Set in the breathtaking mountain village of Amden, high above the sparkling waters of Lake Walen and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, this retreat offers families the opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and experience the restorative power of nature together. Far from the noise and pace of daily life, Amden, just 1.5 hours by train from Zurich, is known for its fresh alpine air, panoramic mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls, and peaceful walking trails - an ideal setting for deep rest, play, and meaningful connection.
This week-long gathering is designed for parents and children aged 6–12 who are longing for quality time together in a supportive, nourishing community atmosphere. Through a balance of rest, movement, creativity, adventure, and shared rituals, families will experience the joy of being part of a warm village-like tribe where children can play freely and parents can chill, recharge, and enjoy being in community.
Each day will include Yoga Nidra deep relaxation practices and nourishing yoga sessions for adults, offering space to release stress, restore the nervous system, and reconnect with inner calm. Practicing in the peaceful environment of the Swiss Alps naturally deepens these experiences - the strength of the mountains, time spent outdoors, and immersion in nature help regulate the body and mind, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support emotional wellbeing for both adults and children.
Children will be gently introduced to mindfulness through playful activities, sensory awareness games, storytelling, movement, and nature-based exploration. Guided by two experienced helping professionals who are also meditation practitioners, the children’s program is designed to nurture emotional resilience, confidence, creativity, and connection while encouraging curiosity and wonder in the natural world.
Together, we will explore mountain trails, enjoy discovery walks through forests and alpine meadows, share picnics and outdoor food grilling, gather around the fire for ceremony and songs, and spend evenings playing games and massage with each other and connecting as a community. There will be space for both adventure and rest.
This retreat is an invitation for families to experience a different rhythm of life together: one rooted in presence, nature, simplicity, and connection. A chance for children to feel free, grounded, and inspired - and for parents to return home feeling restored, supported, and deeply connected to themselves, their children, and community.
Typical Day Flow
7.30 am | Morning breathing practices & Yoga (optional)
8.30am | Breakfast (or earlier if needed for kids)
9.30-10.30am am | Mindfulness activities for Kids
Yoga Nidra & Meditation for Parents
11am Mountain Walk
Nature Connection practices
1pm Picnic lunch, sometimes with outdoor grilling, free play and walk back
6pm | Dinner
7.15pm | Evening Family Circle with yoga nidra, gentle movement, story telling & mantra singing
8.15pm Good night
Facilitators:
Myriam Bartu
Myriam has worked with women's empowerment NGOs in Hong Kong where she began teaching meditative practices in 2016. Now based in Zurich she is passionate about sharing yoga nidra, sound healing, women's yoga therapy and Nature Retreats to help humans reconnect to themselves, to each other and to Nature. More on Myriam here.
Stephen Ma
Stephen is a father of two, a mindfulness practitioner, and a skilled professional in community engagement and preventive and developmental initiatives. In his dual role as an educator and entrepreneur, he founded Mindfulness for Kids and Nature's Embrace Life Education Centre, which offers mindfulness training and life education programs for adults, children, and families. With over 23 years of experience as a registered social worker in Hong Kong, and more than 12 years of teaching experience in tertiary-level education and social-work supervising in China, Stephen is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK in social work. Stephen has published two books on mindfulness and life education, and is a columnist for Ming Pao in Hong Kong, where he shares positive parenting skills and knowledge.
Svah Wong
Svah, is a mother of two, a social worker, Mindfulness practitioner and spiritual teacher. As a nature educator, Svah has incorporated nature appreciation into mindfulness and parenting. She has set up ‘Mindfulness for Kids’ （幼兒靜心）platform and is a co-founder of Parenting Communion (Hong Kong)(共學起動）. Svah co-authored 《陪孩子學靜心 從心做起的教養》(Walking the Mindful Path with Your Child: A Journey of Heartful Parenting) in 2020. Svah attained her social work master's degree in 2012 and was trained as a ‘Parenting for a peaceful world’ facilitator. To Svah, Parenting for a peaceful world is her motto, as a peaceful world is possible when adults in the community work together to sow peaceful seeds in the souls. Svah welcomes every big or small person who is drawn to self-understanding and to shining their uniqueness and authenticity, joining her to enjoy life on Earth.
More on Svah here:
Mindful Blossom Healing
Retreat Centre
Schwendihaus is a family friendly retreat house in Amden, equipped with a playroom, an out door playground, a football pitch, outdoor grill facilities and a yoga room. Accommodation is in shared rooms or family rooms. Nutritious food is served with vegetarian and gluten-free options when needed.
Costs: All costs are in Swiss Francs.
Food and Accomodation:
Accomodation, breakfast and dinner for 3 days per person: chf 200.=
We will buy lunch food from the local supermarkets and share outdoor picnics, also welcome to bring your own lunch and snack food.
Retreat Fee:
Regular:
300.- per adult, 500.- per couple, 200.- per child
Early bird by July 10th:
250.- per adult, 400.- per couple, 150.- per child
Early bird subsidised fee, by July 10th: (for refugees, and those living on a low income):
150.- per adult, 200.- per couple, 100.- per child
