Corsica, the Timeless Escape:
Looking Back on Our Retreat in Propriano

You never quite know how a retreat will unfold before it begins. You prepare, you imagine, you fine-tune the program… and then, at some point, you simply have to trust the place and the people who are about to come together there.

For the Propriano retreat, Maïwenn and Alexandra had arrived a few days early. Time to find their bearings, to soak up the atmosphere of this exceptional villa perched on the edge of the Bay of Propriano. A light-filled house, surrounded by a tree-lined park, with an infinity pool that seems to melt straight into the sea.

Every morning, they would sip their coffee in front of that incredible view, telling each other the same thing:

And that is exactly what happened.

Participants arrived gradually between Wednesday and Thursday. The first cars climb the driveway, doors slam, suitcases roll across the gravel… then everyone discovers the view. And every time, the same reaction: an immediate silence. Eyes widening, and often that same phrase: “But… it's incredible here.”

The villa Casa Lou is beautiful, luminous, comfortable, almost unreal. The sea stretches out just below, the pool seems to spill into the bay, and the garden offers perfect pockets of shade for slowing down.

The opening circle took place around 5pm, in the park, everyone seated in a circle facing the sea. No grand speeches. Just one simple question: why are you here? The answers were sincere, sometimes very simple, sometimes deep. Some had come to rest. Others to reconnect with their bodies. Others still simply needed to breathe.

The first practice followed: a Vinyasa guided by Alexandra and Maïwenn on the pool deck, with the sea right in front of us. Bodies gently loosen, breaths fall into sync, the group begins to take shape.

In the evening, the first big table brought everyone together. Fruits and vegetables from the island, local produce, conversations stretching late into the night. People who didn't know each other a few hours earlier were already sharing their stories. The magic of the first night.

The next morning begins with an intense Power Vinyasa practice guided by Alexandra. The sun climbs slowly over the bay and the heat arrives fast. Bodies work, breathing quickens, but the group's energy carries everyone through.

Then, off to the beach. We walk down to the water together to meet Morgan, who is waiting for us with his paddleboards. The water is translucent. Birds take flight from the shore. The group drifts gently away from the edge, paddling and laughing.

And then, soon enough, someone suggests: “What if we tried yoga on the paddleboards?” Within minutes, the paddle outing turns into a true playground. Warriors, downward dogs, a few balance attempts… and plenty of falls. Everyone falls, climbs back up, laughs. Water splashes, the boards drift softly. Nobody wanted that moment to end.

The walk back to the villa happens with sun-flushed faces and enormous smiles. Lunch is generous, simple and delicious.

In the afternoon, Maïwenn guides a Yoga Dance in the large polished-concrete room. A practice halfway between flow and free expression. The music rises, bodies let go, and the energy becomes almost electric.

Dinner unfolds on the terrace. The rosé flows, the light turns golden, and the evening slowly melts into celebration.

Saturday begins with a big inversions workshop. We prepare the bodies, understand the mechanics, build up step by step. Then come the challenges: headstand, handstand, Pincha Mayurasana. Attempts, encouragement, breakthroughs. Some discover a pose they thought impossible. Others simply move past their fears.

Brunch arrives like a reward. Then, relaxation around the pool. Photos, swims, laughter.

And one especially funny moment: filming a trending reel. Everyone dressed in black. A clap of the hands… and suddenly the whole group appears in white. It was our color of the day. A simple, spontaneous, incredibly joyful moment.

In the afternoon, Maïwenn guides a Yin Nidra on the lawn, in a circle, facing the sea. A slow, deep practice, almost suspended in time.

Then comes the closing circle, in the same spot as the very first practice: the pool deck. Words travel around the circle. So do emotions. And already, you can feel that something has been created between these people who, just a few days earlier, didn't know each other.

That evening, the villa shifts into a new mood. Everyone dresses in white. Little temporary tattoos. Music. Dancing. Rosé. The terrace becomes a dance floor under the stars. We laugh a lot. We celebrate. We savor the last hours together.

Departures come early for some. The suitcases roll back across the gravel. The hugs last a long time. So do the promises to see each other again. And then, little by little, the villa empties.

At the end, only Maïwenn and Alexandra remain. They find themselves standing together, facing the pool, facing the bay. Tired, happy, still carrying the emotion of these few days.