OVERVIEW

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.

THE VILLA

This yoga retreat will take place at the 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 is 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 and 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 updated and simple style. Rooms are spacious, and enjoy views towards the garden or the bay, with wooden furniture, private bathrooms, and fresh linens.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian 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 a 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 as well. 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.

We will enjoy a champagne brunch one morning, various visits to gourmet restaurants, a cocktail aperitivo at the overlook above the city, plus a wonderful winery visit for a tour and tasting.

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 include visits to towns and small villages in the region, as well as outdoor activities. We kick off the week in Dubronik’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 gorgeous spa day is included where guests can swim, lounge at the spa facilities and enjoy a spa treatment. We will enjoy a private boat to a gorgeous beach club to lounge for the afternoon and swim in the clear waters before we boat to another stop at an island for a nature hike and dinner by the sea. One day out we’ll explore the nearby 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 for dinner. See smaller villages that few tourists go, and get a true education and taste of Croatia with various tastings of regional wines, aperitifs and cheeses.

YOGA

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 vinyasa flow.* 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. 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. This retreat will also feature a few various walks to expand our wellness theme through the week - from guided walking tours, a peaceful walk through a nature reserve, and even a garden meditation walk.

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

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (June 5-10, 2022)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $2,495 (shared room*), +$300 (single room supplement)

• Deposit to hold space = $950

• Max # Guests = 12

* Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile
** Final balance due 60 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

• Champagne Brunch

• Use of estate premises and garden

• Daily meditation and yoga classes

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Welcome cocktail

• Guided tour of Dubrovnik Old Town

• Private Boat trip around islands and beaches

• Entrance to island nature reserve with hike and dinner

• Afternoon at private beach club with lounge/umbrella set up

• Spa day with treatment

• Visit to Peljesac Peninsula with vineyards

• Wine, Aperitif, Cheese Tasting

• Evening visit to fortified historic town with dinner

• Visit to lookout over Dubrovnik with cocktails

• Day trips + entrance fees

• Taxes

* airfare not included
** all meals are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
***activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

TRAVEL:

• Location: Zaton Bay, Dubrovnik

• Nearest town: Dubrovnik

• Nearest airport: Dubrovnik (Cilipi) Airport, DBV

• Transfers between the villa and Dubrovnik airport on included on first and last day of retreat based on guests’ flight times.

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