Redefining Strength, Vitality and Possibility
in the Second Half of Life
Presented by SecondHalf Fitness + Bramble and Rose
JULY 13-18, 2026
THE SECOND HALF
EXPERIENCE: FRANCE
Finding Joy, Vitality & Renewal in the Loire Valley
Because the second half of life isn't a slowdown
— it's a renaissance.
There comes a time when what you need isn’t another trip — it’s a reset.
A chance to pause, breathe, and remember what it feels like to be fully present.
We have created The Second-Half Experience for that exact moment — for those ready to move past burnout, distraction, and noise, and return to joy, purpose, and strength.
This experience isn’t about escape.
It’s about reconnection — to wellbeing, to vitality, and to life’s possibilities after 50.
Set in the heart of France’s Loire Valley, in a 16th-century Renaissance castle, this six-day, five-night restorative retreat offers a rare blend of reflection, vitality, and la belle vie — the good life.
A Week That Redefines Renewal
The Second-Half Experience manifests from a simple truth: joy and vitality don’t fade with age — they deepen through awareness.
Throughout the week, you will enjoy mindfulness sessions and conversations inspired by the forthcoming book by Dr. James Bramson with Lisa Rosenthal, The Geezer’s Guide to the Galaxy: Finding Joy and Meaning in the Second Half.
These discussions are complemented by Vann Duke’s COMMAND™ philosophy — a framework that blends physical vitality with mental resilience, clarity, and personal agency. Together, they create a holistic blend of movement, mindfulness, and meaning that defines this retreat.
You’ll explore what it means to live with renewed purpose — not through lectures, but through shared dialogue, mindful practice, and moments of quiet clarity. Each day builds gently, helping you reconnect to what brings you energy, freedom, and genuine fulfillment.
The Journey
A quiet moment inside the chateau.
Six days. Five nights. One transformative retreat.
You’ll begin each morning with mindful meditation and movement — a calm, grounding blend of breathwork, mobility, and gentle stretching designed to awaken your body and center your mind.
Each sunrise session introduces the theme of the day, setting the tone for reflection, exploration, and renewal. It’s a practice that meets you where you are — accessible to all levels, focused not on performance but presence.
After breakfast, you’ll gather for a late-morning workshop or guided discussion designed to deepen the day’s theme — blending insight, practical tools, and shared reflection. These sessions create the bridge between intention and action, helping you translate awareness into meaningful change.
Afternoons invite freedom and adventure. Cycle through vineyards, paddle a canoe along the Loire River, explore nearby villages, or relax by the pool with a glass of rosé and an easy laugh shared with new friends. You choose your pace — every option designed to rekindle joy, movement, and discovery.
There’s also time for stillness — unhurried afternoons to read beneath the trees, book a massage, or simply wander the château gardens. Renewal happens not only through motion, but through the rare luxury of space and calm.
Evenings bring it all together: candlelit dinners prepared by our private chef, long conversations around the table, laughter, music, and the kind of ease that only comes when time itself feels generous.
By the end of the week, you won’t just feel rested — you’ll feel renewed. Every guided session meets you where you are, whether you’re rebuilding momentum or refining your edge. Each day brings a natural balance between energy and restoration, so that you leave grounded, clear, and connected — in body, mind, and purpose.
The Experience
Our home for the week is Château de Jalesnes, a restored 16th-century Renaissance château — elegant, expansive, alive with history.
Every guest enjoys a private bedroom with en suite bath, set within beautifully appointed suites that feature shared salons, kitchens, and lounges — modern comfort wrapped in old-world charm. A limited number of private studio and one-bedroom accommodations are also available for those who prefer complete solitude, offered on a first-reserved basis.
The château’s charm lies in its authenticity: stone walls, winding staircases, centuries-old beams, even a moat. Beyond the gates, you’ll find rolling vineyards, peaceful walking paths, and the quiet magic of rural France.
The Setting
Here, food is nourishment, artistry, and bliss.
Our private chef, Mhairi, whose unforgettable menus have become a hallmark of SecondHalf retreats, curates delicious meals crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients — a colorful fusion of seasonal produce, regional flavors, and balanced nutrition.
Expect long, beautifully plated lunches, vibrant dinners — the kind of food that feels indulgent yet deeply restorative.
The Cuisine
Each guest enjoys a private one-bedroom, one-bath suite for the week.
Suites may be reserved as single occupancy (one guest) or double occupancy (two guests sharing together by choice). Select suites can be expanded to two bedrooms upon request.
Browse the available suites below and choose the one that fits your stay.
Your Suite for the Week
The Loire Valley is often called the garden of France — and this retreat lets you experience it fully.
Over the week, you’ll explore the region’s landscapes, flavors, and culture through curated excursions that blend adventure, discovery, and delight. Expect a exclusive guided visit and tasting at the historic Ackerman wine caves in Saumur, time to wander the town's charming streets, and moments along the river and vineyards that reveal the quiet beauty of this region.
You'll also enjoy an unhurried afternoon in Angers — a historic Loire city with a medieval chateau, riverside paths, boutique shopping, and inviting cafes. It's a beautiful final-day outing that let's you take in the region's culture at a relaxed, meaningful pace.
And, of course, you’ll share in a Bastille Day celebration dinner, complete with fireworks over the French countryside — a symbolic moment of freedom and renewal.
All excursions are included in your retreat investment, created to enrich your time in France with a spirit of play, presence, and exploration.
Optional add-on services to complement the retreat’s rich offerings include massage and 1:1 coaching sessions.
Excursions
This retreat is guided by three people who live what they teach.
Vann Duke — Founder of SecondHalf Fitness and creator of the COMMAND™ program — brings a science-based, strength-focused approach to longevity and performance. His work empowers men and women over 50 to move, think, and live with vitality and purpose.
Dr. James Bramson is a licensed psychologist and executive coach with over 25 years of experience. He is the co-founder of Bramble & Rose Coaching and Consulting, the Director of Organizational Solutions, and Co-Founder of the East Bay Mindfulness Center, San Diego Mindfulness Center, and the West Coast Mindfulness Institute. He brings deep expertise in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, organizational consulting, and forensic evaluation.
Lisa Rosenthal manifests possibilities at the intersection of leadership, transition, and wellbeing. She is a certified executive coach, mediator, and attorney. She is the co-founder of Bramble & Rose Coaching and Consulting, where she created the Bramble & Rose Method — an innovative framework for shedding limiting narratives and living from a place of possibility … unscripted.
Together, they’ve meticulously curated an experience that restores energy, balance, and inspiration — not through intensity, but through intention.
Hosts
July 13–18, 2026 | Loire Valley, France
Summer in the Loire is pure magic. Golden light stretches until nearly 11 p.m., twilight that feels endless.
This week includes France’s Fête Nationale (Bastille Day), a grand celebration of freedom and joy that perfectly mirrors the spirit of The Second-Half Experience.
Times & Location
Your Stay at the Château
Choose the level of space and privacy that fits the way you want to experience the week.
Every suite is ensuite, beautifully appointed, and set within the calm of the Loire Valley.
All pricing includes six nights of accommodation, gourmet meals, curated wine, daily vitality sessions, workshops, and guided excursions.
Early Commitment Pricing
Secure your spot before January 31, 2026 and enjoy exclusive early commitment rates.
Early Bird — Double Occupancy
$4,900 per person
For two guests sharing a suite.
Early Bird — Single Occupancy
$5,400 per person
For guests reserving a suite entirely for themselves.
Standard Retreat Pricing
Double Occupancy
$5,250–$5,400 per person
Depending on suite selection.
Single Occupancy
$5,750–$5,900 per person
Depending on suite selection.
(Rooms are allocated on a first-reserved basis.)
Premium Suite Options
For guests who prefer more space, more privacy, and a fully independent apartment-style experience, we offer a limited number of premium suites.
Premium Studio — Single Occupancy
from $6,250
A spacious studio suite with full private amenities.
Ideal for guests who want a quiet, elevated retreat experience.
Premium One-Bedroom Apartment — Single Occupancy
from $6,400
A full apartment-style suite featuring a separate bedroom, salon, and kitchen.
Our most refined and private accommodation.
(Premium suites are extremely limited and available on request.)
Notes & Details
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All accommodations are ensuite.
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All meals (including gourmet dinners), wine pairings, workshops, and excursions are included.
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Prices are per person.
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Shared rates apply only to guests registering together for the same suite.
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Maximum retreat capacity: 18–22 guests depending on suite configuration.
What’s Included
• Six days / five nights of exclusive château lodging
• Chef-curated gourmet meals with wine pairings
• Daily vitality sessions, workshops, and guided excursions
• Access to pool, bikes, gardens, and all amenities
• Group transfers from the designated train station
What’s Not Included
• Airfare to and from France
• Train travel to the designated pick-up station
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Optional add-on services such as massage or 1:1 coaching sessions
• Personal expenses (shopping, extra wine, etc.)
Suites are assigned on a first-reserved basis within each tier.
Once capacity is reached, registration closes to preserve the intimate experience.
Booking & Availability
We’d love to have you join us.
To begin your reservation, simply complete the short form below and submit your $1,000 deposit to secure your place. Once received, we’ll personally confirm your suite selection and share next-step details.
Step 1 — Complete the Reservation Form
Provide your name, email, phone number (optional), and preferred accommodation type
(Single / Double).
Step 2 — Submit Your Deposit
After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a secure link to pay your $1,000 using any major credit card, Apple Pay, or PayPal.
Step 3 — Personal Confirmation
Once your deposit is received, a member of our team will personally confirm your suite selection and share arrival details for The Second-Half Experience: France.
Questions?
📧 retreats@secondhalffitness.com
📞 Lisa Rosenthal +1 (415) 377-2520