Retreats

Yin Yang Yoga Retreat in Toggenburg with Stefania Maria Bernet

In our four-day retreat at Karunahaus, together with yoga teacher Stefania Maria Bernet, we will discover the power of the four fundamental contemplations from Buddhism: gratitude, impermanence, karma and samsaric patterns. We will try to find out how these contemplations and reflections can help us to anchor healing in our everyday lives.

The morning greets us with a silent walk that helps us to open our senses. We create space for a deep connection with nature so that we can perceive the small and large wonders of everyday life. After this calm start, we awaken our vital energies with a dynamic Yang yoga session. The activity is rounded off with a hearty brunch to nourish body and mind.

In the afternoon, free time awaits you to do whatever your heart desires: sauna, swim in the private bio-pond, hike, meditate and unwind.
Relaxing yin yoga in the late afternoon allows us to calm down and recharge our batteries at the same time. We immerse ourselves in regenerating stretches and linger in the positions.
After dinner, we deepen the four basic contemplations in meditation practice. We explore gratitude, impermanence, the principle of karma and the patterns that keep us trapped in the samsaric wheel of suffering. Hopefully we will learn tools to help us recognize the wholesome in each moment.

We look forward to walking this path of inner growth with you.

A basic knowledge of yoga is recommended for participation.
Stefania teaches in German and/or English, according to the needs of the group.

The Yin Yang Yoga Retreat will be offered from Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the Karunahaus in Unterwasser in the valley of Toggenburg in Switzerland.

The Retreat Center

The Karunahaus is situated in the hills above the small village of Unterwasser in the valley of Toggenburg, close to nature at the foot of Mount Säntis at 1068 m.a.s.l. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Churfirsten mountains and the valley. The large terrace, various outdoor seating areas and shady trees invite you to enjoy the peace and quiet outdoors. Guests can also use the organic swimming pond, which is perfectly integrated into nature. A spacious barrel sauna can be used for a fee.
The guest rooms are bright, simple and functionally furnished. Shared toilets and showers are located on the floors.
The Karunahaus offers a fresh, rich vegetarian cuisine with mainly organic products, most from the region. The house is non-smoking and alcohol-free.

The Teacher

Stefania Maria Bernet came into contact with meditation and pranayama already in her childhood, thanks to her first teacher Selvarajan Yesudian. She cultivates a regular, disciplined Asana practice for more than 10 years.
Stefania completed her first yoga teacher training at Bikram Yoga College of India. Guided by an open heart and a curious mind she studied to become a Medical Yoga Coach at the German Medical School in Berlin, and attended numerous immersions with her long-standing Hatha Yoga teachers Stephen Thomas and Noah McKenna. She also completed a 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Carol Murphy and further education in Pranayama and meditation with Shri O.P. Tiwari in the Kaivalyadhama lineage.
Stefania teaches mainly in Europe as well as America and Asia. She loves the various practices that guide people back to body, breath and heart. In her teaching, she values healthy alignment of the body, as well as a heartfelt and kind inner attitude.
Stefania is also a mother, professional Actress and Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner. For more information please visit her website www.pranastation.ch

The Program (Changes may apply)

Thursday, July 4, 2024
between 2:00 and 3:00 pm: Arrival and check-in
3:45 pm: Meet & Greet and Opening Circle
afterwards until 6:00 pm: Yang and Yin Yoga
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Meditation

Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, 2024
7:00 am to 8:30 am approx.: Guided, meditative walk in silence or Pranayama
afterwards until 10:15 am: Yang Yoga
10:30 am: rich breakfast
free time to relax and rest, swim in the organic pond, for sauna, massage (if available)
12 noon (on Friday or Saturday): Guided hike (optional and depending on the weather)
as from 3:30 pm: Tea and snack
4:30 to 6:00 pm: Yin Yoga
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Meditation (optional)

Sunday, July 07, 2024
7:30 am to 8 am approx.: Pranayama
afterwards until 10 am: Yang Yoga and Closing Circle
afterwards rich breakfast
until 12:30 pm latest: Check-out and departure

Price per person

CHF 770.- with accommodation in a shared room (3-5 person)
CHF 850.- with accommodation in a twin room (2 person)
CHF 970.- with accommodation in a single room (limited number, first come-first served)
All rooms with shared showers and toilets on the floors.

Included in these rates are

3 overnight stays in the selected room category
Vegetarian half board (rich breakfast and dinner)
snack and tea in the afternoon
tap water and fruits at any time
one guided hike (on Friday or Saturday afternoon, depending on the weather)
all yoga classes
use of yoga props (meditation cushions, blankets, blocks, belts)
use of the organic swimming pond
WLAN

Not included are

travel cost
drinks and snacks from the house bar
massages and treatments
use of the barrel sauna (CHF 60.- per 3-hour use, will be divided among the sauna visitors)
visitor’s tax (CHF 3.- per night and person)

Sauna / Massages

The Karunahaus offers an outdoor barrel sauna that can be used on arrangement. In addition and if available, various massages with local therapists can be booked. An appointment is necessary; it will be organised by yoga-to-go in advance.
Sauna, massages and treatments are not included in the price and must be paid in cash directly on site.

Travel / Transfer Check-in and Check-out

From Zurich, the Karunahaus is accessible by car within 90 minutes or by public transportation within 2 hours. See how to get there here.
For participants arriving by post bus, a free luggage service from the bus stop ‘Post’ in Unterwasser to the Karunahaus will be organised.
Check-in is on Thursday, July 4, 2024 between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. We are unable to receive guests before 2:00 pm, so please organize travel arrangements accordingly.
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, check-out is after brunch until 12:30 pm latest.

Booking / further terms and notes

You can register for this retreat directly via the online form on the yoga-to-go website

For all questions and to book please email Valérie Lutz: valerie@yoga-to-go.ch

Upon receipt of your registration, yoga-to-go will confirm your participation, and the registration is binding from that date on. At the same time, yoga-to-go will invoice you the retreat cost. The amount is due within the time limit stated on the invoice.

The retreat needs a minimum of 12 participants to take place.

The guided hike is weather dependent.
Changes in the program and daily schedule may apply.

Insurance is your own responsibility. We recommend a travel insurance including coverage of cancellation costs and travel incidents.
The facilitator/the teacher shall not be held liable for any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to persons. The participant waives any claim against the facilitator/the teacher for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.

This retreat is organized and accompanied by yoga-to-go Valérie Lutz in collaboration with Stefania Maria Bernet and the Karunahaus. The General Terms and Conditions (AGB) of yoga-to-go apply.