Schanfigg Summer Retreat
19–22 July 2026 · St. Peter, Arosa, Graubünden
Three days of nature, stillness and genuine connection in the Swiss Alps.
Hosted in a private wooden luxury chalet with a hot tub, sauna and breathtaking view.
Full board with nourishing home-cooked meals.
Intimate group of max. 8 wonderful guests - by invitation only.
Our Invitation
Join us to weave more stillness and presence into the fabric of your life. For three days in the Swiss Alps, a small group of warm-hearted nature lovers will gather to connect, play and rest. This is a place where you do not have to perform or be anything other than yourself - your hosts Arjanna and Ella have curated an environment that invites you to just be.
We have designed this retreat around the things that restore us: unhurried time outdoors, good food, laughter, creative play, and the rare pleasure of doing nothing in particular. You can expect group activities like hiking, forest bathing, meditation and small sharing circles, as well as free time to simply explore, read a book, or nap.
Full board is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee and snacks, so all you need to bring is yourself.
Full permission to just be.
With yourself, with others and with nature.
The Experience
Here's what to expect:
Nature & Stillness
Hiking, forest bathing, stargazing, meditation, free hours, naps — the unhurried pace of being outside without an agenda.
Connection & Play
Cooking over a fire, dancing in the living room, movie nights, treasure hunts, board games/puzzles — the joy of being a bit silly together, if you feel like it.
Creativity & Curiosity
Drawing, painting, a herb trail or visit to a local farm — space for the mind and hands to experience something new.
Your Hosts
Ella & Arjanna are looking forward to welcoming you in Schanfigg.
Arjanna van der Plas
I’ve loved nature for as long as I can remember, but I always saw it as other: a place that feeds me, a planet I worry over, a refuge where I go to be nurtured (or, sometimes, soaked to the bone).
But somewhere along the way I forgot the essence: we are nature. There is no separation. Nature isn’t a place we visit, it’s what we’re made of, always.
Believing we’re separate, maybe even superior, to the life around us makes us lonely, unhealthy, and destructive. It harms all life, including our own.
So this retreat is my answer. I’m opening my mountain home for the first time to help us remember what it’s like to be nature: to live in connection with the wild, messy, alive world.
I hope you’ll leave the retreat feeling rooted in the ancient Graubünden earth, teeming with tiny, unseen life. That you’ll laugh as loud as a Murmeli squeak, be still like a chamois, and soar like a golden eagle.
Ella Stadler-Stuart
Creating this retreat with Arjanna has felt like coming home to my roots. I grew up in New Zealand, where shoes were optional, and clambering over the rocks at low tide was a non-negotiable on family beach trips.
In this phase of life, coming back from a breast cancer diagnosis in 2025, I have a deep longing to be in nature, and in the company of other warm-hearted, unhurried souls. Looking around my professional network, I know that others crave the same: simplicity, calm, and genuine connection.
In a time where efficiency and productivity are moral values, it feels even more important to offer spaces where we can just "be" - whatever that means to us at the time. For me, that means being in stillness, nourishing my mind and body, and being silly in good company.
My hope is that you arrive on day one, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and feel deep in your bones: "I am exactly where I need to be."
The Venue
This is where you'll stay
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A private wooden chalet with spacious, modern interiors
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Two shared twin rooms w/ two single beds and a shared bathroom
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One shared twin room w/ two single beds and an ensuite
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Option for two people to camp outside on the spacious balcony w/ a shared bathroom
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Two kitchens with fridges and pantry space - if you want to bring your own snacks
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Tea, coffee and snacks station
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Spacious living room
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Traditional style sauna
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Large outdoor hot tub
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Fitness equipment
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Table tennis & foosball
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Art supplies
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Games & puzzles
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A projector for watching movies (or Taylor Swift concerts)
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Wifi & Bluetooth for Spotify in the lounge
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Multiple balconies to hide away with breakfast or a book
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Direct access to nature: A mountain stream flows directly beside the chalet and multiple hikes/walks start just behind the house
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Please note that there are limited parking spaces: please come by public transport (you will be picked up by your hosts)
Is this you?
You feel pulled towards more time in nature, genuine connection and stillness - in a beautiful setting and good company.
You crave letting go of your to-do list for a few days, and giving yourself full permission to rest and play.
You love being in nature, whether that means hiking or meditating or just sitting outside with a coffee and a good book.
You are curious, warm and enjoy being in a small group - you do not need to be "on" the whole time.
"This retreat is not for people looking for a packed programme, a transformation arc or a certificate at the end.
It is for people looking to experience something special in a small group, in a beautiful, peaceful setting in the Swiss Alps."
Practical details
Duration
Three nights, approximately 2.5 full days. We come together Sunday afternoon 19th July and pack up after breakfast Wednesday 22th July. We can help you book additional lodging if you wish to extend your stay.
Accommodation
Included in the fee. You will be sharing a comfortable twin room - with your own cosy bed - or alternatively you can camp on the balcony.
Meals
Full board — breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee & snacks, sandwiches for hikes. With high-quality, vegetarian ingredients. All included.
Language
Your hosts speak English, (Swiss) German and Dutch.
Cost / Fee
Shared room: 799 CHF
Camp on the balcony: 599 CHF
Dress code
Your comfort is most important to us. Beyond bringing good shoes for a hike and an extra layer for cool mountain evenings - come as you are.
Group size
Max. 8 people
FAQ
Here are our answers to most common questions. If you have other questions, please reach out to us.
What are the exact dates and times of the retreat?
The retreat starts on Sunday, July 19th around 16:00. You’re welcome to drop your bags earlier while we finish setting up. We’ll wrap up on Wednesday, July 22nd after breakfast, but you can leave your bags at the house if you’d like to explore the area afterwards. If you’d like to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we’re happy to help you find local lodging.
What’s the retreat program?
The program will adapt to the group’s preferences and the weather. Think of it as a mix of guided activities (hiking, forest bathing, meditation, sauna, movie night, dancing, art) and free time to relax, play games, or explore solo. We’ll share a loose schedule closer to the date, but flexibility is key. You’re welcome to join what resonates and skip what doesn’t.
What do I need to bring?
We’ll send a packing list closer to the date, but sturdy shoes and layered clothing are essentials. Forget something? We’ve got extras (jackets, hats, shoes) at the house. If you’re camping on the balcony, make sure to bring bedding.
Is it possible to sleep alone?
The bedrooms are shared, but you’re free to sleep under the stars on a balcony (bring your own bedding) or move your mattress to another space. Let us know if you have a roommate preference, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your wishes!
I have limited (social) energy. How do I handle that during the retreat?
Your comfort is our priority. Participate as much or as little as you like and feel free eat alone, or join the group in silence. Need a break? Head to a private balcony, the sauna, or the forest. No explanations needed.
Will you serve alcohol at the retreat?
We won’t provide alcohol, but you’re welcome to bring your own to enjoy responsibly.
Which meals are included?
The retreat is all-inclusive:
Sunday: Snacks, drinks, and dinner.
Monday - Tuesday: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks.
Wednesday: Breakfast (with options to pack a lunch).
Help yourself to coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks anytime. The fridge is always open!
Can I bring my own food?
All meals and snacks are provided, but feel free to bring favorite treats or dietary specifics.
What’s your phone policy?
We encourage a “digital detox” to fully immerse in nature and connection. That said, it’s your retreat and we trust you to find your balance. There are plenty of spots to charge your device.
What are the beds like?
Expect big high-quality mattresses, quiet Schanfigg nights, and a variety of pillows. You’ll sleep like a baby, unless you choose to stargaze from a balcony!
Who are the other participants?
You’ll be joined by big-hearted, open-minded people from Ella’s and Arjanna’s communities. We’ll share a participant list (with consent) closer to the date so you can connect beforehand.
How do I get to Schanfigg?
The retreat location is easy to reach by public transport or car. From Chur, take the train to Arosa (one of the most breathtaking train rides of Switzerland) and we can pick you up at St. Peter Molinis or coordinate carpooling. There’s limited parking space available at the location.
What’s the weather like in July?
July in Schanfigg is magical: warm, sunny days (18–25°C) and cool, crisp nights (10–15°C). Mountain weather can be unpredictable though, so pack layers, and a rain jacket. We’ll adapt activities to the forecast, whether it’s a sunny hike or cozy indoor games by the fire.
Can you accommodate to my allergies/intolerances?
All meals are vegetarian, and we’re happy to accommodate e.g. gluten-free, or allergy-friendly requests. Just let us know your needs in the registration form, and we’ll make sure you’re well-fed and happy. Our kitchen is stocked with plenty of options, and we’ll label meals clearly.
Can I come alone? Will I feel included?
Yes, and yes! Most participants come solo, and the retreat is designed to make connection easy and natural. You’ll have space to be alone or join the group as you wish, whether it’s around the fire, during meals, or on a quiet walk.
What if I get injured during an activity?
Your safety is our priority. We’ll assist you in getting medical care if needed, but all participants must have their own travel/health insurance. If you have specific health concerns, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We’ll have a first-aid kit on-site, and the nearest clinic/hospital is either Kantonsspital Graubünden in Chur or Medizinisches Zentrum Arosa (both 20 minutes from the location).
What are the ‘rules’ of the retreat?
We will take time on the first day to get to know each other and define how we want to be together.
As a general guideline, we ask everyone to respect quiet hours (22:00–07:00) to ensure everyone gets rest, share light chores (e.g. setting the table and helping to clean up after meals).
Please communicate openly about your needs, this is a space for everyone to feel good.
If anything comes up, talk to Arjanna or Ella. We’re here to make sure the retreat works for everyone.
Cancellation Policy
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Cancellation within 7 days of booking → full refund (unless you booked less than 21 days before the retreat start)
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Cancellation more than 21 days before the retreat → 50% refund
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Cancellation within 14 days of the retreat → no refund possible
Can't make it at the last minute?
You're welcome to transfer your spot to a friend. Just let us know their name and contact details before the retreat and we'll take it from there — no extra charge.
In case of unforeseen emergencies (e.g., medical issues, travel bans), we’ll review refunds on a case-by-case basis. Documentation (e.g., doctor’s note) may be required.