The word retreat has been used for some fairly punishing weeks, so the worry is fair. Women write and ask whether there will be a schedule of classes, whether they will be weighed, whether they will be the slowest one on a hill with everyone waiting at the top.
Not a bootcamp, not a weight-loss week
No, no and no. We walk because it feels good to move and because the countryside is beautiful, not because anybody needs to get fit. It is not a weight loss retreat either. There is nothing you have to sign up for when you arrive.
Jo's own words on it, because they are better than ours: “It's not a boot camp. I'm not a size 8 woman. I'm fit and healthy. This is me.”
The walks and the long one
On the walks there is a faster group and a slower one. Jo usually takes the back of the slower one herself. That is not a courtesy for the brochure, it is where she prefers to walk.
There is exactly one long walk all week. She is straight about it rather than burying it: the guided stretch of the Camino de Santiago is thirteen kilometres and takes about three hours. It is not a hilly walk. There is one slight hill at the start and after that it is about distance, not climbing. If you are comfortable walking for three hours, you will be fine. If it is not for you, you stay at the château. The pool, the spa, the sun and a book are all still there and you have a very good day.
On bodies, in Jo's words
On bodies, since it is the thing behind the question. This is Jo's answer in full. It is the reason a lot of women book: “The retreat is body positive. It is not a fitness or weight-loss retreat and I am very conscious that women come in all shapes and sizes, with very different relationships with their bodies. There is no judgment, no expectation to look or move a certain way. The emphasis is on joining the countryside, walking, delicious food, the spa, relaxation and simply giving yourself permission to pause.”
The spa is not a performance
The spa is a relaxed place rather than a performance. If there is something you would rather sort out quietly before you arrive, say so when you ask for the brochure and Jo will talk it through with you.
Questions women ask about this
Is this a fitness retreat?
No. We walk because it feels good to move and because the countryside is beautiful, not because anybody needs to get fit. It is not a weight loss retreat either.
Do I need to be fit?
Nothing is compulsory. There is a faster group on the walks and Jo usually takes up the rear herself for anyone who wants a slower stroll.
The one she is always straight about is the Camino walk. It is thirteen kilometres and takes about three hours. There is one slight hill at the start and after that it is about distance, not climbing. If you are comfortable walking for three hours, you will be fine. Once it starts there is no turning back halfway, so decide beforehand. If it is not for you, you can stay at the château, use the pool or simply sit in the sun with a book. Not everybody does everything.
I am plus size. Would I feel comfortable?
This is Jo's own answer, in her words rather than ours.
“The retreat is body positive. It is not a fitness or weight-loss retreat and I am very conscious that women come in all shapes and sizes, with very different relationships with their bodies. There is no judgment, no expectation to look or move a certain way. The emphasis is on joining the countryside, walking, delicious food, the spa, relaxation and simply giving yourself permission to pause. I want every woman to feel comfortable and completely herself. The spa is also a very relaxed environment and I would be happy to discuss any particular requirements before you book, so you can feel completely comfortable.”
Do I have to join in with everything?
Absolutely not. One of the most important parts of the week is having time to yourself. You can sit by the pool, read, nap, have a treatment or do absolutely nothing at all. That is not wasted time, it is part of the retreat.
I have restricted mobility. Can I still come?
The château has ramps, disabled access and a lift. Two of the bedrooms are adapted for restricted mobility with accessible bathrooms. The walks are all optional.
Tell Jo a bit more about what you need and she will be honest with you about what would and would not work.