Newsletter - November 2025

Greetings from Robbi and Jim

A warm welcome to all of the members of our Aroma Tours Newsletter in over 30 countries around the world.

Robbi and I have recently returned from the most wonderful season of tours and we are still floating on a high.

It feels like both an ending and a beginning as we take a moment to reflect on the inspiring year we've shared with our wonderful Aroma Travellers.

The French don’t say, I miss you quite the way we do. Instead, they say "tu me manques", which translates more closely to: "you are missing from me". And since we've returned home, that's exactly how we feel. Our guests are missing from us!

This year marks 30 years since we founded Aroma Tours, and what an extraordinary journey it has been.

With our hearts full, Robbi and I are already planning our future journeys and are thrilled to see that demand for our Aroma Tours is continuing to go from strength to strength, with only a few vacancies remaining for 2026 and our 2027 tour season already more than half full.

As always, it is our returning guests and their friends who are leading this fabulous response.

• If you would like to "seize the day" and journey with us, we invite you to visit our tour information page for more details or our make a reservation page to reserve your place.

While this newsletter is focusing on our beautifully curated events for women only, there are also plenty of options for you to enjoy in our other tour offerings. Read on!

Testimonials

One of the great pleasures for Robbi and I is receiving messages of thanks from our Aroma Travellers.

We have compiled a few of the many comments that we have received this year to give you a sense of the experiences and memorable moments that we enjoyed during our adventures together.

• "After completing our third trip with you within the last year, we need to take a moment to thank you for the great experiences you have provided. The two Provence trips last year and the Burgundy trip this year went beyond our wildest expectations. The curated experiences, restaurants, and accommodations truly reflect your knowledge and love of these areas and allowed us to share that love. The travellers that your tours attract add to the enjoyment, not to mention the joy your personalities add. Who would not love feeling as if they are traveling the most beautiful areas of France with friends who are determined to show you what other tours could not! Our memories of these trips provide us with warm and happy feelings each time we revisit them."
  
  ~ JoAnn and Dennis B. Bolivia North Carolina USA
• "What an amazing trip of Spain; a true feast for the eyes and palette, the itineraries had been carefully crafted from years of experience of the unique architecture, history and cultural fabric of this country. This is true of all Aroma Tours offerings. I’ve never had sooooo many Michelin Star tastings in my life, many were edible art and so creatively tantalising my tastebuds!! There were so many more memorable days. My senses have been amazed, sated by the rich experiences only Aroma Tours can offer, reflecting Jim and Robbi’s dedication to creating memorable trips drawn from extensive research, experience of destinations, highlighting dedicated craftsmanship whether artisans of food, wine or the arts. Thank you for a most memorable trip, will be back for more memorable adventures."
  
  ~ Vivian B. Melbourne Australia
• "I have tucked away so many memories from our chateau reteat in the Loire Valley which was so very special. I appreciate all the work you and Jim did to make it happen. I loved the diversity of women and I thank you for the kindness, care and inspiration you gave us. I will join another journey with you soon!"
  
  ~ Sue G. Tacoma WA USA

Loire Valley Chateau Retreat - An Enchanting Sojourn

Join us for an unforgettable sojourn in the heart of France’s enchanting Loire Valley—a region steeped in history, beauty, and the timeless rhythm of French country living.

Our journey begins with a stay in a historic hotel in the charming town of Saumur, followed by four magical nights at a private 19th-century château, exclusively ours to enjoy. Nestled amidst peaceful rural landscapes, this enchanting setting will awaken your senses and nourish your soul.

Throughout the week, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of the Loire Valley with curated experiences designed to connect you deeply to its culture and charm:

• Wander through medieval towns and cobblestone villages
• Discover the bounty of the vibrant weekly market
• Stroll the glorious gardens of the magnificent Chateau Villandry
• Find wonderful vintage treasures in the brocante stores
• Take a guided tour of Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau
• Visit the majestic Fontevraud Abbey
• Enjoy a French cooking class with easy-to-follow recipes
• Handcraft paper from cloth at an enchanting mill
• Relax during a soothing and restorative sound healing session
• Experience an exclusive chateau visit with the owners

At the heart of our retreat lies a gentle and nurturing space offering mindful practices, practical tools, and heartfelt conversations—simple, powerful reminders to support your path ahead.

We'll also walk in the footsteps of Eleanor of Aquitaine, a remarkable woman of strength, resilience and influence—queen to both France and England—whose legacy inspires the spirit of this retreat.

This beautiful sojourn is for women who value authenticity, connection, and a deeper appreciation of life’s simple joys. It’s a chance to slow down, create meaningful memories, and share in the magic of new friendships in a setting that feels both grounding and inspiring.

We warmly invite you to join Robbi in the picturesque Loire Valley for a retreat you’ll remember for years to come—shared with like-minded women who dare to dream and are moved by the beauty and simplicity of "Joie de Vivre".

• If you would like to "seize the day" and journey with us, we invite you to visit our Loire Valley Retreat information page for more details or to reserve your place.

Photos from this year's Loire Valley Chateau Retreat

Our Current Booking Status

This year has been our most successful season ever with all of our 2025 tours sold out, our 2026 season now down to the last few vacancies, and our 2027 season already half full.

• For detailed information about any of our tours please visit our tour information page and if you would like to join us please visit our make a reservation page.
• It is our pleasure to assist you with any questions you may have and we invite you to get in touch with us at [email protected]

Please note

• Our up-to-the-minute booking status is available via our calendar page

Treasures of Provence - A Dream Week in Provence

"To be in Provence is to be in a joyful dream full of beauty and delight." ~ Jean Moreau

We've lovingly curated a week-long escape that captures everything we adore about Provence.

Designed for women travellers seeking to be nurtured, inspired, and surrounded by beauty, this journey is a luxurious immersion into the French art de vivre, the effortless elegance and charm the French express so well.

Bathe in the golden light that has enchanted artists for centuries. Wander through glorious hilltop villages and cobblestone streets. Explore vibrant markets bursting with colour and fragrance. Dine in exquisite settings, savour wonderful wines, and learn the secrets of Provençale cooking.

And as a highlight we visit Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where you’ll create your own signature scent — a beautiful memory of your time in Provence.

Simply, a journey into the heart of French style and joy.

Co-hosting our ladies-only tour is Megan Larsen, founder of the award-winning Sodashi Skincare. A true pioneer in botanical beauty, Megan is internationally celebrated for her expertise in organic skincare and holistic spa therapies that honour the connection between inner wellbeing and outer radiance.

Robbi Zeck is the author of The Blossoming Heart a harmonious fusion of aromatic wisdom and the healing power of scent. Robbi’s inspiring book blends essential oils, imagery, meditation and gentle self-inquiry, opening the door to deeper self-awareness and joy.

Together Megan and Robbi bring an added dimension of care and inspiration to our Provence journey — creating moments of reflection, rejuvenation, and the simple joy of feeling beautifully cared for amongst the alluring beauty of summer in Provence.

• "I want to thank you for the amazing ladies only tour in Provence in July. I bonded well with 3 other women who were all my age, and who had similar life stories as my own which eased me into the week. And I so enjoyed meeting you, Robbi. So many great food and wine experiences, places to see in Provence, lavender fields, Van Gogh history, congenial and accomplished women. My heartfelt thanks for a trip of a lifetime."
  
  ~ Mary Y Shorewood Wisconsin USA

• If you would like to "seize the day" and journey with us, we invite you to visit our Treasures of Provence information page for more details or to reserve your place.

Travelling Solo in a Group

As well as couples and friends travelling together, we are regularly joined by solo travellers - mostly women, who appreciate being able to journey with liked minded people from around the world, without the need to do all the planning and take on the daunting task of touring by themselves.

Joining one of our small group tours is easy and we have already made all of the arrangements on your behalf to ensure that you have a delightful, stress-free holiday with the focus on having fun.

Having a ready-made group of friends to travel with, and us to take wonderful care of you is the way to go!

We have carefully crafted off-the-beaten-path itineraries that are the perfect balance of structure, experiences, details and free time to enjoy in your own way.

Our Invitation

Robbi and I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you to enjoy one of our delightful Aroma Tours in 2026.

• For detailed information about any of our tours please visit our tour information page and if you would like to join us please visit our make a reservation page.
• As always if you have any questions or if you would like us to assist you personally with advice about your travel arrangements or with any other details please contact us at [email protected]

Warmest regards,

Jim and Robbi