Retreats are those wholesome experiences that brings likeminded people together in a calming, natural environment. From morning meditation at sunrise to an exquisite breakfast spread spent sharing thoughts and memories. Not to mention a yoga practice or sound healing with experts of the industry – whether you’re a first timer or a daily practitioner a wellness retreat is always an exciting escape from reality and connect with a beautiful group of people. From meditation and wine to ceramics and learning the art behind floral installations – the world of retreats is vast and exciting. So if you’re looking to organise your next immersion, we have put together a list of our favourite locations surrounded by a mesmerising environment that offer the idyllic base for your next retreat.
1
Villa La Madonna, Piemonte
There is nothing quite like waking up in a setting immersed among the rolling hills of vineyards that sprawl out into the distance. A relaxed environment that soothes your body and stills your mind as you take a step outside. Meticulous attention to wellness is paid here with a magnificent stone-walled yoga shala with a view. Other ideas to come at one with nature during a retreat could be a picnic in the vineyards or an Ayurvedic massage at the SPA to relieve the post-yoga muscle tension. WEBSITE
2
Hotel Saltus, alto adige
A place well yoga and wellness are elevated by the natural setting of the Dolomites. Alongside a spacious, wooden yoga shala with large glass windows and immersed in the trees, there are numerous activities to help restore your zen. Experience forrest bathing, or, Shinrin-yoku, Qi-Gong and meditation as well as more hands on activities from watercolour workshops and DIYs. Days also could include a trip to the forest spa with a panoramic Finnish sauna and an alpine hay sauna as well as a swim in the infinity pool and treatments at the spa. Costs per person include overnight stay in a double room, two yoga lessons per day (90 mins), breakfast, dinner, yoga equipment and access to the forest spa. WEBSITE
3
ebbio farmhouse, toscana
This 13th century farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany became a dream-come-true for Francesca Bevilacqua who, escaped the city life and fulfilled her vision in creating a self-sustainable haven, in harmony with the setting. Ebbio hosts a rich programme of workshops, experiences and retreats touching upon yoga, holistic health and the extraordinary power of nature. Even the cuisine at Ebbio derives from the land, handpicked moments before ending up at the table in an exquisite home cooked recipe. WEBSITE
4
RELAIS VILLA LINA, TOSCANA
Relais Villa Lina is a historical property immersed in 40 hectares of organic estate and situated in La Tuscia, a region characterised by small mediaeval villages that preserve their Etruscan heritage. Located just under one hours away from Rome, the Relais was acquired by the Igliori family in the 13th century, and today Paola Igliori, writer and Film Maker, welcomes you into her home, curating wonderful experiences that span across the power of plants and nature to the world of herbs and flowers with herbalist Emilia Rosa Scarpone. You can rent one of the five historical homes inside the estate or book one of the 31 rooms and suites as well as rent out the property to host your own retreat. WEBSITE
5
Villa Lena, Toscana
Villa Lena is a 19th century villa situated on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside surrounded by 500 hectares of woodland, vineyards, olive groves and organic vegetable gardens. Villa Lena takes the ideal behind Slow Luxury Travel and exemplifies it with a deep dive into nature and the arts. The notion of the art is highlighted in the discreet design of each room, where a country townhouse composition has been combined with a modern approach. Alongside hosting guests in either one of their recently renovated rooms or larger apartments, Villa Lena organises a series of events, workshops and retreats for guests to take part in as well as welcoming teachers and organisers to buy out the property and host unique experiences. WEBSITE
6
Eremito, Umbria
Disconnect from the world, and immerse yourself in a secular hermitage immersed somewhere in the Umbrian hills, overlooking the Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Here, certain monastic practices are in place – no mobile phones, eat in silence and meditate in quietude. However, as well as preserving characteristics of a Monastery, such as the rooms located in the cells used by the hermits in past times who, in their small and simple spaces, were able to find time for meditation and prayer, Eremito has been beautifully restored providing all the necessary comforts you would need. Whether you’re a solo traveller in search of finding yourself or a group of friends looking to immerse yourselves in utter wellbeing, there is a daily schedule included in your stay with morning yoga classes, meditation in the cave, readings in the chapel and group talks around the fire after dinner. Of course, the property is available for an exclusive buy-out basis for retreats. WEBSITE
7
In Sabina Yoga, Lazio
Less than one hour away from Rome, nestled not far from the medieval village of Torri in Sabina, over a panorama of fruits trees and olive groves, is located InSabina Yoga. Giulia Landor, the mastermind behind the project, shows us her unique, unspoilt environment: two restored 17th century buildings with unique, simple wooden design that perfectly reflects the natural exteriors; hammocks and loungers can be found at the pool or around the property, as every guests is welcome to walk in nature, perhaps all the the way into the creeks or collecting fruits from the trees. Taking yoga class here will feel different: with a yoga deck in the midst of nature, overlooks the sweeping Sabina landscape, where nature itself allows you to let go and slowly rebalance your inner self and bring your own nervous system to a state of equilibrium and peace. Inside the farmhouse (cosy cottage) there are thoughtfully furnished rooms as well as a richly laid table in the garden and even a cinema screen in the open air for evening entertainment. The property is available for retreat organisers and yogis to rent out in full and host an unforgettable seven day retreat where costs range between €900-€2000 a week. WEBSITE
8
Masseria Montenapoleone , Puglia
Located in Fasano in the heart of the Itria Valley, Masseria Montenapoleone is a place that enhances all of your senses. From the sounds of the birds chirping lively in the morning to the magnificent colours reflected on the white washed walls at sunrise and sunset. An abundance of flowers and plants create beautiful secluded areas to pop down the mat and practice. There is a massage room with a hot tub as well as a swimming pool to rewind and at sunset, organise a beautiful apericena among the vineyards – a truly energetic place that radiates from the first moment the owners Alessandra and Giuliano welcome you through the gates. Other experiences that can be organised are wine tasting, olive oil tasting, catamaran tours as well as vineyard aperitivo or picnic among the olive groves. Retreats can be organised from September to June. WEBSITE
9
Parco dei Sesi, Pantelleria
Nestled between Sicily and Tunisia, the small island of Pantelleria is a powerful location. Cultures, influences and natural elements collide together to create a wild, enchanting setting. Elements that mark the foundation of Pantelleria, island that in Arabic translates to ‘Daughter of the Wind’. Parco dei Sesi is a destination that fully embraces the island energy in which black volcanic stone architecture is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, surrounded by an environment filled with history, natural beauty and secular traditions which evolves with the rhythms of quiet and slow living. Yoga teachers and retreat organisers can buy out the property at a 35% to 40% discount price from the standard price in which full board services are available as well as access to all facilities and services. The location can accommodate up to 18 guests. WEBSITE
10
Cascioni Eco Retreat, Sardegna
Amidst a Natural Reserve of the Gallura region, at the Cascioni Eco Retreat you’ll wake up to a blissful natural setting where you take a morning stroll to dip your toes in a stream, wander among the olive trees, myrtle bushes and fragrant herb gardens and venture into a protected oasis, across the lagoon and down to the sea. It’s a natural adventure park, with only the sound of the birds and the rustling of the trees in the soft breeze. In Here the typical stazzo has been revisited, with a more contemporary and aesthetic approach to the rustic country dwelling. The interiors are well presented in each of the suites – there are fifteen of them, each with a private heated pool and outdoor area, as well as a spacious spa and three eateries each with their own identities yet centred around natural, seasonal and traditional. From practicing yoga in the garden or on the wooden shala immersed in greenery to adventurous kayaking or jam making workshops or picnics among the greenery, there are numerous activities and experiences for a wellness immersion and, if you’re looking to host a retreat in the unspoilt Sardinian wilderness this location is available for exclusive hire for retreats. WEBSITE
