King size bed
Privative terrace
Jacuzzi
"Just perfect": A Cooking Retreat in Dijon with Emelia Jackson
September 2025
Our retreat with Emelia Jackson in Dijon was an experience we will all remember forever. We stayed in the very heart of the city at Hotel Maison Philippe Le Bon, a charming 4 star hotel with a UNESCO-classified courtyard that became a gathering place for us throughout the week. Dijon itself impressed everyone, a city not bombed during the WW2, it has kept its architecture intact and is immaculate beauty.
After waiting a full year for this retreat, which sold out so quickly, it was wonderful to finally be together. There were so many laughs, plenty of MasterChef stories shared, and a moving moment when Susan, a 70-year-old longtime fan, teared up as she met Emelia for the first time.
In the kitchen, Emelia set out on a mission to make cooking feel enjoyable again, something to look forward to, rather than a chore. With her approachable style, she gave us the confidence to tackle everything from hearty meatballs to her delicious pesto chicken, all the way to her signature Paris-Brest.
She filled the sessions with practical tips and clever shortcuts, the kind of things that only come from years of experience. What stood out most was how relaxed and fun she made it all feel. The professional kitchen buzzed with energy, wine glasses in hand, laughter echoing, and the simple pleasure of learning and cooking side by side. It reminded everyone that food isn’t just about the result on the plate, but also about the process and the joy of sharing it.
Beyond the kitchen, Dijon and the surrounding region offered us so much to explore. We visited the markets with a guide, learned how mustard is made, enjoyed a city tour full of fascinating history, and spent a day in Beaune for wine tasting and even wine barrel making.
Along the way, plenty of snails were eaten, to the delight (and sometimes surprise) of the group. The restaurants we discovered were all excellent, and the atmosphere among the participants was exactly what we hope for on every retreat, warm, supportive, and full of fun.
At the very end, Susan once again brought us all to tears with her heartfelt words about what this trip had meant to her. We were all so proud of her, and grateful to have shared such a special week together.
To all our guests, MERCI. As we are writing this, we already miss all of you.
To Emelia, we cannot wait for 2026!
