Gemma Ogston, the renowned plant-based chef and founder of Gem's Wholesome Kitchen, will be leading Feel-Good Feasting a 3-night retreat set in the picturesque La Belle Eco, May 8th-11th 2025.

Throughout history, feasts have played a central role in uniting communities, sparking cultural exchange, and fostering joy.

Expect a one-of-a-kind retreat that blends the art of mindful eating with the magic of shared experiences. Each experience is thoughtfully crafted to rejuvenate and give you skills to take home and bring the nourishing joy of feasting back home with you.

Gemma commented, “Join me for a deeply nourishing retreat where food, connection, and well-being come together in the most stunning setting. With a background as an addiction counsellor for 10 years, then as a plant-based chef, and now the founder of my functional mushroom business, Mama Shrooms, I've seen first-hand how food can transform both mental and physical health. This retreat is about sharing that knowledge—helping you discover how simple, nourishing food can heal, energise, and bring balance to your everyday life.”

Gemma will be teaching practical recipes and skills that you can take home and easily weave into your routine—from gut-loving ferments and collagen-boosting bone broth to vibrant, mood-boosting meals. The weekend itinerary will also include visits to local markets, cooking with seasonal ingredients, botanical cocktail making, and gathering around beautifully curated tables to share food and conversation.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in a weekend of culinary exploration, personal connection, and restorative relaxation.

Ruby Platts-Mills commented, “Gemma's philosophy centres on the healing power of plants, aiming to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for all. This aligns perfectly with our mission at Feel Good Feasting which is to celebrate the art of the feast and the connections it builds, welcoming you to a retreat of nourishment, beauty, and community”.

The end of the retreat is marked with a beautiful, shared feast in the forest, bringing together everything you have learned and created over the weekend. This is about slowing down, reconnecting, and celebrating the joy of food as a source of health, comfort, and community.

With daily yoga and time to explore La Belle Eco's spa and natural pool, you will leave the retreat feeling nourished and re-energised.

Weekend Highlights

Hands-on workshops will guide you in creating comforting broths, mastering the art of fermentation, learning the importance of the perfectly concocted dressing and perfecting homemade pizza dough.

Discover the beauty of the table through a wildflower arranging session and add a touch of the garden to your glass with our botanical cocktail making.

Begin each day with optional yoga to ground yourself in peace. Unwind with soothing sound baths and mindful cacao ceremonies that invite relaxation and presence.

ENDS

Prices start from €1380 per person – double occupancy with a shared bathroom. (Note other room types are available)

https://labelle.eco/feel-good-feasting

Price includes

Luxury Accommodation: Stay in a beautifully appointed room, designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

Delicious Meals & Snacks: Enjoy three nourishing meals a day and a selection of snacks, all crafted from locally sourced, organic, and sustainable ingredients.

Hands-On Workshops: All equipment needed for the cooking and wellness workshops is provided.

Market Excursion: Transport to and from the local market for a unique opportunity to explore and select fresh ingredients.

Local Organic Wines: A selection of local organic wines to be enjoyed during each dinner.

Botanical Cocktails: Enjoy your handcrafted delights in the golden hour before the feast begins.

Spa & Natural Pool Access: Enjoy limited use of the serene spa area and natural pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.

About La Belle Eco

La Belle Eco is a 19th-century sustainable luxury boutique manor house hotel, retreat and arts venue located 20 minutes from Carcassonne in Southwest France. It is also available for retreats, private hire and weddings.

The property is a beacon of sustainability, from its eco-friendly refurbishments, including solar panels and natural insulation, to its chemical-free garden and biodiverse permaculture practices, culminating in a naturally purified swimming pool. An ecological yet luxurious holiday experience offering guilt free travel.

Owners Ruby and Dimitri Platts-Mills bought La Belle Eco in 2021. Ruby, whose father was the film director Barney Platts-Mills, worked in the London comedy scene and as a teacher in Spain for many years. Dimitri worked in finance and took early retirement when they bought the house and began the renovation project.

About Gemma Ogston

Gemma Ogston is a passionate advocate for the healing power of food and the author of The Self-Care Cookbook and The Healing Cookbook. Gemma has been using the healing power of food since 2015 when she started offering healthy, plant-based bento boxes for traveling DJs, later expanding to provide plant-based recovery meals. In 2018, she established Gem's Wholesome Kitchen, where she conducts community cooking workshops and collaborates closely with schools to promote healthier eating on a budget. Believing that cooking is a form of therapy, Gemma loves bringing people together through food. She has recently introduced Mama Shrooms, a functional mushroom supplement aimed at supporting women's health.