Last night I dreamt of Galathée

We recently returned from gorgeous Galathée after being there for a whole month. On arriving the weather was superb – unbelievably warm for October – and though it slowly got colder, the skies remained blue.

It was busy with the half term holiday makers arriving on the island. The roads were full of bicycles and the restaurants bustling with people. It was a joy to be able to sit in the harbour drinking rosé and watching the boats.

Of course we had our 3 puggies with us and walked religiously every day on the sandy beaches with our friend Wilma, the newest baby puggie in tow. How I have missed those amazing views across the dappled blue sea watching kite surfers and fishermen. These sandy beaches stretch for miles and I collect shells to take back home. Stan loves paddling in the shallows chasing his ball.

The beaches of Ile de Re
Pugs in Ile de Re

Cycling around the island

The island is crisscrossed with bike paths, which makes it so easy to get about safely and enjoy the pace of the cycle ride.

We cycled to La Flotte (boy was it chilly) but warm enough to sit in the harbour and enjoy hot chocolates with brandy! And a little later I managed to paint the second bedroom Ballerina Pink much to our French friends’ horror. “Why?!” They all kept asking. “Keep the white!” But I needed to let my pink demons out and I love the pink blush I’ve created.

Tell me, what do you think?

Galathee, Ile de Re, France

Making new friends

We met the lovely Audrey, who had a lightbulb moment and turned her front room into the most gorgeous shop selling vintage clothing. Audrey only arrived on the island last year via Switzerland. Her and Mica, another neigbour, popped round for aperitifs and I was given a very chic vintage scarf.

Of course we have been to our favourite Le Bistro Marin – always busy, always good. We also visited Insolite, which is literally 2 minutes from our front door, and Tout le Cru, another of our favourite fish restuarants. It’s decorated with all things fishy and there’s Edith Piaf music playing in the background… heaven!

And yes, I think a detox is much needed now that we’re home!

Ile de Re, France

Galathée Retreats

After realising that many women are still not being treated properly for issues surrounding the menopause, I’ve decided to put together a Wellness Retreat in the Ile de Re.

I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Jules Anderson and Liz McCulloch who is a NHS/Private Doctor specialising in the Menopause and Bioidentical HRT. Liz is also an aesthetic practitioner.

The aim is to get everyone feeling vitalised with purpose. Delicious food and wines will be served in the most romantic of locations, with yoga being taught by our wonderful Cinthia who trained in Bali and now lives on the island.

There will be the opportunity for cycling and lots of time out to sight see or just sip rosé by the harbour.

If you’re interested, please follow the link to sign up for details as this retreat will be running May/June 2022 and numbers will be limited!

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