Overview
Join us for a restorative and creative retreat in the Italian countryside. In our private boutique villa you will be surrounded with breathtaking views, mesmerizing sunsets, and a wonderful sense of peace - the perfect setting to nurture yourself and your creative spirit. Set your body at ease to let your mind flow with ideas - as we enjoy la dolce vita together, with just the right dose of local cuisine, culture, creativity and wellness.
There is no better way to capture Italy than to immerse in its rich history. This retreat is designed for those who have a love of the arts and mindful movement. Practicing yoga in this incredible landscape gives guests the peace of mind of the countryside and the energy to explore and create from it. We'll be exploring different forms of art through watercolors, acrylic paints, and collages. Find inspiration during day trips and render your experience on canvas or in personal travel journals. Creative workshops are open to all levels from beginner to seasoned artists focusing on simple and approachable exercises to ignite your inner artist. Your finished piece makes for a memorable souvenir for your Italy Retreat!
Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered 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. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable.
Gallery
About The Host
Mindy Johnstone
This retreat will be led by MINDY JOHNSTONE. Living in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, Mindy has a love of the outdoors, all things artistic and wellness-related. Her hometown in Banff has been her foundation for teaching art and yoga for the past 20 years. No travel experience is complete without a journal to record the finer details of her surroundings through sketches combined with watercolors, acrylic pens, and ink. On retreat, prepare to be inspired and nurtured as her strength lies in the ability to cater to groups' and individuals' needs. Mindy loves to inspire guests to see the delight in their surroundings through art and how we can feel at ‘OM in the world.’
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.