Yoga, Self Discovery and Hiking Retreat
in the French Alps 2025 |
Transformative Experience
19-25 July | 2-8 August | 10-16 August 2025
Transform your life with a retreat in the French Alps, Off-grid, simple living - connection in a disconnected world
Join Mike Farr, myself and 11 other adventurous souls for a totally unique experience as we embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery that holds the potential to ignite your vibrancy.
move from the “doing world” and step into a slower, connected “being” world, in the embrace of our secluded mountain retreat. This is a place to simply ‘be’, to nourish, nurture, gain perspective and discover/re-align with your personal values.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as we live together in a vibrant community of like-minded souls. Explore the depths of your inner self and uncover the transformative power of self-reflection. though modalities of yoga, meditation and shadow work. Connect with nature through hiking trails, daily campfires and sleeping close to the earth.
You will leave with new skills that improve your well-being, a sense of emotional healing at a deep level and new friendships and authentic connections.
Unleash your adventurous soul, book now and embark on a journey of self-discovery that promises to ignite your spirit.
In the words of one of our returning retreat participants this year....
“I realised that you have given me a way bigger gift, of a lasting impact in daily life. Literally, the one initial retreat week changed my life permanently for the better.”


Daily yoga & self enquiry processes for personal growth
Our Retreat offers more than the physical practices of yoga and hiking; it provides a space for self-reflection. Amidst the tranquility of the mountains, embark on a profound journey of self-enquiry
Be welcomed into our home and way of living. Here you are entirely off-grid, with water straight from the mountains, no electricity cables or wifi. It is a wonderful place to rediscover your spirit and your passion for life and reconnect with your core essence, unraveling the layers that make you unique. With compassionate guidance, we encourage you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, enabling you to make positive shifts in your life.

Why choose our 2025 Summer retreat together?
we create an environment that fosters growth, empowerment, and genuine connections—an experience you will carry in your heart long after you leave the mountains.
As you journey alongside like-minded individuals, a sense of community and belonging will envelop you. Share your stories, laugh, and support one another as you navigate the winding paths of self-discovery.
The rhythms of daily life, set against the backdrop of jaw-dropping mountain views, will revolve around elements of this:
2 daily yoga practices (dynamic in the morning and restorative late afternoon), a total of 4 hours each day, facilitated by Soraya and Mike Farr)
Daily times of silence
Daily meditation practices
Daily sharing circles
Self-enquiry: daily journalling and reflective processes
Creativity & Art
Sounbath
Dance
Kirtan and Song
Being in community with like minded folks
There is plenty of space in the day to hang out in the wood-fired hot tub, nestled in the mountainside. read in a hammock, try some archery or our new cold outdoor nature shower!!Laughter usually filters out of the kitchen as folks sit around the kitchen table, helping to prepare meals (Our chef loves sharing her passion for plant-based cooking) Or you might be asked to help chop wood or tend the campfire whilst watching the kaleidoscope of light bathe the mountain tops.
The highlight is, however, the luxury of living simply, in nature and being nurtured by sleeping close to the earth under canvas, lulled by the chorus of crickets and the nearby gorge. Embrace the adventure, feed your soul, and embark on a transformative journey unlike any other. Book your retreat with us today and rediscover the magic hidden within you.
Off Grid Living, about Les Fraissies
We will be staying at Les Fraisses, this is our home, a traditional alpine building 1300m up on the side of a mountain, not accessible by road. It was originally handmade from trees cut down in the surrounding forest over a century ago.
This is a place of outstanding beauty that invites you to pause just to gaze in wonder at the ever-changing beauty of nature.
The building is surrounded by alpine woodland, wildflowers, and a gorge. My partner started restoring it 15yrs ago with a vision of running yoga retreats here, most of my Summers of the past 8yrs have been spent digging, plastering, painting......many people have offered their help along the way, with replacing the roof, carpentry, tiling, buffing, sanding, digging. It has been a labour of love and each part of the house is filled with memories of community restoration, all held by the vision and commitment of Mike. He has many stories to share, if you're interested, around the campfire.
The yoga studio was the original barn and has a beautiful rustic feel to it. This is a place of outstanding beauty on the side of a mountain, that invites you to pause just to gaze in wonder at the ever changing beauty of nature. As you walk around the perimeter, you are rewarded with views of Mont Blanc. Or spend time gazing at the stars whilst sitting in the wood fired hot tub.
The village of Praz sur Arly is within easy transfer of Geneva airport but feels like a million miles away from the busyness. Accommodation is in bell tents (soul pads) or tents (with proper mattresses), nestled amongst the pine trees surrounding the house. We do have a fully working bathroom with hot shower and toilet!






















































































































What previous participants have said…..
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A magical week in the mountains!
Soraya and Mike make you feel at home from the minute you arrive.
Soraya has a knack for knowing just what the group needs. Her yoga brings you closer to yourself and opens your senses.
Being close to nature all day made that the weather didn’t matter. Sun? Lovely! Rain? Equally wonderful. In fact, the thunderstorm coming in just at the right time during the sound bath made for an unforgettable experience.
Time flew by and before I knew it, I was left with lots of precious memories and a strong wish to come back next year!
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Both complement each other by giving yoga classes and processes to soften and open layers, both physically and emotionally, to reach your deeper self.
Challenge and gentleness at the same time to consciously enter the poses with techniques and instructions. Their attention is divided over the entire group, seeing and approaching each individual uniquely, taking into account his/her trauma, personal growth, physical state, etc. T
hey completely open themselves, the house, the domain, so that you immediately feel at home. A warm, familiar feeling, support, guidance, fun, dance, singing, wise lessons.
I felt monitored and supported by Mike and Soraya through all my emotional waves and processing. They give you all the time and space, they see you in your purest form, which you may have hidden yourself. The group that arises from sharing experiences and exercises provides courage, energy and support. Has had a huge effect.
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A really special retreat....full of beauty and natural poetry. It straddles the line between a personal visit and a revelatory professional group experience. The food and communal work was fantastic and helped anchor us in to this space together. Thank you.. Food for the soul and the body!
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Soraya's retreat is so much more than a yoga retreat. It's a week that nurtured my body, stilled my mind and that made my soul sing. The week wasn't always just bliss and happiness, sometimes it's hard work, physically, but also emotionally. Soraya took us on a journey, we've all gone through a process or connected deeper with ourselves, nature and each other.
I wish this journey for literally everybody, it's healing, it's fun, it's loving. It's the best possible way I could have spent a week taking care of myself.
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Without a doubt, Soraya is a gift in herself. A humble, supportive, loving space-holder who takes you on more than a yoga retreat.
Along with her partner Mike, she transports you to a sanctuary in the mountains and guides your journey with compassion, integrity and an open heart. I cannot recommend this experience more highly, or put into words how special a place it is. If you are looking for community, connection and off-grid living you will find everything and more here.
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A magical week in the mountains!
Soraya and Mike make you feel at home from the minute you arrive.
Soraya has a knack for knowing just what the group needs. Her yoga brings you closer to yourself and opens your senses.
Being close to nature all day made that the weather didn’t matter. Sun? Lovely! Rain? Equally wonderful. In fact, the thunderstorm coming in just at the right time during the sound bath made for an unforgettable experience.
Time flew by and before I knew it, I was left with lots of precious memories and a strong wish to come back next year!
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Beautiful setting and wonderful people. I was initially challenged by the retreat, which in retrospect, was a good thing. I hadn't fully understood the extent of the "retreat" nature of the week. Once I adapted to the idea of a very spiritual/reflective retreat, I found it both immensely rewarding, enjoyable and beneficial to me on an unexpectedly deep level.
There aren't many yoga teachers who possess the ability and skills to teach on both a physical and spiritual/personal level and make you feel safe enough to embark on this, Soraya is all of these. The activities, lodge and food were really well organised and of high quality and it began to feel like home very quickly. I have had a really wonderful week and have learned a lot on many different levels
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The retreat was brilliant, yoga morning and evening is something you can rarely experience in the hecticness of everyday life. It resulted in a refreshed body, stronger and more able to function. It brought out emotional issues that needed to be resolved. Cooking, washing up and fire duties strengthened the group and led to a sharing of experiences and support which heightened and deepened the retreat. Walking was enjoyable, challenging and meant you could be immersed in the scenery, which was magical.
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What a wonderful experience of balance, integration and coherence. Soraya, you gave stillness and intuitive connection. The experience of slipping into the stillness of my soul, where words became a hindrance rather than a help. You helped me tune into this stillness and reconnect with the unlimited possibilities of my being. I feel a sense of wholeness as I leave and a deep connection with Mother Earth. Highly recommend to those who are trapped in the rat race of life.
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What a week! I really didn't expect to get so much of what I have from this retreat. It's been such a journey and feels longer than a week. Time in many ways feels like it has stopped or not been important.
The home and space that you both have created are inspirational, your retreat really does touch people in a life changing way. It certainly was and continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions and I am truly grateful to you both for supporting me. What a very special couple you are and I am so grateful I have found you both in my life.
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This experience has been absolutely brilliant for me and exactly what I needed in my journey at this time. I have been stretched out of my comfort zone, taken to my edge and made some massive breakthrough's physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The standard of yoga teaching was very high and I feel blessed and appreciate I could be part of a very special group, who I found supportive, accepting and warm. I feel I have made some great new friends. I leave feeling totally inspired to made some radical changes to the way I live...to take myself on a journey of yoga, a lifetime journey. Thank you for your thorough love and care
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I have had an amazing time, I am not sure what I expected but I feel it has really opened up my mind and made me look at my life in a different way. A very emotional experience! An added bonus was making such wonderful new friends...Thank You
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I have enjoyed myself immensely, you have the most amazing space up here in the mountains that makes people really connect with themselves...to realise fully where they are in their life/journey no matter how hard that can be. The food and environment has also been amazing, I am in awe of the way you live up here. You have instilled sense of community with the indoor and outdoor teams and it's been so much fun, an amazing experience.



Investment & Bookings
19- 25 July | 2-8 August | 10-16 August 2025
£920 single occupancy Glamping Bell tent (Soulpad ) or very large tent (including 1 mattress, pillow, rugs, throws, fairy lights & lantern)
£800 single occupancy tent (4 man dome tent that includes 1 mattress and pillow)
£760 single ocuppany tent (3 man dome tent that includes 1 mattress and pillow)
A deposit of £150 will be needed to secure your place with full payment due 6 weeks before the retreat date.

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7 day stay at Les Fraissies, Praz sur Arly, Haute Savoie, France, with use of all the facilities. Arrival day from midday, departure by midday (12pm)
2 daily yoga practices, dynamic morning practice and restorative, yin, sound bath and Yoga Nidra, late afternoon.
Daily Self Reflection/self enquiry practices; meditation, times of silence, journalling, art and other processes
Daily sharing circles
Daily campfire's with chat, song and sometimes cooking.
Forest Bathing
Hiking trails straight from the venue for those that wish to hike.
Accommodation of a tent to yourself or single occupancy of glamping style bell tent or tent (availability dependant). All tents come with mattresses. You will need to provide a sleeping bag and pillowcase.
all meals; fruit and herbal tea's before practice. Muesli, bread, coffee and tea after practice followed by substantial veggie brunch. 2 course Vegetarian evening meal. Herbal tea's and normal tea, fresh mountain water (straight from source!) and snacks available throughout the day. Special diets can be catered for, let us know at time of booking.
Use of Wood Fired Hot Tub
Archery
All yoga equipment is provided, purpose built studio.
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Flights are to Geneva Airport and easy transfers are available from Geneva airport to Praz sur Arly for under £30. We will collect you in the village to bring you to the retreat centre.
Guided hikes
Please note flights and transfers are not included in the price and you are strongly advised to have travel insurance.
Additional treatments outside of our schedule are not included in the price.
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You will need to bring:
an all weather sleeping bag, pillowcase
towel
head torch
walking boots or similar,
clothes for all weathers (mountain weather is very changeable, you can experience hot 30+ sun, dramatic thunderstorms, fog all in the same day)
small day rucksack for the hikes.
Rucksack of similar rather than wheelie suitcase (we are up a mountain).
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2 daily yoga practices (dynamic in the morning and restorative late afternoon), a total of 4 hours each day, facilitated by Soraya and Mike Farr)
Daily times of silence
Daily meditation
Daily sharing circles
Self-enquiry: daily journalling and reflective processes
Hiking trails from the house
Creativity & Art /dance/sounbath
Kirtan and Song
Breakfast, substantial brunch and dinner
Being in community with like minded folks whilst doing a little karma yoga