Music summer retreat in Switzerland
A journey through sound, culture and nature — dive deep into Mongolian throat singing and Morin Khuur, surrounded by ancient forests and beautiful mountains.
Mongolian throat singing, overtones, and the Morin Khuur ("horsehead fiddle") in the nature of Westerwolde
In the beautiful Romainmôtier — a medieval village surrounded by ancient forests, rivers and waterfalls — we invite, , you are looking forward to a special retreat. In collaboration with Lucas from we create a place for music, stillness and encounters. The focus is on the beautiful art of Mongolian throat singing (“Khuumei”), overtone singing and the Morin Khuur (“horse-headed violin”). This week offers space to learn, enjoy and deepen — a unique experience where music, culture and nature come together.We, Rowan and Saran from Altai, are happy to share our greatest passion and important part of our lives with you, together with the people of Henosis and guest teacher Yesun Erdene-Bat: professional throat singer and master at the Morin Khuur.
This retreat offers space to learn, relax and dive deep into a unique musical art & tradition.
What makes this retreat unique?
- Full Immersion: A retreat dedicated to throat singing, overtone singing, and traditional Mongolian music, with a special focus on learning to play the Morin Khuur ("horsehead fiddle").
- Professional Guidance: Daily workshops led by Rowan Hartsuiker and Yesun Erdene-Bat, supported by Saran Myagmarsuren-Hartsuiker.
- All-Inclusive: Accommodation, three meals a day, workshops, wellness facilities, coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks – everything is included. Complete care, so you can fully focus on music and relaxation.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Plenty of stunning places to explore; singing by the water, in the beautiful forests, or out on open fields.
- Creative Space: Every day offers time to breathe, reflect, practice, make music together, or simply retreat for yourself.
- Wellness & Comfort: After a day of workshops, relax in the heated private pool, the whirlpool, or the sauna. The farmhouse not only offers peace and space but also luxury and comfort – a wonderful combination.
- Yoga & Massage: Yoga and massage sessions led by a specialist to support relaxation and enjoyment.
- Small-Scale & Personal: A maximum of 10 to 15 participants – ensuring a warm, friendly, and personal atmosphere, which is very important to us.
Week program — a global overview of your musical retreat.
Day-to-Day Program.
- Day 1: After arrival and a warm welcome, we take our time to land. Explore the beautiful house, the large garden, and maybe even the quiet private forest around the home. During the joint welcome dinner, we get to know each other more closely and share our first impressions. The day ends with an atmospheric introduction to Mongolian music and throat singing — with live demonstrations, videos and stories by Rowan and Yesun. A first glimpse of what awaits you.
- Day 2: After breakfast together, we start with a quiet start. During the first singing workshop, we do breathing exercises and slowly open the body and voice. We discover the overtones that lie hidden in our voice. After lunch, a second workshop follows. In the afternoon, we head out into the woods — there our voices sound among the trees, as we take a deep breath and connect with the environment. At the end of the day, you'll get to know the Morin Khuur: how to hold it, how the strings feel, and how to form your first sounds. We end the day with a dinner together.
- Day 3: After breakfast, we continue with “Shakha Khuumei”, a throat singing style that is reminiscent of running water and the wind. We walk to the river and practice there — singing to the rhythm of nature. After lunch, we deepen our playing on the Morin Khuur and learn the first melodies. In the evening, a relaxing yoga session follows, where breathing, sound and body come into harmony.
- Day 4: We start the day with “Isgeree Khuumei” — a melodic style where overtones come out very strongly. We will experience this workshop in a beautiful spot in the woods with a spring and river. In the afternoon, we visit a magical place: the thousand-year-old church of Romainmôtier. There, we'll practice our singing with the natural reverb of up to 10 seconds in church — an experience that gives you goosebumps! After lunch, we dive back into the Morin Khuur: further delving into melodies and accompanying lyrics is key. We end the day with a dinner together.
- Day 5: Today's focus is on “Kharkhiraa Khuumei” — the deep, powerful guttural singing that embodies the energy of a waterfall. So we walk to a real waterfall. There, we feel the energy in our body while we exercise. After lunch, we combine singing and Morin Khuur — sound and melody become one. The evening is filled with a short excursion to a beautiful panoramic view, where we repeat some singing exercises, after which we have dinner together.
- Day 6: Today, we're bringing everything together. We learn “Kharkhiraa-Isgeree” — a combination of various singing techniques. We repeat techniques, practice singing together and build towards the final moment. The afternoon is free: rest, walk, practice, meditate or just be, including a yoga session. After dinner, we gather around the fire. We share music, stories, laugh, sing — a night you'll never forget!
- Day 7: The morning starts with a last breakfast together. After that, there is room to share experiences. Maybe one last walk in the woods or a final note on your instrument. Then we say goodbye to each other — and to this magical place.
During the week, there is of course room for improvisation, spontaneous performances, jam sessions, campfires and quiet moments where necessary.
Meet the team.
Rowan Hartsuiker
Musician, teacher, and co-founder of Altai. Specialized in throat singing and player of instruments such as the Morin Khuur, Tovshuur, Altai Harp, and jaw harp.
Yesun Erdene-Bat
Professional musician and teacher from Mongolia. Known from various traditional music projects. Expert in the Morin Khuur and all forms of throat singing.
Saran Hartsuiker
Co-founder of Altai alongside Rowan. Prepares all meals with love and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the retreat.
And we wouldn't be able to realize this retreat without the extra help of:
Lucas Vértesi
Lucas is co-founder of Henosis and passionate about Central Asian music and throat singing. He traveled to Mongolia, made a documentary about this art of singing and accompanies our walks and nature moments during the retreat.
Tuul Bayasgalan
Tuul is Saran's niece and lives in Geneva. She supports the meals with a lot of warmth and dedication and creates a nice atmosphere during the retreat.
The location of the retreat.
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The House
Domaine en Praël (the name of the house) exudes history. From a monastery site in the Middle Ages to a bustling industrial center in the 19th century. After decades of silence, the domain was given a new life at the beginning of this century as a place for culture, encounters and stillness. The house has three floors. Downstairs, you'll find a spacious concert hall with stage and bar, a professional kitchen, a large modular space and toilets. A hydroelectric turbine runs under the floor that supplies the house with electricity. On the first floor, there is a second kitchen, a large living room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. At the top, there are private rooms, but also a guest bedroom and an apartment with a mezzanine.
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Bedrooms
The bedrooms in the house have recently been renovated and each has its own character. Some have a private bathroom and toilet, while others share sanitary facilities that are located nearby in the hallway. From the rooms, you have a view of the garden and the forest. All rooms offer plenty of space to relax. Most rooms have multiple beds, which means you share the room with other participants. Thanks to the spacious layout, everyone still retains their own space and a sense of privacy in a quiet atmosphere.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms in the house have recently been renovated and each has its own character. Some have a private bathroom and toilet, while others share sanitary facilities that are located nearby in the hallway. From the rooms, you have a view of the garden and the forest. All rooms offer plenty of space to relax. Most rooms have multiple beds, which means you share the room with other participants. Thanks to the spacious layout, everyone still retains their own space and a sense of privacy in a quiet atmosphere.
Prices
Shared room:
- Participation: €1,700 (All-inclusive)
- Register before January 1st, 2026: Early bird price: €1,600 (All-inclusive)
Camping option:
- Participation: €1,400 (All-inclusive)
- Register before January 1st, 2026: Early bird price: €1,300 (All-inclusive)
Stay in a spacious room with multiple beds and private bathroom/toilet in each room. Or camp in Henosis's green garden, between birdsong and foliage (Bring your own tent).
Package include:
- 7 days (6 nights) accommodation
- 3 meals per day
- Fruit / snacks / coffee / tea / drinks
- Daily workshops in throat singing & Morin Khuur
- Use of instruments
- Your own folder with lesson materials
- Yoga sessions
- Massage sessions
- Nature excursions
- Nature outings & cultural activities
FAQs
Are travel costs included in the price?
How do I get to the location with the car?
How do I get to the location with the plane?
How do I get to the location with the train?
I would like a private room, is that possible?
Is there a duo price if I come with my partner or friend?
My partner/friend would like to join, but not participate in the workshops. Is that possible?
Sounds interesting?
Want to learn more? Download our detailed PDF presentation below.
Are you ready for a musical journey filled with sound, nature, and connection? Download our detailed PDF-presentation below.
