SWITZERLAND

Pontresina Alpine Adventure

with Cathy Corkery

September 14-21 AND 21-28, 2024

Our Swiss adventure takes us off the big tourism beaten path to Pontresina, an enchanting village in the upper Engadin valley of the High Alps. Surrounded by the impressive Bernina-Massif, but sheltered from the wind and elements, Pontresina has a rich history & charm tucked into a valley of pristine nature, glacier trails, mountain lakes and aromatic alpine meadows.

Our partners for these retreats are our longtime friends Andreas and Ulrica, who split their time with their family between Northern Iceland and Pontresina.  They both have a deep connection to these lands  –  uniquely charged power places on the planet with unparalleled elemental energies and deep tranquility.

This specially curated 7-night / 8-day adventure will take us on guided excursions to the most magical spots of the region including Muottas Muragl (one of the most beautiful vantage points above the lakes) and Diavolezza with its breathtaking glacier viewpoints  We’ll take the UNESCO railway to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo where we’ll enjoy this picturescque village of medieval architecture, famous for it’s culinary delicacies. We’ll spend another day venturing to the enchanting village of Sils, and take a boat across the lake to beautiful Isola. In our free time, we can enjoy the Bellavita Spa, rent bikes or take a horse-drawn carriage through the Val Roseg Valley.

This will be a trip that few could plan for themselves – we hope you will join us on this magical adventure!

Vacation Details

Less than 4 miles from Saint Moritz, and with a population of less than 3000, Pontresina is the perfect backdrop for our yoga adventure and nature retreat. Our week’s itinerary will rival that of our Iceland itinerary with guided excursions to Muottas Muragl (one of the most beautiful vantage points above the lakes) and Diavolezza where we’ll take a cable car to the breathtaking glacier viewpoints. Hiking through the Alpine trails and meadows is a spectacular life changing experience.  We’ll take the UNESCO railway to the Italian speaking town of Poshciavo, spend another day venturing to the enchanting village of Sils, and take a boat acorss the magical lake to Isola.  In between, we have two “open days” to enjoy the exclusive Bellavita Spa overlooking the valley, go mountain biking on world famous Alpine trails (electric bikes are available as well!) , or take a horse drawn carriage through the Val Roseg Valley.

Accommodations have been arranged at the centrally located and modern Allegra Hotel, which is the only hotel in Pontresina with direct (and included) access to the Bellavita Spa complex complete with indoor and outdoor pools, relaxation room, sauna, steam and more.

In addition to the guided excursions above, all breakfasts, lunches and 4 special dinners are included.

Travel, Additional Information & FAQ’s

An outline of our itinerary:

SATURDAY / ARRIVAL DAY
Arrival via train from Zurich via Chur to take advantage of the picturesque ride on the Brenina Express between Chur and Pontresina.  (we will offer details on the trains to book)
We anticipate arrivals on the 3:33pm train, but understand thest some may take different routes to Pontrresina based on other personal plans pre-retreat.
From the train station, Hotel Allegra offers a free transfer (arrivals before 5pm), and there you’ll be greeted by your hosts and have your first group dinner at 6pm.
SUNDAY
After morning yoga, we’ll take a vintage train car to Muottas Muragl, one of the most beautiful vantage points above the lakes and valley. From here we’ll enjoy lunch and a spectacular panoramic hike to take it all in.  Breakfast, lunch and group dinner included.
MONDAY
After breakfast and yoga, we’ll take a 30-minute train to Diavolezza and then a cable car to the glacier viewpoint, one of the highest points of the week at 9800 ft. Enjoy an impressive view of some of the highest mountains of the East Alps – Piz Bernina, Bellavista and Palu.
Some options at this location:
Relax and enjoy the panorama or book a jacuzzi at this exquisite location (extra)
Take a hike to Munt Pers (2.5m, 1 h45 min), or shorter, to Sass Queder depending on conditions (1.25m, 1h) . We’ll take a cable car back to the valley at 4pm, then railway to Pontresina, back at hotel 5pm
Breakfast & lunch included, ppen dinner in Pontresina.
TUESDAY
We have 2 days (Tuesday and Thursday) with abundant rest and free time. There are several ideas / options.
After breakfast, yoga and lunch, you might choose to:
– Enjoy the Bellavita Spa (Hotel Allegra is the ONLY hotel with direct and included access to the spa complex of pools, steam, sauna and more.)
– Take a free chairlift to Languard
– Rent a mountain or electric bike next door to the hotel ($40-70)
– Adventure on a 5km hike to Lej da Staz or
– Enjoy a public horse carriage ride through the Val Roseg valley (approx $35)
Breakfast and lunch included, open dinner
WEDNESDAY
After breakfast and yoga, we’ll take a train to the highest point of the UNESCO railway. We’ll arrive 40 minutes later at Alp Grum where we’ll have lunch with a stunning view of the southern valley of Poschiavo (the Italian speaking part of Switzerland) enjoy the charm of this picturesque Italian town complete with medieval architecture.  Breakfast, lunch and group dinner included
THURSDAY
See Tuesday
FRIDAY
After breakfast and yoga, we head to the village of Sils, a magical place that inspired writers such as Nietzsche, Dürrenmatt and Kästner, artists like Beuys and Chagall, and musicians such as Strauss, Honegger and David Bowie. Its enchanting open spaces and the magical quality of light in this high-lying valley need to be experienced in person.
Next, we’ll take a boat on the magic lake Sils to Isola and take a leisurely hike to the Maloja. We’ll return from Mjola and take a vintage train car back to Muottas Muragl for our final group dinner before returning to Pontresina.
SATURDAY Departure day

 

*IMPORATANT NOTE ABOUT OUR LOCATION / ITINERARY – we will be at higher altitudes and on nature paths that will not always be even or paved.  This retreat may not be appropriate for those with mobility challenges or other health conditions where daily nature walking / hiking and altitude (6000+ft) would be contra-indicated.

    TRAVEL: 
    Most travellers will arrive via Zurich, taking the train to Pontresina. We will offer advice on the route to take that includes the picturesque Bernina Express on the last leg of that journey.  Based on flight and train timing, it may be necessary to add a night in Zurich on the front and / or back end of the trip.  We ALSO anticipate that many travellers will plan to extend their trips in Switzerland / Europe already, so there may be a few travel plan variations.

    PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED DOCUMENT ABOUT HOW TO BOOK TRAVEL. WE ADVISE BOOKING AS FAR IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE (6-9 MONTHS)

    What to pack:

    • Layered clothing for varying weather
    • Good walking / hiking shoes
    • Yoga clothes
    • Swimming suit
    • Plug adaptor for devices

      Your Teacher

      Alyson Atma Simms - One Yoga Teacher

      Cathy Corkery, C-IAYT

      Cathy is a passionate SomaYoga Therapist dedicated to helping people relieve suffering and regain confidence in their body. Her intuition, healing presence, inclusion of playfulness and humor along with a deep knowledge of anatomy provide the perfect mix for improved function and permanent healing. Her own journey with yoga began during a dark time battling chronic pelvic pain. Now, thankful for those experiences, she sees how the suffering changed the trajectory of her life.

      Cathy is Registered Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT 1000)  She has studied directly with Liz Koch, Judith Lasater, Susi Hately, Jill Miller and Donna Farhi.

      Cathy has an active yoga studio where she teaches classes, workshops and private Yoga Therapy sessions  in Manchester, IA. She and her husband have three grown daughters and four delightful grandsons and a brand new granddaughter!. In her free time Cathy loves to sew and create quilts for others, garden, attend concerts and theater productions and experiment with new and interesting dishes in the kitchen.

      Accommodations

      Accommodations have been arranged at the centrally located and modern Allegra Hotel, which is the only hotel in Pontresina with direct (and included) access to the Bellavita Spa complex complete with indoor and outdoor pools, relaxation rooom, sauna, steam and more.

      WEEK 1 (SEPTEMBER 14-21)
      DOUBLE ROOM
      Last double room, plus we have a female in need of a roommate! 
      $3995 per person

      SINGLE ROOM
      We can offer one more single room on this week
      $4695 per person

      WEEK 2 (SEPTEMBER 21-28)
      3 rooms still available on this week (single or double)

      DOUBLE ROOM
      $3995 per person

      SINGLE ROOM
      $4695 per person

      WHAT’S INCLUDED:

      • 8 days / 7 nights accommodations 
      • Yoga Classes
      • Breakfasts, Lunches & 3 group dinners
      • Access to the Bellavita Spa Complex
      • Activities / Excustions mentioned under retreat details

      NOT INCLUDED:

      • Travel to / from Pontresina
      • Optional activities on Tuesday / Thursday
      • 3 open dinners
      • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)


      TO RESERVE, YOU WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF PLACING A $695 DEPOSIT OR PAYING IN FULL.
      With a deposit, we will set up your balance to chanrge in monthly installments through July 2024.

      Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before June 1 2024. No refunds after June 1, 2024. In case of cancellation, you may transfer your deposit or your reservation to another person as long as you notify One Yoga Global 21+ days in advance. Due to arrangements made with our vacation hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.

      If you place a deposit, the balance due will be set to charge in equal installments starting the month after deposit through June 2024, unless other arrangements are made. Participants will be required to sign the application and  liability waiver to participate on this trip.

      We HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like travel Guard and Trawick International offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), coverages for expenses incurred due to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical.  Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.

      aig-travel-guard-logo-c

      We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. AIG Travel Guard and Trawick International are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.

      We recommend that you consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Trawick International and Travel Guard are two providers that we recommend. Please review policies carefully to ensure they provide the coverage you need.