Switzerland
Nourish In Nature: A Switzerland Retreat
MAD Retreat Centre
Haute-Nendaz, Switzerland
September 10-17, 2027
with Melanie Caines
Treat yourself to an unforgettable week of self-care and nourishment in the heart of Switzerland! Settle into your cozy alpine chalet and awaken each morning to breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps just outside your window. Surrounded by stillness and fresh mountain air, you’ll enjoy the time and space to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Nourish yourself in all ways: yoga twice daily, guided mountain hikes, soothing sauna and spa experiences, and delicious, wholesome vegetarian cuisine. Rest, reconnect, explore, & enjoy: this is exactly what your soul is seeking.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 8-12 people
Exclusive use? No there will be other guests staying at the property.
WELCOME TO THE SWISS ALPS
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE
Imagine a place where time slows down, the air smells like fresh pine and freedom, and every corner invites you to breathe deeply and let go.
MAD RETREAT CENTRE
Welcome to the MAD Retreat, your enchanted hideaway nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the 4 Vallées, the heart of the Swiss Alps. We are thrilled to offer you the perfect haven where nature’s grandeur, awe-inspiring vistas, a serene spa, locally sourced organic cuisine, crisp mountain air, and a dedicated team come together to create an incredible experience.
Your week at our retreat centre is an opportunity to reconnect – with yourself, with nature, with the joy of the moment.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION
Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps, MAD Retreat welcomes both seasoned spa enthusiasts and newcomers to a realm of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our state-of-the-art spa, set against the breathtaking mountain backdrop, is curated to tantalize your senses and immerse you in unparalleled serenity.
NOURISH YOURSELF
At MAD Retreat food is an integral part of the wellness journey. We invite you to enjoy thoughtfully crafted, vegetarian-centered cuisine that is nourishing and flavorful. Meals are prepared using seasonal, locally sourced Alpine ingredients, celebrating freshness, balance, and mindful eating. The culinary style is creative and refined, light yet satisfying, comforting and delicious.
Begin your day with a wholesome breakfast buffet, followed by a light, energizing lunch, and concluding with a three-course vegetarian dinner each evening. Expect beautifully presented dishes such as warming soups, vibrant seasonal vegetables, nourishing grains and legumes, and elegant desserts—all crafted to delight the senses while supporting digestion and vitality. Water, tea, and coffee are included, with additional drinks available from the bar.
YOGA SHALA
Our practice space is a large, light-filled studio featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.
The yoga shala is fully equiped with mats and props
EXPLORE THE AREA
Leisurely Stroll to Nendaz:
Take a gentle walk through charming alpine paths, leading you to the picturesque town of Nendaz. Wander its quaint streets, discover local shops, and enjoy the stunning mountain views along the way.
Guided Mountain Hikes:
Embark on two unforgettable hikes through the breathtaking Swiss mountains, where expert guides will lead you through serene trails offering panoramic views of alpine peaks and lush valleys
Explore Sion:
Step back in time as you explore the historic town of Sion. Stroll through its ancient streets, visit the beautiful castles, and enjoy the region’s rich culture.
accommodations & Fees
MAZOT GARDEN
Discover the unique charm of these rooms, located on the ground floor of our chalets. Each room is equipped with a super king-size bed with individual duvets (or two small beds), a private bathroom with modern amenities, and a terrace to enjoy the views. Please note: twin beds will be very close together for the double occupancy option and some guests may find they require more space than a double occupancy room offers. Please note: rooms do not have fans or AC but balcony doors can be open for fresh air.
Single Occupancy
€3425 EUR
Double Occupancy (1 or 2 beds)
€3050 EUR per person
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MAZOT TOP
Come discover the comfort and elegance of these rooms located on the upper floor of our chalets. Each room, flooded with natural light through two large bay windows, offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. They are equipped with a super king-size bed with individual duvets, a modern private bathroom, and a terrace to fully enjoy the view. Please note: rooms do not have fans or AC but balcony doors can be open for fresh air.
Single Occupancy
€3550 EUR
Double Occupancy (1 bed only)
€3175 EUR per person
Looking to upgrade to a suite? Email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com for pricing and availability.
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation With Melanie
- 2 yoga classes a day (total of 12 classes) with Melanie
- 2 hikes with a local guide
- 3 fresh, healthy meals a day
- Use of the saunas, cold plunge, snow shower, & pool
- Internet/Wifi
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight
- Ground transportation to/from retreat centre
- Alcohol
- Optional extra excursion/activities
- Gratuity
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Massages + Spa Treatments
DAY TRIP TO SION
E-BIKE RENTAL
SCHEDULE
Morning Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time or Hike
Lunch
Free Time
Late Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, September 10
Arrival day: welcome circle & dinner
Thursday, September 16
Last yoga class & dinner
Friday, September 17
Breakfast & departure day
TRAVEL
The nearest international airports are Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH). From both airports you can take a train to Sion, the nearest big city to Haute-Nendaz/MAD Retreat.
Train travel time To Sion:
From Geneva: approximately 2hrs
From Zurich: approximately 3hrs
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) operates these trains and they frequently run throughout the day.
From Sion, you can either take a taxi or Uber to the retreat centre (approximately 30mins).
The arrival day is Friday, September 10 (check in 3:00pm) and departure day is Friday, September 17 (check out 11:00am).
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WHAT’S NEARBY
Haute-Nendaz: 10min walk
Sion: 30min drive
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 180 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 120 days and 179 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit and MINUS a €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 120-179 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 119 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A €500 EUR non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due March 10, 2027
• Remaining balance is due May 10, 2027
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted almost 70 retreats for thousands of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Will my ride meet me at the airport?
Yes! We will have all of your flight arrival (and departure) information and will arrange for ground transportation to meet you upon your exit of the airport.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
The Nova Yoga Retreat an amazing experience! The instructors created a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relaxed than I was during this retreat. I challenged myself both physically and mentally and I felt stronger in both ways by the end of the week. I made new friends, learned new yoga skills, breathed in the epic beauty of the countryside and really enjoyed the excursions! A beautiful country and yoga retreat experienced with an amazing group of strong, vibrant women! I can’t wait to plan my next trip with Nova Yoga Retreats.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
Melanie has created a unique and magical experience that allows people of all ages to deepen their yoga practice in beautiful and comfortable locations. Mel makes you feel safe, able, and confident. She offers opportunities to modify all poses to accommodate your body. Her suggestions and “challenges” allow for growth in both body and mind. You leave the retreat feeling empowered and refreshed. I just returned from my second retreat with her, and am looking forward to planning my next one. Absolutely amazing experiences.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!
From the retreat lodgings to the food to the excursions and of course yoga for all levels and styles, it was a travel highlight of my life!
Highly ecommend this enriching yoga retreat experience. This was my second time attending a Nova Retreat, and I’m already looking forward to returning. It’s a truly enriching experience—an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, mindfulness, and a warm, supportive community. The setting in Marrakesh adds a unique and magical dimension to the retreat. The culture, the atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings make it an unforgettable place to recharge. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone seeking rest, renewal, and inspiration to take this time for themselves—you won’t regret it.
I met some incredible people, ate some amazing food, and deepened my yoga practice. The tranquility and grounding was just what I needed. I would highly recommend Mel’s retreats for both the inexperienced and experienced traveller because you can really cater to what you want and need, and you will meet similar people with whom you can enjoy the journey.