Some or all of these activities may be included in your retreat. To find out, choose the retreat you are interested in – on the Retreats page – then click on ‘select options’ to view what’s included.
THE YOGA
We handpick the best yoga instructors we can find, from all over the world, to come and teach on our retreats. This means only excellent yoga classes and a wide range of styles. Please check the description of the retreat you are interested in for more information on the instructors teaching style.
THE HIKES
Our gentle half day hikes last 2 – 3 hours with plenty of rest time to take in the incredible views. No prior fitness level is required. Our qualified and experienced walking guide and nature expert, Susanna Walker, carefully chooses trails to suit the abilities of our clients. She makes sure no-one is left behind, while imparting knowledge on the local wildlife and beautiful fauna.
On the full day hike we leave the chalet at 10am and set off to explore some of Chamonix’s best hiking trails. Around midday we make ourselves comfortable in an Idyllic setting for a high mountain yoga session followed by a healthy packed lunch with impressive views. When rested, we continue our inspirational journey through the spectacular Mont Blanc mountain range before returning to the chalet to enjoy a fresh healthy smoothie and to relax in the hot tub, sauna and steam room.
THE FULL BODY MASSAGE
Experience a professional massage in the comfort of your chalet and let our wonderful masseuses work their magic as you de-stress and unwind. A full-body massage is included on all of our retreats.
THE SPA DAY
QC Terme Italian Spa in Chamonix, has got to be one of the best spas in Europe. It’s innumerable steam rooms, saunas, hammams, relaxation rooms, Jacuzzis, thermal baths, meditation rooms, sensorial tubs, Kniepp hydrotherapies, Vicky showers and foot-baths come together to create a multifaceted haven of wellness, with something for everyone to enjoy, a jewel in the center of the Chamonix valley.
The outdoor thermal baths are surrounded by snow in winter and a beautiful green valley in summer. Relax and rejuvenate while taking in the incomparable views of the Mont Blanc massif.
On many of our retreats, after a delicious brunch, we will spend a day pampering ourselves at the spa. The spa is a short and lovely walk along the River L’Arve from the center of Chamonix, so you can choose how much time you’d like to spend relaxing and how much time you’d like to spend exploring the town.
THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI
The Aiguille du Midi is a 3842m peak in the Mont Blanc Massif of the French Alps. This is the highest point in Europe accessible by cable car and the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without hiking or climbing. This extremely popular tourist attraction boasts panoramic views of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps that are breath-taking.
The name Aiguille du Midi translates to ‘needle of midday’ and this may be because the mountain lies to the South East of Chamonix and the sun appears over the peak at noon when seen from the local church.
Even in summer temperatures on the open-air viewing platforms can reach -10°C, and you will need both warm clothing and sunscreen to protect you from the elevated UV exposure at high altitudes.
Included: ‘STEP INTO THE VOID’
What is claimed to be the highest tourist attraction in Europe has recently been constructed on the summit of the Aiguille du Midi. A skywalk called ‘Step into the Void’, that is a glass room with a glass floor, is situated off the uppermost terrace of the Aiguille du Midi. Stepping into the glass cube allows the visitor a unique experience enhanced by a 1000m drop directly beneath their feet. Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, including Mont Blanc itself, and view the Bossons glacier from a dramatic perspective. Not for the faint of heart!
THE PANORAMIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
What a spectacular way to see the Alps! On our retreats the unforgettable sightseeing helicopter flights around the Mont Blanc mountain range is always optional, and always incredible! You won’t regret joining us for this once in a lifetime adventure.
On our tour of the Mont Blanc massive we summit the highest mountain in Europe and see the routes alpinists take to reach the top of Mont Blanc at 4810m. From here we have incredible views of the Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Dôme du Goûter and the Aiguille du Midi. Check out the Italian side of Mont Blanc as we fly along the French-Italian border past the Aiguille Vert towards the Grandes Jorasses, which occupy a special place in the history of Alpinism. Before returning back to earth we see breath-taking views of La Vallée Blanche (the White Valley) – the world’s most famous off-piste ski route, and La Mer de Glace (the Sea of Ice) – the largest glacier in France at 7km long.
Discover the majesty of the Mont Blanc massif with us, in safety, as you fly over beautiful glaciers and hover beside snow-capped mountains, taking in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps as far as the eye can see.
LA MER DE GLACE
The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is the largest glacier in France at 7km long and 200m deep and it is a beautiful spectacle. Departing from Chamonix on the Montenvers rack and pinion train, we slowly climb around the side of the mountain to the foot of the Mer de Glace at 1913m. A small cable car allows visitors to descend from the train station on to the glacier where they can enter a man-made ice cave cut into the living glacier. This ‘Grotte de Glace’ is home to some wonderful ice sculptures. The grotto itself is re-sculpted every summer, as the glacier moves around 70m every year.
While you’re here visit the Gallery of Crystals that features a collection of the finest crystal specimens found in the Mont Blanc massif.
NB There are around 450 steps from the arrival of the gondola lift to the entrance of the cave. So if you fancy sitting it out and just taking in the spectacular views why not enjoy refreshments at the glacier bar.
THE WINE TASTING EVENING
On the last evening of our retreat we will experience wine tasting “Dégustation” the French way. A local wine connoisseur will bring a fine selection of European and local wines directly to the chalet for us to sample, accompanied by an informal and light-hearted discussion.
These wines are carefully chosen by our talented Sommelier and these special soirées sampling Grand Crus are a lovely way to end the week. It’s wonderful what you can learn whilst having fun with new friends.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
If you like the sound of one or more of these activities and they are NOT already included in your retreat, we will be happy to book them for you, at cost price, on your behalf. Other activities we can organise for you are: Beauty Treatments, Mountain Bike Hire, Guided Mountain Bike Excursions, Paragliding, One on One Sessions with a Nutritionist / Physio / Personal Trainer. Simply let us know!