The Gift of Light: Finding Calm, Connection, and Presence
The Gift of Light: Finding Calm, Connection, and Presence
14 Rue Général de Gaulle, Merdrignac, France
Up to 8 in group
Dec 13 - 14, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Somatic movement session to ground and reconnect with your body
- Guided intuitive painting workshop to awaken creativity and play
- Cacao ceremony to open the heart and restore presence
- Cozy shared meals featuring French countryside cuisine and wine
- Connection circles for reflection and meaningful conversation
- Time in nature to slow down and breathe deeply
- Beautiful manoir setting in Brittany designed for calm and inspiration
- Optional overnight stay for deeper rest and integration
- Limited group size for intimate, personalized experience
- A soulful close to the year — releasing what no longer serves and stepping into light
About this Retreat
For Christina, The Gift of Light isn’t just a retreat—it’s a reflection of her own journey back to wholeness.
After leaving her home in the U.S. and starting over in France, the rhythm of her life fell silent. The language, the culture, even her sense of belonging—all felt foreign. What began as adventure turned into isolation, and she found herself searching for connection, meaning, and a way home to herself.
Her healing began quietly: through movement, creativity, and the courage to soften. She learned to listen to her body, to breathe again, and to find laughter in simple, ordinary moments. Over time, what felt like an ending became a return—an awakening to her own strength, beauty, and light.
Turning 50 became a milestone of renewal, not reinvention. The woman who once felt lost rediscovered the joy, community, and confidence that were waiting within her all along.
Now, Christina creates spaces for others to do the same. Her retreats are an invitation to pause, release what’s heavy, and reconnect with your own inner light—so you can return to your life not just rested, but radiant.
For nearly two decades, Leila has helped people find their way back to themselves—to the calm beneath the noise and the clarity waiting inside stillness.
A certified coach and facilitator, she’s guided leaders, creatives, and seekers through seasons of change, helping them rediscover confidence, purpose, and peace. Her approach is both structured and soulful—rooted in deep listening and the simple belief that balance begins with presence.
During the retreat, Leila leads the Co-Development Circle—a warm, honest space where reflection becomes renewal and conversation becomes light. Through shared insight and gentle guidance, she helps guests release what’s ready to be completed and reconnect with the wisdom that’s always been within.
Grounded, compassionate, and deeply intuitive, Leila reminds us that calm isn’t something you find—it’s something you return to.
Details of this retreat
Retreat Concept & Why It Matters:
Many adults carry the weight of years of responsibility, judgment, overwork and disconnection — from themselves, their bodies and their creative spark. This retreat invites you back into your light: your innate capacity for calm, connection and present-living. Through the lens of interior-design mindset (for your external space), movement/intuition, French cuisine & culture, and intentional time in a supportive group, you will be guided to:
Release stress and habitual edges of “should-doing”
Reconnect with your body and intuition
Cultivate meaningful connection with others in artful, playful ways
Rediscover presence — the capacity to reside in this moment
Let the metaphor of “light” (in design, space, life) guide transformation
Who It’s For:
This retreat is built for adults (aged ~30-65) who are ready to reclaim play, inspiration, and alignment in life.
You might be: a creative professional, a person in transition, someone who invests in self-care and personal growth, or someone craving a meaningful pause rather than simply a vacation.
Many adults carry the weight of years of responsibility, judgment, overwork and disconnection — from themselves, their bodies and their creative spark. This retreat invites you back into your light: your innate capacity for calm, connection and present-living. Through the lens of interior-design mindset (for your external space), movement/intuition, French cuisine & culture, and intentional time in a supportive group, you will be guided to:
Release stress and habitual edges of “should-doing”
Reconnect with your body and intuition
Cultivate meaningful connection with others in artful, playful ways
Rediscover presence — the capacity to reside in this moment
Let the metaphor of “light” (in design, space, life) guide transformation
Who It’s For:
This retreat is built for adults (aged ~30-65) who are ready to reclaim play, inspiration, and alignment in life.
You might be: a creative professional, a person in transition, someone who invests in self-care and personal growth, or someone craving a meaningful pause rather than simply a vacation.
Schedule
9:30 AM – Arrival and opening cacao ceremony
10:30 AM – Somatic movement session to awaken and ground the body
11:30 AM – Intuitive painting and creative exploration
1:30 PM – Long French-style lunch with wine and conversation
3:00–4:30 PM – Free time to rest, walk, or enjoy the manoir grounds
5:00 PM – Connection circle and reflection journaling
7:00 PM – Apéro in the salon
8:00 PM – Dinner featuring local French cuisine
10:00 PM – Quiet time and rest
10:30 AM – Somatic movement session to awaken and ground the body
11:30 AM – Intuitive painting and creative exploration
1:30 PM – Long French-style lunch with wine and conversation
3:00–4:30 PM – Free time to rest, walk, or enjoy the manoir grounds
5:00 PM – Connection circle and reflection journaling
7:00 PM – Apéro in the salon
8:00 PM – Dinner featuring local French cuisine
10:00 PM – Quiet time and rest
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
The Gift of Light: Finding Calm, Connection, and Presence, 14 Rue Général de Gaulle, Merdrignac, France
Directions
The retreat takes place at Manoir Caché, located in the peaceful countryside of Côtes-d’Armor, Brittany, France — approximately 15 minutes from the towns of Plancoët and Lamballe.
Nearest Airports:
Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS) – 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) – 2 hours by car
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – 3 hours 30 minutes by high-speed train (TGV) via Lamballe
By Train:
Take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Lamballe (approx. 2 h 20 min).
From Lamballe station, taxis and car-sharing options are available (15-minute drive).
By Car:
Free on-site parking is available.
GPS will recognize “Manoir Caché – Plancoët Region – Côtes-d’Armor.”
Detailed directions and contact number will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Nearest Airports:
Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS) – 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) – 2 hours by car
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – 3 hours 30 minutes by high-speed train (TGV) via Lamballe
By Train:
Take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Lamballe (approx. 2 h 20 min).
From Lamballe station, taxis and car-sharing options are available (15-minute drive).
By Car:
Free on-site parking is available.
GPS will recognize “Manoir Caché – Plancoët Region – Côtes-d’Armor.”
Detailed directions and contact number will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Accommodation
Guests will stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century manoir nestled in the Brittany countryside. Each room is thoughtfully designed to evoke calm and comfort, blending French country charm with natural textures and serene colors. You can choose between shared twin rooms, shared double rooms (ideal for friends or couples), or private rooms when available. All rooms feature quality bedding, cozy linens, and curated décor that reflects Christina’s design philosophy — simple elegance and harmony. Guests share spacious modern bathrooms, a warm communal salon with fireplace, and inviting outdoor areas surrounded by gardens and trees. The atmosphere encourages rest, reflection, and connection — a true home away from home.
Manoir Room - Private Double Room
Manoir Room - Shared Room
Annexe Studios (Shared Bathroom + Kitchenette)
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
The Space
Set in the heart of Brittany, Manoir Caché is a lovingly restored 19th-century stone estate surrounded by lush gardens, meadows, and forest views. Every corner is designed to inspire calm and creativity — from sun-lit salons to rustic dining spaces where guests gather over French meals and wine.
Highlights of the Retreat Center
Elegant stone manoir with historic character and refined interiors
Large salon with fireplace for group gatherings and evening apéros
Bright studio space fo
Set in the heart of Brittany, Manoir Caché is a lovingly restored 19th-century stone estate surrounded by lush gardens, meadows, and forest views. Every corner is designed to inspire calm and creativity — from sun-lit salons to rustic dining spaces where guests gather over French meals and wine.
Highlights of the Retreat Center
Elegant stone manoir with historic character and refined interiors
Large salon with fireplace for group gatherings and evening apéros
Bright studio space fo
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
What's Included
- One full day retreat program with guided movement, art, and reflection sessions
- Cacao ceremony and mindfulness practices
- All creative materials for painting and journaling
- Gourmet lunch and dinner featuring local French cuisine and wine
- Breakfast for overnight guests
- Coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day
- Access to the manoir grounds and garden
- Optional connection circle and evening gathering
- Shared or private room accommodation (depending on booking type)
- Free on-site parking
What's Not Included
- Airfare or transportation to the venue
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses or shopping
- Optional extra night add-on (Friday arrival)
- Additional wine or beverages beyond what’s provided with meals
- Spa or massage treatments (if available on site)
Similar retreats
Health & Wellness
GRIEF HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY - 4 Day Retreat - Private (or family group) FRANCE
Open Dates
€2,190
/
