Marianne Durand

Ayurveda Practitioner & Yoga Teacher

Ayurveda Retreat Director

"Château de La Pierre is far more than a beautiful backdrop: it is a place to breathe, shaped by nature, light, and the passage of time. I imagined it as a house of healing and consciousness, where one can return to oneself through beauty and simplicity. Every stone, every tree, every silence helps restore balance to all who stay here."

"For me, Ayurveda is lived as a meeting point between presence, science, and sensitivity."

"My work grows from this energy: bringing body and mind together, connecting humanity with nature, and bridging tradition with modern life. Guided by Ayurveda, I support those seeking lasting transformation — vibrant health built on self-knowledge and inner harmony."

"My approach remains grounded in tradition while responding to the demands of contemporary life: dosha rebalancing, personalized nutrition, therapeutic massages, stress management, and vitality support. Each protocol is designed as a holistic, precise, and dynamic treatment, where listening, body awareness, and presence are essential."

"From India to Switzerland, via California

"Trained in Ayurvedic medicine with Atreya Smith in Europe, and Dr. Joshi and Dr. Sapna in India, I have supported people wishing to restore harmony between body, mind, and environment for more than twenty years.

I discovered Ayurveda in 2004 while living in Sivananda yoga ashrams, where I met pioneers who helped bring Ayurveda to the West: David Frawley and Robert Svoboda. Since then, I have continued my training in Ayurveda at several recognized schools and with respected practitioners such as Vaidya Atreya Smith and traditional doctors like Dr. Joshi in Nagpur. I also deepened my studies through therapeutic yoga, Ayurvedic nutrition, and Ayurveda-specific treatment and massage techniques."

"My path has led me to synthesize care practices learned across different schools in India and California. Over time, I have developed signature treatments inspired by traditional Ayurveda: Shilābhyanga, a hot stone massage that works deeply on tissues and energy circulation, and my approach to Marma Therapy, a precise practice focused on Ayurveda’s vital points to encourage regeneration and inner balance.

After creating the treatment protocols offered during the retreats at Château de La Pierre, I trained team members in their application. Our shared experience continually inspires us to refine and renew our practice so it can meet the needs of our guests. Each guest receives individualized support: the initial consultation establishes a personal Ayurvedic assessment, while the closing interview helps evaluate the effects of the stay and recommend lifestyle adjustments."