Join us for a wonderful spring-time retreat in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, where we will immerse ourselves in the beauty of yoga, nature and meditation. Move with freedom through soft flow yoga, experience exhilarating hikes with stunning views, delve into delicious deep meditation practices and enjoy spa treatments and mouth watering, nutritious food.
During the week we will explore and taste the full experience of Vinyasa Flow. Creating a space to engage in a playful and joyful exploration of this physical and spiritual practice. Through Vinyasa (flow) yoga classes you will learn how to explore a richer experience of your practice by listening deeply to your body and breath. Cultivate clarity and insight, and gain a greater understanding of what it means to move with love. We will also be adhering to the core of a yoga practice by recognising the discipline and connection yoga instills in ourselves and one another. Be inspired and excited to open the body and heart to new experiences of being present from moment to moment, aligning with your true nature through a soul shining retreat. There will be plenty of Yin, Nidra (yoga sleep), Pranayama (breath work) and meditation to nourish and restore the body and inspire the mind.
It is our intention to create a week of fun, laughter, love and breath. Prepare to open a new chapter. This retreat is open to all levels of experience.
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
Susie Murray started practicing yoga in her late teens following an injury incurred through her dance training. The freedom and ease that she found while dancing was reawakened when she discovered yoga. She has studied and attended an eclectic array of workshops and trainings with internationally acclaimed instructors offering her the opportunity to deepen her studies in Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Yoga Nidra and meditation but due to her background in dance her style is deeply rooted in Vinyasa. This is reflected in her teaching which lends to the smooth choreography of her classes.
Alignment and balanced energy flow are consistent points of focus in all of Susie’s classes. Susie will cue and guide you through the practice using the breath to create and deepen an experience of fluid yoga transitions. She truly believes your breath is the key to connecting to the wholeness of who you truly are and letting go of what might be holding you back. This improves strength, conditioning and flexibility in the body.
Susie’s website: www.susiemurrayyoga.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 warm layers, a waterproof coat, hiking boots or sensible outdoor footwear, sunglasses, sun cream, a sun hat, a bathing suit (for the hot tub / spa) and a small backpack. 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.
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 venue 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