I feel extremely grateful for the last week, the universe aligned to bring my family together as we embarked on a trip into the French Alps to experience a Yin yoga retreat with Yoga in Nature

I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest I didn’t research the area or the website in great detail. My sister found the retreat and had already stayed at Chalet Savoie Faire so as I had just finished an intense and emotional 5 year contract I was ready for some time to heal and let go of the stress of the last few months. My intention was to find new energy, space for more creativity in my life and to let go of old patterns.

Arriving at our yoga retreat

We started the four hour journey from Switzerland to the French Alps with my mum and two sisters. It poured with rain, we missed our exit to Annecy, and got lost going up the wrong side of the mountain but when we finally found the chalet the rain had turned to snow and we were welcomed by Nikki & Hugh, our hosts for the week and Natalie and Jim who were running the retreat.

Walking into our chalet was like being wrapped in a warm hug. Over the week we gradually noticed hearts subtly placed around their home. On the beautiful lampshades, the mugs for our herbal teas, plates, glasses, spoons… The bedroom was divine, silk pillow cases, crisp cotton, warm fur throws and views of the mountains.

We met the other guests and after a drink and piece of home made cake it was time for our first Yin Yoga session.

As the week unfolded we experienced morning and evening yin yoga sessions focusing on the different organs, ate vegetarian food, loving prepared by Nikki. All the meals were designed to feed and nourish the organs we were working on. Every yoga session was led by Natalie and accompanied by Jim on gongs and sound bowls. We experienced reiki drumming before floating off to bed, chakra balancing, reiki and an impromptu visit from a local masseuse.

As the snow fell and the clouds lifted, the sight of the snow covered mountains offered healing of a different kind. Snow shoe walking with new friends, breathtaking views, laughter, a picnic in the mountains and a spot of tree hugging are experiences I will never forget.

Healing ceremonies

We listened to Ram Dass with our meals, chanted beautiful mantras together, took part in a cacao ceremony, learned how to make tasty vegetarian food in our cookery lesson with Nikki. We all cried, laughed and let go of whatever it was we needed to release.

It is difficult to put into words what this week has meant to both myself and my family but it was a truly healing experience.

The stunning chalet and recently finished yoga barn were styled like something you might see in a well renowned interiors magazine. Nikki and Hugh’s eye for detail has created a home that makes you feel like part of the family from the minute you arrive. Their huge hearts and Natalie & Jim’s passion, knowledge and energy is a combination that would be hard to beat anywhere else in the world.

As the retreat came to an end, I thought about the symbol of the eagle I had seen in my reiki drumming journey as we watched a beautiful eagle majestically swooping high across the mountain down into the trees. I took this as a sign that although this journey had come to an end, I was ready to embark on my next journey, one of gratitude and letting go of the past to be present and live in the now.

Thank you to Nikki, Hugh, Natalie, Jim, Diane, Rebecca, Charlotte, Claudette, Mel, and Sam for creating the most incredible experience. And as we said, it’s not goodbye but ‘until the next time’.

Yoga Retreats www.yogainnature.co.uk

Chalet Savoie Faire www.chaletsavoiefaire.com