Vinyasa Yoga Retreat: Puglia, Italy
Vinyasa Yoga Retreat: Santa Maria Del Sole, Puglia, Italy
August 9-16, 2012 / £895 pp (shared accomodation)
Santa Maria Del Sole is an exquisite yoga retreat designed in the traditional architectural style of Puglia. It is one of the finest yoga venues in Europe. The cool, white stone building makes it a perfect temperature even under the hot Italian sun. This magical spot in the Itria Valley is secluded in the countryside, yet close to local villages with cobbled streets and turreted Trulli houses. The stylish rooms are extremely comfortable and the traditional Italian cuisine is mouth-wateringly divine. Santa Maria Del Sole is the ultimate yoga destination.
Whether you want to deepen your yoga practice, chill by the pool, relax with a massage, cycle the rolling hills, or swim in the sea - all is possible in this spectacular location. Two yoga classes a day with the opportunity for each guest to practice at his/her own level making the week suitable for students of different abilities. Do yoga and get to the spiritual heart of the practice.
The Venue
Santa Maria Del Sole is a 15-hectare property situated on a small hillock in the heart of the Itria Valley in the heel of Italy's boot. (Nearest international airport is Brindisi). The landscape is rural and dotted with beautiful olive trees and vineyards, divided by pretty dry-stone walls. The main building is a 16th century Masseria (farmhouse) that has been elegantly restored in typical, old Apulian style with many authentic features. The grounds contain lovely gardens, a swimming pool, a wild forest and fields, and a tiny church. There is plenty of space to walk and be free.
All rooms are en suite with shower, toilet and basin. Each room is a different shape and unique is its own way. Furnishings and fabrics complement the building and create a calm and very comfortable environment. The Masseria comfortably accommodates 10 students and close by there are another 5 rooms in the Trulli houses. These small, white conical buildings are one of the most magical aspects of the Puglian landscape.
Vegetarian meals are cooked to an excellent standard using local produce. You will sample some of the traditional recipes of Puglia. If you have any special dietary requirements please notify us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate these.
There is a treatment room and a range of therapies will be offered at very reasonable rates. Advance notice of interest is preferable and sessions should be booked at the beginning of the week.
The Yoga
Two yoga classes a day take place in a yoga shala overlooking the sea. Each day begins with a led Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga 'Primary Series' class that evolves during the week to Mysore self-practice. An afternoon 'workshop' class focuses on different aspects of Hatha-variations, pranayama and meditation. We'll study the inner and outer techniques of vinyasa that tie the poses together in a 'moving meditation'; develop the 'inner limbs' of yoga to develop focus and concentration skills that enhance clarity of mind; use the breath to feel safe enough to move through difficult poses and work honestly at your edge; shift energy in problem areas (hips & shoulders); restorative yoga; learn use yoga as a healing/transformational tool to move through fear and release hardness in the body; experience deep inner peace and insight; learn to be at ease in the present moment. It's a deep practice that moves beyond the physical experience to make the yogic inquiry authentic and relevant to real life. Develop a daily practice so inspiring you'll want to get on your mat as soon as you get home. Be a yogi for life!
This workshop will inspire and challenge all levels of yoga student. Participants have ranged in age from 19 - 68. Beginners are welcome as long as you have some yoga experience, are relatively fit and willing to try.
Payment Details
The price is £895 per person and includes 2 yoga classes each day, 3 meals a day, shared accomodation and all transfers to/from the airport if you book the recommended flight through Destination Yoga. If you're interested call Emily or Nicola at the Destination Yoga office - 0845 458 0723- or email them via their web site: Destination Yoga
Getting There
Santa Maria Del Sole is 40 minutes from Brindisi International Airport and one hour from Bari International airport. Destination Yoga recommends flying with RyanAir (transfers included):
STANSTED - BRINDISI
Outgoing: 06/08/2011 - FR 4976 at either 06.40/10.40
Inbound: 13/08/2011 - FR 4977 at 11.05/13.10
If you're travelling from London (Heathrow) it is also possible to fly to Brindisi and Bari on Alitalia. Lufthansa also have flights everyday from Heathrow to Bari. (Transfers not included.)