MAD for Mazots
The MAD Retreat Hotel, Nendaz, focuses on the concept of tranquility, wellness and ‘authenticity over opulence’. Set in a handful of acres of south-facing forest 1,300 metres above the Rhône valley, with 45 rooms crafted from wood, many of them ancient ‘Mazots’ – the small rustic farmhouses consisting of a bedroom, a storeroom and a kitchen once used by local winemakers.
Conceived by Swiss architects MJD and furnished by interior designer Dois Tons, the theme of an intimate connection with nature is emphasised by large bay windows letting in natural light, using local sustainable materials. All the modern comforts you would expect of a wellness hotel come with the veracity of an eco-responsible retreat powered entirely by renewable energies, including hydroelectricity and solar panels.
Alpine Oasis
This oasis of relaxation in the heart of the Swiss Alps offers a choice of facilities, including saunas, a hammam, heated pools and an open-air massage Mazot. The relaxation area has a full range of holistic treatments, including aromatherapy, sound therapy and a variety of massages for complete regeneration. Meditation, forest bathing, hiking and many other experiences are also included in the package. Individual sessions, curative treatments, massages and group activities concentrate on renewing the soul and rejuvenating the body.
Posing in Powder
From the time-tested wisdom of Hatha Yoga to the dynamic flows of Vinyasa, the restorative embrace of Yin, the energizing sequences of Ashtanga, and the exhilarating postures of Aerial Yoga, MAD teachers celebrate the many nuances of this age-old practice. Each style brings balance both within and without.
Fancy doing the ‘Plank’ at 2,000 metres? Or ‘Downward Facing Dog’ with the Alps as your studio? MAD Retreat Hotel seasonal retreats are devoted to Nature, such as “Winter Therapy”, a transformative journey where the invigorating winter air becomes the backdrop for self-discovery, or “Presence in the Powder”, combining the benefits of nature with yoga, meditation, massages and moments of sharing.
Ups-a-Daisy
Aerial yoga gracefully fuses the realms of traditional yoga and the art of flying, forging a breathtaking union between earth and sky. Silk hammocks make it easy to enter postures and offer incredible benefits, completely suspending your body or parts of your body, a gentle pull encourages your body to open, with an intuitive finesse not found in floor postures. The silks and ropes become valuable supports for maintaining balance for practitioners of all levels; from complete beginners to experienced yogis, aerial yoga offers a multitude of benefits.
Staff Immersion
The MAD philosophy embraces food as a way to a healthy, balanced life. Guests enjoy a delicious help-yourself breakfast with a range of fresh juices, simple lunches and three-course evening meal, all vegetarian, locally organically sourced where possible and prepared with care. A typical menu consisted of flower roasted onions on an orange confit; cocoa vinaigrette, pumpkin seeds, champagne, for main: wild rice, Romanesco cabbage, herbed tahini sauce, sesame seed and basil, followed by plum tartlet, vegan crumble, mint leaf
Staff at MAD Retreat Hotel are so passionate about the concept that they not only teach but serve in the restaurant and help with admin. Nina Briot teaches yoga and is also the Wellness Manager. “My dual role means I’m immersed in the comfort and needs of guests, both mind, body and spirit. You’ll meet me in the yoga studio, serving our meals, or at reception,” she said. “Why ‘MAD’”? I asked her. “MAD Retreat is in the spirit of well-being, for people who are MAD about nature, mountains, sustainability and well-being.”
MAD Retreat Hotel
Chem. de Tsamandon 88
1997 Nendaz
Switzerland
Yoga & Hiking Retreat 5 elements: a six-day yoga retreat in the heart of the Valais Alps combines the benefits of five-element yoga with invigorating hikes through breathtaking landscapes. Each day is punctuated by morning and evening yoga sessions, enriching workshops and guided hikes, from 2,455.00 CHF
