ALPINE WELLNESS RETREATS - CHAMONIX, FRANCE
Our Spring retreats are held in Chamonix, France, which is situated in a picturesque valley overlooking some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in the French Alps, including Western Europe's tallest mountain, Mont Blanc. Chamonix is best known for its scenic hiking trails and rich variety of rock climbing routes.
Our hiking and climbing retreats are the perfect way to challenge yourself, and last three or seven days at a time when the mild, stable weather (18 to 25°C) is perfect for these outdoor activities. Spring and early Summer are perfect times to see the blooming Alpine flora. With many quiet hiking paths throughout the valley you can spend a day without seeing another soul, and will often spot plenty of ibex, marmots, chamois, and other fauna.
You start your retreat with guided gentle half-day hikes and slowly work your way up to longer days. Your hikes are catered to the pace of the group, with plenty of breaks, and a picnic for lunch. An introductory rock climbing lesson is also included for those willing to test their sense of adventure. A restorative yoga class and relaxing Tibetan bowl meditation will follow our more challenging daytime activities, to be held in your chalet's outdoor terrace - the perfect way to end an active day in the mountains. Last but not least, we will spend the day at a luxury spa overlooking the Alps that will include lunch and a complimentary full body massage.
During your stay you will visit popular local attractions including the Mer de Glace, the longest glacier in France, and take the second highest cable car in the World for a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, and spend an afternoon shopping in the beautiful Savoyard town of Chamonix, located by the Arve River and lined with beautiful, colourful geraniums across its many bridges and cobblestone walkways. Buffet breakfasts, picnic lunches, and delicious 3-course meals served with French wine will be prepared by our own private chef. Airport transfers, all guided-acitivies and local transportation are also included.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at 3 pm, champagne welcome, and dinner at the chalet
Day 2: Panoramic lift to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m/12,605 ft), followed by the Montenvers traverse hike (3-4 hours) and scenic cogwheel train back to Chamonix, dinner at the chalet (weather dependent)
Day 3: Hike to Lac Blanc (2352 m) (6-8 hours, moderate-strenuous), evening yoga/meditation, dinner at the chalet (weather dependent)
Day 4: Half-day introductory rock climbing lesson, evening yoga/meditation, fondue dinner in town
Day 5: Via ferrata or rock climbing course (easy-moderate but not recommend for people with vertigo), evening yoga/meditation, dinner at the chalet
Day 6: Morning yoga/meditation, spa day, dinner at the chalet
Day 7: Half-day hike to Balcon Sud/Nord and lunch at a traditional buvette, evening yoga/meditation, dinner at the chalet
Day 8: Morning yoga/meditation, brunch, and departure at 11 am
Hiking in the Chamonix valley
Rock climbing lesson with Mont Blanc in the background
The perfect terrace for a morning yoga practice
5-star cuisine prepared nightly by own private chefs
Luxury spa in Chamonix with views of Mont Blanc
Typical bedroom in one of our luxury chalets
AUTUMN WELLNESS RETREATS - TELLURIDE, CO, USA
In the Fall of 2019, we will introduce a 7-day Wellness Retreat that will take your breadth away. Telluride, one of Colorado's most scenic mountain resorts, offers unique and stunning views of the 'turning of the leaves' of majestic aspen groves. In addition to hiking in moderate, scenic trails and stand up paddle boarding in beautiful alpine lakes, we will learn how to fly fish! Last but not least, for that element of relaxation, we will include homemade gourmet meals, yoga classes, and an afternoon at the spa.
Based on the same premise as our Chamonix retreats, our week-long Telluride retreats are slightly more upscale and limited to only 6 participants. They offer the perfect dose of luxury and adventure.
Located in southwest Colorado, Telluride sits in a narrow canyon surrounded by steep forested mountains and prominent cliffs that are every climber and skier's dream. The opportunities for exploring scenic mountain trails and idyllic alpine lakes abound. A former Victorian mining town, Telluride's historic charm earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places and also as one of Colorado's 20 National Historic Landmarks. Roaming the streets of this small, beautiful village (the last census recorded around 2,500 inhabitants) is like stepping back in time. In autumn, you will see red, orange, and yellow aspen groves peppered on both sides of this steep valley - a vision that will be forever etched in your mind.
Participants will be staying in a deluxe, modern condominium in Mountain Village above Telluride with access to an outdoor terrace with fire pit, hot tub, and pool that offers great views of the San Juans. At an elevation of 9,500 feet, the village is situated in the heart of the mountains and can be accessed, day or night, by a convenient gondola system that is worth the trip alone.
No alpine adventure is complete without outdoor time in the mountains, so our experienced guides will take you on scenic trails to alpine lakes and waterfalls and hopefully to the summit of Ajax Peak at 12,785 feet for panoramic 360-degree views of Bridal Veil Basin, Imogene Pass, Savage Basin, Silver Lake, and beyond. Our fly fishing guides will teach you how to rig and cast a fly rod and hopefully you'll be catching trout in the San Miguel River by the end of the morning. We will also go on a guided stand-up paddle (SUP) board tour in a local alpine lake. Last but not least, our female AMGA guides will teach you how to rock climb if you so desire.
You will find that our all-inclusive alpine retreats are jam-packed with fun, outdoor activities and will feel like a great value for money once you get to experience what will probably be an adventure of a lifetime. But don't confuse adventure with pain. This week-long retreat will include plenty of opportunities for relaxation, like a morning at the beautiful Element 52 spa, a complimentary Swedish massage, two meals in town, a few hours to go shopping in town, 5 yoga classes, and delicious home cooked meals made by our personal chef.
* Single occupancy upgrade is possible for an additional 300 USD
Disclaimer: As we will be staying at 9,500 feet of elevation and doing most of our outdoor activities at altitude, this retreat is not recommended for people who suffer from altitude sickness.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1 (Sat): Check-in at 4 pm, champagne welcome, mindfulness workshop, and dinner at the condo
Day 2 (Sun): Full-day hike (6 hours) with picnic lunch, dinner at the condo
Day 3 (Mon): Half-day fly fishing course, picnic lunch, afternoon yoga class, dinner at The Sheridan Hotel
Day 4 (Tue): Introductory rock climbing course with picnic lunch, evening yoga class, dinner at the condo
Day 5 (Wed): Half-day stand-up paddle board excursion, afternoon yoga class, dinner at the condo
Day 6 (Thu): Morning at the spa, lunch/shopping in town, afternoon yoga class, dinner at the condo
Day 7 (Fri): Full-day hike (6-7 hours) with picnic lunch, evening yoga class, dinner at the condo
Day 8 (Sat): Brunch and departure at 11 am
Rich Fall foliage on the way to Rabbit Ears pass outside Telluride
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When these aspens turn colour, they seem to be on fire
The lodge in Telluride Mountain Resort where the participants will stay
The luxury condo where the participants will stay
Downtown Telluride
SUMMER SOLSTICE Retreats - LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY
Starting in the Summer of 2020, we will be offering adventure retreats for women in the beautiful Lofoten Islands of Arctic Norway, known for their spectacular ocean views and seaside pinnacles . These retreats will combine sea kayaking during the Summer Solstice, hiking in scenic coastal trails, and yoga. While the element of luxury will be somewhat absent, we we will still take great care of you during this week of adventure, providing all meals/drinks, guided outdoor activities, and local transportation.
Kayaking under the midnight sun in Svolvaer harbour
Ridge next to Devil's gate above Svolvaer harbour.
LAOS ADVENTURE Retreats
Laos, formerly known as 'Lan Xang' or land of a Million Elephants, was once part of the Khmer empire, which dominated a great part of Southeast Asia (including Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam) from the 9th to the 15th century. By the end of the 18th century, most of Laos was under Siamese (Thai) domination. The French eventually declared it a protectorate in 1893, and Laos became part of French Indochina until its independence in 1954.
Laos exudes a unique French colonial charm with rich Asian undertones, and unlike neighbouring Thailand, it is hasn't been exploited by the tourism industry. Luang Prabang, located on the banks of Mekong River, displays an outstanding fusion between traditional Lao and French architecture, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Quiet and peaceful cobblestone streets are lined with colourful, roofed terraces, 2-story wooden buildings, and 500-year old Buddhist temples. A bustling night market with dozens of vendors sitting on the middle of the street or on sidewalk stalls display intricate silk weavings and other colourful textiles. Nearby, delicious street fare composed of barbecue meat, rice wrapped in banana leaves, papaya salad, and more is available for 1-3 USD a meal.
Laos is an incredibly safe country and its people are warm, humble, and eager to show tourists their beautiful country; 70% of Laos is covered by mountains. In the north, lush forests, verdant hills, and jungle-covered valleys are the norm. The 1,754 km-long Mekong River, which traverses the entire country from North to South, demarcates the border with Thailand and is a major route for transportation, mostly on traditional wooden longboats carrying passengers to different riverside towns and villages. Given its ample opportunities for outdoor recreation afforded by its easy access to the mountains and waterways, Laos has been coined the adventure capital of Southeast Asia.
For more info on Luang Prabang please visit: http://tourismluangprabang.org/about-luang-prabang/unesco-world-heritage/
Our all-inclusive adventure and yoga retreats in Laos combine guided activities like trekking through waterfalls, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking to rural villages, with daily yoga when possible. We also take traditional cooking and silk weaving classes, historical city tours, river cruises, and explore nearby caves, local temples and night markets. The retreat encompasses 5 full days in Luang Prabang, the capital, and 5 days in Nong Khiaw, a scenic village located on the Nam Ou River, where participants go on kayaking adventures and take daily yoga lessons on a riverside terrace. In Nong Khiaw we will climb steep limestone cliffs for expansive views of the Nam Ou River valley. The highlight will be an exciting, guided trek through 100 waterfalls deep in the jungle.
Spaces are limited in our December 2019 trips so don't miss out!
Detailed Itinerary:
December 7: Arrival in Luang Prabang, check-in, and welcome dinner
December 8: All-day historical city tour of Luang Prabang, and shopping at the night market
December 9: Morning transfer to Nong Khiaw, check-in, and welcome dinner
December 10: Hike to Nong Khiaw View Point (2 hrs), traditional Laos cuisine cooking class, evening yoga
December 11: Morning yoga and day trip to rural Hmong Village, evening yoga
December 12: 100 Waterfalls trek (2 hours driving + 4 hour guided trek), evening yoga
December 13: 1.5-hr boat ride to Muang Ngoi village and guided kayaking excursion on the Nam Ou river
December 14: Noon transfer to Luang Prabang, evening yoga
December 15: Longboat river excursion to Pak Ou caves (2 hrs) and lunch/trekking/swimming in Kuang Si
waterfalls (3 hrs), evening yoga class, group dinner
December 16: Half-day silk weaving class and lunch at Ock Pop Tok workshop or mountain bike ride through rural villages (4 hrs), sunset cruise on the Mekong river, farewell dinner
December 17: Departure Luang Prabang
Yoga terrace overlooking the Mekong River
Kuang Si Waterfall outside Luang Prabang.
Traditional Lao wedding in Luang Prabang
Traditional house in Luang Prabang
Details
Dates
2019/20 Retreat Dates
Chamonix, France
June 8-15 and 15-23, 2019 (8 days/7 nights) | Maximum 8 people
Luang Prabang/Nong Khiaw, Laos
December 7-17, 2019 (11 days/10 nights) | Maximum 8 persons
Lofotens, Norway
June 13-20, 2020 (8 days/7 nights) | Maximum 8 people
Telluride, CO (USA)
September 19-26, 2020 (8 days/7 nights) | Maximum 6 people
To make a booking please use the Contact Form below or email us at info@urquadventures.com.
To arrange a customised retreat with your own group of friends, family, spouses, or colleagues outside of the above listed dates please get in touch with us by email. Please note URQU Retreats is now part of our parent company, URQU Retreats and Adventures. More info can be found at: https://www.urquadventures.com
Location
Europe / USA / Asia
The retreats will take place in the beautiful mountain villages of Chamonix, France, Telluride, Colorado (USA), and the Lofoten Islands of Arctic Norway.
Price
Laos: Starting at 1,650 USD
Chamonix, France: Starting at 1850 USD
Lofoten, Norway: Starting at 2200 USD
Telluride, CO (USA): Starting at 2600 USD
Prices are based on participants sharing a double room. Single room upgrades are available for an extra cost (limited availability). Contact us for details.
Booking: Due to the small size of our retreats, a 30% deposit is required to secure your spot. The full balance is due 60 days before the start date of the retreat.
What is included: Private transfers from/to the airport, all accommodations in 4-star hotels or luxury chalets, all meals and drinks (including wine with dinner), guided excursions/tours, guided outdoor activities (climbing, hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking), lift passes and entrance tickets to local attractions, local transport, and the spa day with 3-course lunch and one 50 min treatment of your choice (Chamonix and Telluride only). Those sharing a twin double do not have to book with someone as most people come alone and will paired with the perfect roommate! Upgrade to a single occupancy room is on a first-come first served basis due to limited availability. All rooms have their own en-suite bathrooms.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Book by 3 months before the start date and receive 100 USD off.
REFER A FRIEND: Receive 150 USD off your booking if a friend whom you refer makes a booking. Cannot be combined with other offers.
GIFT CERTIFICATES available.
Cancellation Policy: Because of the small size of our retreats and our obligation to pre-pay chalets and staff, we are unable to provide you with a refund in the event of a last-minute cancellation. However, if there is a waiting list and you give us at least 30 days notice, we will try our best to provide a full refund.
How to get there
Chamonix is one hour by car from Geneva airport in Switzerland. Telluride has its own airport or you can fly to Montrose, Colorado. For the Lofoten Islands, the best option is to fly to Svolvaer, Lofoten, Norway. For Laos, the airport is Luang Prabang (VISA required).
Contact us for help booking your airfare and with arranging VISAs.
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Physical Requirements
How fit do I need to be?
No previous hiking, climbing, kayaking, or mountain biking experience is needed to join our retreats but participants are expected to hike 4-8 hours a day for up to 15 km with varying degrees of elevation gain (maximum 1000 meters) and mountain bike or kayak for 3-4 hours. Therefore, a basic level of fitness is desirable. A simple exercise regime (3 runs per week of 30 mins each plus a longer hike on weekends) should be enough to get you ready! Our yoga classes are suitable for all levels and usually encompass a gentle vinyasa flow or restorative practice with Tibetan bowl meditation at the end.
ABOUT US
Julie Lotharius
URQU Founder/Owner and Retreat Facilitator
I was born in Panama and raised in Ecuador (the land of the beautiful and majestic Andes mountains, called URQU in the native Quechua language). I left ‘home’ when I was 18 to study in the USA. After earning my bachelor and doctorate degrees in Neuroscience (or science of the brain), I moved to Europe where I worked for many years in the academic, pharmaceutical, and non-profit sectors managing both research and clinical projects aimed at developing new cures for debilitating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Even though the nature of my work was personally rewarding, I often felt stressed and unfulfilled. In my mid-30s (2009), I moved to Switzerland to work as a clinical project director in the field of malaria. I had never climbed a mountain or hiked more than a set of stairs. But one day I decided to try, and that was the beginning of a long and eye-opening journey in which I discovered how therapeutic a day in the mountains could be, and how hanging off the face of a cliff, focused on your climb, allowed my mind to 'switch off'. I didn’t think I would ever be strong or courageous enough to climb some of the Alps’ tallest mountains, summit the world’s highest active volcano or go on a 16-day trekking adventure in Nepal.
Almost 6 years later, here I am, having accomplished all those feats, finally leaving my 'job' to start this new adventure, ready to share with you what I have learned and hoping you will benefit from it as much as I have!
Emma Jack
International Mountain Leader and Hiking Guide
I became an International Mountain Leader because I love being in the mountains, and because it gives me great pleasure to share this experience with other people. Helping other people achieve their goals is a great motivator. I have been leading expeditions for the last 15 years. I have led the Tour du Mont Blanc over 40 times, the Everest Base Camp trek 27 times, Kilimanjaro 10 times, and has also led trips in Nepal, Peru, Cuba, India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand, the Alps, the Pyrenees, Russia, Uzbekistan and Madagascar, amongst others.
As a passionate skier, in 2009 I made the first ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world (8156 m).
I am fluent in French, Russian, English and Spanish, and also work as an interpreter and love to chat!
Stephanie Maureau
UIAGM Mountain Guide and Climbing Instructor
I grew up in Aix-les-Bains, in Savoie, France, in a family that loved skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering. When I went to university, I totally "fell in love" with sport climbing and started to practise several times a week.
In 2001, I entered the Ice Climbing World Cup circuit where I placed 3rd on the overall ranking from 2006 to 2010.
I have worked as a climbing instructor since 2004, in particular two climbing clubs in Chambery, France where I taught for 6 years. As I love teaching, climbing, and have been passionate about Alpinism from a young age, I decided to undergo the High Mountain Guide Exam to transmit my passion to others. I started working as a a mountain guide in 2009 and became fully certified as a UIAGM guide in 2012.
In 2013, I entered in the Chamonix Guide Company and now live from my passion, splitting my time between travelling and trainings.
Sophie Ryan
Certified Yoga Teacher
I am a passionate yoga teacher, coffee lover, and part-time ski bum. I love to cook, surfing makes me happy, and I have a background in Psychology.
I discovered yoga almost 6 years ago and fell in love with it. It simply made me feel good and allowed me to spend a hour out of my mind. I was also amazed at how beautiful the body moved in yoga and I loved the potential that I saw in it, the room for growth, the strength and flexibility. After living in Bali doing my yoga teacher training, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.
Leaving my professional background in Human Resources, I dove into the world of yoga. Absorbing from a number of different teachers, I now practice Vinyasa, Power, Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga, as well as various Meditation techniques.
Coming from a beachside suburb in Sydney, Australia, I bring my laidback approach to yoga in Chamonix. My classes are fun, lighthearted, unpretentious and straightforward. Yoga to me is moving meditation. It’s about twisting your body to untwist your mind. For me its all about breathing smoothly and flowing from one pose to the next. Sometimes I play reggae music or sometimes it's classical tunes.
When I am not teaching yoga in Chamonix, you’ll find me on road trips with my partner, camping somewhere near the ocean, cooking with friends and having picnics outside, visiting Paris for some cheeky indulgence, or ski touring and hiking to find secret places to do yoga outdoors.
Lisa Murgatroyd
Private Chef and Caterer
I am a private chef and caterer based in Chamonix since 2007.
It was wanderlust and family connections that brought me to Chamonix initially but I soon fell in love with the mountains and this is where I rekindled my passion for everything gastronomic!
Before coming to Chamonix I worked in the art industry in London. I always had a flare for cooking but it wasn’t until I came to the alps that I put my favourite hobby into practice.
Combining my background in art with a passion for food, I developed a creative and diverse repertoire of cooking styles that not only accentuate rich flavours, but also look beautiful on the plate.
Inspired by my extensive world travels and my beautiful surroundings, I am passionate about using the freshest ingredients and wherever possible opting for local, organic farm fresh produce.
I have catered for a varied clientele and events. I have been Head Chef for a top-end luxury chalet company in Chamonix, and have catered for yoga and thai-chi retreats, weddings, dinner parties, corporate events, private clients in a freelance capacity and most recently have hosted a number of pop-up restaurant nights in various locations in Chamonix.
In my spare time I like to spend my time in the mountains, whether it is skiing, hiking, painting or just sitting and taking in the breathtaking views!
Zoe Smalley
Private Chef and Caterer
I started cooking at the age of 18, when I decided to give up my studies and follow the call of the mountains.
I have worked in a wide variety of restaurants in France, the UK and New Zealand as I travelled the world snowboarding, climbing and cooking.
I started working as a private chef in 2003, and I have since worked in many of the luxury chalets in Chamonix. I now run a busy catering business for private clients, weddings and events, cooking many types of food from around the world with an emphasis on the fresh bold flavours of the Mediterranean, the finest ingredients and just a little hint of spice.
I still love the mountains as much as ever, and I spend my spare time climbing, snowboarding, ski touring, mountaineering, and practising yoga when I'm not with my four year old daughter Eléa picking flowers, teaching her to climb, building lego or even cooking (but she only makes chocolate cake!).
CHALET ARDOISE
Ardoise is a beautifully decorated traditional Alpine chalet located in Argentiere, a short driving distance to the centre of Chamonix. The chalet has 5 double bedrooms, a fireplace, a sauna/hammam, a state-of-the-art indoor cinema, and a large outdoor terrace with hot tub and heated pool.
Chalet Cabri
Chalet Cabri is a contemporary chalet in the outskirts of Morzine with tastefully-decorated bedrooms, a spacious lounge area with a wood burning stove and stunning views of the mountains, and an outdoor hot tub.
Spa Le Bachal
Our luxury spa day will take place at a premier hotel in Chamonix. The spa offers a wide choice of beauty treatments using Anne Semonin products from Paris, a large indoor/outdoor heated pool, a jacuzzi, a beautiful outdoor terrace with magnificent views of Mont Blanc, and a fabulous restaurant with outdoor seating.
Photo Gallery
Pictures from our May 9-16 and May 22-25 retreats are now available!
