Mountain Wellness Escape in Albania: 2-Day Yoga, Qi Gong & Hiking Retreat

Razëm sits up in the mountains of Shkodër County, about a two-hour drive from Tirana. The retreat is run by Andrea, a German mindfulness and yoga teacher, and Albert, a Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qi Gong master. They've put together a two-day programme that pairs hiking with movement practices. Mornings are for walking – routes vary but expect a few hours on trail, with stops for views and breathing. After lunch, there's a yoga session (often outdoors if weather allows) and a Qi Gong practice focused on breath and balance.

Because it's only two days, there's no filler. You arrive on day one, get oriented, and by the afternoon you're on the mat or on the trail. The second day follows a similar rhythm but with a different hiking route. The hotel has an indoor pool and spa, which guests can use between activities. It's not a luxury resort – it's a comfortable mountain hotel with the basics done well.

The group size is usually small (around 6–12 people), which means Andrea and Albert can give individual attention. The vibe is informal: meals are shared, and there's no pressure to socialise if you'd rather read a book. The landscape is raw and undeveloped – think pine forests, rocky ridges, and shepherds' huts rather than manicured lawns.

What makes this different from a standard yoga retreat is the hiking. You're not just doing yoga in a studio; you're earning your savasana. The altitude (around 1,000m) means cooler temperatures even in summer, and the air is noticeably clean. It's a good introduction to Albania's highlands if you've only seen the coast before.

Andrea and Albert live in Albania and have been running retreats here for several years. They speak English, German, and Albanian, and they're happy to share tips on other places to visit. The retreat is bookable as a shared room (two people) or a private single room, with prices starting around €520 per person for the shared option.

What's included

- 1 night accommodation in a mountain spa hotel - All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2 - Guided hikes - Daily yoga sessions - Daily Qi Gong sessions - Use of hotel spa and indoor pool - Yoga mats and props

What's not included

- Transport to/from Razëm (airport transfers can be arranged for an extra cost) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional drinks or snacks - Optional spa treatments (massages, etc.)