About us

A place to recentre, breathe and rebuild

Solea was born from a simple conviction: medical treatments are essential, but they cannot fully answer the emotional, mental and existential distress experienced by patients.

“I wouldn’t wish illness upon anyone, but I wish everyone inner peace and the grace that can arise from it when the opportunity for transformation is embraced.”

Samy Zayani, co-founder

Discover the five-day experience The therapies offered

A calm natural landscape crossed by soft light

The Foundation

Our vision

We believe that the path toward healing is supported when body, mind and soul regain balance and harmony. Solea supports each person in difficulty, alongside their medical treatment, to help them move toward healing as early as possible.

“Everything is possible, always, however dark your prognosis may seem. Listen to your heart, to your desire to live, and trust in your power to transform everything."

Marie-France Provot, co-founder

Mission

The patient’s well-being at the centre.

Every decision made by Solea is guided by the patient’s well-being.

Break the negative cycle as early as possible
Share knowledge and practical tools
Support physical, emotional and mental well-being
Help patients become active participants in their health again
Temporarily relieve close caregivers

What guides us

Our principles

Money should not be an obstacle

The stay (five days / four nights on site) is fully offered to participants, in a green and peaceful setting.

Knowledge should be shared

Seminars, sharing sessions, and theoretical and practical presentations are offered so participants can quickly acquire useful knowledge.

The key actor is the patient

Each participant is supported and encouraged to take an active role in their health and to build social connections that limit isolation.

The strength of the group

Collective activities are at the heart of our approach, serving connection and well-being.

Six simple markers

Our values

Mutual support & Sharing

Listening & Kindness

Non-judgement

Open-mindedness & Curiosity

Respect

Willpower & Determination

Multidisciplinary committee

A committee of physicians, therapists and experts

“Solea embodies the meeting of conventional and complementary medicine, serving an in-depth integrative approach.”

Marie-Estelle Gaignard

Scientific Fellow in Medical Oncology, MD-PhD candidate

“By combining the latest advances in oncology with appropriate complementary therapies, we support a genuine healing process.”

Marie-Laure Amram

Medical Director, Centre d’Oncologie Onex

“Solea will offer patients a unique setting, attentive listening and access to essential knowledge.”

Frédéric Ris

Professor of Surgery, Deputy Director of the HUG Cancer Centre

“A suitable environment and a committed team: this is what makes it possible to care for a person as a whole, not only for an illness.”

M. Laura Nasi

MD, Integrative & Lifestyle Oncology, Mind-Body Medicine

“I support Solea's vision of placing people at the heart of care. An integrative approach, complementing medical treatments, helps support each patient as a whole person.”

Thibaud Koessler

Responsable de l'Unité des tumeurs digestives des HUG, MD/PhD

Two journeys, one shared conviction

The founders’ story

The founders have lived through illness and want to offer people affected by cancer a place where they can be welcomed in their full humanity.

Co-founder

Samy Zayani

I have had the opportunity to hold executive and governance roles (CCO; member of executive committees) in companies with up to 1,000 employees, and I have served on numerous boards of directors around the world.

“Illness became a unique opportunity to transform my relationship with my body, my emotions and my spirituality. I do not wish illness on anyone, but I wish everyone the inner peace and grace that can emerge when the opportunity for transformation is embraced. This is what I wish for those who walk through Solea’s doors.”

From this experience came a strong conviction: it is essential to offer people affected by cancer a place where they can be welcomed in their full humanity.

Co-founder

Marie-France Provot-Ivanov

Trained as a lawyer, I built experience in France and Switzerland. I have worked in both the public and private sectors, developing a broad view of legal issues.

I also worked within renowned institutions, particularly in banking, where I strengthened my expertise in demanding environments.

Cancer disrupted my life, but it also transformed me. It gave new meaning to my life after taking me on a journey of self-discovery. Today, I hope those going through illness can find their own path back to life. Solea is there to guide and accompany them on this path, full of obstacles but also of stars.