“Experience the essence of a Swiss retreat in Zermatt, led by Elise Joan, as we embark on a journey to elevate well-being and renewal”
It winks at me between the misty clouds as I stand on my balcony. Stoic, mighty and grounded with a powdery covering at its peak. A majestic sight, confident and strong. It’s the Matterhorn, the jewel of the Swiss Alps, soaring over a postcard panorama to a height of 4,478 metres (14,691 feet). And it’s this symbolic relevance that I carry with me as I join my first Swiss retreat.
Sustainable wake-boarding
I’m in Zermatt in southern Switzerland, a destination that attracts explorers, adventurers, pioneers and wellness travelers, like us, who have gathered amidst the rugged beauty and high altitude of the Alpine landscape for our Swiss retreat. Our hotel is the 5-star Cervo Mountain Resort, trendy, cool and laid back. A lifestyle hotel with creative vibes around every corner and a place at one with its environment, from its contemporary alpine decor and design elements to food sourced from local farms and fishermen. It’s casual luxury at its best and ideal for a relaxed retreat in comforting atmosphere.
This Cervo Mountain Resort room was peak-perfect
Curated by the leading retreat company in Europe, Travelgems, the six-day retreat is aptly billed as a Holistic Summit with Elise Joan, which has attracted attendees from around the world, from New York, LA, Oxford to London and places in-between. This is an immersion into a new culture, miles away from anyone’s personal comfort zone. There’s no age limit, and no fitness level expectation. Numbers are kept small to maximise personal development. For some, this is a first-time experience, for others a reunion, some travelling alone or as sisters or as a mother and daughter double act. Each person bringing the determination to add more to their lives, to disconnect from negativity and to soothe painful scars of the past. Tough stuff.
The common denominator to the group is Elise Joan, an American celebrity fitness and life coach supremo and prominent on network platforms. She is well-known among our group from apps, platforms and in magazines. Over the months and years, she has been their online instructor, heard through headphones or speakers. But now she stands and stretches before us in person, as the motivational retreat leader to guide us through resetting new goals, defeating negative mind chatter and creating affirmations to stamp our value in this world. And, of course to perfect our mountain pose!
Bazaar Restaurant
Each day starts with an active body session, a blend of soulful yoga, stretch, Joan’s signature ‘Barre Blend,’ and mindfulness. A well-deserved nutritious breakfast presents time to socialise in readiness for the challenge of the day, whether it’s the giddy heights of paragliding, a five-hour guided hike or a balancing act while wake-boarding. Success stems from facing and overcoming physical and emotional obstacles, or not, with the group providing the support and encouragement to breed positivity and fun. No pressure, no guilt.
These precious days are scheduled with group gatherings, individual coaching and leisure time to off-load weighty thoughts hidden for a decade. Time is flexible to build friendships, secure long-term anchors and to indulge in time alone to rethink and reset. There is also time to explore the quaint car-free village of Zermatt, with its overflowing flower boxes and fondue menus, Breitling watch displays, and, at 5 p.m., a herd of cuddly black-nosed goats with jingly bells that parade through the main street.
Yoga class with Elise Joan
It is said that six days are needed for transformational behavior to take effect. As the retreat came to an end, it was evident that the investment in health and wellness paid dividends. Gone were the stressed expressions we had arrived with and in their place were laughter and joy. Our goals had been reset, paths mapped out, and new friendships forged for a brighter future ahead.
I returned to my balcony to find the Matterhorn on display in full glory. The clouds had blown away and had been replaced with the energy and strength of nature itself. Was this a sign of the effectiveness of a Swiss retreat?
Car-free Zermatt is as pretty as a picture
The Retreat Company, Travelgems
Travelgems is the leading retreat company in Europe and offers 35 retreats in locations around Europe to include Crete, Corfu, Tenerife, Tuscany and Greece, where, later this year, the renowned guru, Deepak Chopra will lead the retreat. Every retreat has a unique educational pattern that aims to help participants grow, evolve or change their perspective. The increase in the number of retreats reflects recent research that consumers are seeking mindfulness getaways that focus on mental health and wellbeing. This growing demand for meaningful travel experiences embracing wellbeing and cultural exploration appeals to both men and women of all ages.
“To build the world full of authentic human smiles by enhancing peoples’ well-being.” This is the underlying mission of the company, which was certainly achieved during our Swiss retreat.
Cervo Mountain Resort
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BeSeeingYou In: Zermatt, Switzerland
Good To Know: The retreat is open to men and women of all ages.
WOW! Factor: Arrive alone, leave with a new group of like-minded friends!
Tip: Remember that this retreat is all about you.
Author Bio: Jane Wilson
