Where art meets culinary delight in unforgettable settings
– we’re all about re-discovering what truly inspires you.
Easing into the day — a coffee and maybe a croissant in hand, space to stretch, and time that feels like it’s yours again. Breakfast is fresh, nourishing, and unhurried, shared with others who are here for the same reason: to reconnect with their creativity.
The creative space calls — tables laid with colour, texture, and possibility, ready for you to explore. Brushes sweep across canvas, hands shape and craft, ideas flow freely. The space hums with quiet focus and shared laughter — a place where experimenting feels safe and play feels natural.
From the very first moment, the day feels different. Spacious. Inspiring. A reminder that you’ve given yourself a gift to create and luxuriate.
Fresh, seasonal food compliments conversations that drift easily, sparked by creativity and inspiration. In this rhythm of making, pausing, and sharing, you find yourself slipping into flow — present, absorbed, and joyfully creative.
Every moment has been designed to inspire, delight, and connect you to your new-found tribe. Suddenly- sleep, eat, repeat never sounded so good. You’re slowing down and lingering a while – browsing the eclectic ‘Frenchness’ of the boutiques- soaking in the lingo of the market chit-chat alongside the unmistakable, cultural finesse of rural France.
Picturing Yourself there? Then let me ask you…..
Can you imagine how enlightening it would feel to explore your dreams without distraction?
Consider it imagined!- through the unique architecture, food, creative ateliers and expert tuition, you’ll get to explore all your creative curiosity uninterrupted, so you can nourish your soul and celebrate ‘YOU TIME’
Want to feed your creative curiosity?
Embracing an array of carefully curated artistic and culinary experiences, you will be expertly guided to develop both new and maybe familiar skills, so you can unleash your unique creative spark and desires to craft and create.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to liberate that imposter mindset with a bunch of like-minded creatives?
Through wonderfully, light-hearted workshops, you’ll banish that ‘doubting Thomas’, creating justifiably proud ‘this is me’ art and artefacts.
Do you fantasise about bringing back your relaxed, fun-loving spirit?
With dedicated time-out to rejuvenate, collaborate and connect with our like-minded tribe, you’ll get to cast off the super-human cape and reclaim your tranquility.
If these insights sparked a resounding YES for you, then we’re on the same page.
The Location – The Dordogne- South-West France
Immerse yourself in the charm of the Dordogne – this is France at its finest- where rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards and storybook villages create a setting of unparalleled beauty.
The timeless quality of our retreat base- Issigeac- nurtures your desire to explore art, crafts and master your culinary curiosity
Issigeac is more than a destination—it’s a step back in time, where history lovers and artists have wandered for many an hour.
Issigeac is the epitome of history and artistry. a haven for creative artisans who embrace its quirky allure and share their own unique and eclectic creative community with you.
You’ll discover an array of unrivalled boutiques, bursting with handcrafted treasures, exquisite interior design pieces, and timeless antiques just waiting to be explored.
Stunning period homes, cobblestone lanes, and charming doorways adorned with climbing flora leading to secret gardens and outdoor terraces—make Issigeac the perfect creative backdrop for our art and culinary adventure.
Let’s muse and wander!
Wandering is not aimless- it’s attentive, it requires you to become attuned to where you are by observing what else is there with you. Wandering asks you to step out of self-direction and efficiency- to give up the ways you think you should go and enter into a roaming relationship with life” – DAY SHILDKRET
Where You’ll Stay – Namaste Cottage
Namaste Cottage
A traditional French Chambre D’Hote and home to our hosts, Olivier and Magali who have poured their creative hearts and souls into renovating this gloriously re-imagined property.
Retaining its period splendour, with bang up-to-date amenities -including a pristine and private salt-water swimming pool – set within the landscaped garden and outdoor bar and – all ours exclusively for the whole retreat.
The attention to detail and style resonates throughout, with each ensuite room exuding chic design details, soft linens and quirky artefacts.
Olivier and Magali’s love of travel is reflected in the breakfast room and lounge – fascinating nooks and crannies filled with books and curios- hold you in their creative space and get you into conversations about their amazing love of India (and don’t get Magali started about Scotland- her spiritual home and passion place- she’s even named their adorable house cat ‘Syke’ after her favourite Scottish Island!)
Broad Strokes Itinerary
- Leisurely breakfasts hosted at Namaste Cottage
- Daily creative workshops of watercolour painting plus a ceramic pottery experience.
- Bastide town market day visits
- A hands-on culinary creation workshop with Tess Prince, executive chef from the famous Pikes Hotel in Ibiza and a seasoned retreat chef
- Plenty of downtime to enjoy the garden and pool or explore Issigeac and it’s surrounding area
- Visit to Chateau Biron- only 10 minutes from our retreat base- with stunning panoramic views across the Dordogne vineyards and countryside
- Curated restaurant evening meals in hand-picked locations
- Delicious food gatherings – created by yours truly ( all dietary needs catered for)
- Private Gallery Viewing with Sophie Lozach- local sculptor and photographer with pre-dinner canapés and sparkling bubbles.
You think you’re no Monet?
I hear you loud and clear— but this retreat is so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s about…
TIME OUT for YOU—a chance to rejuvenate, recharge, and re-connect with yourself.
An opportunity to cast off that superhuman cape you wear so well and rediscover your curious, fun-loving and wonderfully creative spirit.
BREAKING THE EAT-SLEEP-REPEAT CYCLE
Foster a flow of fresh, inspiring ideas. This is YOUR time to re-capture that innovative brilliance within you—while embracing the space to dream big and imagine a future centred on creativity and possibility.
ELEVATING YOUR NEW-FOUND CONFIDENCE Harness your unique creative flair and long-held desires to craft and create- sustaining your creative buzz long after this unique retreat experience.
BANISH THOSE MOODY BLUES and live your best outdoorsy life with opportunities to unwind, dine under the stars and feast in style. You’ll get to soak in the atmosphere of our typically French soirees so you can revel with newfound friends.
Savour the flavours of France! Dive into our cookery sessions led by me and Tess Prince of LOVE FOOD Ibiza! Learn to create (and devour) mouth-watering dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients and leave with new skills, cherished recipes, and a palate full of memories.
Craft Your Perfect Experience-
This retreat is designed with flexibility in mind. With half days deliberately ‘un-filled’- explore vibrant local markets, take leisurely strolls, explore exquisite châteaux and landscapes.
With plenty of free time, you can recharge, reflect, and truly savour every moment.
First and foremost, Cathy is a beautiful soul, she has a naturally empathetic nature that really puts clients and guests at ease – but also has a fun-loving side that is so important on retreats. She has supported my own culinary, cookery and yoga retreats, ensuring they run seamlessly.
Cathy is a highly talented, naturally gifted cook/chef with a great eye for detail in her food presentation. She has a good understanding of what I consider “yogi foods” Microbiome, , Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Plant-based proteins.
She is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Cathy created the perfect menu for our retreat. Highly recommend the food but also Cathy for her passion and personality, who could make anything you ask for I’m sure.
Working and planning our event with Cathy was a pleasure. She is responsive, cooperative, creative and flexible.
….the thing that sets Bespoke Catering and Retreats apart from the rest, is the personal approach and friendliness of Cathy and her team.