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OVERVIEW

THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA

Considered the “green island” and visited by the more “in-the-know” scene, (as contrasted by the neighboring island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast), Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples and one of the must-sees of the area. Most recently, one of the beautiful location settings for Elena Ferrante’s book series My Brilliant Friend, and even the fictional setting of “Mongibello” in the film Talented Mr. Ripley, historically Ischia has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese. With its wonderful climate, easy location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it's not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over! Ischia was one of the world's first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters, rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. In addition to all its natural wonders, one of the most appealing things about Ischia is the hospitality of the people themselves. You're sure to enjoy the island's welcoming and relaxed way of life while during your stay.

ACCOMMODATION

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place at the acclaimed 5-star hotel, Regina Isabella. The Regina Isabella was built in the 1950s in the charming village of Lacco Ameno d’Ischia. The hotel’s founder was Angelo Rizzoli, the legendary publisher and film producer. He had long been fascinated by the island’s villages and by the tradition of thermal baths, and in 1956 he extended the historic Baths of Queen Isabella, constructing a hotel complex on the ancient Greco-Roman ruins. Legendary figures, such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Charles Boyer, Clark Gable and William Holden, all graced it with their presence, making it one of Italy’s most desirable and glamorous resorts.

Named one of the “Best Hotels in Italy” by Forbes:

While the perennially glitzy isle of Capri draws countless revelers every summer, Ischia, the volcanic island just under 20 miles from Naples, has a wild beauty and less-traveled charm all its own. There, presiding over the tranquil seaside village of Lacco Ameno in the island’s northwest, you'll find the L'Albergo della Regina Isabella, where the ineffable Italian glamour of a seemingly forgotten age endures. 

The Regina Isabella’s considerable charm lies largely in an innately Italian sophistication that recalls a bygone age. It doesn’t aspire to be a sleek, cookie-cutter property, to its great credit; instead, the hotel carefully cultivates an ambience that makes guests feel as though a young Sophia Loren might pull up on a Vespa and sashay through the lobby at any moment.

Its 128 large, airy rooms boast majolica ceramic tile floors—a dazzling hotel hallmark that also decorate the common areas—and elegant furnishings in a range of inspired color palettes (think moody blue walls with curtains and cushions trimmed in lush magenta velvet). Most feature balconies…

The cuisine at the Regina Isabella is equally refined. At Indaco, its al frescofine dining restaurant, Michelin-starred chef Pasquale Palamaro creates exquisite dishes like quenelle of sea urchin (artfully served in the spiny shell) with potato purée, and brochette of sea bream with seaweed and foie gras. Palamaro has also recently taken the reins at DolceVita, the hotel’s main eatery, which was revamped this past summer with the addition of an open-air terrace and a thoughtful redesign that maximizes the ocean breeze while minimizing direct sunlight.

ACTIVITIES

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate with the spa, pool, private beach, and beautiful lounges, but the richness of the Italian island life with trips to the other villages and towns on the island. Day trips will allow guests to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. We will visit the star of the island, Ischia Ponte, where the Aragonese Castle sits out in the sea, connected by a footbridge, and overlooks the coast. This town, made famous by the film The Talented Mr. Ripley, is rich in natural beauty, and we’ll enjoy a winery visit and castle tour in our explorations. Another day will board our own private boat, circumnavigating the island with stops for swimming in picturesque grottos and lunch on board even stopping at the beautiful town of Sant’ Angelo for a little shopping. We’ll hike up to the peak of Mt Epomeo for some epic views before finding ourselves at a mountain house where we’ll learn about Italian homemade cuisine and enjoy a cooking class to try it out ourselves! A winery visit is a must on this island, so another of our walks will be included in the vines learning about the cantina and mineral elixirs that come from this land - of course culminating with a tasting and lunch! We’ll also have some thermal spa treatments included to round out our time, a visit to one of the island’s most famous hotel and restaurants, and a farewell dinner at a Michelin starred locale.

CUISINE

Healthful vegetarian* food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as dining experiences in the hotel's award-winning restaurants (including a Michelin-starred meal on the final evening) and in amazing restaurants in nearby towns. At this location by the sea, there will be a few of our meals where seafood is offered as well. Plus for those seeking more, the breakfast is a full offering with no limitations, and there are a couple of meals where guests can order as they wish.

The cuisine is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients from the local markets and on-site gardens. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. Not only do we enjoy savoring the Italian cuisine, but guests will also get to learn more about the region's vineyards on a wine-tasting experience, a cooking class in the volcanic steam vents that exit by the sea, a pizza class on top of the mountain, and an Italian cocktail spritz class with a master barman!

*Breakfast is an open menu with all diets being represented, so for non-vegetarians there are options of some other proteins as well. Plus, a couple of the provided meals will have an option for seafood, and of course guests can choose whatever they prefer from menus when we are on our own for a few meals.

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.

In addition to the classes, our day trips will lead us on some beautiful and stimulating walks around the island. We’ll enjoy walking tours of the various villages and the Castello Aragonese, plus a hike up to the top of the Epomeo volcano, Ischia’s highest peak, as well as a hike along the coast down the cliffs to the fumarole (vents) where the volcanic steam meets the sea.

AMY COMMANDER

Amy found yoga in 2003 after a knee injury from long distance running. Following the advice of a friend, she started taking classes in an effort to help get her knee healthy enough to continue running in marathons and racing. It did not take long for her to realize that yoga was a much healthier and more sustainable form of mental and spiritual exercise, eventually leaving running behind in favor of yoga. In 2008, Amy opened her first yoga studio that she successfully ran for over twelve years. In addition to being a studio owner and having over 14 years experience actively teaching, Amy is an accomplished intuitive. Having completed her advanced training with Astrologer Debra Silverman, Amy enjoys providing in-depth astrology readings to support members in their healing journey. She is also a certified master Reiki healer, an oracle/tarot reader, and certified holistic nutrition counselor. After losing one of her closest friends to cancer in 2020, Amy went back to school for nutrition, successfully graduating from IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition). Amy has since started a new business, Yogi Bites, offering nutrition services of all kinds, including home baked goods. She is the owner of “The Studio”, in St Augustine Florida.

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

WHAT PAST GUESTS ARE SAYING

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Jun 8-13, 2025)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $4,395 per person (standard shared room) Upgraded and single rooms available. See sign up page for full list.

• Deposit to hold space = $1500

  ** 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 *:

• Luxury 5-star hotel accommodation (seaview rooms, spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms)

• Daily breakfast

• Selected lunches & dinners

• Michelin-starred tasting dinner

• Arrival/Departure Group Transfer (see details below) to/from Naples

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Meditation and yoga classes

• Use of estate premises (private beach, spa, thermal pools, etc.)

• Thermal spa day + treatments

• Winery tour + tasting lunch

• Visit to Ischia Ponte

• Guided Tour Aragonese Castle

• Boat to seaside restaurant with castle view

• Visit to beautiful village of Sant’ Angelo

• Hike to Epomeo with private cooking class

• Island tuk-tuk taxi rides

• Private boat trip around the island with stops in swimming grottos

* airfare not included 
** activities may change slightly in chance of unforeseen circumstances or weather. if so, a similar activity of equal value will be included.

LOCATION / TRAVEL:

• Lacco Ameno, Ischia Island - Bay of Naples, Italy

• Nearest international airports: Naples Capodichino International Airport (NAP), Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

• Nearest train station: Naples Central (Napoli Centrale)

• From Naples, there are regular high-speed ferries to Ischia

• One group transfer will be offered on the start day at 2pm from Naples Central train station to our hotel and one group transfer will be offered on the end day at 9am from our hotel to the Naples Central train station. For guests arriving at other times, we can give you all of the information of how to arrive on your own or with a private transport.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• Bathing suit (on-site pool, spa)

• Comfortable shoes (in-town walking, countryside hiking)

• Yoga clothes

• Plug adaptors / converters