Overview
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 with a true Tuscan countryside experience when we head off to meet with a truffle hunter and look for these coveted gems of the land. Along with his dog who will guide us through the fields, we’ll learn about this amazing and prized fungi and of course get to savor them during a gourmet truffle tasting lunch!
We’ll continue our tasting experience in the afternoon with a winery tour and tasting at one of the area’s most beautiful cantinas. Award-winning wine and architecture abound at this location. We’ll walk the vines and explore the innovative space before settling in for a wine and tasting aperitivo. The next day, we’ll relax and take advantage of the luxury thermal spa at our hotel, where we’ll enjoy treatments with the thermal healing properties before working alongside the chef for a Tuscan cooking class and lunch.
That evening, we’ll head into the local town of San Casciano dei Bagni for a gourmet meal. Next, we’ll cross over into the neighboring region of Umbria to spend a day in the gorgeous town of Orvieto, which boasts one of Italy’s most glorious cathedrals. We’ll enjoy a walk through the town, some time for shopping and a lunch before coming back for an Italian spritz and cocktail class with the mixologist at the stunning bar. Towards the end of the week, we’ll relax further into additional spa treatments and thermal pool time before heading to another neighboring village and castle for a Michelin tasting dinner.
Yoga
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.
* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!
Gallery
About The Host
OUR MISSION
We are an experienced creator, provider, and guide using forms of yoga and wellness - on retreats and online - to connect both on and off the mat.
We believe yoga can be experienced in healthy, physical practice, but also in a cup of tea, a walk through the forest, a deep breath, striving for oneness and justice,
the creation of a travel journal, even the pure sense of presence while doing and seeing something new for the first time.
We believe that wellness is for everybody and everybody, and that true wellness can lead to a more positive, inclusive world. A path that must start from within.
We believe travel is a wonderful tool for learning how to be truly present. We believe one can “do good + travel well”; that’s why we began our Give Back Initiative program where we work with and donate a percentage of profits to our humanitarian partners around the globe.
Above all, we believe in the true meaning of “yoga”: connection. This means making mindful connections to ourselves and to others. This connection, we believe, leads to greater social responsibility, positive actions, and a desire for justice for all. We believe in our responsibility to be a leader in the wellness community with intentional acts of moving forward for the good of all.
Using wellness to create positive connections between oneself, others, and 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.