Into the mountains I go, losing myself, finding my soul.

Sometimes you have to go to a place where it becomes quiet all around you so that you can become quiet inside yourself again. The Schlosshotel Fiss is just such a place. At an altitude of 1,436 meters, you not only get closer to the sun, the mountains, and nature, but also to yourself. In addition to numerous leisure activities and weekly yoga classes, the five-star family and spa hotel in Tyrol has recently started offering a special kind of alpine break twice a year, in summer and fall. A five-day retreat dedicated to nature, mindfulness, and hatha yoga.

More than a yoga retreat: a real affair of the heart.

As soon as you enter the yoga room, you can feel that someone has put a lot of thought into the room concept. The round shape of the yoga room gets the energy flowing, high-quality yoga mats and meditation cushions are laid out in a circular pattern, and the pleasant scent of incense fills the air. The focus is on yoga teacher Janice Diederichs, who will accompany us on this journey. Janice originally comes from Hatha Yoga. Incidentally, the term „hatha“ is made up of the words „ha“ for sun and „tha“ for moon, which refers to the union of opposites.

The hatha yoga style combines strength and relaxation. It is a calmer form of yoga with structured alignments that is ideal for beginners as well as advanced practitioners of all ages. Hatha involves a combination of postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation techniques, and meditation. Janice’s way of teaching is very authentic and definitely goes deeper. She deliberately takes the hustle and bustle out of life – which, to be honest, can be a real challenge for some of us at first. But little by little, our „monkey mind,“ as the yogis say so beautifully, comes to rest and relaxation sets in.

The five-day program is varied, so there is something for everyone. From gentle mornings with sun salutations, power hatha yoga, and pranayama (breathing techniques) to sound healing sessions. Sometimes indoors and sometimes outdoors, weather permitting. In the garden of the Schlosshotel, or early in the morning on the shore of the sleepy Wolfsee, in which the Tyrolean mountain scenery is reflected upside down.

Ecstatic Dance, Mantra Concert, and Mama Cacao

In addition to practicing yoga, meditation, and breathwork, other meditative experiences are also offered, such as ecstatic dance, a mantra concert, or a ritual cacao ceremony, where raw, high-quality cacao is mindfully consumed together. The cacao ceremony, for example, is accompanied by meditation, a gratitude exercise, breathing exercises, the chanting of mantras, and the incense burning of copal – a South American resin. Cacao has long been regarded as a herbal medicine. Science suggests that cacao opens the blood vessels and increases overall blood flow in the body. The magnesium in it helps relax the muscles. Spiritual teachers and shamans say that cacao acts as a “heart opener,” a gentle mediator that allows us to delve deeper into our own emotions if we wish to. Whether you approach it from a spiritual or materialistic perspective: we think cacao is amazing, and a cacao ceremony is definitely worth experiencing.

Dive in or Take a Quick Dip: In the Castle Garden or the Castle Spa

The 5,000 square meter wellness area invites you to relax even more. If you like, you can take a morning dip in the 37-meter-long pool, which stretches out into the castle garden. Or immerse yourself in the outdoor saltwater whirlpool filled with invigorating spring water from the Tyrolean Alps. Alternatively, spend a few hours in the Schloss Spa, the adults-only area with a panoramic sauna, steam baths, infrared cabin, Kneipp facility, and an inviting Silent Lounge with a crackling open fire. If you want to do your body even more good, explore the five-star hotel’s extensive spa menu and experience the active ingredients of local herbs and the Green Luxury natural cosmetics line Pharmos Natur, used in the exclusive treatments, in person in one of the 14 beauty and treatment rooms.

All Mindful & All Relaxed

Did you know? Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is one of the most child-friendly destinations in the Alps. Admittedly, we have never seen such a high density of great playgrounds and outdoor opportunities for children and teenagers. From summer toboggan runs, flying foxes, bike trails, and skate parks to interactive themed hiking trails, there’s something for everyone. The Adventure Mountains by Thomas Brezina, Austria’s best-known children’s book author, are a particular highlight—not just for the little ones. The Pirate Trail, the Witches’ Trail, and the Explorer’s Trail awaken the inner child in each of us and invite us to solve interactive puzzles together. Whether you are staying at the castle hotel alone, as a couple, with your family, with your dog, or as a family group—everyone’s well-being, fun, and relaxation are taken care of here.