It’s been three years since I’ve been on a plane. Three whole years. I couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart international travel again than with a holistic retreat in the Alps. Trust me, AliKats is one for the bucket list.
As a photographer and videographer, I’m able to connect with some incredible people and help tell their stories. While I was there for work, I was still able to experience the retreat as a guest and I just had to share a few words alongside a few of my images as it truly was an unforgettable experience. It will never not be a privilege to experience and capture these inspiring places. You can read more about my work here.
Just over an hour from Geneva airport and nestled deep in the Chablais mountain range, sits La Ferme A Jules, a beautiful converted farmhouse that would be our home for the duration of the retreat. AliKats Elevated Outlook retreats are personal development experiences, designed to deepen self awareness. I wouldn’t say I’m a spiritual person and while I am open minded, I was a little skeptical about how much I could get out of a 4 day retreat but it exceeded all of my expectations!
Every guest has their own luxury en-suite room in the chalet, along with access to a huge living space, a sauna and a hot tub. AliKats retreats have a maximum capacity of 12 guests so you can expect an intimate experience with the utmost intention.
Each day we’d hike 5-20km in the alps, pausing for immersive group sessions with leadership coach Caitlin Cockerton (PhD, CPCC). The exercises were carefully considered to compliment the changing of seasons and allow us to reconnect with nature. It’s not often we press pause on the everyday and take time to self-reflect. As I began to explore what has been holding my business back, Caitlin gave me the tools to break through these personal boundaries. I thought I’d be nervous sharing my vulnerabilities in a group setting but it was such an inspiring experience! More about Caitlin.
All of the food on the retreat (and there was a lot of it!) was made entirely from scratch, using locally sourced, seasonal and foraged produce. The menu struck the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. The chefs John Willems and Rachelle Baker were so skilled and creative, catering to each guest’s specific dietary requirements without compromise. Their passion for food was so contagious – I found myself foraging for wild strawberries and pineapple weed on our daily hikes. Every single meal was fantastic and the service from our chalet host Dimitri was exceptional.
Sustainability is a huge priority for AliKats founders, Al and Kat Judge. They’ve introduced various environmental policies over the last ten years and have made the commitment to be carbon neutral by the end of this summer. By adopting a permaculture ethos, AliKats ensure their food practices work in harmony with nature and take care of the environment. You can read more about the amazing work AliKats do here.
Our daily schedule was mindfully curated – a mix of healing yoga and meditation practices with Ursula, rewarding hikes, breathtaking scenery, nourishing meals and group coaching with Caitlin. It gave us time to be present and reconnect with nature whilst creating meaningful connections with others. I left feeling grounded and refocused with a clear set of personal intentions for the months ahead. If you’re interested in booking a place on their next retreat, all the details are below with a link to the AliKats website. I couldn’t recommend the experience more.
The Details:
Where? Morzine, France
When? Autumn Harvest Retreat 12-16th October
£££? €2000 / £1672 per person includes full-board accommodation; pre and post retreat one-on-one coaching sessions; group coaching; daily yoga, meditation, or qi gong; guided walks with forest bathing; and a concierge booking service.
How? Click here to book
