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A Different Approach to Health and Fitness
Apr 22, 2020
Most of what you read right now on health pages is designed to counter excess, but the prescribed antidotes of fasting and frugality are sure to lower the spirits as summer finally arrives. The omnipresent exercise advice to get ‘beach ready’ tends to feel short-lived and instil dread rather than inspiration. If you're thinking about a very different approach to the road to health and fitness – dancing – in particular, joyful dancing (well, all dancing is joyful) then Lou Casteou delivers the perfect Salsa dance retreat.
Château Lou Casteou is a perfect spot for a “Salsa Retreat.” Five minutes from the Med in the South of France. Built by Lord Amherst at the very beginning of the 20th century it has a decidedly local Provencal style (its name means “château” in the local Provencal dialect). The only thing out of character is the tower – the noble lord was fond of stargazing.
He was also one of a number of wealthy aristocrats who chose to winter in the South of France for the climate. He himself declared: “Here the air is simply perfect, warm and at the same time a tonic.” The house he built was not only gracious and altogether lovely but it had all the mod cons of the day. There was heating even in the servants’ bedrooms!
He was also one of a number of wealthy aristocrats who chose to winter in the South of France for the climate. He himself declared: “Here the air is simply perfect, warm and at the same time a tonic.” The house he built was not only gracious and altogether lovely but it had all the mod cons of the day. There was heating even in the servants’ bedrooms!
But then it went into decline. Morag McLaren Baxter bought the house when it was pretty much a ruin and has restored it with much loving care, keeping as much of the original as possible and repairing rather than replacing wherever possible. The result is a setting that is romantic, elegant and tranquil and the atmosphere is house party rather than hotel. In fact, Simon Cowell selected it as his “judge’s house” on the X Factor in 2011 (well, you can’t have everything). So, the perfect place for a boot camp then.
But, of course, this is no ordinary boot camp. It’s a salsa boot camp and it really does make for a party atmosphere. On the first night there’s a champagne reception during which you learn Kizomba and, after dinner, more Kizomba and Kudero. These are all dances on a Latin beat with the emphasis on mobile hips and syncopated footwork. During the afternoon there's stretching by the pool, followed by a Swiss Ball class, Merengue and the first Salsa class. There is definitely a party atmosphere – but there’s also no slouching here.
But, of course, this is no ordinary boot camp. It’s a salsa boot camp and it really does make for a party atmosphere. On the first night there’s a champagne reception during which you learn Kizomba and, after dinner, more Kizomba and Kudero. These are all dances on a Latin beat with the emphasis on mobile hips and syncopated footwork. During the afternoon there's stretching by the pool, followed by a Swiss Ball class, Merengue and the first Salsa class. There is definitely a party atmosphere – but there’s also no slouching here.
As well as daily Salsa and Cha Cha classes, there is Bachata, Charleston, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop – and that’s just the dancing. There are, too, coastal treks and tennis workshops, circuits and stretching, a table tennis tournament and a beach party. On the last night ther's a dinner and a party (and more dancing, obviously) in the cloisters. The rest of the time, weather permitting, meals are outside by the pool and there is even time to get in it for an occasional swim.
The retreats run for four days. Everything is included in the price (all drinks, food, excursions and classes, and even transfers from Nice Airport). The classes are split into three levels from absolute beginners to experienced dancers, so no need to worry if you’ve never danced before.
The food (and wine) flows freely so, though you’re doing an awful lot of exercise, any hope of weight loss lies solely with your ability to resist temptation. A rather different kind of retreat then, but quite a lot of fun.
The retreats run for four days. Everything is included in the price (all drinks, food, excursions and classes, and even transfers from Nice Airport). The classes are split into three levels from absolute beginners to experienced dancers, so no need to worry if you’ve never danced before.
The food (and wine) flows freely so, though you’re doing an awful lot of exercise, any hope of weight loss lies solely with your ability to resist temptation. A rather different kind of retreat then, but quite a lot of fun.
This article originally featured on The Arbuturian
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ACADEMIC AND ADVENTURE CAMP FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN, EASTER AND SUMMER 2021 DATES: April 6-12th and July 3-17 2021. ‘A CAMP WITH A DIFFERENCE’ APPLICATION LINK BELOW The Lou Casteou Camp provides the opportunity to reside in a lovingly restored chateau on the French Mediterranean, located in an area rich in Roman History, dramatic architecture and stunning countryside and beaches. The program is well balanced and carefully constructed to deliver a unique academic and European cultural experience. Students will develop business skills and enhance their financial knowledge and have the opportunity to understand and prepare for University Applications. Evening discussions will address some of the most difficult questions of the day [Artificial Intelligence, Global Warming, Pandemic Policies] The event will be led by an international team of highly experienced and world class business experts and entrepreneurs with a track record of success in their specific industries. SUMMARY OF PROGRAM CONTENT: ACADEMIC -Group Hackathon Competition: To solve a range of social and business issues in a team format -Top University preparation workshops with a focus on UK and US universities (Oxbridge, Ivy League etc.) -Business and Technology Workshops: venture building, finance, negotiations, technology and blockchain -Evening Discussions on topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change & Pandemic Policies -Networking & mentoring sessions CULTURE AND DANCE -Painting at the chateau and in the surrounding countryside -Visits to museums and beauty spots including the historic Roman Town of Frejus. -Latin and Afro Dance Classes -Chess Tournament SPORTS AND FITNESS -Tennis Coaching for beginners through to advanced players -Coastal and Mountain Trekking -Water Sports -Table Tennis -French Boules All activities are optional and should be pre- selected to ensure adequate equipment and staffing levels.
Lou Casteou's charm and character made it the perfect location for filming France TV's stunning period drama 'Romance'.
Lou Casteou are delighted to announce dates for October's Let's Salsa luxury dance retreat. Join our award-winning team in this fabulous château set in the south of France from the 8th to the 11th October 2020.
Indulge in some fabulous R&R at this stunning property just 35 minutes from Cannes. An exquisite turn-of-the-century château that has been tastefully and luxuriously restored to blend traditional design with contemporary touches. Coming up in 2017 you could be ne-tuning your backhand at the Tennis Academy, getting into the groove at the Let’s Salsa retreats, or just indulging in some pampering Côte d’Azur-style with the Body Tonic break.
Замок Lou Casteou элегантно вписывается в спокойный холмистый ландшафт Валескюра рядом с горами Эстерель. Его архитектонический грандиозный внешний вид отражается в духозахватывающей внутренней декорации: каждый предмет медели — ода ремесленному искусству прошлых лет.
Elegant schmiegt sich das Château Lou Casteou in die ruhige Hügellandschaft von Valescure in den Ausläufern des Estérel-Gebirges. Sein architektonisch grandioses Äußeres spiegelt sich in der atemberaubenden Innendekoration wider; jedes Möbelstück ist eine Ode an die Handwerkskunst vergangener Zeiten.
Château Lou Casteou sits elegantly amidst the quiet hills of Valescure, its architectural grandeur matched only by the stunning interior décor, each piece of furniture an ode to the exquisite craftsmen of a bygone era. By Cassandra Tanti of the Riviera Times.
Mark Hodson, editor of 101 Holidays, gives his verdict on Lou Casteou's Body Tonic luxury retreat.
Lifestyle magazine reports Château Lou Casteou’s ‘Let’s Salsa’ retreat combines all the rhythm and sparkle of Strictly Come Dancing with good exercise, great company and delicious food.
About Time Magazine ranked Château Lou Casteou's Body Tonic Retreat 'best in France' in their top picks for fitness holidays.
© Lou Casteou 2020
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Lou Casteou
850 chemin du plan Guinet 83 600
Frejus , Côte d’Azur, France
850 chemin du plan Guinet 83 600
Frejus , Côte d’Azur, France