Flow State Swimming

Calm your mind. Find your flow.

Évian-les-Bains, France

21–24 May 2026

25 May 2026 - Optional Supported Swim*

*Distance of your choice (6-hour time limit) or your official English Channel qualifier swim. Additional costs apply.

This is a one-of-a-kind retreat, and space is limited to just 10 guests

Reserve your spot today!

COST IN EUROS

Rooms #1-4 – Double Room / Two single beds / Shared bathroom

Shared (2 people only): 1950 EUR (per person)

Room #5 – King size bed / Balcony / Large room / Shared bathroom

Single: 2450 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4500 EUR

Room #6 & 7 – King size bed / Private bathroom

Single: 2550 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4600 EUR

Note: The Couple's Rate (Rooms #5-7) requires two participants to register together.

A 500 EUR deposit is required to secure your spot.

Flow State Swimming is an immersive training experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and nervous system for open-water performance. Blending ancient yoga philosophy with modern-day neuroscience, the retreat explores how awareness, breath, and movement can deepen your connection to your body and the water. This retreat is designed for all levels, whether you are aiming to be the next King or Queen of the Lake, preparing for a Channel swim, or just beginning your open-water journey and hoping to complete 5 or 10 km. This retreat is ideal for swimmers who want to learn how to prepare their body and mind for every stage of a challenge - before, during and after the swim.

To attend this retreat participants must be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 2 km (1.2 miles) in a pool or in open water.

Led by Neil Gilson and Andrew Blake, this retreat combines elite endurance experience with cutting-edge human performance coaching.

Together, Neil and Andrew will guide participants in developing strength, focus, and flow both in the water and in everyday life. Through a combination of daily swims, yoga, breathwork, strength training, and mindset sessions, you will learn to train, prepare, and recover with greater awareness and purpose, using your breath and nervous system to find balance under stress. Over years of collaboration, Andrew’s methods have played a key role in advancing Neil’s own swimming performance, making these approaches truly tried, tested, and proven to deliver results.

Participants will receive individualised assessments and tailored future programming to help them embody and apply the principles from the retreat into their ongoing training.

Looking to complete your qualifier swim but can’t find the time, location, or support to make it happen? Finish your Flow State experience with an optional supported open water swim in the safe hands of the LGSA in the beautiful Lake Geneva. With water temperatures at the end of May typically between 15°C and 16°C, it’s the ideal way to turn your preparation into performance, whether you choose a distance of your choice (6-hour time limit) or your official English Channel qualifier swim on 25 May. Additional costs apply.

RETREAT GOALS

• Prepare the mind, body, and nervous system for long-distance swimming.

• Learn techniques that make your swimming feel effortless, fluid and meditative. 

• Discover how to train your mind for focus, recovery, and adaptability by combining awareness, breath, and science to enhance both your swimming and your life.

• Develop injury resilience and understand periodisation for sustainable endurance.

• Receive individual assessments for breath, nervous system health, movement, strength, and stability with personalised guidance for future training.

• Cultivate an abundant growth mindset. A mindset of lack is infectious and so is a mindset of abundance and joy.

• Build a strong mind, healthy movement patterns, and lasting stability for swimming performance, longevity, and injury resilience.

• To create a flexible nervous system capable of calmness under stress as well as an ability to recover and down regulate for a swim and for overall health & wellness.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 - 21 May

• Check-in: 16h30-18h30

• Welcome dinner

• Meet & greet

Day 2 - 22 May

• Morning mindset, yoga and breathwork

• Breakfast

• Screening

• Wisdom Seminar 1: Mindset for endurance swimmers

• Lunch

• Swim Session

• Guests are on their own for dinner

Day 3 - 23 May

• Morning mindset, yoga and breathwork

• Breakfast

• Swim Session 2: “Meditation” - applying the theory

• Lunch

• Wisdom Seminar 2: Nervous system flexibility: 

• Injury resilience strength & conditioning

• Option excursion - Sauna & cold water plunge

• Guests are on their own for dinner

Day 4 - 24 May

• Morning mindset, yoga and breathwork

• Breakfast

• Swim Session 3: Hypoxic, hypercapnic & breathwork for performance

• Lunch

• 1-1 discussions w Neil & Andrew (integration/ future training/etc) 

• Breathwork for down regulation of nervous system

• Guests are on their own for dinner

Day 5 - 25 May

• Pre- anticipation practice routine

• Breakfast

• Optional supported open water swim (Additional costs apply)

• Lunch for those who participated in optional swim

• Participants who are not participating in optional swim check-out by 14h 

• Guests are on their own for dinner

Day 6 - 26 May

• Remaining guest check-out by 9h30

Note:

• All swim sessions will be held at the 50m pool at the Centre Nautique in Évian. 

• Guests may utilise the villa's kitchens or explore the numerous local restaurants located within walking distance.

LOCATION: ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE

Our retreat takes place in Évian-les-Bains, a celebrated spa town nestled on the French shore of the majestic Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). This picturesque setting offers an inspiring backdrop, situated between the crystalline blue expanse of the lake and the dramatic foothills of the Alps. Évian is renowned worldwide for its pure mineral water, a legacy of wellness and history that flows through the entire town. This tranquil, restorative atmosphere perfectly supports physical training and recovery. All pool sessions will be held at the modern, state-of-the-art Centre Nautique 50m pool nearby.

Beyond the training, Évian offers a quintessential French alpine-lake experience. You can:

• Explore: Stroll along the beautiful Promenade bordering the lake, or wander through the charming streets lined with Belle Époque architecture, including the famous Cachat Spring where the water originates.

• Indulge: Discover the town's gastronomic scene, featuring traditional Savoyard cuisine and exquisite French dining, paired with award-winning local wines.

• Relax & Recover: Take advantage of the luxurious thermal and spa facilities for peak post-swim relaxation.

• Discover: Easily access medieval villages, like Yvoire, or enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the lake to Switzerland.

To help you maximise your stay, we have compiled the following list of essential links. Dive in and start planning your perfect off-hours exploration of Évian-les-Bains and the wider Lake Geneva area.

• Official Town Tourism: For practical information and local events.

• https://www.evian-tourisme.com/ 

• Lake Geneva Region (Lac Léman) Tourism: Surrounding attractions, villages, and transportation links.

• https://www.leman-sans-frontiere.org/

• Haute-Savoie Tourism: For information on regional activities like hiking, local produce, and nearby mountain resorts.

• https://en.savoie-mont-blanc.com

ACOMMODATION: YOUR PRIVATE VILLA

We’ll be staying in a magnificent, private villa located right in the heart of Évian-les-Bains. The property offers truly breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, and is perfectly situated near the town centre and within easy walking distance of the lake, offering immediate access to the best of Évian-les-Bains.

Inside, the house is designed for comfort and connection. The main living room on the first floor is a cosy communal space, equipped with an indoor fireplace and Wi-Fi access. Guests will have access to two large, fully equipped kitchens. Both feature modern amenities and are enhanced by charming indoor fireplaces, perfect for gathering after a day of exercise and talks.

Outside, the property boasts a beautifully landscaped garden, featuring a private heated swimming pool and traditional French pétanque court.

ROOM OPTIONS & COST

Rooms #1-4 – Double Room / Two single beds / Shared bathroom

Shared (2 people only): 1950 EUR (per person) 

Room #5 – King size bed / Balcony / Large room / Shared bathroom

Single: 2450 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4500 EUR

Room #6 & 7 – King size bed / Private bathroom

Single: 2550 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4600 EUR

Note: The Couple's Rate (Rooms #5-7) requires two participants to register together.

A 500 EUR deposit is required to secure your spot

OPTIONAL OPEN WATER SWIM - 25 MAY

Finish your retreat with a memorable, fully supported open water swim on Monday, 25 May, available for an additional 150 €. This special session in beautiful Lake Geneva is designed to turn your preparation into performance, whatever your goal may be. You can choose the distance that challenges you, whether you want to set a personal best over 5 km or 10 km or take advantage of the full 6-hour time limit for a true test of endurance.

If one of your goals is to complete an official English Channel qualifier, this swim can serve as that opportunity.

All swimmers benefit from the professional safety support and expertise of the LGSA team, ensuring a safe and well-managed environment for your swim.

After your swim, you will receive an official LGSA certificate confirming your distance, time, date, location, and water temperature. This certificate may be used as evidence for a Channel qualifying swim or kept as a record of your accomplishment.

We strongly recommend registering for the Optional Open Water Swim when you book your retreat to secure your spot. The hard deadline for registration is April 1st. Requests received after this date will incur a late fee and will only be accommodated if space and safety capacity allow.

Please note:

●       Lake temperature in late May is typically 15 to 16°C, but conditions vary naturally and cannot be guaranteed.

●       If weather conditions do not allow the open water swim to take place on the 25th, it will be rescheduled to the 24th or the 26th, depending on safety and conditions. We recommend that participants plan to remain available on the 26th to accommodate a possible change.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

●       Accommodations for 4 nights, or 5 nights for participants taking part in the optional swim on 25 May.

●       Welcome dinner on 21 May.

●       Breakfasts and lunches.

●       Use of yoga equipment for the duration of the retreat.

●       Daily swim sessions in a 50m pool focused on technique, breath control, mindset, and stress management for endurance.

●       Daily yoga, mobility, and breathwork to restore balance and enhance flexibility.

●       Strength and conditioning integrated through progressive mesocycles.

●       Seminars on preparation, training periodisation, stability, injury resilience, yoga, and states of consciousness.

●       Mindset and resilience training combining Kriya philosophy and sport psychology.

●       Recovery sessions with restorative yoga and nervous system regulation techniques.

●       Exploration of spirituality and science—from the use of mantra (“No mind before positive mind”) to the role of play and surrender in endurance performance.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

●       Flights

●       Transportation to/from Évian-les-Bains and to/from the villa

○       We may be able to provide pick-up/drop-off to/from the train station depending on the time of day.

●       Dinners - except the welcome dinner on 21 May. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen in the villa. There are also several restaurants within walking distance from the villa.

FAQ

●       How much swimming and yoga will there be? Each day includes both a swimming session and a yoga, mindfullness, and breathwork session designed to match your level. All swims are held in the 50m pool at the Centre Nautique in Évian, and you’ll also join morning and evening sessions on priming state and down regulating the nervous system.

●       Are sessions mandatory? No, everything is optional.

●       When should I arrive? Between 16h30 and 18h30 on 21 May.

●       Do I need equipment? Please bring at least one swimsuit, goggles, swim cap and clothing for yoga and exercise sessions. Yoga equipment is provided but you’re welcome to bring your own. If you are participating in the optional swim on 25 May, a tow float is required and if you wish to swim in a wetsuit please bring one. We recommended a DryRobe or similar and warm hat to keep warm after your swim.

●       Do I need insurance? Yes, all guests are required to purchase personal travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage, including provisions for injury during sporting activities, and emergency medical. The coverage must explicitly include participation in physical activities such as swimming and yoga.

●       Age requirement? Participants must be 18 or over.

●       Are there any requirements to participate in this retreat? In addition to being 18 years of age or older, participants must also be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 2 km (1.2 miles) in a pool or in open water.

●       What safety support is provided for the optional open water swim? The swim will be supported with a motorised safety boat and support kayakers. Food stations will be provided with products from Hammer Nutrition (hammernutrition.com).

●       What happens if weather or unforeseen events prevent the optional open water swim from taking place on 25 May? If conditions do not allow the optional open water swim to take place on 25 May, the swim will be rescheduled to 24 May or 26 May, depending on safety and environmental conditions. We recommend that participants who choose the optional swim plan to stay until 26 May in case the date must be adjusted.

In the event that severe weather or other circumstances beyond our control make it impossible to hold the swim on any of the available dates, the optional swim will be cancelled, and the 150 € fee will be fully refunded.

●       Will the supported swim be certificated? Yes. After your swim, you will receive an official LGSA certificate confirming the distance and time you swam, along with the date, location, and water temperature. This can be used as evidence for your Channel qualifying swim or simply kept as a record of your incredible achievement.

●       Could the retreat be cancelled? The retreat requires a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event that this number is not reached, all deposits and payments will be fully refunded.

COST IN EUROS

Rooms #1-4 – Double Room / Two single beds / Shared bathroom

Shared (2 people only): 1950 EUR (per person)

Room #5 – King size bed / Balcony / Large room / Shared bathroom

Single: 2450 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4500 EUR

Room #6 & 7 – King size bed / Private bathroom

Single: 2550 EUR

Couple (two people total): 4600 EUR

Note: The Couple's Rate (Rooms #5-7) requires two participants to register together

A 500 EUR deposit is required to secure your spot