Business Details
19 Years
experience
Yoga & Mindfulness Retreats in the French Pyrenees
Mindful Lives is a dedicated wellbeing retreat nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southern France. Established in 2007 by Claire-Louise Symonds, our centre combines Scaravelli-inspired yoga, mindfulness practices, and nature connection to support holistic wellness. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Claire-Louise offers tailored sessions suitable for all abilities, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our facilities include a riverside yoga studio, woodland meditation spaces, and accommodation for up to 12 guests. We specialise in restorative yoga, Thai yoga massage, and mindfulness-based stress reduction programmes, following UK Good Practice Guidelines.The centre provides a tranquil environment for personal retreats, group workshops, and creative events, blending movement, meditation, and natural immersion. Jon's nourishing vegetarian cuisine complements our programmes, enhancing physical and mental rejuvenation. Our online courses and workshops extend accessibility to global participants, while our Bristol-based operations maintain strong community ties. We prioritise individualised attention, adapting practices to meet diverse needs while fostering mindful awareness and sustainable wellbeing.
Services
Yoga Therapy
Mindfulness Courses
Thai Yoga Massage
Wellness Retreats
Online Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience in Scaravelli-inspired yoga instruction
- Our programmes follow UK Good Practice Guidelines for mindfulness teaching
- Personalised adaptations ensure accessibility for all physical abilities
- Unique riverside studio and woodland meditation spaces enhance natural connection
- Certified instructors combine yoga therapy with mindfulness-based approaches
What people say
Deep restorative relaxation
Power of breathing
Calmer mind
Personalised approach
Improved posture
Services
Yoga Therapy
Tailored Scaravelli-inspired yoga sessions address individual needs through adaptive postures and breathwork. Combining restorative practices with mindful movement, we help alleviate chronic stress and physical tension. Our approach prioritises bodily awareness and sustainable healing for improved wellbeing.
Mindfulness Courses
Eight-week mindfulness programmes teach present-moment awareness through structured meditation practices. Participants learn stress management techniques based on Bangor University's MBSR curriculum. Courses include adaptations for parents and caregivers seeking emotional resilience.
Thai Yoga Massage
Customised massage sessions integrate yoga-like stretching with acupressure techniques. This holistic therapy releases muscular tension while balancing energy flow. Sessions promote deep relaxation and improved physical mobility through targeted pressure point work.
Wellness Retreats
Residential retreats combine yoga, meditation, and nature immersion in a French Pyrenees setting. Accommodation includes riverside studio access and woodland mindfulness spaces. Programmes balance structured practice with personal reflection time for comprehensive renewal.
Online Workshops
Pre-recorded sessions cover yoga specialisms and mindfulness techniques accessible from home. Topics include chakra balancing, posture correction, and mind-body connection. Flexible learning formats range from 2-hour workshops to 7-session courses with downloadable materials.
People
Claire-Louise Symonds
Yoga Teacher & Mindfulness Practitioner
Certified Scaravelli yoga instructor with 15+ years' experience, Claire-Louise specialises in adaptive yoga therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She follows UK Good Practice Guidelines and teaches both in-person retreats and online courses.
Questions
What yoga styles do you teach?
We specialise in Scaravelli-inspired hatha yoga with elements of yin yoga and therapeutic practices. Sessions adapt to individual needs while maintaining core principles of breath-body connection.
Are your courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, all classes welcome complete beginners. We adapt postures to individual abilities while maintaining proper alignment and safety throughout practice sessions.
How do online workshops function?
Purchased workshops provide immediate access to pre-recorded sessions. Participants receive downloadable materials and can follow structured programmes at their own pace from any location.
What accommodation options exist at the retreat?
The French centre offers 8 double bedrooms, a bell tent, and camping facilities. All guests have access to shared spaces including the riverside yoga studio and woodland meditation areas.
Do you offer catering options?
Jon provides vegetarian and vegan meals using local produce. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, ensuring nourishing meals complement your wellness journey.
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