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Explore Your Wild Side!
Wild Swim and Yoga Retreat
With Joyce Harper and Wendy Yorke
Domaine de Mournac, southern France
12-19 June, 2027
Lake, sea and river swimming, natural waterfall cold water dips, country hikes and natural warm thermal spring bathing, plus daily yoga in a beautiful, historic 14th century coach house setting surrounded by vineyards, with stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains. Be guided to the best cold water and wild swim sites in the famous Aude region of Occitania, southern France, by female health expert and scientist Professor Joyce Harper and venue host and resident guide, Wendy Yorke, together with daily yoga with Saveria.
With all your daily needs catered for at the luxury venue by our in-house experienced, retreat chef, Mhari Elizabeth, and author of her own recipe book, Nourished by Plants, you will be nurtured and nourished, not only by the organic, freshly-made daily menu and living water experiences, but also with the range of activities to feed your soul. Nature meditations; intention setting maze; crystal bowl sound bath; dancing; chanting; nature walks; all inclusive, while optional, essential oils body massage and foot reflexology aromatherapy massage can also be provided.
A few words from retreat participants who attended our second retreat in 2026.
“The most beautiful location with a fabulous selection of activities and an incredibly supportive and inspiring community of women. Wendy was a gracious, generous host and retreat leader, and a role model in many ways! I would come back for Mhairi’s cooking alone, and the view, and Roza’s aura of love and healing! Wonderful. Wonderful, Wonderful.”
Carla
“It has been an excellent week. Expertly facilitated by Wendy and Joyce. They attracted and brought together a friendly and companionable group of attendees. The property had lots of spaces for walking and private meditation, as well as wonderful plant life, views and wildlife.”
Pat
“Excellent retreat! Wonderful venue, hosts, food and I feel totally nourished and loved. It has been a 10 out of 10 experience. Groups for me can be challenging but I have been so inspired and am now more self-aware of the importance of self-care and ways in which I can grow and improve. Thank you all.”
Sally
“This has been the most wonderful, nurturing experience. I have loved all of it. The retreat venue is perfect, what a wonderful place. Wendy, your daily nature meditations in the garden and angel cards were an excellent start to each day and beautifully set the tone. Joyce and Wendy, thank you, you both created a safe space for us to connect and form new connections.”
Reni
“An absolutely magical experience. Delicious food, breath-taking views and scenery, and a warm, thoughtful host. The itinerary was very well-planned with a good mix of swimming, walking, yoga, sightseeing and additional activities.”
Laura
“Glorious to have the space to connect to self and others. Nature at its best with amazing mountain views. The leaders, Wendy and Joyce are amazing beings!”
Isabel
“Arriving at Domaine de Mournac was a joy. What a beautiful, peaceful place with an abundance of fascinating plants and wildlife. I could happily have spent a week sitting at all the different places around the garden, looking at the view and listening to the birds. Wendy and Joyce made me feel so welcome and created an atmosphere of calm and positivity. I loved all the swimming spots and I particularly enjoyed the book club evening, and Wendy’s daily nature meditations. The food was fabulous and Mhairi’s demeanour contributed to that, as did the terrace setting and creative table decorations. Thank you all, plus the hoopoes, the Golden Orioles, and all the butterflies.”
Melissa
“Domaine de Mournac is a special place. Somewhere to relax, and rejuvenate. Wendy, Joyce, Mhairi, Saveria and Roza looked after us so well – it was like being a guest in Wendy’s home. Everything, from collecting us from Carcassonne, to the yoga, swimming, foot reflexology, evening activities, beautiful garden and views, the visit to the local market, the amazing food and our lovely group of women made this a week to remember and cherish. Thank you all.”
Frances
“The Explore Your Wild Side Retreat at Domaine de Mournac was pure magic. Incredible wild swim spots (thanks to amazing local knowledge), stunning views, nourishing food, and the most supportive, generous group of nine women. Loved the market trip and its bohemian vibe, the flexible schedule, and the uplifting energy of the hosts. I left feeling restored and inspired. Highly recommend.”
Margo
A few words from retreat participants who attended our first retreat in 2025.
“If you are looking for a little piece of paradise in which to unwind and work out the next chapter of your life, Domaine de Mournac is the place! Wendy and Joyce are the most welcoming hosts.” Jenny
“A beautiful week in an amazing setting with wonderful people, amazing food and lots of fun and cultural activities.” Lavinia
“It was an opportunity to completely unwind and take stock of everything happening in my life. I feel strong and positive about what is ahead of me now.” Fiona
“Well thought out agenda with swimming locations that were all different and stunning. Loved the yoga, thank you.” Sue
“My goal for the week was to go out of my comfort zone, and I certainly did that, although I didn’t take part in the wild swimming and there was no pressure to do so. I loved it.” Yvonne
“Wonderful relaxing week. Fantastic food. Beautiful swimming spots, amazing yoga I feel very well cared for and the planning for each day was very well orgainsed.” Kerry
“A great week of swimming in lakes, the sea and natural hot springs. Wendy and Joyce were amazing guides. Yoga, massage and reflexology were great, loved the food and the venue is so beautiful.” Susan
A bit more about the Wild Swim and Yoga Retreat…
Joyce Harper is a University College London, UK, professor of reproductive science and is a passionate cold water swimmer, having run women’s circles and swim groups. She a founding member of the SwimHer research group who have published three papers about cold water swimming and women’s health and are conducting further research. In 2025 she completed the Event Water Safety Management course with Surf Life Saving GB and is going to take the Institute of Swimming SEQ Level 2 Outdoor Swimming Leader Course, Summer 2025. Joyce is part of the Big Retreat Festival team and has conducted a research study to determine if attending such events improves mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Wendy Yorke is an experienced retreat leader based in southern France, where she hosts the stunning venue, Domaine de Mournac, and guides international clients on local hikes, treks, mountain walks and nature meditations. She runs her own author coaching, editing, literary agenting and publishing consulting business. Wendy is a qualified Personal Coach and Executive Coach, certified by the Coaching Academy of London and has a lifelong career in corporate communications. She is an avid swimmer and sailed around the world in the Blue Water Cruising Rally 1998 – 2000. Wendy has completed numerous first aid and offshore medical and life saving training courses, and worked as a PADI dive master, leading groups underwater.
The Wild Swim + Yoga Retreat offers a week of optional activities for all participants. The daily schedule begins with a Hatha Yoga session, followed by breakfast and a daily adventure, where we will take you to swim or dip in natural lakes, rivers, hot springs, a waterfall and the Mediterranean Sea. Most sites are easily accessible and only one day involves a 60-minute uphill walk. At each site we provide guided short nature meditations of about 20 – 30 minutes and we take a daily picnic lunch.
There are also a number of evening events on offer, including a sound bath, disco dancing night, discuss your favourite book, a welcome sharing circle, discussions about health and happiness, and a final feedback session. All of these events are optional and it is your choice each day what you take part in. You are welcome to relax at the peaceful Domaine and gardens, or by the heated pool admiring the beautiful view, if you prefer. And you are also most welcome to join the daily adventures in nature and not to swim if you prefer. Additional body massage and essential oils, foot reflexology treatments can be arranged. It will be a time to relax, restore and reset.
Deposit only 600 euros
Includes luxury accommodation, three fresh organic meals a day and all transport in France
Single room €1,900 or Sharing rooms €1,600
Walks ½ hour to 1½ hours; a good swimming and walking experience required
Capture the Essence of the 2026 Wild Swim and Yoga Retreat
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our 2026 Wild Swim and Yoga Retreat through this captivating gallery. Each image tells a story of tranquility and rejuvenation, capturing the essence of our unique, annual spring retreat experience. From invigorating swims in pristine waters to peaceful yoga sessions amidst nature, these moments reflect the harmony and joy shared by our participants. Join us in reliving these cherished memories and feel inspired to embark on your own journey of relaxation and renewal. Please join us, if you can for the next one!



