Holiday itinerary
Beautiful countryside walks, fresh juices, red wine, horses, NLP, and hypnotherapy are amongst the tools that make up this a one of a kind 6 night/7 day detox and weight loss retreat. Set in unspoilt countryside amidst orchards, vineyards, forests with idyllic views of the Pyrenees mountains, and with an abundance of excellent red wine, this holiday offers an experience far from a typical weight loss, detox retreat.
The detox and weight loss retreat follows the philosophy behind Professor Roger Corder’s excellent book The Red Wine Diet and is also enriched by NLP - Neuro-Linguistic Programming (to motivate the conscious mind), medical hypnotherapy (to motivate the unconscious mind), walking (to detox the body and improve fitness) and equine-assisted meditation (to detox the mind). This unique combination of tools ensure guests can enjoy healthy living and weight loss results in the long term, long after the retreat is over.
Dr Margaretha Montegu, your host for the retreat, has run the retreats for a number of years and is highly experienced helping people detox and lose weight – including herself. Margaretha is a retired medical professional, qualified in NLP, hypnotherapy, equine assisted therapist, and wonderful host who leads the majority of the activities. Groups are kept small, a maximum of 4 participants at a time to ensure full attention to each guest and every detox and fitness programme is designed to offer a bespoke service unique to each guest.
After reading Corder’s book she learnt that red wine is really good for you and wine drinkers are less prone to heart disease, diabetes and dementia amongst other things. The anti-oxidants in particular compounds called procyanidins, mean that following the red wine diet helps fight the effects of aging and improve health risks.
Corder specifically cites Madiran wine as being especially beneficial, and this is precisely the wine made from the vineyards that surround the French manor that Margaretha calls home, and is the inspiring location for the detox and weight loss retreat.
As well as enjoying the wine itself, each guest can enjoy a rustic red wine soap in their room to rid the body of dead skin cells and aid the detox process, wine supplements are used during the juice fasting phase, and wine scented candles make the equine assisted meditation that more pleasurable and relaxing.
Invigorating, healthy guided walks start your day to wake up and detox both mind and body. Walks take in the beauty of the area -exploring hidden treasures, lakes, hills and chateauxs.
Delicious, nourishing detox juices are on the menu for the first 3 full days of your stay as your body begins the detox process. Supplements of beneficial compounds found in red wine boost your wellbeing during this time as you begin to feel healthier and lighter. More complex foods are reintroduced from day 5, which is where you can raise a glass and enjoy the delicious Madiran wine that boasts so many health benefits. Meals are designed to offer healthy nutritional benefits, and also guide you and your body into healthy eating choices in the long term.
NLP, hypnotherapy and equine-assisted meditation, also offer tools to change the mind set of dieting to ensure effects are lasting. Healthy eating choices will become the norm as you enjoy these relaxing sessions in the manor’s grounds, and paddocks where the horses are kept.
One afternoon offers a guided excursion to Saint Mont monastery and abbey, its pretty medieval village, and even a tutored wine tasting at the Saint Mont winery. Charles, Margaretha’s husband and wine connoisseur will guide you in the art of tasting wine. You can experience its unique subtle flavours, learn about its production and share Charles’ extensive knowledge of the wine of the region.
In between activities, explore the manor’s stunning surroundings, curl up with a good book and a blanket by the pond, sit in the sunny courtyard, lounge in the orchard or enjoy an alfresco siesta.
The 18th century French manor where you’ll stay has been beautifully restored to offer the most hospitable and relaxing experience for all who stay here. Guests can enjoy private en suite rooms, welcoming hosts who are on hand to make your stay exceptional, an elegant dining room, equipped gym, secluded courtyards and 7 acres of grounds to explore. There is also a natural spring in the grounds.
This retreat is a wonderful combination of the red wine diet philosophy, expert professional help, alternative therapies and wonderful walks to offer a relaxing, affective, revitalising and educational experience.
Suitability
- The detox retreat has been specially designed for guests who want to detox – whether they are looking for a unique way to de-stress or get fitter, and also those looking to lose weight
- The retreat suits those looking for an effective retreat experience without pure fasting, military style exercise boot camps, or radical treatments
- This detox program is aimed at those who are looking to revolutionise their lifestyle, diet and body in order to lead a more fulfilling and healthier life well after the retreat is over
- You must be well to start the detox program and if you suffer from any medical condition, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before beginning any fasting or detox program
- The activities include close proximity to horses and so not suitable for those with horse allergies
- Minimum age 18
Travelling Solo?
- These wellness holidays make great singles holidays and singles are welcome to join an existing group
- Solo travellers can share a room with a guest of the same gender for no extra cost
- There are also NO single supplements if you wish to have your own private room, which makes this holiday a great option for solo travellers
- Should you wish to have your own private room, please state this in the ‘special requests’ box during the booking process
- Groups are kept to minimum of 4 to give maximum attention to participants
Preparation Before Detoxing And Post Detox Support
- It is suggested that 7-14 days before arrival at the detox retreat you undertake a ‘pre-cleanse’ for your body to ease your body into the process of detoxification
- The preparation for the detox takes at least 7 days, so two weeks before arrival, guests are sent a detox questionnaire, detailed instructions and a detox diary by e-mail
- Included in this package are also a selection of e-books on subjects pertinent to the detox/weight loss program
- The post-treatment program also last for a week and are given to guests when they leave
- It facilitates eating normally again without losing the benefits of the detox
- Guests will also receive access to various health and fitness ebooks as well as Margaretha’s online stress management programme
Holiday Start Days
- This holiday runs April-October and arrival can be any day of the week
- If you would like to check when other guests are booked on the course, email us on or call us on 08445 020445 but please bear in mind, many people book last minute and we may not always have the most up to date bookings for a specific date
- If this course appears ‘on request’ we can usually accommodate your requirements, to check availability, email us on or call us on 08445 020445 with your preferred dates and someone will get back to you very quickly
Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 –Arrival day
- Guests are invited to check-in to the accommodation anytime after 4pm and upon arrival will be welcomed with a refreshing cup of herbal tea, either served hot or on ice depending on the day’s weather
- After introductions to the rest of the team, the afternoon is your own and free to explore the manor house, orchards and for general relaxing before a leisurely dinner is served at around 7.30pm
- You’ll enjoy a healthy meal before beginning your detox the following day
Days 2 – 4 – Initial consultation, morning walks, juice fasting, NLP sessions, hypnotherapy, equine assisted meditation
- On the first morning of your stay at the manor, you will meet with Dr Margaretha for an initial consultation
- A general health and weight check will be done to measure things like blood pressure, weight and general wellbeing
- In the consultation you will discuss your personal weight loss and detox goals which Margaretha then uses to create each guest’s bespoke weight loss and detox programme for the week
- Each morning will begin with an invigorating walk to get you woken up and ready for the day
- The manor house where your holiday is based is set in stunning surroundings, and Charles, your host’s husband and guide for the walks is really knowledgeable about the region and keen to share is passion for the local surroundings
- Each day will be a different route and allows guests to discover wonderful hidden areas that are only accessible by foot
- Some of the possible favourite routes may take you through woodlands, past 3 lakes and around chateauxs and vineyards
- After returning from your morning walk, you’ll sit down and enjoy a refreshing and revitalising healthy juice drink made from fruit and vegetables for the first 3 days of your stay at the manor as you detox
- As well as fruit and vegetable juices, you will also be given resveratrol and polyphenols supplements which are found in the Madiran red wine which is said to be extremely beneficial to your health
- Each morning after breakfast, the group usually gathers under one of the ground’s 200 year old oak tree to begin an empowering Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) session
- NLP is an approach to communication, behaviour and language and how adapting one or all of these 3 components can help in achieving certain goals
- What Margaertha does in her NLP sessions is showcase simple, practical techniques and strategies to help dieters resist temptation, stick to their healthy eating plans but also to help them feel more on control of their eating habits
- The NLP session is followed by a deeply relaxing hypnotherapy sessions to aid each guest to achieve their weight loss and detox goals
- The hynotherapy session is focused on implanting subliminal suggestions in guest’s minds that will help you get rid of food addictions, motivate you to choose healthy options, exercise regularly and on increasing each guest’s self-confidence and improving self-image
- The hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive tool which guests generally find incredibly calming and relaxing
- After the hypnotherapy, guests gather for a lunchtime fruit or vegetable juice and supplements and then the afternoon is free for guests to spend as they please
- Many guests find the detox process can be tiring and so you’re invited to find a quiet corner to relax and even take a well deserved post-lunch siesta, in a hammock in the orchard, on a blanket by the pond or in the private courtyard – the grounds and house are open to explore and enjoy
- Late afternoon sees an equine assisted meditation session in the paddock with the manor's horses
- Many people find meditation difficult and it’s often hard to switch off and fully relax
- The idea of using horses to facilitate mediation stems from the fact the animals are in tune with nature and are able to create a calm, quiet and healing energy field which facilitates mediation
- Guests are invited to sit in the paddock with the horses, but for some, just watching from the side is enough to develop a calm clear mind
- Red wine scented candles are used during meditation sessions as part of The Red Wine Diet philosophy
- The style of equine assisted mediation that Margertha practices is based on the book by Dominique Barbier, called Meditation for Two
- Margaretha is a fully qualified EAGALA Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning level 2 therapist and so is really knowledgeable about how horses can aid health and wellbeing
- The hypnotherapy and NLP sessions are recommended by Margaretha as part of the weight loss and detox retreat programme but any guests can choose not to take part in these sessions if they prefer
- In the evening, guests enjoy another vegetable juice drink and most evenings there is an optional screening of a wellness DVD covering a variety of health and wellbeing topics or free time to relax
Days 5 & 6 –Morning walks, introduction to other food types and Madiran red wine, NLP sessions, hypnotherapy, equine assisted meditation
- After juice fasting for the first full 3 days of your stay, day 5 sees the introduction to more complex food types and also the introduction to Madiran – the red wine that Professor Roger Corder’s book The Red Wine Diet emphasises for its health benefits and is also the wine from the vineyards surrounding the manor
- As with the start of your stay, the mornings will begin with invigorating walks to get you woken up and ready for the day
- After returning from your morning walk, you’ll sit down and enjoy a healthy breakfast
- One of the benefits of slowly introducing more complex foods is that any intolerances or sensitivities can be recognised
- Each morning after breakfast, the programme will follow the same structure, with an NLP session followed by a hypnotherapy session
- After these treatments, the afternoon is again free, though on one of these days you will have the opportunity to visit the Saint Mont monastery and abbey and the medieval village nearby
- You will also be treated to a tutored wine tasting at the Saint Mont winery, held by your host Charles who has a WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) diploma as well as many years experience in the wine industry
- You will have the chance to taste some of the region’s best wines and share Charles’ intimate knowledge and passion and learn how to successfully taste wine and spot any faults
- There is no set day for this visit and it is scheduled to fit in with guests’ arrival and departure times
- On the other days without the monastery visit, afternoons are free for siestas, reading books and relaxing in the grounds of the manor
- Late afternoon sees an equine assisted meditation session in the paddock with the manor's horses as per the previous days
- In the evening, guests enjoy a dinner with the group and most evenings there is an optional screening of a wellness DVD covering a variety of health and wellbeing topics or free time to relax
Day 7 –Departure day
- After breakfast guests are asked to check-out of their rooms by 11am ready for departure taking home with them a new revitalised, healthy mind and body and the chance to look forward to a further 7 days of post-retreat support to ensure your new detoxed self can continue to enjoy the benefits of this inspiring, unique health programme for years to come
About Your Tutors
- Dr Margaretha Montegu and her husband Charles Montegu are the hosts and owners of this beautifully restored manor house in Gascony where the weight loss retreat takes place
- Margaretha is a fully qualified medical doctor, experienced in a variety of medical disciplines including Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, and Emergency Medicine
- She practiced medicine for 8 years in Jersey before moving to Gascony where she breeds horses ad learnt more about equine assisted therapies
- Margaretha is also a qualified NLP certified practitioner, EAGALA certificate level 2 equine assisted therapist and experienced medical hypnotherapist
- She uses her many years of experience in traditional and alternative medicines from the different disciplines to offer all guests a personal, compassionate, proactive and down to earth treatment experience
- Margaretha first set up the detox and weight loss retreats 5 years ago after having had experience with issues of weight loss herself she decided to set up a retreat combining her various therapy experience, as well as harnessing the health benefits of the Madiran wine, the grape of which surrounds the manor house
- Charles, Margaretha’s husband is a wine connoisseur who is passionate about the wine of the region and truly knowledgeable
- Charles holds a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) diploma and is also a vintner of the city of London
- He really knows his stuff and loves sharing his knowledge in informal yet insightful wine tastings for his guests
- Your hosts speak French and English but tutoring will be given in English
Who Are Our Guests?
- Holidays are typically made up of international travellers looking to de-stress, detox, lose weight and return fitter and healthier from their holiday
- Ages vary, but the typical customer falls in to the 30-60 age bracket
- 80% of our guests travel solo
- Of course, everyone shares an interest in discovering a new activity, healthier lifestyle or revitalising experience
What Will I Learn?
- The tools to continue a new healthier way of eating and living
- The detox and exercise programme most suitable to tackle your own personal health/weight concerns
- A deeper understanding of NLP and hypnotherapy in tackling weightloss and correcting bad eating habits
- How horses can assist in learning and healing
- You will visit a local vineyard and learn the process of making wine and how to taste the region’s wines
- You will taste wines and learn to assess the merits of each wine as well as spot some common wine faults
The Accommodation
- Your accommodation is set in a beautifully restored traditional manor house which is over 200 years old
- The manor house was traditionally a vineyard owners house and has a great historic feeling to it
- The manor house is surrounded by secluded vineyards, orchards, lush meadows and ancient woods and 7 acres of land
- The manor has its own natural fresh spring where guests can help themselves to water
- It is only 2km to the nearest village with a selection of shops
- There is an elegant dining room with a marble fireplace, a small but well equipped gym and an extensive library for guests to use
- Outside there are several informal seating areas in the garden, orchard and by the pond
- The manor house and it's annex has 3 large double bedrooms with double and queen size beds, and a single room with 2 single beds in
- All bedrooms have comfortable mattresses and hand-embroidered bed linen
- Guests are all provided with a rustic red wine soap to use as a body scrub during their stay which helps with the detox and utilises the anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties of red wine
- The scrub helps get rid of dead skin cells and toxins from the body
- Bathrooms have a selection of eco-friendly toiletries and towels
- Complementary Wi-Fi is available
- Accommodation is included for 6 nights / 7 days
- Check in anytime after 4pm on day 1 and check out by 12 noon on day 7
Meals
- All meals are included during your 6 night/7 day stay at the manor
- The first full 3 days of your stay guests will be taking part in a juicing fast and so only pure vegetable and fruit juices are consumed during this time
- As well as the juices, you will also be offered resveratrol and polyphenols supplements which are nutrients found in red wine
- From day 5, more complex foods are slowly introduced
- At this point, guests are also introduced to Madiran red wine, as recommended by the Red Wine Diet philosophy for its extremely beneficial anti-aging and healing properties
- The Red Wine Diet is based on the fact that drinking the right kinds of red wine and eating procyanidin-rich foods such as dark chocolate, apples, and berries can help us live to a ripe old age-while enjoying all the pleasures of life
- The most beneficial wine is Madiran which is the type of wine produced in the vineyards which surround the manor
- One of the benefits of this detox and then slow introduction to food is that any allergies, intolerances or sensitivities to foods can be highlighted
- This reintroduction also means that when guests return home to eating a normal diet, they are more prepared to make healthy choices and it is not such a drastic change for the body
Optional Extra Treatments / Consulations / Massages
- There are a number of additional treatments and activities which can be booked
- Yoga, Pilates, Reiki, cranio-sacral therapy, homeopathy, equine-assisted life coaching, aromatherapy, gym sessions, horse riding and visits to local spas can also be arranged (at extra cost)
- The availability and price of additional sessions vary according to the type of therapy and the duration
- Prices start from £35-50 per session
- Guests are advised to enquire and reserve therapy when they receive their pre-treatment program (2 weeks before their arrival)
- Margaretha has a private consultation with each guest on their second day of the retreat, but she is available to give additional consultations for a supplement which can be arrange during your stay
Free Time In France
- This detox and weight loss retreat is packed with activities and many guests find the detox process tiring but there is time to explore the surrounding area and local attractions
- There is a wide variety of activities to make the most of around Madiran, and guests are strongly encouraged to rent a car if they would like to explore these areas
- Ideas include water skiing, hiking, camel riding, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing on the Adour river, sailing on the lac de Plaisance, golfing in Pau, motor cycle racing, sightseeing, spa treatments and also various fêtes and festivals in surrounding towns
- Though equally catching up on sleep, relaxation and afternoon siestas is also encouraged!
Go learn to achieve a happier, healthier state of wellbeing, enjoying wonderful hospitality, a unique red wine diet and the tools to make long term positive changes to your lifestyle on this detox and weight loss retreat unlike any other