Swim well

technique & training

Join us at our swim well break hosted by renowned freestyle swim coaches. We will highlight and explain the issues that are holding you back and, crucially, give you the tuned tools that will rectify them over the coming season.

Unlock your true potential with a mix of indoor and outdoor pool-based sessions, 1-1 video assessments, small group coaching and exploration swims in the lakes of the Mayenne.

Our 27 acre estate provides the glorious setting for you to relax, enjoy restorative yoga classes and on-site recovery massage, engage in thought-provoking seminars and socialise with like-minded individuals whilst enjoying nutritious food and drink.

This break is suitable for improvers.

WHATS INCLUDED

HASSLE-FREE, PERSONALISED RETREATS WITH

options to tailor your weekend

Includes

 

Swim program, featuring:

  • Personal swim video analysis
  • 1-1 and small group coaching in indoor and outdoor heated pools
  • Exploration swims to picturesque local open water lakes
  • Ready access to our own 25m heated outdoor pool and open water lake

Luxurious en-suite accommodation

All food and drink, including 3 meals per day and limited alcohol

Exclusive use of our Estate and its superb health & fitness and relaxation facilities

Free transfers from local train stations

sole occupancy supplement £100 or €115

Madeleine

From the poolside straight to your heart. It's no coincidence that I'm standing here today, helping you with your crawl stroke. As a former competitive swimmer, the water has always been my second home. But I know not only the perfect strokes, but also those moments when you're fighting against the water. I want to share these experiences and my passion as an active triathlete with you. Since February 2026, I've been a certified swimming instructor (DSLV), combining my practical experience with professional training. I love spending time at the poolside because I witness how the initial struggle against the water suddenly transforms into ease. I want to help you feel confident and efficient in the water – whether you're a beginner or a triathlete preparing for your next personal best. I look forward to guiding you in the water!

BARRY

I love to see you achieve your goals. As a sports scientist and applied biomechanist, specialising in endurance sports, I can help you improve your performance and correct any weaknesses in your physiology and your technique. Using advanced equipment which is not usually found outside University performance laboratories and elite sports settings, we can uncover what is holding you back, and how to best move forward, whether you are a beginner or elite level athlete.

As co-founder of Group Evolution I am also here to help ensure your time with us is relaxing, enjoyable and, perhaps unsurprisingly, 'evolutionary'. We want you to see the Chateau as your home away from home and to leave not only with renewed purpose but also fond memories of your time with us.

STUNNING VENUE

Our gorgeous Chateau, with luxury, boutique style accommodation, superb sports facilities, and welcoming social areas is set in 9 hectares of beautiful woodland grounds. Referenced in Times Top 20 Chateaux, it combines period refinement with modern convenience.

INSIGHTFUL coaching

Renowned coaches will tailor your technique to extract the maximum efficiency from your style. Providing practical, real world advice that is current and impactful, whilst adopting a relaxed, supportive style - we will help you to achieve your goals. Prior to attending our retreat we spend the time to learn about your objectives, so that we can help you achieve them.

swim-FUN

Our fully supported, ability-based group swims are designed to be challenging but also enjoyable and inspiring. The open water lakes of the Mayenne and the undulating countryside of the Pays de la Loire provide a stunning backdrop.

DELICIOUS FOOD

All meals and snacks are provided. Our eye-catching meals are designed to support your active lifestyle but also to be tasty and excite. Snacks are available for the times in between. And homemade energy bars are available for those longer efforts.

PERIOD LUXURY

Individually designed en-suite bedrooms, stunning renovated sitting rooms and cosy reading areas inspire and relax whilst staying true to the Chateau's heritage.

personalised TRAINING

Our 1-1 analysis and consultations will help you move forward, whatever your specific objectives. Our ability-based program will enhance your home-based training and provide a pre-season boost. And our venue will also enable you to review your strength, conditioning and mental preparedness for what lies ahead.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Everything’s optional, enjoy your time with us.

* CLICK ON EACH DAY TO FIND OUT WHAT'S ON OFFER

Day 1
Time Activity
12.00Arrivals
16.00Familiarisation Tour
Time Activity
17.00Introductory Swim
19.00Dinner
Day 2
Time Activity
08.00Breakfast
09.30Pool Based Swim
11.00-15.001-1 Swim Assessments
12.30Lunch
Time Activity
15.00Lake Swim (wetsuits optional)
17.30Yoga
19.00Seminar
20.00Dinner
Day 3
Time Activity
08.00Breakfast
09.30Open Water Swim (wetsuits optional)
11.30-15.001-1 Video Assessments
11.30-17.30Sports Science Assessments
12.30Lunch
Time Activity
14.00-18.00Personal Massage
15.30-19.30Small Group Pool Sessions
18.30Yoga
19.30Pre-Dinner Drinks
20.00Dinner
Day 4
Time Activity
06.00-10.00Sports Science Assessments
08.00Breakfast
10.00Pool Swim Session
Time Activity
12.30Lunch
14.00Lake Swim
19:30Drinks & Dinner
Day 5
Time Activity
06.00-10.00Sports Science Assessments
08.00Breakfast
10.00Open Water Swim (wetsuits optional)
Time Activity
12.30Lunch
14.00Depart

UPCOMING RETREATS

Precision Testing – Free Event

17th April 2026 | n/a

From £0
Limited number of attendees - free event!

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now

The Female Athlete: Endurance Retreat

14th-21st May | 7 days

From £900
All-inclusive

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now Find Out More

Family Endurance Sports Camp

23-29 May 2026 | 7 days

From £800 per person, under 5s free
All-inclusive

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now Find Out More

Swim Well

5th-9th July 2026 | 5 days

From £870 or €1,000
Assumes 2 guests sharing twin or double room. Single room supplement £100 or €115.

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Book Now Find Out More

Evolve Endurance Festival 2026

9th-15th July 2026 | 7 days

From £300
Multiple accommodation, event and coaching options

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now Find Out More

Swim Well

24th-28th September 2026 | 5 days

From £895
Assumes 2 guests sharing twin or double room. Single room supplement £200.

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now Find Out More

HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD

LOVINGLY PREPARED

Our nutritionist and chef have designed an eye-catching, delicious menu, founded in local, organic produce. We serve the highest quality, locally produced organic food to produce an energising and detoxifying menu throughout your stay. Vegetarians and vegans catered for.

SAMPLE MENU

Four smoothies in glasses on a light surface: a yellow mango smoothie with a slice, a green smoothie garnished with greens, a darker green veggie smoothie, and a pink strawberry smoothie topped with fruit.

BREAKFAST

Homemade cinnamon and Granola

Seasonal fresh fruit

Frittata

Chia and berry breakfast pots

Green machine smoothie

Fresh orange and apple juice

In the Cooking Demonstration, skewers of grilled meat paired with green vegetables are elegantly displayed on a rectangular white plate, enhanced by a delicious sauce and slightly charred to perfection for a savory look.

LUNCH

Wasabi salmon skewers

Sweet potato falafels

Carrot, orange and cashew salad

Herbed bean salad

Quinoa and tzatziki salad

Mixed leaf salad with lemon dressing

MenuFood32.1

DINNER

Mushroom soup with parsley and garlic

Homemade buckwheat bread

Mozzarella chicken protein pack

Seasonal vegetables

Black rice pudding

THE VENUE

Chateau de la Motte Henry is a beautiful, 19th Century Chateau set in over 9 hectares of glorious parkland in the Pays de la Loire. Easy to get to from the UK and mainland Europe, the Chateau is equipped with first class health, fitness and leisure facilities to allow guests to relax and reenergise. The spacious accommodation remains true to the Chateau’s heritage, updated for modern convenience.

See the Venue

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