Join us in the mountains to reconnect to your wild self through nature, creative play and community!
26-30 August 2026 in Gryon, Switzerland.
-
Do you long for the space to hear yourself think or find yourself wondering what’s next? Bring your challenge, question, dream, or creative idea(s) to the mountains. Whether you're developing a personal project, navigating a transition, or seeking clarity on where to focus your energy, this retreat offers the space, structure, and guidance to help you move forward with clarity and joy. You can choose your rhythm: time for reflection, sparring and real conversations about what you truly need. We offer space for mountain hikes, collaging, a food atelier, dance, and song - moving from mind to body, from noise to clarity. Together, we will journey from overwhelm to creative flow, through shared exploration and lightness. We’ll spend one night in a mountain cabin, co-creating a symbolic and real adventure together.
-
When?
4 days, 26-30 August (arrive by 5pm on Wednesday 26 August, depart from 12pm on Sunday 30th)
Where?
Gryon, Swiss Alps. Gryon is a picturesque village in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
The retreat will take place in a simple Swiss chalet with a garden, plus one night in a cosy local mountain cabin that we will hike to.
In the chalet, there are two simple double bedrooms, one single room and additional mattress spaces available indoors. Outside, there is camping space (tents can be provided or bring your own if you like). There are two shared bathrooms. At the cabin, there are dorm rooms in the traditional mountain hut style (mattresses on the floor or bunk beds). There are no private bedrooms at the hut.
Who?
If you feel drawn to this experimental retreat then it is for you. We are open to anyone, all ages/ genders/ backgrounds.
Ruth and Mara are co-creating this space and will be your hosts and facilitators. We combine creative curiosity with more than 20 years of experience in facilitation, community work, innovation and systems change. Together, we have facilitated learning journeys, workshops, and communities across Europe, Africa and South America. Ruth brings a passion for nature-based facilitation and group experiences as an International Mountain Leader in training and Mara brings her lens as a systemic coach. We both practice and explore our creativity through different art forms (visual arts, music, writing, movement).
-
Participants are responsible for getting to Gryon (public transport available) and we’ll take care of everything else.
Costs
As this is the first time we’re running this offering, we decided to opt for a fixed participation fee to cover essential costs plus an optional “pay what feels right” contribution to recognise Ruth and Mara’s time and energy to prepare, facilitate and host this experience.
The participation fee is 350 CHF per person. This includes 4 nights accommodation, all meals (vegetarian), use of the cabin, and all materials for workshops.Next steps
If you’d like to join, sign up through this form.
If you’d like to learn more about our approach, take a look at the FAQs on this page.
And if you’re interested but not sure if it’s for you or have further questions, we’re very happy to hop on a call. Scroll to the end of this page and click “find a time” to book a slot in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The retreat is designed as a complete experience, and we strongly encourage participants to attend the full program. If you would like to arrive later, leave earlier, or extend your stay, please contact us in advance. We will be happy to discuss the available options with you.
-
The retreat will take place in Gryon, a charming mountain village in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, at an altitude of around 1,100 metres. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Gryon is known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional wooden chalets, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, and hiking trails, Gryon provides the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy time away from the distractions of everyday life. Despite its tranquil location, the village is easily accessible by public transport, with regular train connections from Geneva via Bex.
The retreat will take place in a simple Swiss chalet with a garden, plus one night in a cosy local mountain cabin that we will hike to.
In the chalet, there are two double bedrooms, one single room and additional mattress spaces available indoors. Outside, there is camping space (tents can be provided or bring your own if you like). There are two shared bathrooms. At the cabin, there are dorm rooms in the traditional mountain hut style (mattresses on the floor or bunk beds). There are no private bedrooms at the hut.
-
This retreat is open to anyone who is interested in personal growth, meaningful connection, learning, and shared exploration. No specific prior experience is required—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to engage with others.
-
The retreat combines workshops, group activities, reflection sessions, outdoor experiences, and opportunities to connect with other participants. There will also be free time for rest, personal reflection, and informal conversations. We’ll cook evening meals together and will arrange everything to make that happen. A detailed schedule will be provided closer to the event. Please note that this is an experimental format.
-
Rather than following a fully predetermined program, participants are invited to actively shape parts of the retreat experience. We believe that meaningful learning and connection emerge when everyone contributes their ideas, perspectives, and energy. While the core framework is prepared by the facilitators, there will be opportunities to influence activities, discussions, and shared experiences throughout the retreat.
-
The participation fee is 350 CHF per person. It includes 4 nights accommodation, all meals (all will be vegetarian), use of the cabin, and all materials for workshops and retreat activities.
This fee covers Ruth and Mara’s food and travel but does not include any contribution to our time and energy preparing, hosting and facilitating this experience. You are warmly welcomed to contribute to this on a “pay what feels right” basis (voluntary).
-
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor activities, including sturdy shoes
Personal toiletries and any required medication
A water bottle
A notebook and pen
Any personal items that help you feel comfortable during your stay
If you plan to camp in the garden with your own equipment, then please bring camping kit!
-
The retreat includes outdoor and movement-based activities, but no exceptional fitness level is required. Participants are encouraged to take part according to their own abilities and comfort levels. The minimum needed hiking is around 2 hours at an easy pace (to get to the cabin), but this can be extended depending on the preferences of the group.
-
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel, health, and accident insurance if desired or required. The organisers cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings, travel disruptions, illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please check your insurance coverage before attending.
-
There is Wi-Fi available. However, we encourage participants to embrace the opportunity to disconnect from daily routines as much as feels right for them. A phone hotel will be provided to encourage digital detox for those who would like to.