Going on a retreat in Corsica is not just about "getting away from it all". It is about choosing a setting where silence is not an absence of noise but a presence: the wind through the chestnut trees, the water lapping on the shores of the lake, the distant cry of a red kite. At Le Relais U Machjonu, a former stone chestnut-drying barn turned into a charming dormitory at 600 m altitude and 5 minutes from the lake, we regularly host yoga, pilates, meditation and heart-coherence retreats — either for individuals joining an existing programme, or for teachers privatising the place for their own clients.
Why Corsica for a wellness retreat?
Three reasons. First the light: Corsica has an exceptional Mediterranean light — crisp, golden in the evening, ideal for outdoor practice. Then the air: at 600 m altitude the air is dry and loaded with aromas (everlasting, chestnut, maquis) that naturally open the breath. Finally the rupture: you leave the mainland, cross the sea, climb in altitude — every step takes you further from the everyday and puts the body in a state of receptivity.
Why Le Relais U Machjonu for a retreat?
- A panoramic terrace facing south-west, set up for 10 people practising at the same time.
- Absolute silence after 10 pm — sound pollution is non-existent.
- The lake water 5 minutes away for morning rituals (immersion, meditation by the shore).
- Optional half-board with local produce, plant-based options on request (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free can be arranged with notice).
- Full privatisation, so you create a real bubble for your group.
- No Wi-Fi on site — exactly the setting you want for a true disconnect (the 4G mobile coverage is enough for emergencies).
For individuals: joining a retreat
Le Relais U Machjonu hosts retreats led by external teachers (yoga, pilates, meditation, heart coherence). Formats vary depending on the teacher: 3 days / 2 nights (intensive weekend), 5 days / 4 nights (immersion), or 7 days / 6 nights (full reset). Disciplines can include vinyasa, hatha, yin yoga, classical pilates, mindfulness meditation, heart coherence, and themed sessions (yoga + hiking, pilates + healthy cooking).
To join a retreat, get in touch: we can connect you with an independent teacher running a session that matches your dates, or guide you to the most suitable seasons. Retreat prices are set by each teacher according to the format and length (typically all-inclusive: accommodation, meals, sessions, sometimes extra activities).
For teachers: hosting your retreat at Le Relais U Machjonu
If you are a yoga teacher, pilates instructor, meditation guide or heart-coherence coach, and you want to host your own retreat for your clients, we offer a dedicated package:
- Full privatisation of Le Relais U Machjonu (10 beds + terrace + dining room).
- Local meals adapted to your approach (vegetarian, vegan, intermittent fasting, etc.).
- Coordination with local providers (yoga props, kayak team building, silent hike, sound healing).
- Joint communication possible: we mention your retreat on our blog and social channels, you boost your fill rate.
Teacher rate: from €400/night for full privatisation, meals as an add-on (€39 per person per day for the full half-board). You bill your clients directly and keep your margin. Several teachers come back every season — a strong signal of the quality of the experience.
A typical 3-day retreat schedule at Le Relais U Machjonu
To make it concrete, here is a typical schedule for a 3-day / 2-night yoga retreat, as it can be organised at Le Relais U Machjonu with an independent teacher:
| Time | Day 1 (arrival) | Day 2 (immersion) | Day 3 (integration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am-8am | — | Morning yoga on the terrace | Yoga + longer meditation |
| 8am-9.30am | — | Breakfast & free time | Breakfast & sharing circle |
| 9.30am-12pm | — | Silent walk by the lake | Integration workshop / journaling |
| 12pm-2pm | — | Light lunch on the terrace | Final lunch together |
| 2pm-4pm | Arrival & welcome | Pilates or hatha | Closing & departure |
| 4pm-6pm | Gentle arrival yoga | Free time / nap / lake | — |
| 6pm-7pm | Opening circle | Pranayama & meditation | — |
| 7.30pm-9pm | Dinner & introductions | Dinner & evening fire | — |
Side activities to enrich a retreat
For teachers who want to enrich their programme beyond pure yoga or pilates, here are the activities we coordinate regularly:
- Silent walk through the chestnut and oak groves (3h, no phones, debrief at the end).
- Sound healing / sound bath (1h, on the terrace at sunset) — practitioner arranged on request.
- Meditative kayak on the lake (1h30, in pairs or solo, with presence cues).
- Healthy nutrition workshop (2h, tasting included) — local nutritionist arranged on request.
- Individual massage (1h, in your room or on the terrace) — local practitioner arranged on request.
- Guided heart coherence (short 5-10 min sessions, several times a day).
Questions fréquentes
What yoga / pilates equipment is available?
We provide 10 standard-quality yoga mats and a few blocks. For teacher-led retreats, the teacher usually brings their own specific gear (straps, bolsters, etc.). For more specialised equipment (notably pilates reformers), arrange it on your side or talk to us case by case.
Can meals be 100% vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free?
Yes, our kitchen adapts on prior booking. We work with local producers for organic vegetables, goat cheese, honey, chestnuts — Corsican cooking adapts very well to vegetarian. For strict vegan or gluten-free, let us know at least 7 days in advance.
Is there a yoga teacher on site?
Not permanently. We can look for a local independent teacher (yoga, pilates, meditation, heart coherence) to lead one-off sessions or organise a full retreat. Contact us early enough so we can align availability.
What is the best season for a retreat?
May-June and September-October are our favourite seasons: perfect climate (20-26 °C), few crowds, exceptional light. July-August are possible but hotter — morning and evening sessions then take priority. Off-season, winter retreats (silence + fireplace) can be arranged on request.
Can you combine yoga with more active formats (hiking, kayak)?
Absolutely, and it is a format we recommend. "Yoga + nature" retreats (silent walks, meditative kayak, mindful hiking) work very well and offer a complementary bodily grounding to mat practice.
