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Bordeaux, France, 6 nights & 7 days; 29th June - 5th July 2025
Where art and intuition meet.
With Vicki Penfold and sarita sol
This restorative creative retreat has been carefully crafted as a magical combination of meditation, ceremony and healing practices intertwined with playful guided art classes designed to guide participants towards the source of their creativity. This is a unique opportunity to connect with your spiritual intelligence and give yourself permission to play…explore your inner artist whilst clearing any conditioning holding you back from joyful connection to yourself! You will learn to uncover from within a new depth of sensitivity, originality and vision in order to ‘innerstand’ the Tapestry of a creatively unfolding life.
Set on 15 acres of private woodland the retreat space boasts a secret valley which is totally secluded and surrounded by rolling hills filled with sunflowers and grape vines making it the perfect spot to relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning French countryside! With an open communal barn space, woodland yoga platform, a swimming pool, fire pit, stone circle, stunning hill top views you will be able to fully immerse yourself in this very special piece of paradise.
Being in the Aquitaine region of France and a stones’ throw from the capital city Bordeaux, means that you will also have ample opportunity to explore the city and experience the art, architecture, beauty and magic of the area.
Throughout the retreat we will be weaving contemplative and creative paths by combining carefully chosen art activities with healing, meditation and ceremonies designed to push boundaries and explore new ways of seeing and being. Art and mindfulness are used as a portal into the shadow, giving one an opportunity to heal childhood triggers and release trauma; the way of the spirit becomes the doorway to the light that opens connection to your unique soul through art and imagination.
What you will recieve:
* Intentional creation ceremony
* Fun mixed media art play: a dive into various artistic mediums and techniques to unlock creativity
* Stream of consciousness writing
* Tibetan heart meditation with Earth and Stellar stars connection
* Colour theory: Create your own Monet/Zorn limited palette oil colour charts
* Imprinting the molecular structure of water
* En Plein Air Oil painting inspired by nature and light using Monet's limited palette
* Expanding perception exercises
* Ancient walking meditation to connect the energy centers
* Sacred dance weaving colour through the energy centers
* Create your own mandala: a personal work of harmony, integration and transformation
* Smoke drawing and fire ceremony to remove patterns that numb the heart
* Sage smoking ceremony to clear traumatic debris from the body
* Sound bowl healing
* Ceremony of the gifts
Testimonals
"I can't describe simply how fantastically magical and transformative my experience at Solhenge was. I loved every sacred, special moment. The food was legendary - I felt happier and healthier from the abundance of fabulous food that Fiona prepared for us. Gorgeous, fresh and mostly from your garden; every meal was a treat. The art programme was a perfect mix of theory and practice, with exercises designed to creatively liberate, collaborate and learn new techniques. I loved that we moved from abstract exercises to a guided process of capturing the beautiful french countryside en plein air by mixing Monet's limited palette. I now have a lovely impressionist landscape hanging on our wall to show for it. Vicki (the art guru) guided us through the process with warmth, humour and extraordinary knowledge and skill. She encouraged so much joy in the art making process. Thank you for the profound spiritual experience I had through the meditations and ceremonies that you guided us through. They were healing, transformative and deeply inspiring on a creative level. I came away from the retreat with a renewed knowledge of self and a sense of well-being. The ancestral work has given me a gift of re-connection that I am so grateful for. I saw, heard and experienced things that were so powerful, it's hard to articulate them. I hold very dear the message I received in the fire ceremony, the visitation of my parents and a new understanding of the importance of using my imagination to create this life rather than transcend it. I have continued to use the techniques you taught us - Tibetan heart breathing, leminiscate Earth sipping and humming." Fiona, South Africa
"Who knew that art and retreat could go so well together? What a revelation that the two are in such symbiosis, and what a deeply wonderful week I had discovering this. In the week we experienced real intimacy with the group of gorgeous folk being vulnerable together, held by Vicki and sarita... joyful nourishment at every delicious meal.... and honestly, a creative reconnection, founded in self... all in a bower of lush green soft wondrous surroundings. The care and containment for such a journey is critical for full presence, and in this place, with these people, I could fully immerse in the retreat and art processes with confidence. What a gift. Thank you sarita and Vicki for your courage and love. xxx" Ursula, South Africa
This retreat was one of the best decisions I’ve made for ME in quite a while! If it had been just for a more fun-filled aspect to my creative journey, or the deep transformational inner energy work, the comraderie and deep connection with like-minded others, for the fresh air and beautiful farm quiet, or last but by no means least, for the incredibly delicious vegetarian food served fresh to us daily - for any ONE of those aspects, it would have been worth it to me, but it was ALL of that! I really can’t wait to be back there again!
I travelled from Germany to discover a small piece of paradise in Bordeaux! The location is too beautiful for words - beautiful farmlands and sunflower fields all around. The accommodation was wonderful - everywhere you looked there was such attention to detail and the personal touches made even the glamping feel luxurious and comfortable. There were many highlights to the week, from bonding with an amazing group, rediscovering creative energy and meditation with Sarita, and putting it all into practice through art lessons with Vicki. The beautiful surroundings talented instructors were inspiring in equal measure. If there is one highlight I think about more often than any other, it has to be the food! The chef and team worked wonders daily, using local ingredients picked that morning! I still dream about some of the meals enjoyed sitting under the trees. All in all, a very enjoyable and special experience.
I just wanted to say a HUGE Thank you for an amazing week. I know that there was so much going on for me and on many levels and that it will all become apparent to me over time. I can still feel the energy of Solhenge. I feel it profoundly, as if when we did the earth sipping I have actually taken part of its energy into me. Its hard to explain but I feel a part of the land and when I think of it. I feel it. If that makes sense. Its very tangible. I can even smell it. Lol Its great . I was so, so happy to meet you in person. It was a blessing to be not only at SolHenge with so many gentle people, and a part of our process together. But it was really a blessing to meet you. Thank you for the opportunity, the openness, the love, and every gift you shared with me personally and the group as a whole.
I know I am changed
Even though I am not an artist I was so pleased to be sitting, painting and looking at the fields of vines and sunflowers. Vicki’s tutorials and input were accessible and really helpful…with a bit of coaxing she helped me to produce a valid picture! Sarita created a safe space for the guided meditations and ceremonies. It was a place to let go, invite in, enriching and nurturing…I could nestle within my deep inner being drawing in the love and compassion of our beautiful world. I took away some practises that I can use at home to keep in touch with my inner self but I am still working on the discipline to carve out time! And to add, the food was totally amazing and the surroundings were beautiful. The retreat could be enjoyed by all, from total novices in both spheres to talented artists and disciplined meditators. This all could not have been possible without the talented and experienced, charismatic and engaging Vicki and sarita!
'Attuned choice by attuned choice, your entire life is a form of self-expression. You exist as a creative being in a creative universe. A singular work of art'. Rick Rubin, The Creative Act.
This retreat is for you if you wish to:
Learn breathwork techniques, drop into guided meditations, experience releasing ceremonies and incorporate powerful healing modalities into your daily life.
PLUS
· Playfully explore your creativity and soul connection
· Develop your artistic intuition, wisdom and peace
· Desire an inner calm and flow from which to express yourself from
· Let go of other’s expectations
· Remove blocks that hold you back from your originality
· Be enveloped in the most glorious and picturesque French countryside
· Relax by the pool
· Feast on delicious vegetarian food
This creative retreat is suitable for people with no art experience whatsoever as well as more seasoned artists and meditators who wish to experiment with new pathways of self artistry and inner creativity. We will have fun with colour and play with different techniques in various mediums to create unique take-home artworks.
And the artistry of the self does not stop there. Learn how it feels to weave vibrational colours into your energy centers or ‘paint’ with smoke and work with fire and smoke in ceremony to remove creative blocks. Deepen your awareness into the consciousness, spirit and magic that is in all things that wish to be brought into your canvas, both on paper and in your life. This experience will allow you to drop into energetic practices which will open you up to true presence and creative flow…You will be doing so much more than painting en plein air!
ACCOMMODATION:
SolHenge farmhouse is one of the oldest buildings in the area. All of our bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces have been beautifully renovated to incorporate original French rustic charm with clean modern facilities so that your stay is both comfortable and charming. Our glamping facilities are equally lovely and efficient; from constant hot water in your outdoor shower to electric mod cons and proper beds you are sure to get a restful night. People who come here say they have never slept so well, the nights are peaceful and serene and if you are lucky enough to be here during nightingale season you may find yourself lulled into a magical realm as that ethereal song penetrates your dreams.
We have a huge organic, ‘no dig no weed ’vegetable patch and fruit trees and we endeavor to eat homegrown wherever possible. Food that was only moments before attached to the earth is truly delicious and brings unprecedented feelings of wellbeing, especially as all our food is prepared with love by our in house Chef Fiona.
Whether you are admiring the rolling hills as you swim in our pool, sitting around the fire-pit enjoying your sundowner drink, meditating in our stone circle, sunbathing, or simply chatting and enjoying the conversation of other guests from around the world SolHenge has been created so that you can have a truly wonderful, inspiring and relaxing experience. We invite you to think of us as your very special home away from home.
Double Trouble Special (100 Euro off pp if you book with a friend/family member)
We are able to accommodate a total of 14 guests on the retreat, 8 people in the farmhouse and 6 in the luxury glamping. Limited single rooms available. Please enquire.
The retreat begins at 6:30pm on the first day and ends at 4pm on the last day.
YOUR RETREAT STAY INCLUDES:
· All art tuition and materials
· All group healing, ceremonies and meditation tuition
· Three delicious home grown or locally sourced vegetarian meals a day served alfresco style
· Snacks and drinks throughout the day
· Shared single bed accommodation in Farmhouse or glamping
· Access to swimming pool, woods and stone circle
· Access to a fully equipped student kitchen
· Optional local wine tour and boutique chocolatier
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
Your travel (however we can assist you with organizing transfers)
Travel Insurance
Optional excursion to Bordeaux to explore art galleries
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
· Transfers from Bordeaux or Bergerac airports or La Reole train station
· Bed and Breakfast of one two nights either side of retreat with or without extra lunch or supper
· Massage
Vicki Penfold is an artist and art teacher in Cape Town, South Africa where she runs both oil painting and mixed media classes from her St. Catherine Studio. She combines her 20 years' experience in oil and mixed media technique with an energetic teaching style to allow students to develop their own intuitive artistic voice.
Inspiration for her own art work stems from a deep connection and love for nature and the creatures which inhabit a place of magic. Born in Zimbabwe in 1972, Victoria spent her formative years roaming unpopulated wild spaces where her imagination co-opted birds and beasts into fantastical endeavors. Her work challenges one to reconnect with this intimate and beautiful space. To stop, to listen, to suspend time, even if for a fleeting moment. During the two-year global ‘shut down’ in which human travel and interaction was curtailed, a re-emergence of nature into ‘our’ world was observed as animals ventured into the deserted spaces. Victoria’s work expresses the realization that they have never left, are not separate; that we are responsible for maintaining our shared environment and honoring the relationships between beings.
When not behind the easel or running art workshops, Victoria can be found pottering in her permaculture garden, conjuring up a tongue-scorching chilli sauce or running after a wayward chicken.
sarita is an experienced retreat facilitator trained trained and self taught in feminine and masculine practices rooted in healing. She holds sacred space to allow people to have access to their own healing energy and teaches tools and practices that are easily integrated into everyday lives. This enables students to fully embody the truth of who they are by connecting to visionary wisdom, mastering their minds’, elevating consciousness and nurturing their innate power in order to harness it and live in harmony with one another and with the earth. Her channeled meditations facilitate a merging with the universe and the source of all creation and are inspired by the ever emerging science of quantum physics, psychoenergetics (the investigation of all forces existent in the universe and their interaction) and epigenetics. She also facilitates sacred ceremonies for men and women wishing to explore the nature of the universe and experience their own healing.
sarita runs SolHenge Retreat Center in Aquitaine, France with her husband Hamish who has lovingly restored the Farmhouse and lands over the last 9 years.
‘Double Trouble Special’. This is an opportunity to get in touch with that old school friend you have been meaning to hook up with for years…spend quality time with your Mum, sister or favorite cousin! With this in mind, we are offering a further €100 Euro off pp if you book with a friend/family member!
Contact Vicki or sarita directly via email to receive your discount coupon!
Investment
Based on sharing a twin room:
(some single room and tent options available- please ask)
Option 1: Farm house accommodation: €2200 pp all inclusive
Option 2: Glamping accommodation: €2000 pp all inclusive
How to pay:
Either pay in full via the website for Farmhouse accommodation. To pay for Glamping OR to pay a deposit of €350 to secure your place for either accommodation please contact sarita solhengeretreats@solhenge.com
Deposits are non-refundable but may be exchanged with either Vicki or Sarita for other courses or retreats. The Balance is fully refundable should travel restrictions resume. If you have paid in full then the first €550 of your payment is considered to be the deposit.
For art related questions please contact Vicki: artstudio@inkimp.co.za
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