OVERVIEW

ACCOMODATION

This yoga retreat will take place at a beautiful and newly restored palace just outside of the old town Dubrovnik. Nestled below the slopes of Mount Srđ, just a few minutes drive from the Dubrovnik Old Town, Palace Natali combines the best of its location – unsurpassed peace and stunning view in the middle of the city. Their story begins with the reputable Dubrovnik noble Natali family at the end of the 16th century when it is believed Palace Natali was built.

Each stone fragment of this old Dubrovnik gem is part of a story that continues to live and convey a spirit of life of the famous Republic of Dubrovnik. Palace Natali has been renovated over the years, slowly and studiously, just as it deserves. Completely renovated according to strict conservation criteria, it combines historical value and rich heritage with modern luxury decoration. Enchanting renaissance gardens are the perfect scenery for relaxing and retreating to your own peace.

Our retreat group will enjoy the full main house as the primary accommodations which allows for a private common space dedicated as a comfortable yoga studio for the week.

ACTIVITIES

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate, but also the beauty of the sea, and nearby towns, including Old Dubrovnik.

Day trips will allow guests to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. Trips include visits to towns and small villages in the region, as well as outdoor activities. We kick off the week in Dubrovnik’s old town as we enjoy lunch and a walking tour with free time to explore further, shop, or grab a drink at one of the city’s “secret” bars on the rocks, just outside the seawalls. A spa day is included where guests can swim, lounge at the spa facilities and enjoy a spa treatment. A day will be spent in the Konavle Valley (the area south of Dubrovnik a lush rural valley with a lot of nice scenery and local folk/culture) for a visit to a botanical gin workshop and dinner out. Another day, we’ll visit the Peljesac Peninsula, which is rich in agriculture and vineyards. Here we’ll make several stops - one at a modern winery where we’ll have a tour and tasting, then a seaside village stop to indulge in an afternoon ice-cream, before visiting an old fortified city. Visit smaller villages that few tourists see, and get a true education and taste of Croatia with various tastings of regional wines and cheeses.

CUISINE

Healthful, local food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as selected lunches. Enjoy cuisine which combines creativity and flavors with special attention to creating balanced meals. Wholesome ingredients, freshness of the foods, traditional cooking methods and local ingredients are present in every meal you will enjoy. Meals will be enjoyed at the hotel or in carefully chosen restaurants around the area. We'll feast on traditional flavors of Croatia mixed with Mediterranean styles as well. Plus, throughout the week we'll have a chance to sample many regional wines and other tastes such as cheeses and various other specialties. We will enjoy daily breakfast, various visits to gourmet restaurants, a cocktail aperitivo at a beautiful bar overlooking the city, plus a wonderful winery visit for a tour and tasting.

GIVE BACK RETREAT

This retreat is part of our GIVE BACK initiative, where EPM will donate at least 10% of profits to a humanitarian partner in the community where each retreat is held. Our partner in Croatia is the CROATIAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND with the purpose of providing university scholarships for Croatian students who could not otherwise afford a higher education.

WELLNESS

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. This week we’ll enjoy classes in our private space in the palace’s main house, and if the weather is agreeable even some time in the beautiful scenic gardens.

MINDY JOHNSTONE

This retreat will be led by our beloved EPM Collaborator, Mindy Johnstone. Living in the ever inspiring Canadian Rockies, Mindy has a love of  the outdoors, travel, all things artistic and yoga related. Her home town of Banff is an International destination that brings in over 4 million visitors per year. She founded Banff's Yoga studio, Rocky Mountain Yoga in 2009, and now focuses her time sharing yoga on international retreats with Eat Pray Move.

Having began her practice 20 years ago, Mindy's style of teaching is rooted in the Ashtanga tradition. A love for the fluidity is deepened with Vinyasa Flow and the more restorative Yin & iRest Yoga Nidra. On retreat prepare to be inspired and nurtured as her strength lies in the ability to cater to groups and individuals needs.  The yoga community offers a family in all parts of the globe and Mindy  is grateful for the guidance and shared wisdom she receives from  students and teachers. She looks forward to inspiring people to see the  delight in travel and where we can feel at 'OM with the world.'

When she's not traveling, you can find Mindy painting, teaching art, reading cards or embarking on outdoor adventures with her husband and daughter, Charly. 

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

WHAT PAST GUESTS ARE SAYING

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Apr 12-17, 2025)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $4,250 for single standard room*, +300 superior room, +500 prestige room

• Deposit to hold space = $1,500

*Once the minimum of 8 guests / 8 rooms are secured then pricing options will be added for discounts on shared rooms.

**50% of final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date. Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Deluxe accommodation (spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, linens)

• All rooms are with Private Balcony

• Daily Breakfast

• Daily Dinner (at hotel and restaurants)

• Lunch on selected days

• Use of estate premises and garden

• Daily meditation and yoga classes

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Welcome cocktail

• Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town

• Daytrip to Konavle Valley

• Botanical gin workshop

• Spa day with treatment

• Visit to Peljesac Peninsula with vineyards

• Wine + Cheese Tasting

• Visit to fortified historic town with meal

• Visit to bar with view of Dubrovnik with cocktails

• Day trips + entrance fees

• Taxes

* airfare not included
**activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

TRAVEL:

• Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (Cilipi) Airport, DBV

• Transfers between the hotel and Dubrovnik airport are easy by taxi

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• Bathing suit

• Comfortable shoes

• Yoga clothes *YOGA MATS PROVIDED*

• Personal yoga props

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Casual clothing, layer for various weather