Awaken your senses in Provence
An Exclusive Mind, Body & Soul Retreat
A Sensory Journey of Culinary Discovery, Art, Photography & Mindful Living
With award-winning Photographic artist and mindfulness teacher Raina Stinson
&
Acclaimed celebrity Chefs, Cyrus & Pervin Todiwala
7 Nights · 8 Days
September 18th to 25th, 2027
L’isle sur la Sorgue, France
Imagine spending a week in a beautiful private luxury villa nestled on 10 acres in the countryside near the hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley. Here, exceptional food, creativity, photography, meaningful conversation, mindful living, and the rhythms of nature come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Awaken your senses in Provence is an intimate retreat limited to a maximum of ten guests seeking inspiration, beauty, connection, and a deeper understanding of food, culture, creativity through mindfulness photography, and mindful living.
Hosted by Raina Stinson—international award-winning photographic and mixed-media artist, mindfulness teacher, and long-time permanent Provence resident—the retreat invites guests to discover the region through the eyes of a local artist while embracing creativity, slow living, and authentic cultural experiences.
Joining the retreat as special guest collaborators are acclaimed chef and educator, cookbook author Cyrus Todiwala, and culinary host, educator, and chef Pervin Todiwala, who bring their renowned expertise, warmth, and passion for hospitality. Together, they introduce guests to the rich traditions of Indian and Parsi cuisine through immersive culinary experiences, engaging storytelling, and inspiring conversations about food, culture, herbs, spices, and the joy of cooking.
More than simply learning recipes or taking photographs, guests are invited to experience Provence through all of their senses—discovering the benefits of slowing down, observing deeply, cooking with intention, creating with curiosity, and embracing the art of living well.
Culinary Experiences with Cyrus & Pervin Todiwala
Throughout the week, Cyrus and Pervin create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere where you will cook, taste, learn, and share stories around the table.
Highlights include:
Three exclusive multi-course dinners prepared by Cyrus and Pervin
An interactive hands-on cooking masterclass
Daily aperitif conversations exploring food, travel, hospitality, and the stories behind Indian and Parsi cuisine
Exploring the language of herbs and aromatics
East Meets Provence—bringing together Provençal produce with Indian culinary techniques
Conversations exploring the traditional healing qualities of herbs, spices, and seasonal foods as part of culinary heritage and wellbeing
Creative and Mindfulness Experiences with Raina Stinson
Each day includes inspiring creative sessions designed for complete beginners as well as experienced artists. Rather than focusing on technical perfection, the emphasis is on curiosity, creativity, presence, and learning to see the world with fresh eyes.
Highlights include:
Mindfulness photography courses
Learn new skills on your iPhone or Android camera
Mindfulness photography walks through villages and landscapes
Daily mindfulness and guided meditations
You will have a photo session with Raina creating a beautifully crafted fine art portrait at an exclusive location to take home as a lasting keepsake of your time in Provence.
Conversations on the joys of living in France, including French culture, traditions, everyday life, and Raina’s journey of making Provence her home.
Conversations about the art of slowing down — learning to savour simple pleasures and live more intentionally.
PRICE
7 Nights · 8 Days
€5,200 per person
Shared room with shared bathroom
€5,500 per person
Couple or two friends sharing a room with a private bathroom
€5800 per person
Private room with shared bathroom
€6,200 per person
Private room with ensuite bathroom
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All transportation during our retreat
All creative activities, classes, and entry fees to planned outings
7 nights lodging at the Villa l’isle sur la Sorgue
Breakfasts (7)
Lunches (7)
Dinners (7)
Local wine is provided with lunch and dinner
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Your flights to and from France
Transportation to/from our villa in L’isle sur la Sorgue on day of arrival and departure
Before and/or after dinner drinks (wine is included during the meals)
TO SECURE YOUR SPOT
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. The balance is due April 1st, 2027. Due to the logistics & upfront costs of creating an exceptional workshop experience like this, we are unable to offer refunds on payments made. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance for unforeseen events that may arise.
Discover Provence Like a Local
Experience Provence beyond the guidebooks through carefully curated excursions that celebrate the region’s beauty, culture, and craftsmanship.
Visits include:
Local village markets and antiques
Local Provençal restaurants
Local artisan studios
Olive oil tasting and olive mill museum
Vineyards and wine tastings
Beautiful hilltop villages
Historic Chateau
Historic ancient churches of Provence
Sacred sound experience
Secret picnic locations
Scenic photography excursions in nature
Every experience is designed to immerse guests in authentic Provençal life while encouraging creativity, conversation, and meaningful connections.
The Experience
This retreat is an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty of Provence through food, creativity, culture, and mindful living.
You will leave with new culinary skills, enhanced photographic skills, fresh creative inspiration, lasting friendships, a deeper understanding of herbs and spices, and a renewed appreciation for the art of living well.
Whether gathered around the table with Cyrus and Pervin, exploring hidden villages through the lens of a camera, or sharing stories over an evening apéritif, every moment is designed to nourish the body, inspire the imagination, and celebrate the joy of slowing down.
Awaken your senses in Provence is a week of beauty, creativity, generosity, and connection—an unforgettable experience where exceptional food, inspiring artistry, slow intentional living, and the timeless spirit of Provence come together. Leave inspired and regenerated !
The Rhythm of a Day in Provence
Each day will begin with an optional mindfulness meditation practice, giving you a gentle and peaceful start to the morning and setting the tone for the day ahead.
After breakfast, we’ll head out to discover a special place in Provence—from beautiful villages and local markets to breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. Along the way, some days will include photography courses, creative experiences, cooking, and engaging conversations, allowing you to learn, explore, and experience Provence in a meaningful and personal way.
Our days will include wonderful lunches, time to relax and enjoy the villa, and plenty of opportunities to connect, create, reflect, and simply slow down.
Evenings will be a special part of the experience, with exclusive dinners at the villa, shared around the table in the relaxed spirit of Provençal living. One evening, we’ll venture somewhere truly special for a memorable meal in an exceptional location, bringing together the food, beauty, culture, and sensory pleasures of Provence.
Your Home in the Heart of Provence
Nestled in the beautiful North Luberon Valley, this exquisite 17th-century Provençal farmhouse is set within private grounds, surrounded by expansive views and the peaceful beauty of the countryside.
Beautifully renovated, the farmhouse combines the character and soul of traditional Provence with understated luxury and every comfort for a relaxing and restorative stay. Enjoy sun-drenched terraces, shaded outdoor dining areas, the pool, and quiet corners to relax and simply take in the beauty around you. For those feeling more active, there is also a floodlit tennis court, pétanque court and bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside.
This is not a hotel — it is your special home in Provence for the week.
Here, you will experience a more authentic and personal way of living in Provence. Rather than formal hotel service, you will be welcomed into a beautiful home where you can relax, feel comfortable and truly settle into the slower rhythm of the French countryside.
You will be warmly welcomed, personally cared for and thoughtfully looked after throughout your stay — while enjoying the freedom, comfort and genuine hospitality that make this experience feel more like staying in a beautiful Provençal home than simply visiting a destination.
More than simply a place to stay, this is a place to exhale — to awaken your senses, embrace the slower pace of Provençal life and allow yourself to be immersed in the calm, beauty and timeless pleasures of the Luberon.
An inspiring setting in which to create, connect, savour and simply be.
Your Hosts:
Raina Stinson
Raina is an international award-winning photographic and mixed-media artist who has been a full-time resident of France for the past 8 years. A trained meditation and mindfulness teacher, she combines photography, mindfulness, and artistic exploration to help her guets to slow down, see more deeply, and reconnect with their creativity.
With an insider's knowledge of Provence, Raina delights in sharing the region's hidden treasures, local culture, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist path. She also enjoys introducing guests to creative practices, including photography with both iPhone and DSLR cameras, collage, handmade books, lumen prints, and encaustic photography.
Known for her warm personality, infectious smile, and unforgettable laugh, Raina has a gift for making people feel welcome and at ease. She is passionate about meeting new people, fostering meaningful connections, and creating experiences that inspire creativity, friendship, and personal growth while immersing guests in the beauty and magic of Provence.
Her retreats offer more than a creative getaway—they are an invitation to experience Provence through the eyes of a local, the heart of an artist, and the mindful presence of a dedicated teacher.
Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala
About Cyrus
Cyrus Todiwala is one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential chefs, but it is his infectious energy, warmth, humour and extraordinary generosity of spirit that make him so much more than an award-winning culinary icon.
Born in Mumbai and raised within the rich traditions of Parsi culture, Cyrus trained as a classical chef with the prestigious Taj Group in India, rising through the ranks to become Executive Chef in Goa. When he and Pervin moved to London with their young family in the early 1990s, they embarked on a remarkable new chapter that would ultimately help transform the perception of Indian cuisine in Britain.
In 1995, Cyrus became Executive Chef and partner of Café Spice Namasté, which, together with Pervin, he later developed into one of London’s most respected culinary institutions. Their restaurant became renowned not only for its innovative and deeply flavourful food, but also for introducing many diners to the rich and distinctive traditions of Parsi cuisine.
Over an extraordinary career, Cyrus has become a chef, restaurateur, author, television personality, educator and passionate mentor to young chefs. He has written seven cookbooks, appeared regularly on television and radio, and received both an MBE and an OBE in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry. Yet despite these achievements, Cyrus remains wonderfully down-to-earth, endlessly curious and full of stories, laughter and enthusiasm.a.
About Pervin Todiwala
Pervin Todiwala is very much a culinary force in her own right. A trained chef who graduated with honours from Bombay’s prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, she began her professional career at the Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel before moving into the world of hospitality and, eventually, becoming a highly respected restaurateur and businesswoman.
As co-patron and Operations Director of Café Spice Namasté, Pervin has played an integral role in building and guiding the Todiwala family’s successful culinary businesses. She is also a passionate advocate for education and the next generation of hospitality professionals. Together with Cyrus, she co-founded Zest Quest Asia, a competition and educational initiative designed to inspire young chefs and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of Asian cuisine.
Her many achievements have been recognised with numerous honours, including being named among the 100 Most Influential Women in UK hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, receiving a World of Difference Award for empowering women, and being honoured as Inspirational Woman of the Year at the British Curry Awards.
Pervin brings a wonderful warmth, intelligence and calm energy to everything she does. Alongside Cyrus’s boundless enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality, she brings her own creativity, knowledge and gracious sense of hospitality. Together, they are a truly special partnership—not only in the culinary world, but as hosts who have a genuine gift for making people feel welcome, included and part of the experience.
Testimonials
"Raina's Creative Retreat in Provence was one of the most enriching and inspiring experiences I've ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and completely immersed in the beauty of Provence.
The food was absolutely incredible. Having a personal chef prepare fresh, delicious meals each day was such a treat and made me feel truly cared for throughout the week.
Raina's photography instruction was eye-opening. She helped me see photography in a completely new way, whether using my iPhone or a camera. What made the experience unique was how she seamlessly integrated mindfulness into photography and travel. I learned how to slow down, be present, and observe my surroundings more deeply. It wasn't just about taking photographs—it was about learning to truly see.
The villages, markets, and hidden locations we visited were stunning and felt far removed from the typical tourist experience. Through Raina's deep knowledge and love of Provence, I felt like I was experiencing the real heart and soul of the Luberon Valley.
What surprised me most was how much the retreat expanded beyond photography. We foraged for natural objects, explored collage and mixed-media techniques, and experimented with creative processes that opened up entirely new ways of expressing ourselves. Raina's approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and play, regardless of your experience level.
Most of all, Raina is fun, engaging, generous, and genuinely passionate about what she does. Her infectious laugh, warmth, and enthusiasm create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, inspired, and connected.
I left feeling creatively renewed, deeply relaxed, and grateful for the friendships, experiences, and memories I made. I cannot recommend this retreat highly enough."
Diane, Oregon, USA
I have recently returned from the Provence Lavender Photography Tour. I highly recommend this tour! We visited lavender fields, explored medieval villages, gazed at the moon and stars. We feasted on fresh produce and French bread from the village markets as well as gourmet fare at restaurants with breathtaking views. We drank in the perfume of the lavender and the Spanish broom. We foraged for herbs and flowers on the steep hillsides of the stunning medieval village of Brantes to make a delectable lunch that we savored on a terrace built into the rocky slope overlooking spectacular Mont Ventoux. We reveled in the stimulating conversation spurred by the incredible kinship we developed with fellow travelers--new-found friends. And in every part of our amazing adventure, under Raina’s expert tutelage, we experimented with different ways to document in photographs the story of our journey. On reflection, I am reminded of a quote from Marcel Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists of not seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Merci beaucoup to Raina for giving me the opportunity to see with new eyes!
Anne Newtown, Houston, Texas
I just returned from a small-group tour lifestyle and photography tour in Provence. I’ve traveled to France often and this is, by far, the best-guided experience I have ever had there The focus of this tour was lavender in bloom and photography, but I’m very confident that touring with Raina in Provence would be EXCEPTIONAL no matter what the focus was. Here are some highlights of the experience:
- All logistics, accommodations, and meals were handled from arrival to departure. That’s a real treat! Nothing to worry about!
- Beautiful, charming B&B that felt very private, had perfect owner/hosts, lovely breakfasts, and great views.
- FANTASTIC choices of restaurants (and a chef’s private home) for our lunches and dinners, exposing us to the cuisine of different villages in the area, some restaurants with breathtaking mountain landscape views from our table! Each meal was unique and highlighted local, in-season elements, and EVERY menu selection exceeded my expectations.
- Unique, local daily experiences, foraging in a quaint village for fresh herbs, veggies, fruits and flowers for a private, Chef-prepared lunch in the chef’s home, a private tour of a lavender farm and distillery, and much more!
- Extraordinary photo-taking venues on our schedule every day, with continuous hands-on guidance from Raina about looking for great shots, framing shots, setting our cameras and iphones (yes, iphones!) for the best shots, and then using editing apps to maximize the impact of our photos. My confidence in my ability to take exceptional photos has grown exponentially!
Carol Abott, Colorado, USA