"The Year of the Tiger ... awaken the tiger in you:" between November 18 and 20, renowned five-star hotel The Dolder Grand invites you to a meditation retreat under the guidance of Shaolin Master Shi Xing Mi. Increase your efficiency and strengthen your mind in the course of practical Shaolin exercises, no previous experience required. The excellent Dolder Spa and the outstanding cuisine of the hotel round out the program. 

The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 44 456 60 00
Web: thedoldergrand.com
Price: Doubles incl. Meditation Retreat from CHF 1,679

Shi Xing Mi

The world's first non-Chinese Shaolin monk

The retreat is led by Shi Xing Mi, who looks back on over 20 years of practice and another ten years of teaching. He is the first non-Chinese master officially ordained at the Shaolin Monastery. Born as Walter Gjergja in Italy, Shi Xing Mi began studying Shaolin Kung Fu at a young age in Italy and France. He won numerous competitions in Kung Fu and WuShu as well as in Sanda and Qingda – first in Europe, then in Asia.

Shi Xing Mi, born Walter Gjergja, was the world's first non-Chinese Shaolin master. © The Dolder Grand

In 2004 he founded the first Italian Shaolin Center in Milan. He regularly holds seminars and workshops at conferences as well as for companies, has written numerous books and works as a trainer and management consultant. His focus is on practical exercises that can be implemented immediately in everyday life. They are designed to promote tranquility and performance of the participants. Shi Xing Mi currently lives in Ticino, Switzerland.

Two days for body and mind

Over the course of two days, the Shaolin master helps guests improve their physical and mental performance and health. His meditation retreat focuses on practical exercises that are also easy to apply in everyday life. In addition to applied philosophy and mindfulness, and meditation exercises, movement is also on the agenda. Among them Qigong, a classic Shaolin exercise that is designed to stimulate the flow of energy in the body and promote longevity.

The fact that Shaolin monks are known not only for their agility, but also their fitness, is credited to their hard training. This will be part of the two-day retreat in the form of functional training methods. Guests can also experience the Shaolin-specific yoga Tóngzigōng, which focuses on flexibility, on their own bodies.

From meditations to Qigong and all the way to yoga, the exclusive Meditation Retreat promises to be one of the highlights of the year at The Dolder Grand. © The Dolder Grand

The Shaolin Program at The Dolder Grand

Both days begin with a hearty breakfast and a session of Shaolin "Tiger" exercises. These are designed to maximize the health and vitality of the body. After lunch, Shi Xing Mi introduces the group to the tradition of the "feline flexibility routine." Mindfulness and traditional wisdom are part of this one-hour class. Day two also includes a gentle Qigong morning routine before breakfast. 

Guests are free to use the retreat's free times to try out the Dolder Grand's fitness and spa facilities – an included benefit of the retreat. The 4,000-square-meter Dolder Spa offers treatment and meditation rooms and the Aqua Zone with a pool, a hot tub terrace, saunas and relaxation rooms. 

The Dolder Grand Meditation Retreat

• November 18-20, 2022
• 2 nights at the Dolder Grand incl. breakfast and dinner credit of CHF 100,- per person/night at the restaurant Saltz
• 2-day Meditation Retreat with Shaolin Master Shi Xing Mi
• including access to the Dolder Spa, participation in fitness classes and surprise gift

The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 44 456 60 00
Web: thedoldergrand.com
Price: Doubles incl. Meditation Retreat from CHF 1,679