LuxYoga: A Spectacular Bikram Yoga Experience in the South of France

Concept: LuxYoga is every Bikram Yogi’s dream vacation, fusing a legendary location with elegant cuisine and masterful yoga instruction. LuxYoga offers private group vacations as well as open experiences, and supports and challenges practitioners of all levels.

Location: The experience takes place in a private villa nestled in the hills of Provence (about a 30-minute drive from Nice; airport transfers provided), one of the most decadent, serene settings in the world. The LuxVilla (Mas St. Arnoux) is a beautifully converted French farmhouse that combines antique stonework with modern amenities and offers stunning views of the French Riviera. With a massage therapist and concierge on-site full time and a guest-to-staff ratio of two-to-one, your every need is sure to be met.

You’ll enjoy delicious, three-star meals prepared by acclaimed chef Nicolas Lang, many of them matched with hand-picked Rhône wines. The LuxYoga Experience even offers optional local excursions (think markets, museums and, of course, the Mediterranean!) that will immerse you in the real Provence rather than the tourist traps.

Yoga: And then there’s the yoga. LuxVilla offers traditional Bikram Yoga classes led by senior instructors in an immaculate, state-of-the-art hot yoga room, with posture workshops, photo analysis and personalized instruction that will help you take your practice to a new level. Best of all, Craig and Ben are available throughout the day – not just during class times. This level of access is unprecedented and hugely beneficial to students; you’ll be surprised at how much you learn about Standing Bow over a glass of Côte Du Rhone at dinner!

Ben Sears: Ben hatched the LuxYoga concept while doing Pranayama Breathing in the bathroom of a Chinese luggage factory at 3 o’clock in the morning. After completing Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles he started working alongside senior teachers at subsequent teacher trainings and developing a student base in New York. Ben competed on the national level at the 2009 Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup.

Ben now lives in New York, teaches and practises Bikram Yoga and is completing his advanced 500-hour certification with Sri Dharma Mittra. He designs every LuxYoga retreat with the same standards that he applies to his own vacation time. According to Ben, there is no reason not to let good taste be constant – like breath.

Craig Villani: Craig has been directing the Bikram Yoga programs at LuxYoga’s retreats for the past five years. This former director of education for Bikram Yoga Worldwide is known around the world for disseminating the genius of Bikram Choudhury’s practice with eloquence, practicality and integrity (read an overview of the incredible Comprehensive Class Craig recently taught at Bikram Yoga Vancouver’s Cambie Studio).

Craig is a ruthlessly compassionate teacher who cares deeply about students and guides them toward transformation both in and out of the yoga room. He believes that efficiency and precision go hand in hand. You’re sure to benefit from his expert direction and guidance during your LuxYoga Experience!

Packages: You can choose from several LuxYoga Experiences: Classic (with all of the details above provided), Bespoke (private and custom; think “lux beyond lux”) or Blend (same framework as the Classic Experience, featuring LuxYoga’s selection of yoga styles). There’s also a Roots offering for Bikram Yoga studios, guaranteed to invigorate the entire student base and super-charge the teachers.

2012 Dates:

> LuxYoga Classic Experience: May 16-22

> LuxYoga Classic Experience: May 27-June 2

> LuxYoga Blend Vinyasa Experience: June 7-13

More Information: You’ll find full details, plus a photo gallery and videos, on LuxYoga’s website (lux-yoga.com). Or, feel free to send an email for more on LuxYoga Experience (you can also phone 917-696-3043 for further information).