For many years Gael has been aware of how much her patients could benefit if only they could have daily treatments.  Knowing weekly treatments prove beneficial, then much could be achieved from a continuous session of daily treatments for five days.  The idea of organising treatment retreats had been forming in her mind for some time.  In 2004 she decided to stop thinking about it and act.

The weeklong residential retreats she holds are designed to care and nurture the whole person.  They are an opportunity for people to get away from home, to truly relax and benefit from a week of daily MLD massages and bandaging.

Treatments
Gaël  undertakes all treatments herself in order to give those attending the highest standard of care.  Because of this, retreats are restricted to just four people. Clients receive daily lymphatic drainage and multi layered short-stretch compression bandaging.  This entails the client having the affected limb(s) continuously bandaged for five days. With the retreat being residential, this means they are free to enjoy the benefits, relax and not have to worry about the usual daily routines of home.  Total relaxation is the aim, holiday and treatments. 

It is not only the MLD treatments clients can benefit from.  Gaël works in tandem with Gill Hiley and so both Reiki and Reflexology are available.  These treatments are not included and are charged separately.

Gaining the Feel Good Factor
Gaining that ‘feel good’ factor comes from many sources, not just the treatments.  The retreats take place in South West France.  The beautiful surrounding countryside has its own healing effect, as does the company of a small group, people in the same boat. Likewise, the attention to other details such as the catering and the feeling of living ‘en famille’ all contribute.  Gaël has been visiting the venue for many years and values what it has to offer. 

The treatment room is light and airy and offers the usual ambiance Gaël produces.  You can choose to be alone or seek the company of others.  Between the daily bandaging sessions there is the garden to sit in, books to be borrowed and read,  and the leisure pool to swim in during the summer months.   The pool offers an opportunity for good therapeutic exercise.

The Venue
The retreats are housed within the lovely home of Gill and Jeremy Hiley in the beautiful village of Auvillar, approximately forty-five minutes north west of Toulouse.  Auvillar itself is a Bastide village and the house has fine far-reaching views across its rooftops to the wide valley beyond where the River Garonne meanders.

Accommodation
Each guest has his or her own private bedroom.  All the rooms, which are spread over the first and second floors,  enjoy lovely views of the garden and surrounding countryside. 

Catering
All meals are catered for and eaten en famille in the conservatory in summer and the dining room in winter.  Meals are simple but nourishing, using fresh local produce.  Vegetarians can be catered for however special diets would need to be discussed well in advance, as not all can be accommodated.

Cost
£695 all-inclusive
i.e. room, all meals,  and  MLD treatments
(all inclusive price of £420 for non-participating partners).

Travelling costs not included.

This represents excellent value both financially and, more importantly, health wise.

Please note: Clients are billed separately at the end of the week for bandages used.

A non-refundable deposit of  £150 is required at time of booking.   The remaining £545 is due no less than one month prior to commencement of the retreat. (Same deposit for non-participating partners)

Reflexology and Reiki treatments are offered at an additional price and are booked separately on arrival. The fee is £30 per treatment (payable by English cheque).

For insurance purposes, a current E111 form (or equivalent) must be carried.

Getting there
Collection from Toulouse airport is included for those not intending to hire a car. Please make enquiries directly with Gill Hiley by telephoning: 0033 (0)5 63 94 52 63 or E-mail gill@a-retreat.com

By Train:  From London’s Waterloo to Lyon, and change at Lyon for the continuing journey to Agen.

By Air:  Fly directly to Toulouse from either Gatwick, Manchester, British Midlands, London City Airport or Southampton.  Ryanair fly to Carcassonne and Bergerac. The pick-up service is offered only to those arriving at Toulouse airport.

Additional Information
Auvillar is an ideal base from which to explore the area You may wish to consider coupling your visit with a holiday in the region. Auvillar itself is a Bastide (fortified village) with an ancient covered market in its cobbled centre.  It is much favoured by photographers and artists for its beauty.  If either of these hobbies are yours, you definitely need to bring your camera and paints.

Above photograph is view from the conservatory

End of day sky from pool