Retreats
Yin Yang Yoga Retreat in Toggenburg with Stefania Maria Bernet
“Refrain from the harmful, cultivate the wholesome and free the mind”.
This is how Buddha described the essence of his teaching 2000 years ago.
In this Yin Yang Yoga retreat, we would like to remember this essence and repeatedly examine our everyday patterns of thought and action from new perspectives: What is healing, what rather not? Where are opposites allowed to dissolve and unite, and where does the interconnection of the active yang forces with the passive, wise yin forces fall out of balance? How can the mind find greater freedom and peace?
We will start the day with a silent walk, followed by pranayama and an active, fiery yang yoga practice. After a restorative brunch, you will have time for yourself. Enjoy the powerful mountain landscape of the Toggenburg valley, go for a hike or relax, perhaps with a sauna or massage.
After the afternoon snack, we will dive into a restorative yin class. An evening meditation after dinner rounds off the day.
To participate in this retreat, basic knowledge of yoga is recommended.
Stefania will teach in German and/or English, depending on the requirements of the group.
The Yin Yang Yoga Retreat will be offered from Thursday, June 22, to Sunday, July 25, 2023 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, June 22, 2023
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, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, 2023
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, June 25, 2023
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 750.- with accommodation in a shared room (3-5 person)
CHF 820.- with accommodation in a twin room (2 person)
CHF 930.- 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
- visitor’s tax
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)
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, June 221, 2023 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, June 25, 2023, 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.