Discover Provence Escape: Balance & Bliss for Women in Medicine, a 5-night retreat exclusively designed for women physicians, led by a woman physician. This thoughtfully curated journey invites you to step away from the demands of your career and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures of Provence, France. From exploring enchanting villages to indulging in the region’s celebrated cuisine and wines, every detail of this experience is crafted to inspire connection, rejuvenation, and joy—all set against the backdrop of luxurious accommodations that epitomize Provençal charm.
october 6-11, 2025
our host
Merry Jennifer Markham is the owner and founder of MMarkham Travel. She's also a medical oncologist at an academic medical center who loves teaching and mentoring, caring for her patients, and contributing to research in gynecologic cancers and the patient experience.
She started her travel business out of a passion for travel and for helping her clients make meaningful connections and memories through the priceless experience of exploring the world.
She is married and has two fantastic kids, two cats, and a goldendoodle named Milo. She loves traveling the world with her family, but she's always ready for a solo adventure, especially if it involves France.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a charming and sophisticated city that effortlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniable elegance. Known for its sun-dappled streets lined with plane trees, picturesque fountains, and bustling open-air markets, Aix invites you to slow down and savor the essence of Provençal life. This quintessential French town, once home to artist Paul Cézanne, is alive with inspiration—from its stunning architecture and world-class museums to its chic boutiques and delightful cafés. Perfectly suited as a base for exploration, Aix offers easy access to Provence's medieval villages and acclaimed vineyards, making it the ideal destination for our curated group journey.
Aix-en-provence
the hotel
Villa Saint-Ange, a 5-star boutique hotel, provides an intimate yet grand experience in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, making it the perfect setting for our Provence Escape. This exquisite 18th-century villa is a masterpiece of architecture, offering a serene retreat amid the city’s historic townhouses while providing the tranquility of a countryside estate.
Relax by the stunning outdoor pool, unwind in the boutique spa, or enjoy a quiet moment in the salons—perfect for informal lounging or private gatherings. The lush garden and terrace offer a peaceful escape, while the on-site restaurant, housed in a beautifully designed conservatory, serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine alongside a carefully curated selection of French wines. Villa Saint-Ange is not just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to savor the art of Provençal living.
we'd love for you to join us
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Private walking tour of Aix with an expert guide.
Discover the town of Cassis and then enjoy a boat cruise along the beautiful coastline.
Sample the renowned Côtes de Provence wines during a private tasting experience.
Cooking class with a French chef
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There will be only 14 total women on this trip, and this includes our host, Merry Jennifer Markham.
Space is very limited!
01. how many people will be on the trip?
A 30% nonrefundable deposit in EURO is due at registration. The second nonrefundable payment (30%, in EURO) is due by March 3, 2025. The final nonrefundable payment in EURO is due by August 3, 2025.
02. what is the payment schedule?
03. what all is included when i book?
booking page
This trip is organized and priced based on single occupancy. Everyone gets their own wonderful room, with no single supplement.
However, if you prefer to share a room, we offer a discount. You’ll need to have your friend sign up at the same time, however. We aren’t able to do roommate matching.
04. will i share a room or do i get my own room?
Because of our up-front costs for organizing the trip and pre-paying hotel and other service providers, we can’t give you a refund if your plans change or you're unable to travel because of health issues, work or family commitments, financial hardship, etc. This policy is the only way we can maintain the small group size, trip quality, and level of service we provide.
If you're concerned that you may not be able to join a trip as planned, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. We can provide you with a quote for travel insurance.
05. what is the cancellation policy?
As long as we know ahead of time, we can accommodate almost any dietary restriction. If you have any concerns, just ask us!
06. can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
The trip officially starts on October 6, 2025. If you’re traveling from the US to get to France, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone.
If you decide to arrive early (or stay late), we can assist you with booking an extra night.
07. when should i arrive?
frequently asked questions