Yoga and Hiking Retreat, Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Jess Dezaux has been teaching Yoga and Meditation internationally for over ten years. A native Australian, she has facilitated teacher trainings, workshops and retreats across Asia, Europe and America. Furthering her certifications in Vinyasa Prana flow, yin yoga and mindfulness meditation, she has completed diplomas in health studies, energetic anatomy, yogic philosophy, Ayurveda and is a certified holistic wellness coach.

Jess has taken the essence of these complimentary teachings and developed a style of yoga and meditation designed to empower the student to experience the world with inspiration and awareness. During her classes you will deepen your physical and emotional experience, and develop a powerful and transformative approach to movement and mind body practice. Jess’s classes are healing, heart centered and expansive and are designed to move the student towards a desired state of being.

“My intention is always to deeply support my students, to meet them where they are and guide them back home to themselves. It is my desire that the yoga creates opportunities for change, for possibilities to become realities and for the student to unlock and discover their potential, to be inspired by themselves and enlightened by their experience.”

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 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 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.

All hikes are optional.

THE SPA

The majesty of Mont Blanc is the setting for this new Chamonix QC Terme spa where nature is the protagonist, offering a not-to-missed swim midst the snow or green mountain meadows. It’s an unexpected combination of warmth and freshness, water and earth. Within the spa’s 3,000 square meters, there are over 30 wellness practices, following a multi-sensory journey. There is also an infinity pool whose reflection merges with the water of the adjacent Alpine lake, all with a breathtaking view of the Bossons Glacier.

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 always 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 bathing suit (for the hot tub / spa / pool), a backpack, a waterproof coat, a hat, warm layers and flip flops or slippers to wear on the deck. Don’t panic if you come unprepared or forget anything, there are plenty of shops in town.

We provide masks for our guests to use when they wish but please bring your own for the journey here.

The yoga classes will take place on the decking outside the chalet surrounded by the stunning Mont Blanc mountain range but we do have an indoor room to use on rainy days. We provide blankets as well as all yoga equipment (mats, blocks, bricks, straps, bolsters, eye pillows and blankets) but please bring extra layers in case of cold days.

We also provide towels and bathrobes at the chalet so no need to bring your own.

During the meet and greet we will go over the schedule and weather report for the week so we can adjust the schedule a bit if necessary (hiking on sunny or slightly overcast days). We will fit the massages in around the schedule.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

In light of recent events, our diligent staff have been retrained and will be implementing updated health and safety procedures in line with government guidelines. It is now obligatory for our staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). We will also provide masks for our guests to use and there is a hand sanitising station in place.

We now have a lower maximum number of clients (10) and if you opt for a shared (twin) room you will be in one of the two largest rooms, with daily thorough cleans of the bathroom and each guest having their own sink, products, towels and bathrobes. There will be a top to bottom disinfection of the property between retreats, extremely thorough cleans between use of sauna / steam room (only one person at a time and 30 – 40 minute slots), regular disinfecting of surfaces, no sharing of yoga equipment, general social distancing rules which we will go over with you on arrival and whenever possible we will practice yoga on our spacious deck in the fresh mountain air.

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, please 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