SWITZERLAND
Pontresina Alpine Adventure
with Jurian Hughes & David Wallace
August 30 – September 6, 2025
SPECIAL – register by September 30, save $200 off shared rooms!
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.
I did not want to go home after this visit to Switzerland. The trip was so full of incredible excursions. I know we only explored a fraction of the beautiful landscape that stretched across the Engadin Valley, but it felt like we saw so much — and we did. From glacial lakes to snowy peaks at 10,000 feet to a small Italian village nestled in a stunning valley… every new vista and experience was another mind-blowing angle on a truly stunning part of the world.
– Cecily, 2024
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
Arrive by 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 around 3:30pm, but understand thest some may take different routes to Pontresina based on other personal pre-retreat plans.
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 Teachers
Jurian Hughes
Jurian Hughes, E-RYT 500, YACEP, MFA, is a pathfinder. Through the gateway of the body, she guides students to connect with themselves in ways they had forgotten were possible, longed to revisit, or maybe never even knew were there. “I do my best to create a space in which people feel like they can be completely themselves. Through my own vulnerability, honesty and humor, I try to help us all find our way to greater joy.”
Hughes is founder of the Yoga of Voice; co-creator of the Yoga of Yes; a Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher trainer; voice coach; personal mentor; writer; speaker; and theatre performer known for her passionate, playful and engaging teaching style. As a senior faculty member of the Kripalu School of Yoga for more than a decade, Hughes has led thousands of workshops and programs and trained more than 1,000 Kripalu yoga teachers. In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Hughes has a long theatrical resume spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, Europe, film, television and voice-over. Through her own study and decades of practice she has developed a deep understanding of the ways in which the tools of yoga, dance, voice, mindfulness and play can be used to cultivate greater self-knowledge, freedom and joy. She leads inspiring workshops, retreats and trainings at Kripalu and around the world that promote whole-being wellness, increased creativity, and the ability to thrive. Find out more at www.jurianhughes.com.
David Wallace
Rev. David Wallace is a recently retired dean and senior teacher for One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City, a faculty member of the spiritual direction program at the Rowe Center, and an active officiant and spiritual director. He is a graduate of St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM, and has continued those studies as a lifelong student of the “great books” of philosophy and archetypal psychology. He offers teaching and retreats at spiritual venues worldwide, and specializes in poetics, contemplative practice, and the wisdom texts of both the Eastern and Western traditions.
Prior to his work in interspiritual ministry and teaching, David had an extensive career in publishing and marketing, as well as award-winning work through the Soho galleries he created in New York City, The Enchanted Forest and After the Rain.
Known for his deep and passionate teaching style, his recent seminars on the Tao Te Ching, the Parables of Rabbi Jesus, and the Upanishads have drawn a worldwide audience as one of One Spirit’s most popular teachers. He is currently working on a book, and shares a home in the Berkshire Mountains with his partner Jurian Hughes and their beloved terrier Smitty.
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.
DOUBLE ROOM
$4195 per person
SPECIAL: $3995 per person if you register by Sept 30, 2024!
SINGLE ROOM
$4995
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 days / 7 nights accommodations at Allegra Hotel
- Morning Yoga Classes
- Breakfasts, lunches & 3 dinners
- Access to the Bellavita Spa complex
- Activities / Excursions mentioned under retreat details
NOT INCLUDED:
- Travel to and from Pontresina
- Optional activities on T / Th
- 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 June 2025.
Refunds and Cancellations: Refund less deposit ($695) before May 15, 2025. No refunds after May 15, 2025. 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 2025, 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.
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.