Discover a Unique Retreat Experience
Immerse yourself in a transformative retreat that blends the invigorating practice of cold-water swimming with the calming discipline of yoga, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or entirely new to cold-water immersion, you’ll be supported to explore at your own pace—whether that means a mindful dip or a longer swim. Yoga sessions are open to all levels, helping you build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Guided by expert instructors, you’ll learn to embrace the cold with confidence and discover practices that nurture body and mind. Between sessions, nourishing meals prepared by our chefs will restore and energize you, while the chalet’s panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards provide space for rest and renewal.
This is a one-of-a-kind retreat, and space is limited to just 11
guests—reserve your spot today!
COST
Private Room: 2290 CHF
Shared Room (two people): 1990 CHF
A 500 CHF deposit is required to secure your spot
Early-bird offer
The first three participants to register (including deposit payment) by 31 December 2025 will receive 100 CHF off the retreat price.
Register early to secure your place – and the best rate!
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
● Daily yoga practices blending Hatha Vinyasa, Yin, and mindfulness techniques—accessible to all levels. Every class is designed to leave you grounded, open, and energized.
● Daily guided cold water swims in Lake Geneva (10–12°C), with expert coaching and full support for all levels—from mindful dipping to adventurous swims.
● Wholesome, creative meals prepared daily by our talented chefs, crafted with seasonal ingredients to restore energy and support recovery.
● Stargazing on the first evening of the retreat with a 300 mm telescope—a shared moment of wonder that mirrors the retreat's purpose of awakening both inner stillness and a sense of connection to something vast and infinite.
● A cozy Swiss chalet with breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards—an ideal setting for rest and renewal.
● An afternoon on the Swiss Riviera, featuring a tour of Chillon Castle, a stroll along Montreux’s lakeside promenade, and a wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards (castle entry and wine tasting not included in retreat price).
● Time to connect with a supportive, like-minded community through shared experiences, laughter, and growth.
● Space to pause, reflect, and recharge—whether in the water, on the mat, or simply soaking up the fresh mountain air.
COST
Private Room: 2290 CHF
Shared Room (two people): 1990 CHF
A 500 CHF deposit is required to secure your spot
Early-bird offer
The first three participants to register (including deposit payment) by 31 December 2025 will receive 100 CHF off the retreat price.
Register early to secure your place – and the best rate!
SWIMMING
Led by Sam Farrow, a dedicated coach and passionate champion of cold water swimming, these sessions offer a safe and supportive space to explore the invigorating practice of cold water immersion. With water temperatures between 10–12°C, participants are encouraged to move at their own pace—whether that means a mindful dip or a short swim close to shore.
Sessions begin with gentle preparation on land, focusing on breath control, body awareness, and safety. Once in the water, you’ll be guided to stay present with the sensations of cold exposure, learning to find calm, steadiness, and focus through your breath.
Cold water immersion can build resilience, improve circulation, and leave you with a profound sense of clarity and vitality. These sessions are designed to be both restorative and challenging, connecting you with nature, your own body, and the supportive energy of the group.
YOGA
The yoga practices are designed to complement the swimming sessions and support both body and mind.
Morning Dynamic Yoga Practice
In this steady, breath led Hatha practice, we’ll explore ways to prepare the body and breath for swimming. Together, we’ll stretch and strengthen key areas: shoulders, chest, spine, and hips to support fluid movement and ease in the water.
We’ll also work with breathing techniques to increase lung capacity, build confidence in breath control, and develop a deeper awareness of the breath. This practice is designed to leave you feeling calm yet energised and ready to move through the day with strength and flow.
Evening Yin Yoga for Recovery & Relaxation
In this calming evening practice, we’ll slow down and settle into longer held, floor based postures to gently release tension from the body and mind. Together,we’ll focus on the shoulders, spine, and hips - the areas that often hold onto the effort of the day or time in the water.
We’ll be supported by guided meditation to help us soften, relax, and reset. This is a space to come home to ourselves, find stillness, and allow the nervous system to rest and restore. Preparing you for a perfect night's sleep.
FOOD & DINING
Throughout the retreat, you’ll be nourished by healthy and delicious meals each day, lovingly prepared by our in-house chefs. Their passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and inventive cooking will keep you energized, restored, and inspired after time in the lake and on the mat.
Meals are designed to support wellness and recovery, blending flavours from diverse culinary traditions into vibrant, comforting dishes. From a warming post-swim lunch to a colourful evening meal, every plate fuels both body and soul.
We’ll begin with a welcoming dinner on arrival day and end with a closing breakfast. All dietary needs and preferences are catered for with advance notice.
AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Chillon Castle, Montreux & Wine Tasting
Discover the beauty of the Swiss Riviera on an afternoon filled with history and charm. We’ll visit Chillon Castle, Switzerland’s most iconic lakeside fortress, stroll Montreux’s vibrant promenade (including the Freddie Mercury statue), and conclude with a Lavaux vineyard visit for wine tasting against the backdrop of terraced vines and alpine peaks.
Please note: entrance to Chillon Castle and the wine tasting are not included in the retreat price and must be paid for by participants.
STARGAZING
On our first evening, we’ll gather under the night sky with a 300 mm telescope to explore the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and perhaps even deep-sky objects. Beginning with wonder sets the tone for the retreat: grounded in nature, connected to each other, and inspired by the infinite above. It’s a magical way to open our time together, inviting curiosity and connection from the very start.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: Check-in (4–6pm), welcome dinner, opening circle, stargazing
Day 2: Morning yoga, breakfast, swim/dip, lunch, afternoon swim/dip, evening yoga, dinner
Day 3: Morning yoga, breakfast, swim/dip, lunch, afternoon excursion, dinner
Day 4: Morning yoga, breakfast, swim/dip, lunch, afternoon swim/dip, evening yoga, dinner
Day 5: Morning yoga, breakfast, departure
LOCATION
Perched above Montreux and Vevey, Chalet la Varlope combines Swiss charm with modern comfort. The chalet features sweeping views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Lavaux vineyards. A 100 m² pavilion provides the perfect space for yoga and group gatherings, bathed in natural mountain light.
The lakeshore, just minutes away, offers daily cold-water swims, while nearby trails through forests and vineyards invite peaceful walks and reflection.
Getting there
Address
Chalet La Varlope
Chemin de la Varlope 7
1823 Glion-sur-Montreux, Switzerland
By Car
Chalet La Varlope is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Geneva by car. From the A9 motorway, take the Vevey exit and follow local roads north/east toward Blonay. Parking is available for guests at the chalet.
By Public Transportation
From Geneva Airport, take a train to Montreux (approx 1 hr). From Montreux, take the cog railway (MOB line) toward Glion/Rochers-de-Naye. Get off at Fayaux station (1 stop past Glion). The Fayaux station is about 300 meters from Chalet La Varlope. If you prefer not to walk with luggage, we can arrange a pick-up from Fayaux station with prior notice.
COST
Private Room: 2290 CHF
Shared Room (two people): 1990 CHF
A 500 CHF deposit is required to secure your spot
Early-bird offer
The first three participants to register (including deposit payment) by 31 December 2025 will receive 100 CHF off the retreat price.
Register early to secure your place – and the best rate!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
● Travel to and from the retreat location
● Travel insurance
● Entrance fees for Chillon Castle and cost of wine tasting during local tour
● Alcoholic drinks (participants are welcome to bring their own)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
● 4 nights in a cozy Swiss chalet
● Daily escorted swims or dips in the pristine waters of Lake Geneva
● Transportation to and from the lake for swim activities
● Daily yoga classes
● Yoga mats and equipment
● Delicious, wholesome meals
● An organized local tour to explore the region
● A stargazing session, weather permitting
THE TEAM MAKING IT ALL HAPPEN
Behind every moment of your retreat is a passionate team dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience. From expert coaching in the lake and on the mat, to nourishing meals that fuel your body, each member brings skill, warmth, and care to help you relax, challenge yourself, and fully enjoy your time in this beautiful setting.
Meet Your Cold-Water Swim Coach: Sam Farrow
We are thrilled to have Sam as the cold water swimming coach with her expertise and inspiring approach.
A British open water swimmer with a fierce passion for endurance challenges, Sam made international headlines in 2024 when she set a new world record for the fastest swim across Lake Geneva—completing the 70 km distance in an astonishing 22 hours and 48 minutes, without a wetsuit and under traditional English Channel rules. Her accomplishment not only broke records but also inspired swimmers across the globe with her grit, focus, and unwavering mental strength.
Sam is no stranger to the extremes of open water. From marathon swims in the coldest conditions to her thoughtful reflections on the power of nature, she brings deep experience and perspective to her coaching. A trained breathwork facilitator and advocate for mindful movement, Sam blends physical endurance with calm, focused preparation—making her uniquely equipped to guide swimmers into the cold, both mentally and physically.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Sam is passionate about helping others reconnect with nature through cold water immersion. Her coaching is known for its warmth, encouragement, and emphasis on listening to your body and finding joy in challenge.
Whether you're new to cold water or an experienced swimmer looking to deepen your practice, Sam will meet you where you are—and help you go farther than you thought possible.
Meet Your Yoga Instructor: Megan Viey
We’re delighted to have Megan leading the yoga sessions with her passion and expertise.
Megan is a yoga and meditation teacher, wellness coach, and retreat host with over a decade of experience. As the founder and CEO of Megan Marcelle Yoga, she is dedicated to creating mindful moments of connection, helping people cultivate a deeper relationship with their mind, body, and the world around them.
Her journey with yoga began while living in Vietnam, where she discovered a profound sense of peace and belonging that she knew she wanted to share with others.
Since then, she has travelled the world leading retreats, hosting events, and guiding private sessions for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
With over 700 hours of specialised training in Yin, Mindfulness, and Seasonal Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, Megan brings both expertise and compassion to her teaching. She places great importance on the small details, taking the time to truly understand her clients on and off the mat. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, her approach is always intentional and personalised, designed to nurture connection, presence, and well-being.
Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, Megan will support and inspire you every step of the way.
Meet The Chefs: Markus and Eva
We’re excited to welcome Markus and Eva as the chefs for our retreat, whose passion and expertise bring fresh, nourishing meals designed to fuel and inspire you throughout your journey.
With years of experience in both professional kitchens and private retreats, Markus and Eva specialize in creating healthy, flavourful dishes that nourish the body and bring people together. Their cooking draws inspiration from a variety of cultures, blending ingredients and techniques in inventive ways to create meals that are both comforting and exciting.
At the heart of their approach is a deep understanding of how food supports wellness, energy, and recovery—making them a perfect fit for an active retreat like ours. Whether it’s a warming post-swim lunch or a vibrant, restorative dinner, they prepare fresh, seasonal meals tailored to support and enhance your retreat experience.
Meet the Retreat Organizers & Hosts: Kate and Philippe
Kate loves creating experiences that bring people together. She has been working with LGSA for over a year, organizing swim camps and events. A longtime swimmer and triathlete, she recently discovered a love for open water swimming after attending an LGSA swim camp in 2022.
Philippe is the ultimate hands-on host—an avid cook, a whiz with home projects, and a technical problem-solver who can fix or create just about anything. He is passionate about astronomy. His intelligence and resourcefulness will keep the retreat running seamlessly, and he loves making sure guests are comfortable, well-fed, and enjoying every moment of their experience.
Kate and Philippe will be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and that guests feel welcomed and supported.
FAQ
● How much swimming and yoga will there be? Daily sessions of both, tailored to your level.
● Are sessions mandatory? No—everything is optional. Take part in what feels right for you.
● When should I arrive? Between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday.
● Do I need equipment? Swimsuit, goggles, and a tow-float for swims; yoga equipment is provided but you’re welcome to bring your own.
● Do I need insurance? Yes, travel insurance is required and should cover open water swimming.
● Age requirement? Participants must be 18 or over.
● What safety support is provided for the swims? A kayaker will accompany all swim sessions; dipping sessions will be guided on shore.
● Could the retreat be cancelled? The retreat requires a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event that this number is not reached, all deposits and payments will be fully refunded.
COST
Private Room: 2290 CHF
Shared Room (two people): 1990 CHF
A 500 CHF deposit is required to secure your spot
Early-bird offer
The first three participants to register (including deposit payment) by 31 December 2025 will receive 100 CHF off the retreat price.
Register early to secure your place – and the best rate!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?