During this retreat you will explore the incredible hiking trails of Chamonix whilst developing your strength, flexibility, wellbeing and mindfulness.
There will be variations and options for all levels of practice.
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
Vanessa Morton’s yoga journey began at 17, when she moved to America. The experience was a real awakening for her and she began to dive deep into the practice, taking her first teacher training in 1994 at the Omega Institue, Austin, Texas with Baron Baptiste in power vinyasa.
Moving to Vail, Colorado gave Vanessa the opportunity to attend the Yoga Journal conferences where she had the chance to study with Maty Ezraty, Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Tias Little, Richard Freeman. Yoga soon became her passion and purpose. Studying Yoga Philosophy took her on a 6-week quest to India, where she completed her second training 200hrs in Ashtanga and yoga philosophy. She loves to subtly weave yoga philosophy into her teachings.
In 2014, Vanessa was approached by YogaWorks to become a Co-Lead trainer for their 200hr teacher training program in Cyprus, where she now lives with her family. After 19 years of teaching alignment-based Vinyasa, and having assisted and guided over 80 students to become teachers, Vanessa went on to complete a Yoga Therapist training in March 2021. She has also taken courses in Yoga for addiction and recovery with Nikki Myers and Souls purpose life coaching.
Vanessa now teaches Hatha flow-based practice and Yoga Therapy classes. She feels that her purpose is to guide us to a deeper understanding of the “higher self” through yoga philosophy and other tools. Vanessa knows how to teach from the heart. She is authentic and full of passion and gratitude that she has the opportunity to pass down the beautiful knowledge of yoga.
Vanessa’s classes will touch your mind, body, heart and soul.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Vanessa’s website: www.vanessamortonyoga.net
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 panic 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
‘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
‘The other guests were wonderful; inspiring and real pleasure to spend time with. Everyone involved in running the retreat was very welcoming, friendly and really fun to have around. Eleanor and Anna made us all feel really at home and looked after us brilliantly. Wonderful, inspiring, responsive yoga teacher. I had the best massage I have in years. The food was excellent, absolutely delicious. The views were magnificent. Perfect balance of structure and freedom.’ – Fiona Paveley
‘Had the most relaxing week. Such a great experience. Everything was so smooth, well organised. Awesome yoga and hikes of course. The venus is fabulous, with indoor spa, pool & jacuzzi, in-house cinema …the food was incredible. On top of all that, it was so lovely to meet new people and it truly ended up being a beautiful, fulfilling and humbling human experience. Thanks to all of you.’ – Morgane Boucherit
