Rooted & Rising
Pilates Retreat
by Michelle Montaño
Root Down So You Can Rise
Life moves fast. This retreat is an invitation to pause and reconnect with nature, with rest, with your body and with a welcoming community. The retreat will be held in English, with support available in German and Spanish.
30 September – 4 October 2026
CHF 745 per guest
Retreat Package
Escape the routine
Leave the inbox behind. Trade the commute for mountain air and the rush for a slower, kinder rhythm.
Reconnect with your body
Daily Pilates for every level strength, breath and balance from the inside out. No experience needed.
Find your circle
A community of women, expats and locals, everyone welcome, meeting over movement, meals and real talk.
Michelle
Born in Cartagena, Colombia and now based in Zürich, Michelle teaches Pilates the way she lives, with warmth, intention and deep respect for where each body is on any given day.
With a background in psychology, she brings more than alignment cues to the mat: how we hold tension, how we breathe through it, and how strength in the body becomes steadiness in life.
Rooted & Rising is the retreat she always wished existed, a space to slow down, get strong, and belong.
- Master Degree in Psychology
- 200+ hours Mat & Reformer Pilates certification w/ Body Athletica
- 50 hours Reformer Pilates certification w/ Reformer Room
- Speaks: Spanish, English & German
Discover the Full Retreat Experience
Explore the complete programme, including the daily running sessions, activities, shared moments and practical information for your stay.
The programme may adapt gently according to the group and weather conditions.
Everything held
so you can let go
4 nights at Sass da Grüm
A stay in the hotel’s nature sanctuary above Lago Maggiore.
Daily Pilates
Guided sessions most days, mat and reformer-style, all levels.
Nourishing meals
Breakfast & dinner from the hotel kitchen, seasonal & wholesome. Lunch is optional and available à la carte.
Nature & hikes
Cool walks and hikes accessible and free time to simply be.
Somatics workshop
Bridging movement and psychology, for the nervous system, not just muscles.
A community of women
The people you’ll meet, the quiet, lasting gift of it all.
Wellness
Outside pool, sauna and Jacuzzi
Massages available
Book your massage on request
Where you’ll be
Our experiences are crafted for joy.
Questions, answered
Do I need pilates experience?
Not at all. Every session is guided for all levels, with modifications throughout. Whether it’s your first mat or your hundredth, you’ll be met where you are.
Who is this retreat for?
Women who want to escape the routine, reconnect with their bodies and meet new people. It began with expats in mind, anyone building a life in Switzerland, but everyone is warmly welcome.
What should I bring?
Please bring comfortable clothing for movement sessions, sturdy walking shoes and a small backpack for the trails. We also recommend a journal for personal reflection and a nice dress or elegant outfit for the gala dinner.
Swimwear and sandals are useful for the pool and wellness areas. Mats and course props are provided. Walking sticks are available subject to availability.
What the exact timings and routines?
You can download the course booklet for more detailed information about the schedule and timings. Please note that some planned activities may be adjusted depending on the weather and the natural flow of the course.
What language is it in?
The course will be held in English to ensure that all guests feel included. However, Michelle also speaks Spanish and German and will be happy to assist you in either language if you have any questions.
How can I get there?
Please see the instructions below for further information.
What kind of food is served?
The cuisine at Sass da Grüm is vegetarian and vegan, prepared with fresh, high-quality organic ingredients sourced from Ticino. Many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs we serve are grown in our own carefully tended gardens. On Fridays, we also offer fresh fish from Lake Maggiore.
Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions in advance.
Getting here
Sass da Grüm is not accessible by car. Here’s how to reach us:
- By car Park at Sass da Grüm, San Nazzaro and follow the signs. Your luggage goes directly into the brown cable lift at the car park,, we'll bring it up. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes.
- By bus & train Stop: Vairano Paese (on-request stop). From there it's about 40 minutes on foot.
- By boat San Nazzaro (lake) → Postauto to Vairano Paese (approx. 40 min on foot).