The Good Kitchen Table
The Caldesi Mediterranean Wellness Week in France
September 7th to 13th, 2026
“Thank you so much for the week. It has proved such a game changer. I feel much
more informed and armed with delicious recipes. I have lost about 11 pounds in
weight and my visceral fat now has a score of 5. It was also a glorious holiday- what
more could I ask for?!” (Ms T White, July 2024)
Reserve now: info@thegoodkitchentable.com
A unique blend of food, health and lifestyle throughout the week
Each day is thoughtfully structured to balance learning, enjoyment and relaxation. Mornings begin at your own pace, whether with a walk along the Dordogne, a swim, or simply a slow start to the day. Join the group for breakfast with Dr David Jehring who will lead engaging and accessible discussions on metabolic health and the principles of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean lifestyle, offering practical guidance that can be applied in everyday life.
These sessions are followed by hands-on cooking classes with Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi. Working together, you will prepare protein rich, nutrient-dense dishes using vibrant, local ingredients. Lunch is shared in either in the garden or in the villa’s elegant dining spaces while discussion continues. Afternoons are yours to shape. You may choose to relax by the pool, explore the riverside paths and nearby towns, or simply enjoy the calm of the house and a good book. In the early evening, the group gathers once more for a short wellness session and the finishing touches to dinner.
Wellness is in the palm of your hands.
Prepare for a truly transformative escape in the heart of the Dordogne. Join award-winning chefs Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi, alongside Dr David Jehring and Judith Jehring, for an immersive six-night retreat combining Mediterranean cooking, nutritional insight and restorative living. This week follows our successful retreats held in Türkiye over the past four years. Due to world events, we have decided to relocate for this year to a more accessible location.
Set in a beautiful riverside villa in the medieval town of Saintes Foy-la-Grande, this intimate experience, limited to just nine bedrooms, is designed for those who want to live well, eat well and age well. Over six days you will gain practical cooking skills, an inspiring repertoire of recipes and a deeper understanding of how to support your long-term health and vitality. Come back home refreshed with renewed energy and the knowledge to keep up your own healthy eating and fitness levels.
This is your chance to make a few healthy changes or enjoy a whole life reset on your return.
Book your spot now and embrace the Mediterranean way of life!
An intimate and luxurious setting
The retreat is hosted in a beautifully appointed riverside villa, offering just nine spacious bedrooms to ensure a highly personalised experience. Most rooms have
private bathrooms, with a small number offering shared facilities at a reduced rate. The house is surrounded by an expansive garden with a swimming pool, shaded
seating areas and an outdoor firepit. With direct access to the river path and the historic town just a short walk away, guests can enjoy both peaceful seclusion and
local culture with ease.
Local flavour and curated experiences
During the week, you will visit the town’s renowned market and local producers to
source ingredients, as well as enjoy a private wine and food pairing at a nearby
organic vineyard, accompanied by a picnic lunch prepared together.
Participation is always optional. You are equally welcome to spend this time resting or exploring independently. Additional experiences such as massages, yoga sessions and canoeing can be arranged on request.
Your expert teachers:
Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi’s restaurant Campagna in Caldesi was voted Best UK
Restaurant by the National Muddy Stilettoes Awards 2025 while Caldesi in Marylebone
won Best Italian Restaurant in London from the UK Italian Awards 2026. The couple
were also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK Italian Awards 2026.
Your Expert Hosts
- Katie Caldesi, MA (Hons) Food Anthropology, chef and cookery writer
Katie has been cooking professionally for 25 years, runs La Cucina Caldesi cookery
school and is the author of 19 cookbooks. Subjects have included Italian cookery,
preserving techniques, salads and air frying. Katie’s last 9 books have been about
using a low-carb lifestyle to combat obesity and her husband Giancarlo’s diabetes
type 2.
- Giancarlo Caldesi, Cavaliere and Ufficiale
Giancarlo was presented these two prestigious awards by the Italian government for his life-long service to representing high-quality Italian food and wine abroad. The
acclaimed chef will be sharing his expertise in Italian cuisine and his personal journey
into remission from type 2 diabetes through diet.
- Dr David Jehring
We will be joined by Dr David Jehring, NHS family doctor and Chair of the Trustees of
the Public Health Collaboration, a charity dedicated to helping people improve their
metabolic health. In addition, Dr Jehring has trained with the British Society for Ecological Medicine, which focusses on nutrition and environmental medicine. Parallel to his medical interests,
Dr Jehring advocates for regenerative farming practices.
He has actively sought knowledge from experts in the field to enhance soil quality at his farm in Worcestershire underlining the connection between soil and human health. As Katie puts it “David is a fascinating man to be around, his knowledge of nutritional health is vast,
and he will provide us with brief daily talks about wellness.” David will be joined by his wife Judith, a chartered physiotherapist, who champions a holistic approach to patient care and will join in our discussions on health. Here’s a sneak peek into David’s daily wellness talks:
- Mastering Macronutrients: Fuelling Your Body with Proteins, Fats, and
- Carbohydrates: Understand the building blocks of your diet and how to use them for optimal energy and health.
- Micronutrient Magic: Harnessing the Power of Essential Vitamins and Minerals– Explore how these small but mighty nutrients shape your vitality.
- The Sweet Truth: Managing Fructose and Choosing Healthier Sweeteners– Learn the impact of sugar and sweeteners on your health and discover smarter alternatives.
- Microbiome Marvels: Building Gut Health with Soluble Fibre and Fermentation– Dive into the fascinating world of gut health and how to nourish your inner ecosystem.
- Sleep Science: Unlocking the Benefits of Rest for Mind and Body– Discover why sleep is essential and actionable tips to enhance your rest.
Daily maid service
There will be a basic daily maid service to clean and tidy your room and make your
bed each day. Sheets and towels can be changed on request for an extra charge.
What to wear
There is a relaxed and casual vibe at the villa; comfortable clothes and shoes are
encouraged. However, if you feel like putting on the razz for dinner a couple of
evenings that is entirely up to you and you will feel quite at home!
Glucose monitors:
Some of our guests choose to wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) which
measures your blood glucose levels. The sensor is worn on your arm and is paired to a
smart phone where you can visibly see how different foods affect your glucose levels.
It’s very interesting to see and compare your findings with others plus you will gain
insight into what foods to suit your individual needs.
Continuous glucose monitors to track how foods affect your blood sugar (approx. £60
for 14 days). Let Katie know if you are interested and we will send you a link to buy
one.
What is included
Daily hands-on cooking classes and evening demonstrations
Six nights’ accommodation in a spacious room with king-size bed
Daily wellness talks with Dr Jehring
All meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
Local wine served with dinner
Daily housekeeping service
Market visit and organic vineyard experience with picnic lunch
Robe and slippers for use during your stay
What’s not included
Travel to the villa
Transfers to and from the villa
Alcoholic beverages and mocktails apart from house wine at dinner
Travel insurance
Massages and additional activities
TO BOOK
Prices start at £2,350 per person and differ according to your room choice and
whether you choose single or shared occupancy. For further information or to book
please email info@thegoodkitchentable.com
or call Micaela on + 44 (0)207 487 0758 during office hours.
You will then be sent a booking form with our Terms & Conditions.
Once complete, return it to us with a deposit of £500 to secure your place.
Rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis, depending on availability.
Non-cooking partners are welcome!
Contact
For further descriptions of the rooms and photos please see:
www.maisonm.info
Pricing (six nights, all-inclusive)
Shared bathroom rooms all inside the villa
Single occupancy only: £2,450
The White Room, The Peach Room, The Nature Room
Ensuite rooms
Double occupancy: £2,350 per person
Single occupancy: £2,750 per person
Studio, outside the villa in the garden at ground level with its own bathroom
Olivier, inside the villa with its own bathroom
The Cottage – this pretty building sits outside the villa and has two separate
bedrooms each with their own bathroom. They share a small lounge and terrace.
This is ideal for two friends.
This is ideal for two friends.
Premium rooms with extra space and their own bathroom
Double occupancy: £2,525 per person
Single occupancy: £2,950 per person
Mayor’s Suite, with a bath in its own bathroom and walk-in shower
The Green Room, spacious with its own bathroom
Triannon – outside the main villa in the garden with its own terrace
Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For photos and further information see:
For photos and further information see:
Travel
Bordeaux and Bergerac airports are the nearest, and a train runs directly from
Bordeaux to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, with the station a 7 minute walk from the villa.
Transfers from the airport can be arranged on request.
A car is not required during your stay, although there are opportunities to explore the
surrounding area if you wish and free parking is available on the street.
Book your place now and embrace the Mediterranean way of life!
To reserve your place or request further details, please contact
