1. I have never done anything like this, is it for me?

This programme is fit for everybody as we speak to you on the telephone before you book to establish your needs and we tailor your programme accordingly. We offer a high degree of integrity, physical safety and emotional support. Unsure moments are replaced by realizations of just how simple the techniques we use are.

As for whether it is exactly what you want to do, you are a better judge of that. Let us know what you are expecting, wanting and needing from us, and we will do our best to bring clarity to your decision.

2. I have never fasted or done yoga, am overweight and live a city life of stress and toxins. Is this retreat suitable for me?

You are exactly the kind of person we will be working with. If you have awareness of just how out of balance modern life has become, and are starting to see yourself fraying at the edges, then you are ready for a restful time to learn about some new ways to get and remain healthy.

3. Where are the retreats held?

The settings have been chosen for their beauty and serenity. Both the Bordeaux and Cape Town venues encourage outdoor activities such as walks through fields and woods - breathing clean fresh air - just what the doctor ordered, and what nature intended.

In Bordeaux the venue also provides indoor facilities such as a Jacuzzi and an indoor swimming pool.

4. Can I have my own room, or do I have to share?

Our retreats offer a choice of single and shared accommodation. We have found that sharing a room naturally creates a special bond between the roommates as well as providing additional support and a substantial discount.

5. Will I lose weight?

You will definitely lose some weight – the amount depending on your eating habits prior to the retreat. However our main objective is to introduce you to a new and healthy lifestyle which will enable you to develop a "Fresh Attitude" - resulting in permanent and positive changes in your life.

Our body actually knows when it is hungry and even what it wants or doesn´t want to eat. With some trial and error this sensitivity can be regained and the body will reach its ideal weight.

6. What juice do you use?

We use Organic carrot juice because carrots have a wonderfully subtle cleansing effect upon the liver.

7. Why only one type of juice?

In response to each juice, the system would have to re-adjust, costing energy and chemistry that would otherwise go into detox, so we stick with one type. It provides your body with the energy to keep you moving, and the brain clear enough to take full advantage of the nutritional talks.

8. What symptoms should I expect?

Every body has it´s individual detox tendencies. If our healthy vegetarian regime is very different from your normal diet and you drink a lot of coffee and alcohol then you may experience some symptoms, often familiar symptoms, which are recognisable as what we tend to feel when we are "sick". We will learn that many of these instances are not "sickness" rather are the body´s "house cleaning" methods to clear debris and restore health. We will need to reprogram our minds to appreciate these health-inducing methods and to celebrate detox!

As to the symptoms experienced, they can be anything: headache, hiccups, fever, pimples, lowered BP, runny nose, nausea, tiredness, etc... They are the strongest elimination route for your particular system. The symptom that takes most people by surprise are waves of tiredness. Most of us have busy schedules which do not allow us to regularly take time out. During this week, we are intentionally using our energy towards a full physical "spring cleaning", and so some other parts of you may have less energy from time to time. During the retreat you may take time to nap and rest!

9. Will this this retreat cure my symptoms?

Symptoms are healing messengers, signs that the body is overloaded, out of balance or failing in some way. Symptoms are the process by which balance and health are restored. God forbid we cure the symptoms! That would really be a loss. But we have found that by lessening the source of the overload (usually excessive heavy foods), allowed the system to re-balance (rest and relaxed exercise), and encouraged the healing of ailing systems (real nutrition and juices), then the symptoms have less to say.

10. Will I be able to go straight back to work on the Monday?

Yes, however you are advised to take a few days off to rest from commitments after the retreat, if at all possible. It is more about giving your the body the "option" of not needing to do anything over the next few days. It may not need it at the surface, but the more time you can give it to rebuild and readjust, the more you will be getting from your experience regarding long term benefits...

11. I cannot see myself getting up for Meditation, can I skip it?

The daily program is for the facilitators to know what is next to be offered. If anyone feels like sleeping rather than rising for Meditation, or walking rather than coming to the talk, then they are encouraged to do so. It is week out from timetables and obligations, a chance for the body to speak to you personally.

12. After reading many books I´ve been left rather confused, why will your course be different?

There is much controversy in any field. In fact it seems to be an inevitable product of science. So, you may never "know" whether something is true or not. But keep your mind free to judge things from all angles. Experience always beats intellectual debate, but better than either, is both. We have come through many schools of thought to get back to where we started - nature. The best way to understand why we do what we do is to join us in doing it.

13. I am a total beginner at yoga - is that a problem?

Rest assured, you will get a great introduction here and be encouraged to learn according to your own pace. Nothing in the Yoga classes are too challenging, and each individual in the group experiences something new and encouraging regardless of their previous experience. A beginner has as much to enjoy in the classes as an advanced practitioner.

14. I think I am a little too old and stiff for all that bending!

Yoga is more about experiencing how your body works, than it is about flexibility. Some of the most graceful and poised people on Earth are also the stiffest - they simply know their body´s strengths and weakness, and seek to move within those. It is generally true that with relaxed repetition of movement flexibility does come, as does strength and stamina, but to try too hard is to lose the wood for the trees.

15. How am I going to jump on a trampoline when I am not very fit?

Our rebounders are mini-trampolines and although we will be encouraging you to "rebound" several times a day the bouncing can be as gentle as you wish. You can even sit on the trampoline while somebody else bounces it for you. The main thing is to get your lymph system moving – the benefits are considerable – as you will learn in the health seminars. This is one form of exercise we will be encouraging you to do when you get home.

16. How do I pay for a retreat? Can I use my Credit Card?

We take payment by bank wire transfer.

17. Can I pay in a series of deposits, or must I come up with the whole amount now?

Payment can be made all at once or the place can be held up to two months in advance with a deposit of £250.

18. How far in advance should I book?

Safest policy to get the dates you want is to reserve it with a deposit.