Imagine the early morning mist curled around the peaks of Adelboden, Switzerland, as the crisp alpine air carries the scent of pine. Olympic diving legend Leon Taylor stands at the edge of the trails, taking a deep breath. For someone whose life was once dominated by the roar of Olympic arenas, this tranquillity feels rare, and necessary. Leon (below) is part of the team at Wellness Worldwide Club, a company dedicated to providing restorative breaks in some of Europe’s most incredible destinations.
“We’re almost halfway to Los Angeles now,” he told me at a recent retreat in Turkey, referring to the 2028 Olympics. “This is the point where athletes start making decisions about their journey ahead – whether to continue competing or to apply Olympic habits to everyday life.”
As we spoke, we looked ahead to June, when some of Britain’s most celebrated Olympians will gather in the serene mountain landscapes of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland for the latest Wellness Worldwide retreat, from June 14–17, 2026.
Here, he will host sessions in the esteemed company of Olympic icons Rebecca Adlington, Paula Radcliffe, Sarah Storey, sprinter Jamie Baulch, and legendary hurdler Colin Jackson. This is all part of the Wellness Worldwide Club experience. Walk, talk and exercise with your heroes amid panoramic alpine landscapes throughout the three-day retreat. Guests will explore movement, recovery, and mindfulness, and the retreat is open to anyone, whether they are seasoned athletes or complete beginners.
The event will take place at The Brecon, in Adelboden – a traditional Swiss chalet that sleeps 22, including six rooms reserved for the athletes. Exclusive to Wellness Worldwide, the retreat offers an immersive escape, blending elite sporting insight with restorative practices. The intimate environment allows for genuine interaction and shared experiences with some of the UK’s most successful athletes.
Balancing the highs and lows
Leon Taylor knows the often painful path to Olympic success all too well. A four-time Olympic diving medallist for Team GB and now a BBC commentator, he has experienced the highs of podium glory and the lows of an overworked body. Years of intense training left him looking for answers, leading him to yoga in 2008.
“I started yoga because my body was worn out,” he recalls. “I was advised to try it for my back and shoulders. Over time, it became less about fixing injuries and more about creating space in my mind. Now it’s meditation, breath, and movement, all in one practice.”
Yoga is just one part of his approach to movement. He also swims, runs, and snowboards in the Alps, combining physical challenge with mental wellbeing. “Movement should be fun and varied,” he says. “Diving, swimming, running, yoga, skiing – each activity gives me a different benefit physically and mentally.”
And breathe…
Morning sessions begin with guided alpine walks and trail runs. You’ll breathe in the crisp mountain air, gradually building strength and stamina and explore the terrain at your own pace. Afternoons shift to yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement sessions designed to calm the nervous system, connect with the body, and sharpen focus. Swimming sessions and open-water recovery exercises in a crystal-clear alpine pool offer moments of gentle exertion that Leon believes are just as important as high-intensity activity.
Evenings bring fireside talks with Leon and other Olympic greats where insight into careers, Olympic cycles, and life after sport will unfold. Spa, sauna, and relaxation spaces will hold space for intimate chats as you indulge in fine dining with panoramic mountain views. On days three and four, there will be mountain cycling.
When I asked Leon about the Olympic cycle, he told me: “The Olympics in Paris and Milan were incredible. There’s pride in those performances, but very quickly, the cycle starts again. Athletes reset, refocus, and begin building toward the next Games.”
Just like the Games, the retreat mirrors this rhythm: morning trail runs, afternoon yoga, and restorative sessions allow participants to explore movement, recovery, and mental focus regardless of prior athletic experience. “Imagine reconnecting with movement in the morning, then finishing the day with restorative practices and conversation with others on the same journey,” he says.
The retreat also offers the chance to engage with the athletes in private coaching, adventure excursions, and extended meditation workshops – allowing deeper exploration into the Alps and Olympic mindset.
Life beyond sport, Taylor emphasises, is about small, daily habits. Between BBC commentary, mentoring young athletes, and spending time with his five-year-old son Ziggy, he has honed a routine that nurtures both mind and body. “Improving your mental well-being requires consistency in habits that serve you,” he says. “Move a little more, rest when you need to, and pay attention to what helps you feel better. Sometimes it’s the small things – a walk, a conversation, or even noticing how your phone affects your mood.”
What to expect
“It would be unfair to expect everyone to train at an Olympic level. That’s not what we’re here for. The goal is to move, enjoy, and feel better – whatever your starting point.”
The retreat is completely immersive. Here’s how it goes:
- Day 1: Arrival and orientation. Gentle forest walks and restorative yoga introduce participants to the retreat’s philosophy.
- Day 2 and 3: Energising alpine trail runs, yoga, mindful movement sessions, cycling, and swimming in a pristine alpine pool.
- Day 4: Yoga, swimming, meditation, cycling and a great meal with panoramic mountain views.
Years of rigorous training took a toll on Leon’s body, but the journey from elite athlete to wellness advocate demonstrates the power of balance, curiosity, and connection.
Here are Leon’s top tips for movement and mindset:
- Start small and stay consistent: Something is better than nothing. Stay consistent, and the changes start to add up.
- Listen to your body and respect its limits: Something is good; more is not always better. Be kind to yourself.
- Explore different movements: Diving, yoga, swimming, running, skiing – each activity brings something different to your body and mind.
- Use yoga to create mental space: Yoga became less about fixing injuries and more about creating space in my mind.
- Leverage the power of community: Going for a walk on your own is great, but going with other people can be even better.
- Maintain a mindful mindset: Move a little more, rest when you need to, and notice what helps you feel better.
From Olympic podiums to yoga mats, from mentoring to parenthood, the journey of Leon Taylor celebrates sporting achievements, embraces transitions, and now, shares the gift of movement and mindfulness with others. Amid the breathtaking Swiss Alps, join him on this journey.
The Olympic Alpine Summer Retreat takes place at The Brecon, in Adelboden, from June 14 to 17, 2026. Best access is via Zurich or Bern. Head to the Wellness Worldwide Club website for further information.
