During this retreat you will explore the incredible hiking trails of Chamonix whilst developing your strength, flexibility, wellbeing and mindfulness.
This retreat includes:
- A full body welcome massage
- 7 nights accommodation in a beautiful chalet
- Healthy and delicious meals: Brunch, snacks and dinner (apart from one free evening to enjoy a meal at one of the fabulous local restaurants)
- Fresh juices and healthy smoothies every day
- A full week of yoga classes (check the retreat schedule for detailed info)
- All yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, eye pillows, straps, bolsters and blankets)
- Guided mountain hikes
- A whole day at a wonderful local spa
- Transfers to and from Geneva airport according to these time slots
- A welcome pack
- Housekeeping
- Toiletries
ACCOMMODATION
Our large and beautiful Alpine chalet is perfectly located in the Chamonix valley for easy access to areas of interest, beautiful hiking trails and boasts stunning views of Mont Blanc. The chalet is just as intimate and cosy as it is spectacular and luxurious, thanks to its clever design with several sumptuous social areas.
The chalet is a former mill and has been built and decorated by the most sought after artisans in the valley, so every aspect has been finished to perfection and careful attention. The lovely yoga space is in the heart of the chalet with floor to ceiling windows that let in plenty of light under the beautiful wooden roof beams. The chalet also has its own spa area with a sauna and treatment room for the on-site massages.
It is centrally located in the Chamonix valley in the quaint village of Les Tines, a short distance from Chamonix town, with breath-taking panoramic views of the French Alps from the hot tub, sun terraces and garden.
HEALTHY EATING
The quality of the food on our retreats is very important to us. You will enjoy healthy, nutritional meals carefully chosen by our excellent chef to complement the retreat perfectly. The gourmet food on our retreats is absolutely delicious and mostly vegan or vegetarian but you can opt for fish or meat when booking your retreat. We use organic and local produce where possible.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
It is easy to see that our very lovely yoga teacher for this retreat; Michael Jarvis, is a passionate practitioner that has encompassed the philosophy of Yoga within all areas of his life.
His classes offer a safe, friendly and warm environment to experience the beauty of Yoga. They are built to empower people to find their own inner wisdom and reconnect to their intuitive movement and energy. Whether your intention is to increase your flexibility, relieve stress, or improve your strength, Michael’s classes will do the trick.
Michael has studied with many great teachers through his Foundation Training with The British Wheel and a 12 month Yoga Alliance teacher training programme through YogaLondon and Holly Warren. He has completed an in-depth Teacher/Facilitator Training for Yoga Nidra with Uma Dimsmmore-Tuli through Yoga Campus in London and is currently finalising his training with Ralf Marzen at the Mudita School of Thai Massage to become a fully qualified Thai Yoga Masseur. This spring he will be deepening his Yin training with the wonderful Norman Blair.
Through deep learning and personal practice Michael has developed and integrated this beautiful ancient tradition of bodywork, breath, mindfulness and stillness into his own routine which, he finds, supports a rich, fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Michael’s website: www.michaeljarvisyoga.com
THE HIKES
Experience guided walks through the stunning French Alps.
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 carefully chooses trails to suit the abilities of our clients. She will make sure no-one is left behind, while imparting knowledge on the local flora and fauna.
On the full day hike we set off to explore some of Chamonix’s best hiking trails. Around midday we make ourselves comfortable in an idyllic setting for some high mountain yoga or meditation followed by a healthy packed lunch with impressive views like those at Lac Blanc. 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 relax in the hot tub.
All hikes are optional.
WHAT TO BRING
Chamonix Mont Blanc is the most beautiful Alpine region in Europe and as with all mountain regions, the weather is unpredictable. It can be extremely hot on sunny days and occasionally very cold even in summer, so it’s a good idea to check the weather report right before you travel.
We recommend bringing hiking boots or sensible outdoor footwear, sunglasses, sun cream, a sun hat, a bathing suit (for the hot tub / spa), a backpack, a waterproof coat and warm layers. Don’t worry if you come unprepared or forget anything, there are plenty of shops in town.
We provide all yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, straps, bolsters, eye pillows and blankets).
We also provide towels and bathrobes at the chalet so no need to bring your own.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
In light of recent events, our diligent staff have been retrained and now implement updated health and safety procedures in line with government guidelines. There will be a top to bottom disinfection of the property between retreats, extremely thorough cleans between use of the spa areas, regular disinfecting of surfaces and there’s no need to share yoga equipment. We also provide masks for anyone wishing to wear them and there are hand sanitising stations in place.
Please try to social distance as much as possible for 2 weeks BEFORE the retreat and check your temperature on the morning of travel. If you are feeling in any way unwell, stay at home. It may be possible to reschedule your retreat at no cost to you but please take out cancellation insurance to avoid any disappointment.
TESTIMONIALS
‘WOW!!! It has been an absolutely amazing week. The retreat is all I had been hoping for and even far exceeded my expectations on many fronts. Our private chef Jonno deserves a special mention – he is truly wonderful. The chalet is cosy and the views are unbeatable. Eleanor and the team were also fabulous. Last but not least, Michael is not just a great yoga teacher but also such a lovely soul xx I would definitely recommend this retreat to anyone who fancies a break in the French Alps!’ – Charlotte Ho Man Chee
‘I can’t recommend this retreat enough! Wonderful people, surroundings, yoga, food, activities….everything. I will be booking again.’ – Rhonda Martin
‘The whole experience was beautiful. The setting, the chalet, the food, the yoga, the massage, the food, the walks, the spa day, the food, and the total vibe – calm but energising, excellently organised but relaxed – were all perfect. The food was delicious, healthy, satisfying. El and Anna were totally brilliant. I loved the food. The yoga was inspirational, every day. But the aspect that perhaps I wasn’t expecting, and which surprised me, was the power, joy, and inspiration I gained from my fellow guests. Thank you all.
And did I mention the food..?’ – Simon Blake
‘My yoga retreat with Bluerise far exceeded my expectations. All of the staff were keen to make every day an enjoyable one, and nothing was too much trouble. The schedules were planned each day, though nothing too rigid, the accommodation was outstanding, and to top it all the food was 5* quality. I can’t wait till my next one!’ – Vanessa Reeve