(No availability) 6 Day Yoga and Hiking in the most Beautiful Village of Switzerland: Morcote at Lake Lugano
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Wellbeing Yoga Retreat in Switzerland
Relaxation, well-being, and return to yourself in sunny Ticino! The enchanting poetic atmosphere of Morcote, directly on Lake Lugano, with its Italian flair, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and lots of sunshine invites you to escape from everyday life. Safe yoga in a small group, idyllic walks, and time for yourself: a perfect combination to find a deep connection to yourself, relax, and simply enjoy life.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 2 daily Hatha yoga classes of 90 minutes each (morning & late afternoon)
- Yoga Nidra, meditation, pranayama, and Tibetan sound bells relaxation sessions
- Safe yoga adapted to your personal needs
- Excursion, easy mountain hike to the panoramic point above Lake Lugano
- Hiking in Morcote and its surroundings
- Daily delicious personalized breakfast and dinner in the restaurant
- 1 Ayurveda cooking class combined with dinner
- 5 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
Accommodation
The accommodations are located in he historical center of Morcote:
- "Palazzo Gritti" is a noble house directly on the romantic lakeside and has several private studios.
- Casa Sardi is located in the historical centre of Morcote and can only be reached by foot. It is just a few steps away from the famous "Portico antico" and the lake shore.
PALAZZO GRITTI:
There are different apartments for single, double, or multiple occupancies, and they are located on the second and third floors which are comfortably accessible by elevator. Almost all apartments have a lake view and are stylishly and completely furnished with a kitchen, dining table, sitting area, and sofa. The bathrooms are equipped with a toilet and a bathtub with an integrated shower. It also offers exclusively for all guests of the Palazzo Gritti, free use of a beautiful intimate garden in the historical center not far from the accommodation.
Apartments
Studio Fiordaliso, second floor
- Studio with sofa bed and occupancy for one or two people with lake view (side)
Studio Salvia, third floor
- Studio with double bed on the mezzanine and sofa bed on the ground level. Occupancy for one or two people and with a view of the church of Santa Maria del Sasso.
Studio Lavanda, third floor
- A loft on two levels comfortably furnished with a double bed on the mezzanine and a large sofa bed on the ground level. Occupancy for up to four people with lateral lake view
Studio Vaniglia, third floor
- A loft on two levels comfortably furnished with a double bed on the mezzanine and a large sofa bed on the ground level. Occupancy for up to four people with frontal lake view
Apartment Papavero, second floor
- A comfortable apartment with a separate bedroom with a double bed, living room with fireplace, and a sofa bed in the living room. Occupancy for up to four people with lake view (frontal)
CASA SARDI
is another accommodation located in the historical center of Morcote and can only be reached by foot. It is just a few steps away from the famous "Portico antico" and the lake shore.
This lovely attic is located on the 4th and top floor of a typical historical stone house built in the 16th century called Casa Sardi. The attic is completely private and is divided into two cozy rooms: an open space with a lounge bed that can be turned into a futon as a double bed for the night. The bedroom is separate with a double bed. A TV and a fridge remains at your disposal. The private bathroom with toilet and shower is on the 2nd floor. A beautiful garden with lake view is at your disposal for full relaxation. There is no elevator in the house so please be aware that there are some stairs to take. To get to your room, you will have to pass through the house of the owners that live on the second and third floor: a very welcoming couple, always willing to help in case of need.
Note
This retreat is also available for small groups in different accommodation options in Morcote. Dates upon your request and availability. Just contact Margaretha van den Broek for more information!
Program
Daily sample schedule
Arrival day
- 15:00-15:30 Check-in
- 16:00 Introduction and welcome drink
- 17:00 Yoga session (90 min.)
- From 19:00 Dinner at a local restaurant along the lake at Morcote
Monday to Thursday
- 07:30 Yoga session (90 min.)
- 09:00 Breakfast
- Morcote circular hike including panoramic viewpoint
- Hike to Vico Morcote or boat trip Lake Lugano
- Easy mountain hike to Torello
- 17:00 Yoga session (90 min.)
- 19:00 Dinner at a local restaurant along the lake in Morcote
Departure day
- 07:30 Yoga session (90 min.)
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Check-out
Included excursions
Discover together with Margaretha all the hidden and mysterious corners of Morcote and be surprised by the variety of poetic architectural and natural beauties of the area.
- Morcote circular walk including panoramic viewpoint
- Hike to Vico Morcote or boat trip Lake Lugano
- Easy mountain hike to Torello
Instructors
Margaretha Van den Broek
Margaretha van den Broek is an experienced and internationally certified Hatha yoga teacher and a yoga therapist with a zest for the outdoors and a contagious enthusiasm. Margaretha integrates yoga therapy into her teachings to create a respectful and safe way of practicing yoga adaptable to everyone and every level. She will show you that beautiful nature, outdoor activities, and safe yoga are the best combination to come back to yourself and feel good again! She teaches yoga joyfully in four different languages.
Retreat location
Ticino is the Italian-speaking region in the south of Switzerland and it is known for its palm-fringed lakes, Mediterranean flavor, architecture, and cuisine. The beautiful characteristic lakeside towns of Lugano and Morcote are known for their many events.
The former fishing village of Morcote is located on the shores of Lake Lugano and is undoubtedly one of the most photographed places in Ticino. Therefore, the picturesque Morcote was voted the most beautiful village in Switzerland in 2016.
The characteristic streets, the arcades of the old patrician houses, architectural monuments of great value, and lush subtropical vegetation make Morcote the "Pearl of Ceresio."
Situated only 10 kilometers south of Lugano, the village keeps its historical intimacy and ancient beauty also thanks to the fact that the whole historical center, with its winding and cobbled streets, can be reached only on foot.
Of significant artistic and cultural, as well as architectural interest is the church of Santa Maria del Sasso, the terraced cemetery, the monumental staircase, and the Torre del Capitano, the last bastion together with the castle (now privately owned) of the ancient fortifications.
The Scherrer Botanical Park, also called the "Miracle Garden", is worth a visit by itself. The park is rich in lush subtropical vegetation and buildings and works of art of various kinds from all over the world. This Eden is nestled in an impressive world of subtropical flora with palms, camellias, wisteria, oleanders, cedars, cypresses, camphor, eucalyptus, magnolias, azaleas, oranges, lemons, bamboo, and many species of fragrant flowering plants, enchants every visitor.
Unique features
General
- Barbeque facilities
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Luggage room / storage
- Meditation garden
- Multilingual staff
- Picnic area
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
Services
- ATM / banking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Tour assistance
- Wireless internet
Food
Breakfast
Breakfast is based on fresh and local products and is served on request in the Zen garden "4Sin" after the yoga session in the morning. There is also the possibility to eat in your own studio. Even in bad weather, there is the possibility to have breakfast comfortably under the garden roof.
Prior to arrival, your breakfast preferences will be selected and any allergies or intolerances communicated so that the best possible adjustments can be found.
Dinner
Dinner is served at a local restaurant along the lake of Morcote. In an intimate setting, in the shade of the old arcades overlooking the lake shore, you will find hospitality, courtesy, and typical dishes of the local tradition with also a choice of vegan or vegetarian dishes. Dinner consists of a 2 course menu (starter and main course. Dessert and drinks are upon own charge.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- Discover the old village center of Morcote
- Parco Scherrer in Morcote (free access)
- Hike and visit Vico Morcote
- Hiking in the surroundings of Monte Arbostoro above Morcote
- Boat trip on Lake Lugano
- Swimming in Lake Lugano: there are several bigger and smaller "lido's" in the area
- Visit Porto Ceresio in Italy (10 minutes by boat)
- Visit Melide (4 kilometers)
- Visit Lugano (10 kilometers)
- Visit the medieval villages of Carona and Ciona at 800 meters altitude above Morcote
- Fox Town Outlet shopping in Mendrisio (17 kilometers)
In your free time, you can enjoy a massage from the experienced hands of your yoga instructor Margaretha, who is also a qualified massage therapist. Bookings are possible on request and for an extra charge during your stay.
What's included
- 10 yoga classes
- 5 nights accommodation
- Welcome drink on the day of arrival
- Daily breakfast and 2 course menu dinner (Ticino cuisine)
- 1 ayurvedic vegetarian cooking class with dinner
- Morcote circular hike
- Easy mountain hike
- Excursion to Vico Morcote
- VAT
- Wireless internet
What's not included
- Travel costs to/from destination
- Travel insurance
- A tourist tax of 3.25 CHF per night per person
- Car parking (special rate of CHF 10 per night)
- Extra excursions and activities
- Drinks and extras at dinner that do not fit in the package
- Massages
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Milan–Malpensa Airport
35 km
Transfer not provided
Il Caravaggio International Airport (Orio al Serio Airport)
66 km
Transfer not provided
Linate Airport
59 km
Transfer not provided
Zurich Airport
173 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by train from Switzerland:
Take the train to Lugano Paradiso or to Melide. From here you can take the bus to Morcote that will take you in approx. 30 minutes to Morcote, Piazza Grande. From the bus stop it takes one minute to Palazzo Gritti where the apartments are located.
Arrival by train from Italy:
The train "TILO" provides transfers from Italy (Milan airport) to Melide. From Melide, the bus (Postauto) will take you in 11 minutes to Morcote, Piazza Grande. From the bus stop it takes one minute to Palazzo Gritti where the apartments are located.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
