AliKats
Morzine, France
Wellness coaching retreats to reset your inner compass in magical mountain scenery
These short wellness retreats help you reset your inner compass with one-to-one and group coaching, yoga, mindfulness, forest bathing, hiking and wild swimming in glorious nature with delicious vegetarian food. Guided by certified Co-Active Coach and mountain leader Caitlin Cockerton, you can work through issues, align with your inner purpose and make a plan for your daily life back home.
our Reviewer sharon walker says:
‘All around me nature was bursting forth, striving and competing in a potent surge of energy. Everything seemed to be saying: “Grow, do it!’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Caitlin is lovely and warm, with a real gift for getting under the skin of any issue that might be troubling you. Her coaching is all playful exploration, using nature and gentle movement to reflect what you most need. Digital detoxing is delightfully encouraged too: Caitlin takes photos so you can switch off and tune in to your surroundings, and you’re encouraged to leave your phone in your chalet’
Experiences
Choose a set-date group retreat aligned with the seasons; opt for a private, bespoke personal retreat for your friends or a special occasion; or a private leadership or corporate team building retreat. Caitlin works with you on real life scenarios helping you dig into your various subconscious and conflicting parts to discover what you need right now to manage any situation or relationship.
A pre-retreat two-hour one-to-one coaching session establishes your personal values and lays the ground for what’s ahead. On the retreat, group and individual coaching lead everyone into the wild – physically and metaphorically – delving deeper into personal growth. A two-hour post-retreat session integrates insights and practices for you back home.
Most coaching work takes place outdoors in ‘walk and talk’ formats, as you mindfully hike through light-dappled forests, alpine meadows and up mountain trails, armed with your journal and a packed lunch. You’ll also have the chance for wild swimming in lakes, rivers and waterfalls just 15 minutes from the chalet.
Group forest bathing sessions will help you consciously engage with nature’s wisdom. Hands-on foraging, led by head chef and AliKats owner Kat, offers insights into the origins of the plants on the menu you’ll enjoy on retreat.
A variety of movement and breathwork modalities support your wellbeing, including energy-clearing qigong, soothing yin yoga, invigorating Forrest and vinyasa flow yoga, ecstatic dance and cacao ceremonies. Somatic healing massage with gifted therapist and your yoga and qigong teacher Ursula Tereba helps release pain, tension and stress.
Spaces
The retreat is held in a 19th-century converted farmhouse chalet with high, wooden-beamed ceilings. It’s large but feels homely with its traditional, luxurious alpine décor and considered layout.
Curl up on the sofa in front of the huge brick fireplace, or sit by the window and watch the sun set. To soothe weary limbs, enjoy the bubbling outdoor hot tub and sauna.
If you’re feeling more social, head for the large balconies with views of the mountains from every angle. The inviting living area has plush sofas for you and your new friends to chat over a non-alcoholic aperitif or foraged ‘sleepy tea’.
A large open-plan kitchen and dining area provide ample space for a pre-mountain breakfast or dinner-time feast while maintaining a friendly feel.
All 10 ensuite pine-furnished bedrooms combine luxury and comfort, peace and privacy. Each bedroom has a wooden balcony with a dream view of forests, where you can relax and have quiet time, journal, read or take in the soothing sound of the river, birds, sheep and tinkling goat bells.
Sustenance
Head Chef Kat is on a mission to prove that vegetables aren’t boring and proves this at every meal. Bursts of fresh spring flavours and colourful foraged ingredients make every dish a sensual feast. Even afternoon tea is an event, with wild garlic and Abondance cheese scones or nettle, courgette and lemon balm cupcakes with vegan lavender cream.
The food ethos is healthy, local, seasonal and mainly plant-based, though local cheeses, eggs and milk are served at breakfast, alongside plant-based dishes like avocado toast, overnight oats and smoothie bowls. A pot of fresh coffee is available every morning, alongside fresh juice and 11 different types of tea, including some made from foraged flowers, which are available throughout the day.
You’ll take a delicious packed bento box on your hike, which might include beetroot borani, dip with carrot sticks, or a tasty brown rice and lentil salad. There are perfectly prepared seasonal fruit salads for dessert, and snacks like date, cacao and coconut power balls and homemade sweet and salty trail mix, presented in an eco-friendly, reusable pouch.
Dinner starts with hors d’oeuvres, like nettle pakoras with wild garlic aioli. This might be followed by a warm salad of homemade halloumi, charred watermelon and asparagus, served with focaccia. The spectacular deserts included wonders like roasted peaches topped with marigold leaves and a white chocolate raspberry dome (known as ‘The Boob’).
The retreat is alcohol-free until the last night when you can opt for a celebratory glass of local wine. In the meantime, you won’t want for interesting drinks. The pre-dinner aperitif might include violet cordial with lemon balm served with non-alcoholic Prosecco or a miraculously authentic-tasting virgin mojito.
