Large yoga gatherings are redefining themselves

Since the cancellation of Wanderlust Tremblant in 2019 and the last Yoga and Wellness Expo in February 2020, Quebec was orphaned by large yogic gatherings. But now the new Miracles “great retreat” is settling in the Laurentians resort in June, and Expo Yoga is announcing its “face-to-face” return for the month of October, in a very different form.

Madeleine Arcand, who sold her shares of Rose Buddha more than a year ago, has redirected her energy to meditation classes, writing and organizing a big wellness event. “I feel that people need it more than ever,” she says over the phone. Of course, through my profession, there are many people who quite naturally come to me because they are looking for solutions to their stress and anxiety. But even my friends tell me that life has become more intense. I am surrounded by women who have large jobs, children, and who have set aside their personal well-being. They want it to slow down. »

To have a real impact on the lives of Miracles participants, M^me Arcand has reviewed the formula, which will be very different from that offered by the giant Wanderlust.

The event will be held from June 2 to 4.

You must therefore register for the entire program, which is held at the chic Fairmont Tremblant, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. You can choose the option with accommodation (from $1099, meals included) or without ($669). The schedule is not completely imposed, since there are two workshop options for each slot given by about twenty guests from Quebec, but it is full. Headliners include Nicole Bordeleau, Érik Giasson and Sylvie Tremblay.

“It won’t just be yoga. Yes, there will be at least one yoga and meditation workshop each day, but there will also be psychologists, doctors, a psychedelic specialist, etc. We’re going to talk about tarot, Ayurveda, nature, sexuality, among others,” explains the author of10 minutes from happinesswho organizes the event with her spouse.

The goal is to grow each year, eventually reaching around 2000 participants, but the first Miracles retreat will be limited to 400 people. “It’s a trip, but without taking the plane. You don’t even need to take time off! »

After the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships

On the side of Expo Yoga, which is also a promotional partner of Miracles, we wanted to think less big. The last gathering, held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, attracted no fewer than 6,000 participants in February 2020. During the pandemic, the organization held five virtual “summits”.

The face-to-face return of Expo Yoga will take place from October 19 to 22, at the Eastman spa, for around a hundred people. The entire beautiful property of the Eastern Townships will be privatized for this retreat which should be announced shortly. A second Oasis pavilion, these new independent six-bedroom units with yoga studio, sauna and private pond, should be ready to welcome some of the participants.

“We completely changed format and vision,” explains Mélanie Brunet, co-founder with Katrina Besner. Before, the event was a hybrid between the general public gathering and the professional congress. It was a big machine. »

Yoga, meditation, breathwork, inspirational writing, nutrition, integrative medicine and many more “wellness” tools will be explored over the weekend.

Certainly, with their new orientations, these gatherings become much more exclusive. No more one-day passes or à la carte workshops. That said, there are plenty of other affordable retreats in Quebec, including Le Couvent Val-Morin.