Overview
Join us on this retreat which is part of our FORM + FLAVORS itinerary series. "FORM" - Besides a daily yoga class (and on this Amalfi retreat, it will be a class overlooking the sea!), we will also enjoy many walks around the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast. "FLAVORS" - We'll not only balance the week with the healthy "form" part of the retreat but also with learning about and experiencing firsthand the amazing flavors of this region.
Each day we'll be able to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, as well as take part in tastings from wine to pizzas, pasta, and lemons. From award-winning restaurants to family farms and kitchens, enjoying and learning about the food will be an added bonus to working up an appetite during our classes and walks!
*PLEASE NOTE: The Amalfi Coast is a vertical landscape and will require daily walks up and down stairs. To get anywhere in this area you must walk and you must feel comfortable walking up and down stone steps. We do not have any hikes planned, nor do you need anything more than sneakers. And many guests are comfortable in even sandals for most of the walks. However, please note that this retreat is planned around some picturesque walks, and that to join activities on the Amalfi Coast you will be required to walk. The walks we do are not long in distance, only about 1-2km each to and from a few activities but they do involve stairs. A complimentary shuttle is available if you want to get a bit closer to the activities before taking some stairs to reach paths unreachable by car.
Activities
Our day trips will allow us to experience the many unique landscapes and activities that this area has to offer. We will begin our week in the town of Amalfi with a tour of a family-run lemon farm with some tastings of this star flavor of the region, as well as time to explore the sites of the town. Our week will include opportunities to not only learn about but also to try our hand at making some sumptuous bites - from a a pizza making class and an amazing “gastrotrekking” experience where we’ll walk and explore the villages above the cliffs for this includes a guided foraging walk to gather our ingredients before a cooking class and lunch.
One day will include a private boat ride to Positano where we can have free time to explore this famous seaside town, and then our boat ride back where we’ll make some stops for swims in hidden bays and even visit some grottos on the side of the breathtaking cliffs. Our week will include a way to unwind with massage treatments, free time for a beach visit or just relaxing by the pool and a winery visit and tasting dinner.
Wellness
A daily meditation and yoga class will be offered at the start of the day in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice.
On this FORM + FLAVORS retreat, during the other time in the day we'll enjoy various walks around the area, and focus on classes and experiences to learn about the region and the cuisine/wine. This combines with the asana practice to deepen our mindful experience during the week in a balanced way.
About
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About The Host
Alison
This retreat will be led by our guide, Alison Sager who is certified 500-hr RYT in mindful vinyasa, movement studies and restorative yoga through New England School of Yoga Therapeutics and has completed advanced studies in the intersection of Yoga, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Psychology, Movement Studies, and Contemplative Practice. She studied under the guidance of Bo Forbes and mindfulness teachers, Bill and Susan Morgan, founding members of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA USA. Her extensive background includes trainings with Leslie Kaminoff, Judith Hanson Lasater, Tom Myers, Tias Little and Chelsea Roff. She is a certified Radiant Child Yoga Teacher and certified in Eat Breathe Thrive’s Yoga, Food & Body Image Intensive.
Alison has worked privately one-on-one with clients, consulted and developed yoga and mindfulness programs for corporations and schools, and has taught group classes. She also participated in a Clinical Supervision Group in Yoga Therapy for three years from 2013 – 2016. Additionally, she has assisted trainings, online courses and workshops including at The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Yoga Journal Live! New York. Her work has appeared in Organic Spa magazine. A longtime practitioner of yoga and mindfulness, Alison has an integrative, embodied approach to teaching. Her extensive background in yoga therapy enables her to tailor classes and private sessions to accommodate challenges such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, injuries, neurological disorders, body image and disordered eating and long-term illnesses.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What if I'm not experienced in yoga, Is this retreat still for me?
We are for all levels of yogis. We've had many yoga beginners come to the retreats and many who found a new love (or renewed love) of the practice. One of the reasons we like to keep the number of guests so small is to better personalize the classes and yoga attention placed on each person. After seeing where each guest is in their yoga practice and level, the classes can be given on what best suits the group. Plus, there is a range of styles and levels taught throughout the week so you can choose the classes which best suit you. The most "advanced" yogi are those who are honest and true with where they are physically and mentally - which can mean holding back and taking it easy when you need rather than over pushing yourself to twist into that advanced pose.
Can I bring a friend/partner who doesn't want to participate in the yoga classes?
Absolutely! Non-participants are always welcome. All classes are voluntary and there is always plenty of activities (or total relaxation) that can be enjoyed in place of one of the yoga classes.
Do I have to take every yoga class during the week?
Again, all classes (and activities) are completely voluntary. I always say to guests that the retreat weeks are for you...whatever you need. So if you need to take it easy one morning, then by all means, do what you need physically and mentally.
What type of yoga classes are offered, and what levels are welcome?
This is YOUR WEEK so you're encouraged to take the time you need, go at your own speed, and try and let go - whether that means diving in deep into the morning and evening classes for the week, or maybe it means needing to rest one day instead. There are usually a big variety of levels and we love that guests can attend and participate without feeling any pressure. That said, for a basic overview, we do a general vinyasa flow in the mornings about 60-75m and enjoy an evening class which is more restorative or themed (hips, heart-openers) for around 40m. There are various meditation times throughout the week with about 15m guidance of various methods and encouragement to take any free-time to explore further on your own if you wish. And this week is much more than just ASANAS (the physical movements of yoga). Hopefully it can be about finding something, letting something go, gaining balance in life, and enjoying many aspects of the holiday - from the cuisine, daytrips, a beautiful culture, and new friends!
What if I'm a single traveler?
Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile which has always worked out really well. All the rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. Plus most guests find that they are mainly only in the rooms to sleep as most tend to relax in the common areas (salons, terraces, pool, etc) when we're not in class, on daytrips, or having meals. It's up to you if you prefer the single room, but it's not required if signing up alone as we will pair you with another guest. The locations and villas differ on policy as some have extra rooms to offer and we can accommodate a single supplement at a reasonable price upon request. A couple of our locations have very limited space with just enough rooms for the number of guests in the retreat, so supplements tend to be higher as it’s mainly covering the cost of another guest. All details can be given upon request.