The art of pause: a Yoga & Ayurveda weekend in Transylvania

The Concept

Sometimes, stillness is the rarest kind of luxury.

At Swissôtel Poiana Brașov, we believe true refinement comes not from excess, but from essence. From slowing down, simplifying, and coming back — to breath, to presence, to the quiet rhythm of nature.

This yoga and mindfulness retreat is not a performance. It’s a pause. A capsule experience, shared with a small group, designed for those who value depth over distraction, and presence over pace.

Held in a unique  space where contemporary alpine design meets Transylvanian heritage — the atmosphere is quietly elegant, deeply connected to its natural surroundings, and crafted to support rest without interruption.

Our hosts, Anca and Stelian, founders of Yoga in Transylvania, have chosen to live in a small village where life moves more slowly and meaningfully. Their practice is rooted in local culture, seasonal rhythms, and a deep respect for mindful living. Together, they guide this retreat not as instructors, but as companions — offering warmth, insight, and care.

This experience is also a gentle introduction to Ayurveda — the ancient system of aligning body, mind and environment. It’s not theoretical. It’s felt — in movement, in food, in rhythm.

What to expect:

• Morning yoga and breathwork, aligned with the season’s energy — releasing tension, calming inner heat, and restoring balance
• A gentle introduction to Ayurveda, with a focus on the Pitta dosha — summer’s fire element — and how to harmonize with it rather than resist it
• Guided meditation and sound healing, where vibration and stillness become tools for deep rest and inner clarity
• A silent forest walk, integrating mindfulness, nature connection, and quiet presence along the mountain trails
• The Pitta  meditation ritual, a symbolic evening practice of letting go and creating space for what truly matters
• An Ayurvedic summer brunch, a simple yet hearty selection of cooling, seasonal dishes — designed to nourish digestion and awaken the senses
• Time for yourself, held within the comfort and calm of a setting shaped by nature and heritage.

Spa time at Pürovel, our boutique alpine wellness space, thoughtfully designed for relaxation and renewal

What makes this retreat unique

1. A Retreat where ritual meets refinement  This is more than just yoga in the countryside. It’s a curated, immersive experience designed for those who appreciate stillness wrapped in a refined atmosphere .

2. Facilitated by people who live the philosophy Anca and Stelian are not traveling teachers or visiting trainers — they live what they guide. They’ve chosen a quiet life in a Transylvanian village where rhythm, presence, and connection shape everything they do — from the food they cook to the way they walk through the woods.

3. Ayurvedic retreat inside a 5-star setting  Here, everything flows seamlessly. Every touchpoint — from your bed and room terrace to your herbal water — is thought through, beautifully delivered, and quietly intentional.

4. Ayurveda, interpreted for the now Instead of delivering ancient philosophy in abstract terms, this retreat translates Ayurveda into something you can feel — and taste.

Investment in stillness

Shared sanctuary | €315 per person
Ideal for friends or partners. This rate is based on two guests sharing a classic double room.
(The total price for two guests booking together is €630).

Private heaven | €455 per person
For those who desire a space entirely for themselves. This rate is for one guest in a private room, offering solitude for deeper reflection.

Small group arrangement
For groups of three wishing to share a room, a third guest may be added for €215, utilizing a comfortable sofa bed. Please contact us directly to confirm availability for this option.

This includes:

– Two nights of accommodation at Swissôtel Poiana Brașov with Swiss signature breakfast
– All yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound healing sessions
– Ayurvedic wisdom sessions tailored to the summer season (Pitta dosha)
– Silent forest walk and fire meditation ritual
– Full access to Pürovel Spa & Sport
– Saturday Ayurvedic brunch, thoughtfully curated for balance and digestion
– Personalized guidance throughout the weekend by Anca and Stelian, founders of Yoga in Transylvania

Not included:

Meals outside of breakfast and Saturday’s brunch are not included and may be ordered à la carte, giving guests the flexibility to dine according to their own rhythm and taste.

Detailed program

Friday – Arrival & Grounding

17:00–18:30 Opening Circle
A gentle welcome into presence. We explore the roots of yoga, the rhythms of Ayurveda, and the Pitta season — summer’s invitation to soften the inner fire.

19:00–20:00 Unstructured time | Dinner at your own pace (à la carte, not included)

20:30 Connection through Play
A lighthearted integration game — a space to meet, smile, and settle into a shared presence.

Saturday – presence in motion

09:30–11:30  (Activities alternate by group) Ayurvedic Yoga Practice or Spa time
A 90-minute class designed for the fire season — releasing inner heat, dissolving tension, and cultivating inner coolness.
Followed by guided Meditation & Sound Healing.  Vibration as restoration — an invitation to stillness.

12:00–13:30 Ayurvedic Summer Brunch
A nourishing experience designed to pacify Pitta and delight the senses.
Curated menu highlights: grilled cauliflower & chard, fennel-pear salad, pistachio pesto, pitta-pacifying chutney, beetroot hummus, blueberry coconut ice cream, cold rose & mint tea.
(All dishes crafted to support digestion and inner coolness.)

13:30–15:30 Silent Forest Walk & Nature Meditation
Walking as awareness, silence as companion — through the forest paths surrounding the hotel.

16:00–18:00 Second round of Yoga & Spa, alternating groups.

19:00–20:00  Unstructured time | Dinner at your own pace (à la carte, not included)

20:30–21:30 Fire Meditation Ritual
Letting go, clearing space. A guided evening practice centered around transformation — symbolic release under the summer sky.

Sunday – integration & return

08:00–09:00 Closing Circle & Reflection Practice
A gentle transition back — with meditation to seal the weekend, and space to carry forward only what truly serves.

09:30-10:30 Breakfast & Farewell