have to share in the group?
    Never. You are free to share as much or as little as you feel up to.

    Is this a therapy retreat?
    While the retreat is supportive and reflective, it is not therapy or clinical treatment.

    Practical Prep

    What should I pack?
    Layers, comfortable walking shoes, a journal, any personal comforts. Passport! More to come.

    What currency is used?
    Can get Euros from ATM’s upon arrival and use credit or debit card at most many places.

    What’s the weather like that time of year?
    Expect highs averaging the mid to high 70’s and evenings in the low 60’s.

    I feel nervous but called to this. Is that normal?
    Very. Big pauses and meaningful experiences often come with a little fear and a lot of curiosity. This is totally normal.

Building facade with three windows with blue shutters, flags of the European Union, France, and a local flag, a colorful tile mural depicting a castle or fortress on a hill, and a script inscription reading "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" with the year 1846 below.
A tomato tart with yellow and red heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a dollop of burrata cheese, sprinkled with black sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
A homemade pear tart with sliced pears, almond slices on top, and a glossy glaze, placed on parchment paper on a green kitchen table.
Assorted appetizers including sushi, sushi rolls, and small dessert cups with kiwi and fruit garnishes, arranged on a table.
A scenic view of a mountain with rocky cliffs, a green hillside with houses, and an arched stone bridge over a lush valley.