About us
Wellnest Retreats is a young company with an innovative concept, supported by an experienced team!
The founders
Arnaud Esnault
I discovered the world of wellness by working with Dr François Duforez at his company VieLife in 1998! Already at that time we were offering programmes based on 4 interconnected pillars: physical activity, nutrition, sleep and stress management.
This was a powerful and valuable insight for me that allowed me to integrate these pillars into my own lifestyle.
After obtaining my MBA from ESSEC in 2002, I joined the hotel industry out of curiosity and stayed in it out of passion for about twenty years, mainly in international operational management positions.
True to my core values - altruism, sharing, ethics, protection of the environment and biodiversity - I remain pragmatic, detail-oriented and determined to succeed.
In 2018, I realised that my values were no longer aligned with those of the company I was working for. This created a lot of stress, misalignment and ended in a burn out. For the first time in my life, I was forced to slow down, and take a deep look at my beliefs, values and also my personal and professional drivers. That's when I decided to start working as an independent consultant and created HX Consulting (Human Experience Consulting), because I am convinced that the customer experience is the cornerstone of the hospitality industry: our first customers are also our colleagues! They are the first point of contact that creates the most emotion, loyalty and value, and have the potential to be the best ambassadors for our company. This is my belief. This is my passion.
I met Richard in 2020 when he was looking for the right hotel partner to develop what would become Wellnest Retreats. We quickly decided to join forces to launch this project which was totally aligned with our core beliefs and life discipline! François joined the adventure bringing his experience and expertise of over 30 years. With our complementary backgrounds and skills, we make a great trio!
Apart from that, I am a passionate scuba diver, a volunteer in an activist association for the protection of nature and above all, I am married and the proud father of three young boys.
Dr François Duforez
A sports and sleep doctor trained at the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches de Médecine Aérospatiale (CERMA), a former head of clinic at the Hôpitaux de Paris, a practitioner attached to the Centre du sommeil et de la vigilance de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Paris where I regularly consult (APHP, Université Paris V René Descartes). An alumnus of Insead, I founded the Biomedical Sport and Life Institute in the 1990s, while specialising in the theme of human performance in complex environments. This research led to the creation of the "Health and Performance" programmes delivered by Vielife ltd (ex-IBSV) to large international groups (Sanofi, Philips, Standard Life Healthcare, Unilever...).
For more than 30 years, I have been leading and participating in numerous biomedical research projects in the world of Formula 1 (Alain Prost, Olivier Panis, Jenson Button, Rubens Barichello, Eddy Irvine, Mark Webber...), Space, Sailing (Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum) as well as in the preparation of the Olympic Games (Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo) or World Championships
I act as a consultant for Management Committees on the transfer of experience between the two worlds, sporting and professional, and since 2007 I have been running the European Sleep Center, an organisation responsible for the treatment of sleep and vigilance disorders for the general public and companies (notably AG2R La Mondiale, Philips, EDF, Engie, Renault, Crédit Agricole, Deloitte, Accenture, La Poste, Pôle Emploi, etc.).
I am very happy to be part of the founding team of Wellnest Retreats to pass on my experience and knowledge, acquired around these 4 pillars over the last 30 years. It is a pleasure to work with Richard and Arnaud with whom I have already collaborated at the VieLife and European Sleep Center.
Apart from that, I am an ex-competitive tennis player (12 years French championship ex-2/6), co-founder of a Franco-British rugby club (the Frogsbeef), and founding partner of the Maisons-Laffitte Golf Club (Hcp : 9.5).
Richard Evrard
I have been working in international finance for the last 25 years, between Europe and Asia, and finally came back to Geneva in early 2010. I have been able to manage this exceptional professional intensity, added to an omnipresent family dynamic, thanks to my faith, my family and my lifestyle, which has very quickly become centred on 4 vital and interconnected pillars: physical activity, nutrition, meditation and sleep. It is my own life experience, but also my experience and exchanges with the people around me, that allowed me to realise very early on the absolute importance of practising each of these pillars and with each other. This has brought me good health, true balance and joy in my life!
My entrepreneurial spirit led me to create several businesses in France, Switzerland and Sri Lanka, including the construction in 2011 and the launch of a boutique hotel & SPA with a group of co-founding friends. In 2020, I decided to dedicate myself 100% to the vision of the Wellnest Retreats fitness centre that has been driving me since I returned to Switzerland. My goal is to welcome as many people as possible and to work for the well-being of everyone, as I live it every day.
Apart from that, I practice many outdoor sports (triathlon, running, skiing) and I am a wine lover... but not at the same time! I am married and very proud of my 3 rugby loving boys.
The Scientific and Ethical Committee
Dr François Duforez - Chairman of the Committee
Doctor François DUFOREZ has a double training. A sports and sleep doctor trained at the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches de Médecine Aérospatiale (CERMA), and a former head of clinic at the Hôpitaux de Paris, he is a consultant at the Centre du sommeil et de la vigilance de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Paris where he regularly consults (APHP, Université Paris V René Descartes). Alumni of Insead, François is the founder of vielife ltd and an expert on the theme of human factor performance in complex environments. He was the initiator of the online programmes on "Health and Performance" delivered by vielife ltd to large international groups (Sanofi, Philips, Standard Life Healthcare, Unilever...)
Dr Geoffroy Solelhac
After my medical degree, I worked at the Centre du Sommeil et de la Vigilance de l'Hôtel-Dieu in Paris as a clinician from 2017 to 2019. I participated in a research project aiming to apply artificial intelligence techniques to the analysis of sleep examinations in particular concerning chronic insomnia. I am author or co-author of several publications in the field of sleep with presentations in several international conferences.
I joined the Centre for Sleep Research and Investigation (CIRS) of the CHUV in Lausanne in 2019 as a Chief of Clinic. I am involved in the department's research projects aimed at establishing links between sleep disorders and other chronic pathologies. I am mainly interested in two common pathologies in the general population: sleep-disordered breathing and chronic insomnia.
Clinically, I treat all sleep disorders in medical consultations and supervise the department's assistants who come to train in sleep medicine. I lead cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) groups for insomnia in collaboration with a psychologist colleague.
Dr. Edith Perreaut-Pierre
As a sports and aeronautical doctor, I practised as a military doctor for over thirty years. Today I am a consultant, trainer, therapist and coach. I am trained in sophrology, medical hypnosis, neurocognitive and behavioural approaches.
In the 90's I founded the TOP© method (Techniques for Optimising Potential) with the aim of improving the mental capacities of people facing high level challenges: managers and leaders, sportsmen, soldiers, crisis units, patients...
I provide training in Techniques for Optimising Potential®, either on an inter-company or customised basis, and supervise the team of trainers, both practitioners and specialists. The Techniques for Optimising Potential® respond to your problems such as stress management, fatigue prevention, crisis management, personnel safety, conflict management, "humanist" management, and support for change in individuals and teams.
Areas of expertise
- Elaboration, organisation, implementation and validation of the actions necessary for mental preparation (stress management and the "TOP©: Techniques for Optimising Potential"® method) for the benefit of personnel from the Ministry of Defence (Army, Air Force, Navy and National Gendarmerie)
- Follow-up and preparation of high level athletes (Joinville Battalion, federations, clubs)
- Training of sportsmen and women and management staff at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Olympic Committee and sports federations
- Interventions, training and conferences in companies and interest clubs (aeronautical sector, distribution, etc.)
- Speaker: Sophrology schools, University of Paris V (University Diploma "Biological and psycho-social aspects of stress"), University of Paris VI (Inter-university Diploma "Psychic trauma"), University of Paris Sud (University Diploma "Mental preparation and techniques for optimising potential", University Diploma "Psycho-social risks and nursing staff", University Diploma "Psycho-corporate practices"), aeronautical institutes and airlines (human factors trainer - crew resources management)
Training and certification
- Doctorate in Medicine
- CES in biology and sports medicine
- DEA in Science and Technology of Physical and Sports Activities
PhD Julien Louis
Doctor in exercise physiology (University of Nice), former Researcher and head of the nutrition mission at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP, Paris) where I am still an associate researcher, I am now Associate Professor in nutrition and exercise physiology at Liverpool John Moores University in England (in the top 5 of the world ranking of Universities for sport nutrition).
At the university, my work is divided between research activities, teaching and supervision of students preparing their PhD, and the direction of the Master in Sport Nutrition.
In my research, I am interested in nutritional, training, and recovery strategies to optimize high level sport performance. Another area of research that I am interested in is the impact of aging on sport performance with masters athletes at the center of my research. I am the author of nearly 100 articles in international scientific journals and have presented my work in more than 50 conferences. I am an invited member of the European College of Sport Sciences, and a member of the editorial board of several scientific journals (European Journal of Sport Science, Journal of Sport Sciences, Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Plos One, and Nutrients).
In parallel to my academic missions, I have been working for more than 10 years as a scientific consultant in high level sports structures. I am currently the nutritionist for the AG2R-Citroën professional cycling team and have held similar positions for the Liverpool and Lille soccer clubs and the French Football Federation.
Apart from that, I am passionate about sports in general, and have been cycling and running for over 20 years. After having run more than ten marathons in Europe, I am currently training for the New-York Marathon.
PhD Anis Aloulou
PhD in sports science specialising in the recovery of high-level athletes (University of Paris), sports scientist for more than 5 years at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), then physical trainer at FC Lorient.
Consultant to several sports federations (e.g. rugby, tennis, football, athletics) for missions to accompany athletes in the individualisation and optimisation of the recovery process (e.g. use of cold, sleep). Former top level footballer in the youth categories.
PhD Jean-Philippe Jacques
The partners
Sport Quest was born from the passion of 4 sports professionals - that of accompanying and transmitting - inspired by the desire to restore training to its rightful place. The idea is based on what training can bring to everyone. Not only the pleasure of practising sport, but also the ability to reveal oneself through projects that were thought to be inaccessible: a freely chosen, personal or shared quest. Here, the human being is the motor of the body - a source of inspiration and motivation.
The Sport Quest training method is characterised by its unique approach, which is functional and accessible to all. It is designed to allow everyone to find the best balance in their effort.
The exercises and activities are linked to the 3 fundamental pillars of all movement: Speed, Strength and Coordination.
Whether you want to do sport, improve your performance or have fun: HERE WE GO MORE.
Founded in 2009 by Jean-Philippe Jacques, Ressource Mindfulness offers programs and activities based on the acquisition of skills in the field of mindfulness meditation.
Designed as a visible space in the heart of the city of Geneva, the centre's mission is to advance consciousness through mindfulness-related activities.
Ressource Mindfulness is aimed at individuals wishing to follow a mindfulness meditation programme such as MBSR, MBCT or MedEat, as well as tailor-made programmes for companies and public and private organisations in order to regain meaning and prevent burn-out (City of Geneva, HUG, Swisscom, CICR, Louis Vuitton, Crédit Suisse, etc.).
Arnaud followed the MBSR programme with Jean-Philippe in 2017 and it was only natural that we decided to partner with Ressource Mindfulness for the Mindfulness Meditation pillar.
The ESC was created in 2007 by Dr Duforez after his experience with the VieLife concept in the 2000s, initially in the Paris region, then in London. The ESC addresses both patients suffering from sleep disorders by offering screening and medical follow-up adapted to the various pathologies, and companies for which it carries out medical and scientific validation studies of products and services aimed at improving sleep/wake rhythms (Philips, The Body Shop, Bultex, L'Occitane, etc.), as well as the world of high-level sport (XV de France de Rugby, AS Monaco, Apivia, etc.)
We were able to personally test the ESC's sleep analysis methods, which are at the technological and medical cutting edge in the field of sleep. As a founding member of WR and chairman of our Scientific and Ethical Committee, it is only natural that we work closely with the ESC to benefit from their 20 years of expertise, research and recognized medical practices.
Founded in 2008 by Sylvaine Scheffer and Dr. Edith Perreaut-Pierre, Coévolution provides professional support through (tailor-made) training and coaching.
Based on proven and varied methods, including the TOP© Method, this team of humanist experts builds dedicated approaches with its clients to support them in their evolution or sustainable transformation.
It should be noted that Dr Duforez worked with Dr PERREAUT-PIERRE in the 1990s on research into the optimisation of potential within the French army, and then for top-level athletes. It is on the basis of this joint work carried out over the years, coupled with our meeting with Sylvaine Scheffer that we are happy to benefit today from such a partnership with the know-how and values of Coévolution.
They put their trust in us
