OVERVIEW

MOVE+MANIFEST

Besides daily yoga classes, our MOVE+MANIFEST retreats offers a series of mindful workshops that will guide you in the exploration of creative self-expression in your life. We will have meaningful discussions and fun activities intended to help you tap into your own inner wisdom and heartfelt desires. And between the beauty of Croatia and the serenity of the sea and landscape, the atmosphere will surely ignite your being with an energy perfect for the creative process.  

Some of what to expect from the workshops:

• Energizing & clarifying your dreams
• Connecting with others and this world on a deeper level
• Discovering powerful creative tools for the subconscious using journals, images, affirmations
• Boosting awareness of yourself and how you’re creating your life
• Changing the stories and beliefs holding you back from having exactly what you want!

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.

LODGING

This yoga retreat will take place in both Dubrovnik, Croatia and nearby Kotor, Montenegro to give guests a taste of the jewels that both countries have to offer! We'll begin the week at a beautiful historic villa, named Zamagna, in the bay of Zaton, just outside of Dubrovnik. This 400-year-old stone summer house was one of the first such homes of its kind in quiet Zaton Bay where the aristocracy of old Dubrovnik came to retreat for the summer months. For many years this particular villa has been passed down through the same family line, and it's opening its doors to receive guests. It's a unique look into the history of Dubrovnik and its beautiful people.

The venerable stone guest house at water's edge enjoys a peaceful location on the quiet bay against a backdrop of steep, rocky hills and cultivated terraces. The residence is set among an exquisite garden with vine-covered trellises, carefully designed to showcase a variety of colorful blooming flowers, as well as fragrant herbs, fruits, and vegetables. A small chapel nearby is part of the residence, donated by the ancestors of the Zamagna family to the local community and still in use for church ceremonies.

Inside the villa the original design and look of the main rooms and salon were preserved, while the rest of the house was recently completely renovated, including all the guestrooms, to a more modern style. Rooms are spacious, and enjoy views towards the garden or the bay, with wooden furniture, private bathrooms, and fresh linens.

Next, we'll move south to the nearby Montenegro at a boutique hotel near the popular designation and sea-side town of Kotor. Kotor is a unique combination of mild Mediterranean climate and a long century old influence of history, culture and tradition of different peoples who used to live here. That is why it was placed on the UNESCO's List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The town walls keep and preserve the culture and rich history. The Kotor Bay (Boka Kotorska ), one of the longest and deepest bays in the Adriatic Sea, is often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe. The view from the cliffs of mountains Orjen and Lovcen that overshadow the town is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Numerous cultural - historical monuments testify about the rich history of this area. Some of them are the integral part of the complex building of the Hotel Cattaro: the Town Guard Tower, Rector’s Palace, which was the building of the local government at the time when Venice ruled the Adriatic until 1806 and the Old Town Hall - Napoleon Theatre (which was built in 1810). All three historical buildings have been preserved in an original condition, renovated and converted into a hotel in 2006. The interior decor of the hotel was designed to correspond the themes from the beginning of the 18th century with portraits of sea captains and admirals, and pictures of famous ships from that time, as well as the presentation of famous naval battles. In recent years, an increasing number of tourists have been attracted to both unspoiled natural beauty of the Bay of Kotor and the Old Town. Destination Kotor – the Old Town is an excellent choice for travellers interested in historical sites, Venetian architecture, exciting nightlife and good, organic and local food.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as selected lunches. Enjoy cuisine that 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 at the villa. Meals will be enjoyed on the salon or in the shade of the outdoor veranda. We'll feast on traditional flavors of Croatia mixed with Mediterranean styles. Plus, throughout the week we'll have a chance to sample many regional wines, aperitifs, and other tastes such as cheeses and various other specialties.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the villa and encompassing estate, but also the beauty of the bay, ocean, and nearby towns including Dubrovnik. Zaton Bay is a perfect location to retreat and get away from the day-to-day. Located just minutes away from the bustling excitement of the city of Dubrovnik and it's Old Town, the bay allows for a more quiet repose to enjoy the natural beauty, the waters, mountains, and vistas. Everyday we'll get to experience new sites, sounds, tastes, and experiences of the region and Croatian culture.

Day trips will allow guests to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. Trips may include visits to towns and small villages in the region, as well as outdoor activities. A gorgeous spa day is included where guests can swim, lounge at the spa facilities overlooking the ocean and mountains, enjoy spa treatments, or simply enjoy the sun. See smaller villages that few tourists visit, and get a true education and taste of Croatia with various tastings of regional wines, aperitifs and cheeses.

YOGA

Daily yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice and prepare bodies and minds for the personal development done in the manifest workshops. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and are daily 60-75 minute vinyasa flow style rooted in the Ashtanga lineage. 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. 

MOVE+MANIFEST retreats feature yoga classes and life-coaching workshops by our collaborator, Michelle Lee. After leading a successful 13-year career in the corporate world, Michelle transitioned her career into a life & financial consultant, retreat organizer & leader, and internationally certified yoga instructor - following her passions and sharing this with others around the globe. She now leads our Move-Manifest retreats which, besides yoga, adds workshops for life development, manifesting your dreams, and vision board creation. 

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

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights (May 20-26, 2018)
• Inclusive Retreat Price = $2,795 (shared room*), +$550 supplement (single room)
• Deposit to hold space = $950
• Max # Guests = 11
  * Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date. Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Villa accommodation (spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, linens)
• Daily Breakfast
• Daily Dinner (at Villa and restaurants)
• Lunch on selected days
• Use of estate premises, garden, beach, etc
• Daily yoga classes + workshops
• Transportation to/from day trips (some airport transfers possible)
• Welcome cocktail
• Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town
• Boat ride to nearby sites
• Visit to Konavle Valley with vineyards visits
• Wine, Aperitif, Cheese Tasting
• Tasting menu at Croatian restaurant
• Half-day rental of Kayak or Paddleboard
• Spa day with treatment
• Day trips + entrance fees
• Taxes

* airfare not included
** all meals are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated

DAY TRIPS:

• Dubrovnik Old Town
• Sunset boat ride to dinner
• Konavle Valley
• Wine Tasting + Vineyard visit
• Kotor Old Town
• Spa Day

TRAVEL:

• Location: Zaton Bay, Dubrovnik + Kotor, Montenegro
• Nearest arrival airport: Dubrovnik (Cilipi) Airport, DBV
• Nearest departure airport: Tivat Airport, TIV
• Transfers between the villa and Dubrovnik airport can be arranged on first day of retreat and there will be transfers to Tivat airport the last day of the retreat as well as one group transfer back to Dubrovnik Airport or city center for those wishing to add extra time.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• Bathing suit (bay activities, beach, spa)
• Comfortable shoes
• Yoga clothes *YOGA MATS PROVIDED*
• Personal yoga props
• Plug adaptors / converters
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Casual clothing, layer for various weather
• Journal