Ikigai in Nature

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment

6 - 11 Sept, 2024|6 days|Zermatt, Switzerland

About the event

Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Zermatt for a transformative retreat that seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with holistic self-discovery. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Matterhorn and the serenity of the surrounding forests. This is more than a retreat; it’s a soulful journey towards purposeful living. In Zermatt, experience the enchantment of nature, as one moment finds you surrounded by swooping forestry, only to be followed by the breathtaking awe of the Matterhorn in the next.

The purpose of this retreat is to guide you to come closer to your soul’s purpose through different somatic and mind exercises. Our hope is to offer the appropriate inspirations and lessons to realize your personal essential role in the whole of humanity. We envision a retreat where the community will discover a safe space to connect and be willing to create beauty inspired by nature. Your retreat leaders, Niki Smirni and Kremena Yordanova, will be accompanied by the co-author of the bestselling book “Ikigai,” Francesc Miralles.

3600€/per person

About the retreat leaders

Francesc Miralles: Francesc is a lecturer and award-winning author of bestselling books in the areas of health and spirituality. Born in Barcelona, he studied journalism, English literature and German philology, and has worked as a translator, editor, art therapist and musician. His novel Love in Lowercase has been translated into 28 languages. Along with Hector Garcia, he is the author of the bestselling Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

Niki Smirni: Niki a global explorer, entrepreneur, and mother of twin boys, is the creator of Travelgems and an ambassador for the Global Wellness Institute. With over 20 years of international experience in corporate strategies, she’s renowned for successful marketing stories and innovative projects. Niki’s ARGOODAKI project has benefited over 4,500 kids and families. A mentor and frequent speaker at conventions, she covers topics such as strategic mind growth, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship well-being, and tourism.

Kremena Yordanova: Kremena blends her extensive corporate experience with the ancient practices of yoga and meditation. Her realistic, grounded, attentive approach to leadership and mentoring brings the true art of conversation and community to life. She’s organized international retreats, workshops and leadership programs. Her work supports freefoodkitchen and she lives in Amsterdam.

About the destination

With much of the country covered by the Alps, Switzerland is one of the highest countries in Europe. The amazing mountains, heaps of lakes, and beautiful landscapes are considered to be what makes the country the perfect destination for vacationing and exploring new cultures.

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, and as a year-round resort, it commands some of the finest views in Switzerland. This car-free town offers tranquility and luxury. Surrounded by clear lakes and majestic peaks, Zermatt invites exploration and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

About the hotel

Surrounded by the rugged beauty of Zermatt, CERVO is the gateway to the mystical mountain world of the Alps. With a deeply rooted sense of the extraordinary, of the highest quality, and of authentic hospitality, this five-star property invites its guests to explore the impressive nature around us. A holistic design with lots of loving details and casual luxury. A place to celebrate and enjoy with friends. A place of power at the foot of the mystical Matterhorn for body and mind.

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Indicative shedule

Day 1: 6th September - Welcome and Introduction
  • 17:30 - 18:45Welcome Drinks and Opening Session
    • Location: Bazaar Outdoor Space
    • Details: Meet the retreat leaders as well as fellow participants over a welcome drink. The session will begin with a brief introduction followed by a discussion centered around Socrates' famous quote, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
  • 19:00Dinner
    • Location: Madre Nostra Restaurant at Cervo
    • Details: Enjoy your first dinner together, getting to know one another in a relaxed setting.
Day 2: 7th September The holistic approach of body-mind and soul
  • 08:00 - 09:00Morning Yoga with Kremena
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: Start the day with a revitalizing yoga session led by Kremena, designed to center your mind and body.
  • 09:00 - 10:00Breakfast
    • Details: Enjoy a healthy breakfast to nourish your body after yoga.
  • 11:00 - 13:00Session with Niki
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: Engage in a reflective session with Niki, focusing on the principles of Ikigai and how to align your life with your true purpose, and the strategy of the “YOU DO YOU” way of life.
  • 13:30 - 16:00: BBQ
    • Location: Sunnegga
    • Details: Simple Barbeque Lunch made from the retreat participants
  • 16:00 - 18:00Free Time for Reflection and Explore
  • 19:00 - 19:30Gratitude Circle
    • Location: Outdoor Space of Bazaar
    • Details: Gather for a brief gratitude circle to share what you're thankful for.
  • 20:00Dinner
    • Location: Du Pont
    • Details: Experience a typical Swiss dinner in the heart of Zermatt.
Day 3: 8th September - Deeper Connections
  • 08:00 - 09:00Morning Yoga with Kremena
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: Begin your day with a calming yoga session.
  • 09:00 - 10:00Breakfast
  • 11:00 - 13:00Session with Niki
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: Continue your explorations with Niki, delving deeper into the exploration of what are the 10 biggest challenges and needs of our world (micro or macro perspective) today and how we all feel about them. Identify your strengths and talents and lower your limitations. Together let’s find out what we can bring to the world.
  • 13:00 - 16:00Free Time to Unwind, Reflect, and Explore. Optional Activities; Paragliding
  • 17:00 - 18:00Introduction of Francesc
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: Francesc will introduce his approach to self-discovery and personal growth.
  • 18:00 - 19:00One-on-One Meetings with Francesc
    • Location: Yurds, others will relax by the pool while waiting for their session.
    • Details: Personalized sessions with Francesc to explore your personal challenges and goals.
  • 20:00Dinner 
    • Location: La Barrique
    • Details: Enjoy an evening meal in a cozy setting, reflecting on the day's insights.
Day 4: 9th September - Exploration and Reflection
  • 08:00 - 09:00Morning Yoga with Kremena
  • 09:00 - 10:00Breakfast
  • 11:00 - 13:00Session with Francesc
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: A deeper dive into self-reflection and exploration with Francesc, focusing on personal growth, mindful living and ideally with your IKIGAI in your mind and heart.
  • 13:00 - 17:00Free Time to Unwind, Reflect, and Explore. Optional Activities; Hike to 3 lakes 
  • 18:00 - 19:00Session with Niki
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: An evening session with Niki, guiding you further into your journey of finding or refining your Ikigai and next steps.
  • 19:30Gratitude Circle
    • Location: Bazaar outdoor space
    • Details: Another opportunity to come together in gratitude before dinner.
  • 20:00Dinner
    • Location: (TBA)
Day 5: 10th September - Integration and Growth
  • 08:00 - 09:00Morning Yoga with Kremena
  • 09:00 - 10:00Breakfast
  • 11:00 - 14:00Extended Session with Niki
    • Location: Walking meditation in nature, followed by a session dedicated to integrating everything you've learned so far, preparing you to take these insights back into your daily life and just do them! A practical guide for the future.
  • 14:00 - 19:00Free Time to Unwind, Reflect, and Explore. Explore Zermatt Village: take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Zermatt, surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. 
  • 19:30 - 20:00Gratitude Circle with Niki
    • Location: Bazaar outdoor space
    • Details: A final gratitude circle to close the day and reflect on the retreat experience.
  • 20:00Dinner
    • Location: Bazaar Restaurant at Cervo
Day 6: 11th September - Departure
  • 08:00 - 09:00Morning Yoga with Kremena
    • Location: Yoga Room
    • Details: A final optional yoga session to center yourself before departure.
  • 09:00 - 10:00Breakfast
  • 11:00Departure
    • Details: Check-out and goodbyes.

Start your
journey

Event Highlights

5-night accommodation at CERVO Mountain Resort

All breakfast meals & dinner meals

All sessions with Kremena, Niki & Francesc Miralles

Hiking

Barbeque by the lake

Exploration of Schali Lake

Prices

3600€/per person

in Double Occ. room

Prices

4700€/per person

in Single Occ. room

Flexible payment plan
available

what’s included

  • 5-night accommodation at CERVO Mountain Resort
  • All breakfast meals & dinner meals
  • All sessions with Kremena, Niki & Francesc Miralles
  • Barbeque by the lake
  • Exploration of Schali Lake

what’s not included

  • Airtickets to/from Switzerland – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
  • Airport and Land Transfers
  • Accommodation tax per person per overnight stay
  • Soft drinks & beverages
  • Lunch meals
  • Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions

more info

We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment

 

Payment Plan: Available – contact info@travelgems.com

Language: English

Land Transfer: Available upon request – contact info@travelgems.com

Cancellation Policy: 30% Deposit amount is non-refundable. | Should you wish to cancel your participation one month or less before the start of the retreat, 100% of cancellation fees are applied.

Important Info: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or any other restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling the total amount paid will be refunded.

Transport: We suggest that you book flights to and from Milan Airport (MXP) as it’s the most convenient one and the closest to the resort. In order to make your arrival to and departure from Zermatt as smooth as possible, we can arrange for you a private transfer from/to Milan Airport at an extra cost.

Additionally, kindly note that we can arrange for you private transfers from other airports as well! Please contact us if you would like more information at info@travelgems.com

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