Name: Baking Retreat with Alisha Henderson & Jana Lai
Price: 1035 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock

May 12th to 17th, 2025

Join us for an unforgettable baking retreat in the South of France’s countryside, near Toulouse. Set in a stunning golden stone mansion, this retreat is a dream come true for baking enthusiasts. Led by the renowned cake queen Alisha Henderson (@sweetbakes_), you’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to learn from pastry chef Jana Lai (@Jana.Lai) Vice-Champion of the Pastry World France 2023, who will join us for two days to teach her special French recipes! This is the ultimate experience for anyone passionate about the art of baking. This retreat is tailored for a group size of 10 to 12 guests, to provide an exclusive experience.

Accommodation: Stay for 6 days and 5 nights in an elegant 18th-century estate designed in a U-shape around a charming inner courtyard. Featuring modern décor, a pool, and an indoor spa (hammam, sauna and jacuzzi), it offers the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury.
Single room and shared room with bathroom: Stay in a private or shared room, offering a serene sanctuary to unwind after a day of activities and learning. Each room welcomes you with unique gifts upon arrival.
Meals: All meals and drinks are included. Relish in the flavours of the South of France which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience the French culinary delights throughout your stay, with meals prepared by our private chef. Please note most dietary requirements are welcome.
Baking Classes: Enjoy a total of 15 hours of baking classes with our Cake Queen Alisha Henderson for a Cake Art Mastery, and french inspired pastry chef Jana Lai, Vice-Champion of the Pastry World France 2023. The retreat includes hands-on baking classes where you’ll cover a wide range of essential skills and techniques, including:
By the end of the week, you will leave with a full catalog of recipes, giving you the tools to recreate these stunning cakes at home.
Transportation: On-site chauffeurs to drive you to the activities are provided for convenience.
Host: There will be a dedicated Madame Voyage host throughout the week to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Train station/ Airport transfer: Private transfer to and from Toulouse’s train station or airport (40min drive) will be provided for convenience.

Activities

Wine Tour: Explore the region’s finest wineries and enjoy private wine tastings guided by experts. Discover the rich flavours of local vintages while learning about the winemaking process. Lunch included on the wine tour.
Cheese-Making Workshop: Visit a charming local farm and master the art of traditional cheese-making. Participate in a hands-on workshop and craft your own cheese, guided by expert artisans.
Day in Toulouse: History, Culture & Cuisine: Spend a day immersed in Toulouse’s vibrant culture, visiting iconic landmarks and historical sites. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic regional dishes.

ITINERARY
Monday 12th of May: Arrival Day

Arrivals: Two pick up from Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City will be organised, one at 2pm and one at 6pm

Afternoon: Guests arrive at the Estate between 3pm and 7pm

Welcome glass of Champagne, bienvenue!

Evening: Welcome dinner at the Estate with Alisha

Tuesday to Friday: Daily Routine

Morning: French breakfast at the Estate followed by a baking class with Alisha (and Jana for two days)

Lunch: Enjoy a well deserved lunch

Afternoon: Various activities scheduled for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, & activities listed in the inclusions

Evening: Dinner at the Estate

Night: Guests are free to relax and socialise

Saturday 17th of May: Departure Day

Morning: Final French breakfast at the Estate

Check-out: Guests departs before 10am, farewell to a memorable retreat experience

Departures: Two transfers will be organised back to Toulouse Airport & Toulouse City, one departure at 7am and one at 10am
GETTING THERE

For getting from Paris to Toulouse, we highly recommend the train—it’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel through the French countryside.

We will let you know closer to the date what train works best for the group pick up in Toulouse!
INCLUSIONS
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.
Your transport, your meals, your experiences — it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.

Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre — plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home — just with better wine.

Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.

You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too — all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.

Dietary needs? No problem — we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat

Anything not explicitly listed above

Travel Insurance: To protect your investment and travel with peace of mind, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. We’ve partnered with PassportCard, a trusted travel insurance provider — you can explore your options here: PassportCard - Purchase Policy
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the retreat?
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included — accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)

Do I need to speak French?
Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.

What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive — you’ll feel part of the group from day one.

How do I get to the retreat location?
We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.

How active are the retreats?
Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.

What’s the accommodation like?
We handpick unique, charming places — from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.

What should I pack?
We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.

What if something changes or I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change. Our terms and conditions will detail the cancellation policy. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. (We can recommend a trusted insurance partner.)

How many people will be on the retreat?
Most of our retreats are small and intimate — usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Do I have to participate in every activity?
While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat — feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.

This retreat is your chance to dive deep into the world of baking with two exceptional talents. You'll master cake techniques with Alisha Henderson—from flawless buttercream finishes to vintage piping, floral designs, and tiered cake construction. For two days, you’ll also explore the refined world of French pâtisserie with Jana Lai, Vice-Champion of the Pastry World France 2023, as she shares her signature recipes and techniques.

Beyond the kitchen, enjoy a hands-on cheese-making workshop, a private wine tour with tastings, and a cultural day in Toulouse. All of this in the heart of the French countryside, with delicious meals, a stunning estate, and moments to relax and connect.

You’ll leave inspired, recharged, and ready to recreate it all at home.

Alisha Henderson is an Australian baker and founder of Sweet Bakes,who transitioned from studying journalism and professional cheerleading to creating vibrant, fun cakes at age 19.She gained national recognition as a contestant on Dessert Masters Australia Season 2,where her enthusiasm and creativity captivated audiences.

In 2023, Alisha co-founded Co.Bake Space in Melbourne,a hub for baking enthusiasts offering workshops and events.Her journey from journalism and cheerleading to becoming a prominent figure in Australia's pastry scene showcases her dynamic and inspiring career.