Meride – at the south tip of Switzerland
Simply arriving here is relaxing! A small Ticinese village with a history, a narrow lane, secluded courtyard, ancient red “coppi” roof tiles, and two hosts who love people. Welcome! La Crisalide is a holiday apartment, a suite, a single room, an Osteria (restaurant).
La Crisalide
Meride is at the southernmost tip of Switzerland, just fifteen minutes from busy Mendrisio, yet nestled in vineyards at the foot of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio.
We offer far more than just a bed and some breakfast. For example delicious packed lunches. Inspiring discussions, perhaps multilingual, over yet another cappuccino. Amusing and thought provoking conversations about culture, history, and the people of the most southerly corner of Switzerland.
Sleeping & Living
A vacation apartment for the whole family, a suite and a hideaway. Everything is possible: you cook yourself, you book with breakfast or half board.
Apartment “Zaffiro“
50 m², with two rooms and a gallery with a sleeping cave for the kids, fully equipped kitchen, separate bathroom with shower and bathtub. Incl. TV and internet. In total 6 sleeping places.
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 175.50 |
4 nights | 157.95 |
5 nights … | 142.15 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 166.50 |
4 nights | 149.85 |
5 nights … | 134.85 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
Suite «Giada»
30 m², 2 single beds, extra bed and crib possible, kitchen and bathroom for common use. Incl. TV and Internet.
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 130.50 |
4 nights | 117.45 |
5 nights … | 105.71 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 121.50 |
4 nights | 109.35 |
5 nights … | 98.45 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
Hideaway «Ambra»
15 m², 2 single beds, free of TV and internet, kitchen and bathroom for common use.
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 112.50 |
4 nights | 101.25 |
5 nights … | 91.15 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
per night, 2 persons | CHF |
3 nights | 103.50 |
4 nights | 93.15 |
5 nights … | 83.85 |
extra bed | 25.00 |
Love your neighbour, because he is like you
Your hosts – Erica and Wolfgang Küng
Water
Hiking
The area Mendrisiotto is part of the most southerly foothills of the Alps. That’s why the slopes are gentle. Not that we couldn’t get into a sweat, but its not quite as steep as in the valleys. It’s also why most of the trails are suitable for families with small children or for the more mature walker.
Out and about
Relaxing, peace and quiet, reading, time to think and talk on the one hand, on the other hand making new discoveries, getting out, being active. Mendrisiotto and the area around Lugano have something for everyone. Swimming in the Lake Lugano, paragliding off Monte Generoso, jazz in Mendrisio, promenading on the shores of Lake Como, Swiss Miniature in Melide, hiking in the “forgotten” Valle di Muggio, the Bellavista mountain bike tour…
Time-outs & seminars
For people who want to explore, develop and live themselves and their beliefs.
Assisted time out — for the love of yourself.
Rest and relaxation: time to reflect on issues. Alone or with company. The beauty of the place and the surroundings. Enjoyment of your own and new perspectives.
Rest and relaxation: This is well possible with us. You live in the apartment Zaffiro. You cook yourself or let us spoil you. Or sometimes like this, sometimes like that. You get, if you want, support in the arrangement of your day. You can take advantage of coaching sessions.
Personal and made to measure: By „assisted time-out” we mean a period of one to about six weeks where we open ourselves and our Cortile (courtyard) “La Crisalide” to individuals or couples. We are both trained in coaching and psychology and have been accompanying people for more than 25 years.
You want or need to get out of the daily routine: You are looking for a protected place. You want to spend time with yourself, but not be lost. You want to be in charge of your day, but you want help to be there when you need it. You’re looking for both peace and quiet and conversation.
Investment
CHF 1’500 per week for individuals, CHF 2’100 for couples.
Included are transfer Mendrisio — Meride, 6 nights half board, support of the time out. Coaching sessions are charged separately: CHF 100 per hour for individuals, CHF 150 per hour for couples.
The last spoonful of “orange marmellata con rosemary” has been eaten, the book from the library cupboard has been read, but we still have a thousand wonderful memories of our days in Ticino. The hike up Monte San Giorgio was a highlight, the view from the top is unforgettable, as is the packed lunch. The walks around the village were also calming and invigorating. The atmosphere in your outdoor and indoor rooms is very pleasant. The rooms are lovingly furnished, the meadow flowers on the tables immediately remind us of Erica and her warmth. The food was deliciously prepared, it was cozy to be with you. We went to Meride to take a break from everyday life. The goal was achieved, after one day we had the feeling that we had been away from home for a long time. In between, we were transported back to ancient times with memories of fossils, the small museum in the village enriching these impressions. The village store, where everyone seems to have much more time than in Bern, also reminds us to “shut down”. Everything is like a whole, selected and found by the two of you and designed with warmth and professionalism.
In Holy Week 2010, my path led me to Erica and Wolfgang for the first time. I was looking for a place to pause, to think about what was ripe for letting go. La Crisalide with its Cortile: openness and yet a protected space. At La Crisalide, I found people who were familiar with ups and downs. They showed me an infectious zest for life. I could be free and alone in their enveloping community without feeling lonely. Generous hospitality enveloped me from all sides: handmade delicacies for the palate, bath essences for a hot bath after rain showers, warming fires after hikes in the cold, hot cocoa after nightly processions, always loving care for the soul. Always a pleasure: to return to the heart-warming oasis of La Crisalide, to set off again and again from there, equipped with maps and tips, for adventures in the Mendrisotto. Hiking in the gentle, hilly countryside with magnificent views, trees, flowers and scents, wonderful hiking trails, grotti and monti, cultural assets and traditional festivals. Last but not least, the Italian way of life and the excellent infrastructure made La Crisalide a faraway place for me.
Vacations — just like with friends. That’s exactly what it is. Admittedly, we had known Erica and Wolfgang for a long time and had experienced a lot of joy and pain with them. But actually being their guests was a new experience. It was good to catch up on the long evenings. Christine and I wanted both: to be on our own, to go our own way, to have time for each other and with each other — and to be with people we like, who have the courage to put their own ideas into practice. We found both. Both resulted in a refreshing, encouraging whole for us.
For the sake of love
Romantic weekend for two, in the very south of Switzerland
What you want: To be together on the 7th cloud. Just the two of you. Here and now. Enjoy what you have in common. To be near to each other. With all your senses. To assure your love to each other.
What happens We will pick you up at the train station. The apartment Zaffiro offers in winter a crackling fireplace, in summer an enchanting courtyard. After the first night the day starts quite slowly. The smell of coffee or tea welcomes you in the Osteria, along with a breakfast buffet of (almost) all homemade food.
A day in nature, strolling, excursions or doing nothing. In the evening we will welcome you for a candlelight dinner. The evening does not end, but gives the hand to a night of bliss. Breakfast on Sunday keeps the farewell far away. Listening to each other once more, looking into each other’s eyes longer than before, daring words of love.
What you get:
- Friday evening trip from Mendrisio train station to Meride. Arrival also possible late in the evening.
- Welcome drink
- Two breakfast buffets
- Candlelight dinner
- Two overnight stays
- Stories, pictures, suggestions about love of the two of you
What it brings: Happiness in love is a gift.
Happiness is that we lack nothing when we are together. Learning and practicing love are conducive to happiness.
Investment
CHF 500 for both of you
Included are transfer Mendrisio — Meride, 2 overnight stays, half board, accompanying program.
Mission Statement: My personal self-explanation
A way to be more sure: What fundamentally drives me? What do I get excited about, what do I fight for and do renounce for it?
What is my vision for my present and my next stage of life?
pecially appropriate for people with responsibility: For once, not to face even more pressure, but to discover your own passions, your inner drive. I am ready to change if change takes me further in life and closer to myself.
Content: Usually a three to four day seminar and three follow-up individual coaching sessions within an agreed period of time.
Group size: 1 to 5 people. Ideal conditions are e.g. two married couples who are friends, a small team, a work group.
The testimonials are reproduced without names for reasons of privacy. Names and e‑mail addresses will be provided on request.
Through the seminar “My personal self-declaration”, I developed my vocation sentence thanks to professional guidance from Wolfgang Küng. This sentence has been with me for more than five years now and continues to be a clear guideline for my decisions.
Shortly before I attended Wolfgang Küng’s “My personal self-declaration” seminar, I started working as a secretary for a small NGO. During the course, I worked out, among other things, how I wanted my work to contribute to the success of the company, what changes I personally wanted to make and how I could fulfill my work alongside my job as a mother. Now, after a year and a half, I have achieved almost every point. The course helped me to recognize how I can incorporate my personal principles into my work and under which circumstances I achieve my best performance.
Identifying my personal core values has helped me a lot with my own self-image. Due to my very strict Christian upbringing, for example, it was never possible to enjoy myself without a guilty conscience. At that point, it was almost a revelation to me that enjoyment is a core value and that I can and may cultivate it.
I was particularly moved at the time by the liberating effect that working out my own direction in life had on me. That has stayed with me to this day: It simply feels good to be able to go your own way. The tangible results with the vocation sentence and basic values have also become important companions for me in all areas of life. I have learned to appreciate this compass, especially in professional decisions, and would not want to do without it. I also have it constantly in front of me when planning the year and week — and thus have the certainty of staying on course from day to day and year to year.
The seminar “My personal self-declaration” has had a lasting impact on my life. In my life and work, I am guided by my core values and experience how my mission statement ‘Out of serenity, I serve and touch to bring about renewal’ is making waves. Many of the goals and ideas for the future from the seminar four years ago are now a reality. The structure and content of this seminar fully convince me. That is why I am still moving future thoughts and visions for myself with reference to my seminar documents and am happy to teach the seminar myself to young people who want to explore their vocation. I have found a personal compass of values that I always keep close to my heart. Since then, the four personal values I have identified have come to the fore in every important professional or private decision and help me to analyze very quickly and precisely whether a particular change of direction makes sense or not. The certainty of knowing what is “my thing” and what is not has clearly and sustainably increased thanks to NORD.
My stay at Küngs was a valuable time for me. Their hospitality and friendliness are impressive, but also the professionalism with which Wolfgang ran the course. He wanted something from me and I had something to achieve. That made the course efficient. Wolfgang challenged me. That was good for me. The stay was worthwhile and I recommend La Crisalide in every respect.
It was valuable to reflect on my mission statement and my core values. They keep coming back to me and it’s good to know that these are my guiding principles. I have found a bit more identity. Whatever I do after I retire, it will have something to do with my core values. They are very important to me.
Hard and heartfelt. We have not regretted our decision to book a course with Wolfgang and Erika after spending several years abroad. Our expectation that a seminar of this kind would be really tough was confirmed. We were therefore all the more delighted by the warmth of the two of them and enjoyed it to the full. While we were dividing, researching, filtering, interpreting and discovering things in our lives with Wolfgang, Erika provided the contrast to the challenging seminar, excellent cuisine and outstanding hospitality. Effort, emotion, challenge — enjoyment, conversation. Hospitality.
The seminar brought out and visualized the direction of our life together, our marriage, our family, as well as our individual talents, visions and goals in a previously unknown dimension. The values and goals of our path and our work were subjected to a kind of “peeling” and concretized. Concrete works that we created in the seminar serve as current orientation values. The seminar is the first step for anyone who wants more from life. Thank you for your work.
I drove to Meride with mixed feelings, because I didn’t know exactly what to expect. But the warm welcome I received there wiped all these feelings away in an instant. it was still quite cold outside, but “inside” I felt a very special warmth and openness. For four days, Wolfgang took me “under his wing” and I worked out my core values and my vision. Tears flowed again and again and I recognized some connections.
As a mother and housewife, I enjoyed being spoiled by Erica’s cooking skills — and they really are excellent! Depending on your mood, you always get a different espresso cup, the sight of which is soothing, not to mention the contents. I left La Crisalide feeling invigorated and full of energy and I will certainly take my children there one day. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
It was snowing all around and my heart was cold too. I needed the help of four sincere and warm eyes. I found them. Erica’s cooking is heavenly. The bathroom at Studio Rubino is an event, a paradise for any evening relaxation. I remember the mighty calm wooden beams, the firm pillars of the courtyard, the sun and the mist that lovingly enveloped everything. The seminar was exhausting: I thought, realized, cried and finally rejoiced. Even though I am already 50, even though I own my own business: here I found people who can help me get out of my tunnel of uncertainty and ambiguity. Warmly and professionally. La Crisalide has spiritual life, has love, has compassion, has professionalism. There is sympathy here, as it was called in ancient Greek: “sym+pathos”, suffering together. It’s great!
My core values: Self competence counts
You know how to explain yourself. People can see who you are and what you believe in. You deal consciously with demands and opportunities in the present and the future. In your professional and private life.
Content: You identify your core values that guide your life. You define your personal self-explanation. You develop a plan and think about steps to implement your core values.
You wish to be able to explain what you want and what you don’t want. You intend to bring a value-oriented line into the shaping of your everyday life and your relationships.
Group: Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.
The testimonials are reproduced without names for reasons of privacy. Names and e‑mail addresses will be provided on request.
Dear Wolfgang and Erika, Yes, my time with you was very enriching. The days were a positive confirmation of my path. For example, when I looked at my current goals for the end of the year and saw that they correspond exactly to my four core values. I also benefited from your great goal formulation template. After we got home, I defined all my goals according to this template, which was a real pleasure. One addition was the idea regarding end-of-life care. I’m keeping it in mind and can well imagine training myself in this area.
Thank you both very much for everything!
I benefited greatly from the seminar. Firstly, Meride is a wonderful place and secondly, I was able to enjoy the company of the Küngs. You approach people with a lot of love and I was very encouraged in my personal growth process. It is refreshing to experience the alternation between community and challenge, which you always know how to bring in the right amount. Thank you very much for that. I am amazed at what I was able to find out about myself and your loving approach touched me again this time. On the trail of my vocation — the seminar with Wolfgang helped me to take stock of my current situation in a wonderfully hospitable place. It was helpful to reflect on my core values. I realized that this is not so new… (no wonder, that’s just me). The clarity with which Wolfgang challenged me to do what I find within myself was authentic. And it wasn’t just words: the strength and encouragement (and also the provocation) is that he and Erika are living their dreams and not just dreaming them… Thank you for the good time with you, thank you for the hospitality, also with your other guests.
3 months later, second echo: I myself am also amazed at the effect of the seminar with you, Wolfgang. You reminded me that dreams come true when you pull out your agenda and make appointments — when the time is right. “Having my own space” was one of the goals. The target was mid-2016. Now everything has moved much faster and the decision has been made to become a freelancer in addition to my work as a hospital chaplain. I will be offering constellations, coaching and life coaching from 2016 and am pleased to send you the attached flyer.
From the dream of life to the living of dreams
A vision for every area of your life. It is the picture of your world when all your goals have been achieved. A longing, a picture, a foundation and a compass.
Content: Value-oriented visions are measured by the claim of originality and joy of life. A vision lies in the future and describes what you see then.
You become the scriptwriter. It is about courage and wisdom. Alone, in a conversation in pairs or in a group you create and explain your visions.
Precondition: You know your life guiding core values. You have defined your personal self-explanation. You want to invest in yourself. Your vision of the future and not the problem determine your steps.
Group: Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.
My life plan. Self-determination makes the difference
Your core values set the agenda. Your work, your relationships, your engagement in society are guided by the implementation of your core values. You are on your way to a lifestyle that fulfills and affirms you.
You define a purpose statement for each of your life-guiding core values. You set a plan for realization. You plan actions. For your daily work, for yourself, for your family, for your leisure time, for your contribution to a society worth living in.
Method: You are the stage director.
Precondition: You know your life guiding core values. You have defined your personal self-explanation. You want to invest in yourself. Your vision of the future and not the problem determine your steps.
Group:
Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.
My biography — the great gift
You are able to explain yourself. To yourself and to your environment. You know the patterns and values, people and experiences that have shaped you. You see the possibilities and limitations that make your life story recognizable. You are on the way to a thoughtful gratitude.
Content: You embark on a journey through time. Back to the beginnings of yourself and move along your life line. You remember people, places, gatherings, repetitions. Of movement and stoppage, of joyful and unhappy times. You decide what you want to take with you as a force into the future and what not.
Precondition: You want to live liberated and reconciled. You seek freedom in dealing with new situations and people. You want to use your story beneficially to shape your future.
Group: Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.
Democratic family. Equality relaxes
You are a family! You know how you want to manage to live together in everyday life. You practice equality. You know how decisions are made that everyone is happy with. Conflicts are part of life, but you know how to deal with them.
Content: Six days of active vacations in the south of Switzerland.
Exercise sessions, cooking, excursions, and relaxed get-togethers alternate — and of course everything, including the menu, is created according to democratic principles: For example, each vote of any member of the family has the same weight.
Method: “Family Conference” by Thomas Gordon. This bestseller and insights from psychology are our theoretical framework. The result is the introduction to the model of a fairly organized family. With a family council. With active listening to one another. In the language of acceptance.
Precondition: You want to be „just a normal family”. That works. Where everyone contributes to making it work. Which still has energy left for new ideas, different projects and other people or tasks.
Group:
Usually one family
Investment
Course fee CHF 600
Board and lodging CHF 1,200 for the whole family (basis = 6 nights)
The Enneagram. More than a map of life
This is how you perceive the world and how you react. With feeling, reason, instinct. As helper, overcomer, researcher, … You understand yourself better and can deal with others more calmly.
Content: You get into the principle of the “Nine Faces of the Soul”. You get to know the nine Enneagram types. You will find your own. You learn new things about yourself and rediscover familiar things. You become more understanding in dealing with yourself and with others.
Method: Short teaching impulses open the topic. Alone, in two or in a group, you deepen and discuss the content. In this way you find and check your own position.
Precondition: You want to get to know the Enneagram and its meaning for your life. You want to grow into a person who is easy to live with.
Group: Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.
DISG. Self-confidence leads to success
You can describe how you experience the world and the demands on you. You are aware of your reaction patterns, your inner model of behavior. You have recognized your possibilities and limits and know how you want to deal with them.
Content: You get into the principle of the behavioral model DISG. You get to know the four DISG types. You find your own. You learn new things about yourself and rediscover familiar ones. You will become more successful in dealing with yourself and with others.
Short teaching impulses open the topic. Alone, in two or in a group, you deepen and discuss the content. In this way you find and check your own position.
Precondition: You want to get to know the DISG behavioral profile and its meaning for your life.
DISG is used a million times and in all branches of business, Sports, churches and other organizations. You want to grow into a person who is successful and easy to live with.
Group: Our seminars are characterized by a consistent focus on individual benefit. Therefore the group size is limited to 5 persons.
Investment
Extensive: 4 nights = CHF 1’000
Focused: 3 nights = CHF 900
Each additional person 50% discount
Included are seminar, documentation, accommodation half board, break catering.