Lou Casteou, which means ‘The Chateau’ in old Provençal French, was built in 1904 by Lord Amherst of Hackney – a lover of antiquities who funded the Howard Carter expeditions to Egypt which led to the discovery of Tutankhamen’s Tomb. The property, located in picturesque Cote d’Azur, was purchased in 2006 by Chris and Morag Baxter, who painstakingly restored it to its former glory whilst adding modern luxuries throughout, including a home cinema seating 40, heated outdoor pool and commercial kitchen. The chateau can accommodate 32 guests in luxury, with two reception areas (inside and out) for events of up to 100 people.
The luxurious property is operating three fitness-themed retreats this Spring/Summer – Let’s Salsa, Tennis Academy & Body Tonic…
‘LET’S SALSA’
5 – 8TH APRIL 2018
Ever fancy learning the evocative dance disciplines of Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue, Reggaeton, Kizomba and Street Dance? Chateau Lou Casteou is offering a unique four-day, all-inclusive residential retreat, led by dancers Laith Sami, John Let’s Salsa and Simon and Becky Mascarenhas. This is open to experienced dancers looking to improve footwork skills as well as beginners who’ve always wanted to experience the pleasure of Salsa. The dancing is complemented by fitness activities designed to improve core and leg muscle groups used in dance. These include core strengthening and fun swiss ball sessions, plus water and Latino aerobics, boxercise and a tennis workshop.
Themed party nights, street dancing, wine tasting and evening cocktails are also part of the adventure. A truly unique experience! Three nights’ full board will cost £1,250 per person in a private en-suite room with sea- or mountain-view or £998 for 2 guests sharing. Fee’s includes all meals, wine, open bar over the four days, a champagne reception, daily dance and fitness classes, excursions and transfers from Nice airport. Booking details at the end of this feature.
‘TENNIS ACADEMY’
3rd – 7th MAY 2018
For tennis lovers, this five-day event caters for up to 18 guests, on a luxury all-inclusive basis. Enjoy sumptuously served wholesome meals, drinks and wines served around the chateau’s heated infinity pool, in its historic cloisters or period reception rooms.
The tennis sessions are held at a nearby club which is led by Richie Baker and his experienced team of French and English tennis professionals. Richie is a Level 4 LTA coach, a Sports Physiotherapist and Specialist in musculoskeletal and sports injuries. The coaching sessions take place in morning time with singles or doubles played in the afternoon, followed by a small tournament and a wonderful celebratory closing dinner. If you do not play but your partner does, you are welcome to attend the event and during training sessions, enjoy the time-off relaxing by the heated swimming pool, visit the Cote d’Azur’s magical beaches or enjoy some retail therapy. The area is famed for its luxury shopping, but you may also want to visit local town Frejus for their outstanding Provencal market. Stunning beaches at Agay and St. Aygulf are also a short drive away.
Four nights’ full board will cost £1,360 per person in a private en-suite room with sea- or mountain-view or £1,030 person for 2 guests sharing, with all meals, drinks and wines over the 5 days, including sophisticated three-course dinners, daily professional tennis coaching sessions, a Tennis Tournament and Awards Dinner plus transfers from Nice airport. Booking details at the end of this feature.
‘BODY TONIC FITNESS RETREATS’
30th MAY – 3rd JUNE 2018
20th – 24th JUNE 2018
19th – 23rd SEPTEMBER 2018
The estate and surrounding areas of Chateau Lou Casteou offer some of the most beautiful countryside in the French Riviera. On these dates, you can relish in stunning coastal and mountain treks, energetic training, Latin dance classes and nutritious (and delicious) meals. Body Tonic appeals to all ages and levels of fitness and it’s the perfect opportunity to kick-start a new healthy regime in the most beautiful setting imaginable.
Enjoy the wonders of the luxurious chateau on an all-inclusive basis, with all meals, drinks and wines included during your stay. Italian chef, Matteo Mangerotti and Michelin Star restaurant Manager and Sommelier, Silvia Ravello will prepare healthy and delicious, low-carbohydrate, nutritionally-balanced meals prepared from the finest local ingredients. As a treat, meals are served around the pool, in the historic cloisters or elegant, period reception rooms. Evening aperitifs will be served and include themed dinners and parties.
Part of the fitness regime includes classes in stretching, core and kettlebells, boxercise, TRX strengthening and toning exercises, cardio blast, circuit training, water and Latino aerobics, salsa, legs, bums and tums classes and a relaxing massage. For those interested, the programme also includes tennis, kayaking and treks along the stunning coastal routes. Four nights’ full board costs £1,550 per person in a private en-suite room with sea- or mountain-view or £1,350 for 2 guests sharing, with all meals and wine over the five days, a champagne reception, daily fitness and dance classes, coastal treks, water aerobics, one massage, yoga & stretching classes. Transfers from Nice airport are included.
CHATEAU LOU CASTEOU
850 chemin du Plan Guinet
83 600 Frejus
Côte d’Azur FRANCE
Chateau Lou Casteou is situated in the Esterel Mountains between Cannes and St. Tropez and fourty minutes drive from Nice Airport. For booking information, please visit:
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