August 31 to September 6

YOGA RETREAT in LEBANON

Join Nathalie Daou for a transformative yoga retreat in the breathtaking mountains of Jezzine, Lebanon! Surrounded by beautiful healing pine trees, we’ll immerse ourselves in deep yoga and meditation practiceS, nature, hikes, activities and soulful connection.

I am beyond excited to invite you to my next yoga retreat in the breathtaking mountains of Jezzine, Lebanon. Nestled in the heart of Bekassine, a picturesque village known for its tranquility and stunning landscapes, this retreat is an opportunity to step away from daily life and immerse yourself in nature, movement, and deep self-connection.

Bekassine is home to the largest pine forest in the Mediterranean, spanning 200 hectares of preserved beauty. With ancient olive presses, historic kilns, old bridges, and natural water sources, this land holds a deep connection to Lebanon’s heritage and offers a healing space for restoration and renewal.

Our retreat will be held at La Maison de la Forêt, a peaceful sanctuary where you’ll wake up to fresh mountain air, birdsong, and the gentle stillness of the forest. This is your chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect, with yourself and the world around you.

What’s Included

- 6 nights at La Maison de la Forêt (with daily housekeeping for a comfortable stay)
- Two nourishing vegetarian/vegan meals a day, prepared with fresh, local ingredients (plus all-day coffee, tea, and water)
- Morning Mysore classes & Led class to deepen your Ashtanga practice
- Workshops & Meditation – exploring movement, breath, and stillness
- Excursions & Cultural Experiences to immerse yourself in the rich beauty of Jezzine
- Airport Transportation from and to the airport.

Who Can Join?

This retreat is open to all levels of practitioners, though some experience in Ashtanga Yoga is recommended. Whether you're looking to refine your practice, find inspiration, or simply take a break in nature, this retreat is designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul.

CoST (price per person):

7,500 AEDSingle Bungalow (for those who prefer a private space)

6,500 AEDShared Bungalow (2 people)
5,700 AEDShared Room (2 people)

To secure your spot you are kindly asked to transfer the deposit, which is 50% of the total amount. The full amount must be closed by 10 June 2025 either cash or via bank transfer. ​Please contact us for account details for the transfer.

The deposit is non-refundable, unless there will be travel bans or closures due to natural events.

Retreat Activities included in the package:

Maison de la Forêt Hike & Karma Yoga Experience - Hike through the lush pine forests of Maison de la Forêt with a guide, taking in the beauty and stillness of nature. As part of our practice of karma yoga (selfless service), we will contribute to the land by cleaning the forest and planting new pine trees, leaving a positive impact on this sacred space. A mindful journey of movement, service, and connection with nature.

J Grove Olive Experience - Spend a peaceful afternoon walking through the olive groves of J Grove, learning about ancient trees and sustainable farming practices. After a mindful stroll, we’ll gather for a tasting experience, sampling the finest local products, cold-pressed olive oil, honey, pine nuts, zaatar, and more each crafted with care and tradition.

Serhal Palace Visit – A Glimpse into Lebanese Heritage - Step back in time as we visit the magnificent Serhal Palace, a hidden gem in Jezzine featuring stunning Lebanese and Byzantine architecture. Explore its mosaic-filled halls, intricate courtyards, and artistic details, appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region.

Souk el Sedd - Wander through Jezzine’s artisan market, home to renowned handcrafted cutlery featuring Phoenician bird designs on the handles. Visit local workshops, such as Boulos Bou Rached, to witness the craft of traditional cutlery-making. A perfect stop for those looking to take home a unique piece of Lebanese heritage.

Optional Activities (Available at Your Own Expense)

Fakhreddine Cave – Visit the historic cave where Emir Fakhreddine hid before his capture by the Ottomans. Used as a refuge during both World Wars, this cave is steeped in history and legend.

Rappelling Adventure ($50 per person) – Experience the thrill of rappelling down Jezzine’s waterfalls. This 5-hour adventure includes a 45-minute hike, professional training, and breathtaking mountain views.

Keif Jezzine Apple Picking & Lunch ($40 per person) – Enjoy a peaceful walk through Jezzine’s orchards, pick fresh apples, and savor a delicious vegan and vegetarian lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.

Karam Winery Visit ($15 per person) – Explore Lebanon’s first winery in the South, where tradition meets innovation. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting experience, sampling exquisite reds, whites, and rosés.

Join me for an unforgettable week of yoga, nature, and rejuvenation in one of Lebanon’s most beautiful regions.

Tentative Schedule

Sunday 31 August
Arrival - free time
Welcome circle
19:00 - Dinner with the group

​Monday 1 September
07:30 - 09:30 Mysore practice with Nathalie Daou (and assistant teacher Yara El Hayek)
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
(Optional Meditative walk between the pine trees)
14:00 – 15:30 Only for beginners revision with Yara El Hayek
16:00 - 18:00 Workshop with Nathalie Daou
19:00 - Dinner

​Tuesday 2 September
07:30 - 09:30 Mysore practice with Nathalie Daou (and assistant teacher Yara El Hayek)
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
12:30 - 16:00 Tour to Serhal Palace Visit & Souk el Sedd
19:00 - Dinner

​Wednesday 3 September
07:30 - 09:30 Mysore practice with Nathalie Daou (and assistant teacher Yara El Hayek)
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
(Optional walk in Bekassin village)
14:00 – 15:30 Only for beginners revision with Yara El Hayek
16:00 - 18:00 Workshop with Nathalie Daou
19:00 - Dinner

​Thursday 4 September
07:30 - 09:30 Mysore practice with Nathalie Daou (and assistant teacher Yara El Hayek)
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
14:00 - 15:00 Meditation Workshop with Nathalie Daou
16:00 - 18:00 Tour to J Grove Olive Experience
19:00 - Dinner

​Friday 5 September
07:30 - 09:30 Mysore practice with Nathalie Daou (and assistant teacher Yara El Hayek)
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
15:00 - 19:00 Maison de la Forêt Hike & Karma Yoga Experience
19:00 - Dinner

Saturday 6 September
07:30 - 09:30 Led Class with Nathalie Daou
10:00 - 11:00 Breakfast
Closing circle
Departure

For more information and to sign up please contact us.

Testimonials from previous retreats

  • Aya

    I had heard a lot of lovely things about Natalie’s Ashtanga classes, and when the retreat came up, it felt like the perfect time for me to join as it is fun and immersive.

    The retreat stood out for me and was impressive because:

    - The farm where we stayed was a great choice, it felt peaceful and well thought out, and I appreciated the care that went into selecting the location.

    - The food was great, healthy and friendly to my body , especially with the chef introducing us to vegan dishes and putting in the time everyday to cook something special.

    - The people joining are another reason, it was lovely to meet others from different parts of the world, each with their own perspectives. It was a nice connection and I will stay in touch.

    I had time to read and reflect, and what made the retreat even more meaningful was being introduced to Ashtanga by Natalie and Ecem. As a beginner, they took the time to walk me through the flow and its discipline, which made me feel the flow and focus inward.

    We also had some excursions around Cape Town, which made the trip more memorable .

    Looking forward to join again ! 

  • Lea

    The Ashtanga Yoga Retreat in Cape Town, organized by Nathalie, was an unforgettable experience.

    The daily morning practice in a beautiful, green farm set the perfect tone for the day.

    With a diverse group from around the world, insightful workshops, and the chance to explore Cape Town's must-see attractions, it was an enriching experience.

    The retreat was super well-organized and seamless, making everything effortless.

    Clean food, with fresh local produce, was also a highlight!  As a beginner in Mysore, I found it beneficial for everyone, no matter where you are in your Ashtanga journey.

    I’d definitely return and highly recommend it!