The most gorgeous, warm-hearted, charming, delightful, inspiring and mesmerizing location and retreat you could imagine. Thanks, Suska and Nico, and others. You’re amazing! I’m already booking my next trip! — SAANA R.
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Creativity, Dance, & Nourishment in the French Countryside
“There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them.” -Vicki Baum
Join us for a captivating week-long exploration of deep connections through the enchanting worlds of dance, art, and the pure joy of play. Let Jennifer, our skilled guide, lead you on a transformative journey into a sacred realm where your playful spirit thrives. No prior dance or art experience is needed — just bring your sense of wonder!
Healing & Transformation
We invite you to…
- Engage in dance therapy workshops designed to help you embrace your most vibrant and expansive self. Picture silk scarves, stress relief, and contagious laughter.
- Unlock your inner artist without the judgmental inner critic and tap into your inner child’s joy. No art experience required. Dive into watercolors, nature-inspired art, and mixed media.
- Share laughter, trust your body, and forge deep connections with newfound friends. Immerse yourself in daily movement meditation circles. Embark on enchanting trips to medieval towns.
- Enjoy gentle hikes in the picturesque countryside. Rejuvenate in a wood-heated sauna and natural pool.
- Savor ample time for rest, self-discovery, and personal freedom. Relish the finest cuisine in the world (even for the pickiest eaters).
Inspiration & Relaxation
On top of the workshops and delicious meals in the Hamlet, we will visit a local atelier Bleu de Lectoure, which uses blue pigment from the woad plant to create an array of deeply rich, indigo colored clothes and products – the window shutters of the Hamlet have been painted with this local paint, too! We will also go treasure hunting in the Brocante (“flea market”) and visit the charming medieval village of Lauzerte.
A nice 45 minutes walk will allow us to enjoy lunch in another hidden gem, at our neighbour’s little restaurant. On departure day, before the farewell lunch, we’ll go together to the farmers’ market to pick up fresh goodies and some souvenirs from local artisans to take back home!
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And at any point, when you need to steal a moment for yourself or with your book, you can tuck yourself in a hamac by the fig tree (and even enjoy the sweet fresh figs while at it!).
A night in Toulouse is planned before the departure back home. This is not included in the package, but highly recommended (it’s a fun city and this way you’ll be sure note to miss the program of the departure day in the Hamlet). We’ll give you more details upon request or after registration.
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Retreat Workshop Descriptions
Group Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT): DMT involves using movement as a therapeutic tool to enhance emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. Our objective is to foster a connection between the mind, body, and spirit, enabling a greater sense of safety, self-expression, and playfulness. Learning how to love and care for our bodies as they exist now, with gratitude and acceptance.
PlayShop: Join us to explore dance improvisation and movement games while learning to dance with expressiveness and reduced self-judgment. Through the use of the environment and silk scarves, we’ll discover how rhythm, space, direction, and flow can enhance our playfulness and embodiment. We’ll also delve into the inner desires of your inner child and understand how freedom and support from others contribute to authentic movement.
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Watercolors and Mixed Media en plein air: Gain a foundation in watercolors, embrace risk-taking in art, and create without the pressure of final results. Utilize various artistic mediums with daily opportunities for artistic expression in both your free time and a structured workshop. We’ll focus on the colors blue and green to pay homage to the surrounding environment. Breathing and mindfulness practices will be incorporated, offering a daily, mind-body ritual to take with you.
Nature Art & Forest Bathing: Immerse yourself in a deep connection with nature in the beautiful countryside of France. Explore the land, attune to your body, and engage in nature’s art. By gathering found materials, we will collaboratively create a group art piece over the course of the week.
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Meet Jennifer
Jennifer Giuglianotti is the owner/director of NY-based Balanced Life Movement, a psychotherapy center specializing in dance and art therapy for people with trauma and anxiety.
A Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist with 15 years of experience, Jennifer utilizes the healing power of dance and creative expression to help people attune to their core, creative self.
For the last 35 years, dance has been her medicine, her passion, and the vital stuff that makes life vibrant. This retreat is a culmination of the core practices that keep her feeling alive: To create art, to make a beautiful mess, to play, and to be so completely in this moment we forget about time.
Bon Appétit, indeed!
Meals are prepared with own organic produce combined with the offering from the local farmers. We will also go for a lovely walk to a enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant nearby.
Morning coffee/tea & fruits, brunch, dinner, snacks and all drinks are included (wines with dinner). You’re really meant to feel “at home”, which means that you’re welcome to enjoy anything from the garden or kitchen whenever you feel like it.
The region’s wine selection is impressive, and you will be able to taste and find your favorites during the dinners.
Your Home for the Stay
You will stay in the Guest House of The Happy Hamlet, which centuries ago was home for several families and now has been turned into a place for feeling good. The charming rooms (double, twin or triple) have each a gorgeous ensuite bathroom with a window. The house has been renovated by preserving as much of the old as possible, yet keeping the comfort in mind. Many recycled treasures have been given new life allowing them to tell you their stories from the past.
Register with a friend/partner or be matched with a new friend/roomie!
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The huge barn will be your lounge, salon and kitchen whenever you wish, and the vast property offers woods and prairies, fields and valleys for you to explore. With the practice, meals, discussions, other activities and visits you will surely have plenty to do, to explore and to experience. But you will certainly have your free time, too. Nothing beats the hammock under the trees for good relaxation!
At night, once in bed, you’ll be guaranteed a good night’s sleep because the only background noise will be the owl informing that everything is.. just fine.
See gallery for more photos of The Happy Hamlet property, the Guest House & rooms, the barn, the outdoors and more. Lovely feedback and reviews from our previous guests can be found on our testimonials page, on our Facebook, and also on Google Business and TripAdvisor .
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Price & Details
All-inclusive retreat cost: 1850 EUR (incl. VAT)
Included in the price:
- Opening & Closing circles
- Daily workshops: Group Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), PlayShop, Watercolors and Mixed Media en plein air, Nature Art & Forest Bathing
- Visits in the region and logistics accordingly
- Accommodation (5 nights) in The Happy Hamlet guest house (twin/double, ensuite bathroom – Register with a friend/partner or be matched with a new friend/roomie!)
- All meals in the Hamlet (coffee, tea and fruit in the morning, brunch, and dinner with wine in the evening)
- Lunch in a nearby restaurant
- Property with vast outdoors, natural pool, sauna, various sports/games equipment
- One bundled airport transfer from and to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (or city center)
- Good mood, happy company, recharged body&mind&soul!
Please note that airfares and insurance are not included in the price. A valid travel insurance is required.
Inquiries & Reservations
Inquiries on the retreat: Jennifer – tapjeng@gmail.com
Details on the Hamlet & to reserve your spot: Suska – suska@thehappyhamlet.com
Local organiser: SARL HAPPY HAMLET, Lieu dit Gary, 82190 Fauroux, France. Please see The Happy Hamlet conditions for more details.
For directions, closest airports and train stations please see our Contact page.
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