Hummingbee yoga retreat at La Balie is your special spot for calm, comfort, and care. We are a luxury family and group venue in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne countryside.
At La Balie, we host an all-inclusive retreat led by The HummingBee team. Here, you will enjoy prenatal yoga, mindful workshops, plant-based meals by Chef Danne Kommer, and a warm community. Our property sleeps up to 16 guests across three private gîtes and offers a wood-floored studio perfect for gentle movement classes. Relax in our heated salt water pool, gather in the event studio, or stroll through open woodland.
Retreat Highlights
1. A Luxury Venue in the French Countryside
La Balie is a set of three characterful stone cottages set on a hill above the rivers Lot and Dordogne. Our converted farm buildings blend countryside charm with modern luxury. Guests sleep in private or shared rooms, each styled with cool soft furnishings and en suite bathrooms. Five rooms are on the ground floor for easy access, and the first floor has air conditioning for warm summer days. A separate wood-floored studio hosts yoga sessions, sharing circles, and special interest workshops.
Key Details:
- ⭐ Rating: 5/5
- 🛌 Capacity: Up to 16 guests across 3 units (La Pigeonnier, La Grenouillière, La Lavandière)
- 🌄 Location: Salles, Lot-et-Garonne, France
- 🌍 Map: The HummingBee Pregnancy Retreat Map
2. Daily Prenatal Yoga & Gentle Movement
At our Hummingbee yoga retreat, you will enjoy daily Hatha yoga and prenatal movement sessions designed for all trimesters. Each morning, a gentle yoga class helps you connect with your body and baby. Evening classes focus on breathwork techniques and Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation. We also offer guided visualizations and daily meditation to calm the mind and ease pregnancy discomfort.
Session Highlights:
- 🧘♀️ Yoga Style: Prenatal yoga, Hatha style, gentle movement
- 🌬 Breathwork: Guided pranayama and breath awareness
- 💤 Deep Rest: Yoga Nidra and sound bath experiences
- 🗓 Schedule: Two sessions per day, suitable for all trimesters
3. Vegan Culinary Delights by Chef Danne Kommer
Chef Danne Kommer brings mindful cooking and plant-based meals to our retreat. She sources local, organic produce to create colorful and nourishing dishes. Every meal is designed to support pregnancy health with balanced nutrients. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks in our outdoor dining areas or shared terrace.
Culinary Details:
- 🍲 All-Inclusive: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- 🌿 Ingredients: Local organic produce and mindful nutrition
- ☕ Beverages: All-day herbal tea and caffeine-free coffee
- 🥗 Workshops: Mindful cooking demonstration and mindful nutrition talks
4. Holistic Birth Preparation & Workshops
We offer a holistic approach to birth and postpartum wellbeing with evidence-based knowledge. Our certified childbirth educator leads sessions on birth plan creation and labour preparation. A doula provides one-on-one support and guidance. You can also book a prenatal massage or a maternal photography session to capture your journey.
Workshop Highlights:
- 📑 Birth Prep: Creating a personalised birth plan with clear goals
- 🤰 Postpartum: Daily sessions on postpartum wellbeing and deep relaxation
- 💆 Optional Add-Ons: Prenatal massage and maternal photography
- 👩🏫 Expert Support: Certified childbirth educator and doula support
5. A Supportive Community & Sharing Circles
Our retreat is more than classes. It’s a loving community of mums-to-be. Each day includes sharing circles where you can share stories, hopes, and fears. Group circling promotes emotional balancing and a sense of sisterhood. You also get post-retreat support to stay connected and feel cared for even after you leave.
Community Features:
- 🤝 Sharing Circles: Daily group sessions to connect and heal
- 🌐 Post-Retreat: Access to an online community for ongoing support
- 📣 Languages: Classes in English, with French, German, and Dutch support
6. Restorative Amenities & Personalized Program
La Balie offers restorative practices to encourage mind-body wellness. You can rest by the heated salt water pool or relax in our gardens. Each guest receives a personalised program based on intake and intuitive wisdom. Enjoy gentle Ayurvedic practices, naturopathic treatments, and mindful workshops that guide emotional balancing and deep relaxation.
Amenity Highlights:
- 🏊 Pool: Heated salt water pool with sun terrace
- 🏡 Rooms: Private gîtes, private rooms, shared rooms
- 🗓 Personalized: Custom retreat program based on your needs
- 🛋 Studio: Spacious wood-floored event room for yoga and rituals
7. Explore Local Villages & Activities
While our retreat is restful, the area has simple adventures. Take a circular walk through open woodland to St Avit and the rock-hewn tower of Gavaudun. Visit Monflanquin, a top 100 French village, for its markets and medieval charm. You can also tour nearby vineyards or try kayaking on the Dordogne or Lot rivers.
Local Activities:
- 🌲 Woodland Walks: Scenic paths right from the door
- 🏘 Historic Villages: Monflanquin and Gavaudun
- 🍇 Vineyards: Wine tasting and tours
- 🚣 Kayaking: Gentle river trips on the Lot and Dordogne
Insider Tips for Your Retreat
We want your stay to be perfect. Here are our best tips:
- Pack comfy layers and a light wrap for cooler evenings.
- Bring your own yoga mat if you prefer a certain thickness.
- Let us know your dietary needs in advance for custom plant-based meals.
- Book your airport transfer from Bergerac for a smooth arrival.
- Plan a free afternoon to journal, swim, or browse the local market in Monflanquin.
- Ask our team about optional healing rituals like a sound bath or herbal tea ceremony.
Conclusion
Our Hummingbee yoga retreat at La Balie brings you a unique blend of mind-body wellness, holistic birth preparation, and mindful vegan nutrition. From private gîtes and a luxury pool to daily prenatal yoga and plant-based meals by Chef Danne Kommer, every detail is designed to support you and your baby. We can’t wait to welcome you to our countryside haven and guide you on this special journey to motherhood. Book your stay now and experience the perfect retreat at La Balie Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Hummingbee yoga retreat at La Balie special?
La Balie combines luxury cottages, a heated salt water pool, and a wood-floored event studio with expert-led prenatal yoga and mindful workshops. Our focus on plant-based meals and community support makes our retreat truly unique.
Who is Chef Danne Kommer and what can I expect to eat?
Chef Danne Kommer is a vegan chef who creates nutritious plant-based meals using local organic produce. Expect colorful, mindful dishes, herbal teas, and healthy snacks daily.
Can I join if I’m in my third trimester?
Yes. Our prenatal yoga and gentle movement classes are adapted for all trimesters. We offer breathwork techniques and restorative practices to support late-stage pregnancy comfort.
Do I need any yoga experience?
No. All levels are welcome. Our certified instructors guide each session with care, offering modifications for beginners and deeper practices for those with experience.
How do I get to La Balie and is airport transfer available?
La Balie is just 45 minutes from Bergerac Airport. We offer optional airport transfer to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
How do I book or ask questions?
Visit our website at https://www.labalie.com or email us via the contact form. We’d love to help you plan your perfect retreat.