-
“It was relaxing and energising — the perfect holiday!”
“La Serrania Retreat was heavenly. The location and house were lovely and the food was healthy and delicious. The best part of the week though was undoubtedly the treatments, massages and reflexology, given by Claire and Pru and the twice daily yoga and meditation sessions in the spacious open studio, or out under the stars.
It was relaxing and energising — the perfect holiday!”—Fran
-
“I am forever grateful.”
Claire Nichols, is a highly informed and sensitive healer, the wealth of knowledge and menu of different practices she brings with her are highly effective. Claire's support is immense and, over the 7 Years I've been lucky enough to know Claire, she has helped me through some really tough times, I am forever grateful.
—Tara
-
“Claire organised an amazing week for us all”
“Claire organised an amazing week for us all; we started the day with yoga in the fresh early morning air, followed by meditation and then a delicious breakfast. Divine treatments of reflexology and aromatherapy massages took us to lunch, and then a trip to anywhere we wanted to go for walking or shopping in the afternoon. More treatments in the early evening and then dinner under the stars — the whole week reflected Claire's relaxed, thoughtful and positive manner and left us feeling calm and thoroughly looked-after.”
—Sally
-
“I feel very grounded and reconnected, thanks to the retreat.”
“I loved the retreat in Villa Harmonia. Claire and Debbie are such amazing healers and created such a pampering, relaxing environment, I feel completely rejuvenated. It was great to have a structure to the day — to start doing yoga as the sun was rising was so perfect… but it was also lovely to be able to opt in and out of the different activities, depending on your mood. It was also such a beautiful place, both the location and the villa itself. It was perfect to be in the mountains — very grounding. In fact, that's a really good summary, I feel very grounded and reconnected, thanks to the retreat.
Thank you again, it was a really wonderful experience.”—Elspeth
-
“Thank you for a great massage and yoga weekend!”
“There are so many pressures upon couples these days. What a wonderful opportunity you gave us to avoid the distractions of modern living, in the peace and quiet of a beautiful rural location. We had space and time to give attention to ourselves and each other, our health and wellbeing and the valuable feelings we share…”
—Joe & Heather Baker
Therapies
Go on, treat yourself today, it's easy!
Things you will want to know; treatments:
- are available for ½ hr, 1 hr or 1½ hours.
- make wonderful presents! Gift vouchers available.
- in my therapy room cost £45+ for 1 hour.
- in your own home cost £55+ depending on location.
Claire also makes customised aromatherapy products: Shower Gels, Body Balms, Bath and Body Oils, Creams, Lotions and Sprays—all personally made for you. Contact Claire for further details.
New!! Yoga Classes
At: 118 Byng Drive, Potters Bar
On: Tue. 8.30pm, Thur. 9:45am & 8:30pm
All levels and experience welcome.
Please Contact Claire for further details or if you would like to come along.
Aromatherapy
Massage using a specifically blended essential oils to recharge or relax the mind and body. Massage works in many wonderful ways—releasing muscular tension, increasing circulation and toning the muscles. It's great for fluid retention and sluggishness. Why not try a ‘detox’ massage—the treatment starts with a skin brush to get rid of dead skin cells and boost the blood and lymphatic system followed by a massage using highly effective detoxifying oils. A great complement to a health regime!
Yoga/Meditation
These classes can be tailored for individuals or small groups so that greater flexibility, core strength and fitness can be addressed. Any level of ability or experience can be catered for.
Yoga is about having fun, learning correct asanas (postures),breathing and relaxation techniques and leaving feeling fully revitalised and re-energised.
Indian Head Massage
This treatment focuses on the head, neck and shoulders and can be done with or without oils. The client sits fully clothed in a chair. Firm and invigorating techniques are used to release muscular tension and energise the upper part of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage
This treatment works deeply on specific areas of the body and helps release knotted muscles and tension.
Hot Stone Massage
A wonderful treatment which is incredibly relaxing. Warm stones are used to massage the body and placed on the body. Excellent for physical and emotional stress. Particularly great in winter or when the body has been feeling deficient or suffered immune problems.
Facial Rejuvenation Massage
This treatment specifically focuses on the face and head. Using pressure point techniques with or without aromatherapy oils. It is excellent for plumping up sagging muscles and releasing tension which builds up in the muscles—particularly in the forehead, under the eyes and jaw. After the session you will look as refreshed and as bright as you feel!
Reiki/Healing
The client relaxes under warm blankets while the therapist gently places her hands on and over the body. This treatment helps release physical and emotional blocks. The person may feel tingling and a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. Considered to be as rejuvenating as a good nights sleep!
Aquadetox
A light electrical current passes through a bath of salt water in which your feet are immersed. As the treatment progresses, the water changes colour as the body releases toxins through the feet. This treatment has scientifically been proven to help make the body more alkaline and release toxins from the cells. Great for clearing the head and mind and helping kick start a health regime. A course of treatments is recommended but you will see and feel the difference even after one treatment. An excellent treatment to combine with Reflexology.
Life Readings
This intuitive session looks at the individual—where they are on their life path and helps gain a greater sense of the bigger picture. It helps look at the blocks in ones life and may be combined with healing to release old habits and patterns and move forward with greater clarity and positivity.
Reflexology
A deeply relaxing treatment on the feet. Each part of the foot is related to a part of the body, each part of the foot or ‘reflex point’ is gently massaged to help remove blockages from the body and restore balance.
Chateau L'Age Baston, Angouleme, France. Dates:
Booking your place
This year booking is done with the chateau direct so please email Victoria at lagebaston@gmail.com or phone 0208 858 7705. www.lagebaston.com
For further information contact
Claire Nichols
Call: 07985 077227.
Email: claire@holistic-heaven.com.
Post: Claire Nichols, 118 Byng Drive, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 1UJ.
About Claire Nichols
Claire founded Holistic Heaven in 2007 with her husband to be Richard. A Complementary Therapist since 1996, Claire has worked on many successful retreats in the UK, Italy, Spain and Majorca. She combines her love of travel and different cultures with her passion of sharing her knowledge and giving of her therapies.
“I cannot thank Claire and Debbie enough… the retreat worked wonders on my mind and body, as after many many failed fertility treatments, I am now pregnant with my son following IVF treatment just 1 month after my return!”
—Jennie Rosser, Spain 2009
-
The Grand Salon
I am delighted to say that after the success of the holistic heaven 2011 retreat, there will be a further two retreats at the Chateau in 2012.
The Chateau L'Age Baston has been a popular venue for painters and artists for many years and the chateau holds French cooking, walking and language courses throughout the year. Set in 20 acres of woodland, pasture and orchards and originally built in the 17th century, it is truly a stunning place to immerse yourself in. John and Alex Waddington, its current owners for the last 20 years, have utilised its natural ambience, magic and beauty and created this idyllic place to stay.
“It really is a world away from the everyday stresses of our hectic lives”
The retreat promises to be a week or fortnight of blissful relaxation and recharging. Whether you want to meet new friends and take full advantage of all that is on offer or just have space and private time this retreat caters to all you could wish for. It really is a world away from the everyday stresses of our hectic lives — also from the imminent London Olympics, which will be on at the same time. It gives us rare opportunities to calm our busy minds and be still.
For those who want to be more active, the day starts with yoga in the studio before breakfast and a 2–3 hour guided walk each morning before lunch. The countryside is picturesque and full of history. John the Chateau owner has a vast knowledge of the local area and wildlife to make each walk fascinating, memorable and unique. The walk might take you past unspoilt hamlets and ancient churches or sacred sites where Neanderthal bones have been excavated. The area is known for its outstanding natural beauty and its wine — some of which is enjoyed at the retreat at meal times.
Lunch is a buffet out in the shady courtyard and afterwards there is ample time to sunbathe and relax by the pool, play boules, visit local historic towns, have a holistic treatment or further explore the grounds and woods, perhaps stopping off to visit the other members of the household — the two donkeys and Horatio the sheep.
There will be another yoga class later on in the afternoon outside in the orchard and pre dinner drinks in the courtyard before a sumptuous four course meal with wine. All food is home cooked using local and home grown ingredients. Special diets can be catered for if notice given at time of booking.
Recharge your batteries
For those who want the ultimate in relaxation there is a candlelit relaxation/meditation session before bed which is a perfect way to end a rather wonderful day.
All classes and excursions are optional, all levels of yoga are welcome — whether you are new or a regular practitioner. This retreat is for anyone who wants a week or two to unwind and revitalise in luxurious surroundings. It combines health with indulgence and we warmly welcome return guests and those who are new to this kind of holiday. Space is limited so I would advise you to book as soon as possible if you are interested.
The chateau really is a special place to recharge the mind and body, Alex and John are friendly, relaxed and exceptionally welcoming hosts — their beautiful home really is an extension of themselves.
Each of the 8 bedrooms is large, furnished in traditional French style with antiques and is en suite. Single, double and twin occupancy is available.
There will be two holistic treatments included in the week — from aromatherapy or Indian head massage to reflexology or healing — I have been a complementary therapist for the last 15 years and offer each individual a treatment that will really help rebalance on every level.
We were blessed last year to do some of our treatments outside under the trees surrounded by the abundant nature — it really was heaven!
Prices
7 nights £995, 14 nights £1900
loyalty prices if you book before 28th February 2012: 7 nights £950, 14 nights £1850
Included in the price:
- 7 or 14 nights full board
- 6 or 12 days of yoga and walks
- 2 holistic treatments of your choice
- air conditioned transport
- free airport or train collection
- superb food with wine
- Wi-Fi and guest PC
- trips to places of interest
- solar heated salt water pool
- room towels and pool towels provided
- no single supplement.
Non course partners and friends are also welcome to come along and enjoy all the delights of the chateau — no tuition but everything else is included. There is lots to do nearby (golf, horse riding etc.) but if you simply want to relax, lounge by the pool, read a book, then that's fine too.
This year booking is done with the chateau direct so please email Victoria at lagebaston@gmail.com or phone 0208 858 7705. www.lagebaston.com
I am also happy to answer any questions you might have so please phone me on 07985 077227 or email claire@holistic-heaven.com
I do hope to see you there!
About Claire
-
“I feel blessed to be able to have a job which is so fulfilling and one where you're always learning.”
—Claire
Claire's story…
In 1996 after completing her BA Hons degree in World Religions at University, Claire studied and became a Complementary Therapist. Her training initially took her to the Tisserand Institute—a renowned Aromatherapy College in London.
After working at the Sanctuary in Covent Garden for 2 years, Claire became a busy and successful freelance practitioner in London. She was able to combine her passion of work with a love of travel and exploring different cultures. In 2001 Claire travelled round the world, settling in Australia for almost a year.
Her travels took her to Tibet, Nepal, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. In Thailand Claire enjoyed living in a hill tribe village and studying Thai yoga massage.
Other training and qualifications include: Reflexology, Healing and Reiki Master, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage, Aquadetox, Hopi Ear Candles and Facial Rejuvenation Massage.
Claire also attended Obsidian College run by Lee Everett for 4 years and attained a Diploma as a Healer Counsellor.
In 2003 Claire became a fully qualified yoga teacher having trained at the Sivananda Yoga Centre in the Bahamas.
Claire is particularly enthusiastic about running Holistic retreats abroad. For the last 5 years Claire has joined Rebecca Ward's Spiritual retreats in Mallorca and Italy.
In September 2007, Claire and her partner Richie began running their own successful retreats at home and abroad.
In April 2009 Claire completed an Advanced Diploma in Oriental Aromatherapy, combining Aromatherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine and the 5 elements with Gabriel Mojay at ITHMA—The Institute for Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy.
Claire is fully insured and is a member of the IFPA—The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.
Today Claire enjoys her work as a Practitioner and life as a wife and mother to 4 year old Ollie and Theo, who was born in October 2010. She works part time visiting clients in their home and also has a treatment room where she lives in Hertfordshire.
Her outside interests have included sky diving in New Zealand and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Her treatments are about using her psychic awareness and intuition combined with her years of experience and her skills as a therapist. Treating each person as a unique individual that will best restore energy and balance to the mind, body and spirit. She believes in being gentle and nurturing and working from the heart.
Her Yoga classes are aimed to empower and give clients tools to use in every day life to gain greater understanding of the mind and body and achieve greater health and well-being. Personal Development and spiritual growth are very much at the heart of Claire's philosophy.
Get in touch
Booking your treatment today couldn't be easier!
It's easy to get in touch with me, so if you are interested in:
- booking a therapy session,
- our next retreat
- or simply have some questions,
I'd be delighted to hear from you!
- claire@holistic-heaven.com
- Phone
- +44 (0)7985 077227
- Address:
-
118 Byng Drive
Potters Bar
Herts EN6 1UJ
© Holistic Heaven 2012 • enjoying a Quesmedia Web SOUP!
Claire Nichols, 118 Byng Drive, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 1UJ :: Telephone +44 (0)7985 077227 :: Email: claire@holistic-heaven.com