Alpine Hiking and Yoga Retreat in Vals, Switzerland

Each day starts with yoga or stretching, then a hike of three to five hours through mountain terrain. The air is thinner at this altitude, so the walking is steady rather than fast. Along the way there are stops for cold dips in waterfalls and alpine lakes, and mindfulness sessions held outdoors when the weather allows, or inside when it does not. Evenings are for dinner at the hotel and rest.

The retreat is led by PWR.8 Studio, a Danish fitness studio. The programme is designed for people aged 16 and up who are in reasonably good shape and comfortable hiking in the mountains. The daily plan can change depending on conditions, so there is no rigid timetable to stick to.

Vals itself is a quiet village known for its thermal spa, Therme Vals, which is included in the price. The hotel is a Danish-operated boutique property, and the group eats all meals together there, with water included. Breakfast comes with coffee, tea and juice.

What sets this apart from a standard hiking week is the combination: daily yoga and stretching, cold-water dips, and a thermal spa visit, all in a village most travellers never reach. The group travels to Vals together from Zürich by train and bus, which means no one has to work out the connections alone.

You need functional clothing, sturdy walking or hiking shoes, a wind- and waterproof jacket, a cap, sunscreen, a swimsuit and Compeed for sore feet. There is no need to dress up. The trip is priced at DKK 14,000 per person in a shared double room, with a non-refundable deposit of DKK 3,000 on booking and the balance invoiced three months before departure.

What's included

- Round-trip train from Zürich to Vals (only if you choose the recommended flights) - Entrance to Therme Vals - All meals with water included (breakfast also includes coffee, tea and juice) - Daily activities as per the programme

What's not included

- Flights to and from Zürich - Additional drinks (available for purchase during meals)