OVERVIEW

THE HOTEL

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place at the beautiful Hotel Villa Flori in the picturesque lake-side position between Como and Cernobbio on the first basin of Lake Como. This luxury historic hotel boasts lake views over the area and you’ll feel like you’re indulging in the chic Italian summer scenes made for films.

“Facing directly on the water, the villa immersed in its centuries-old park offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains that surround it. Villa Flori reveals itself just to those who enter the park, as it is not visible form the street, protected by two gigantic Cedar of Lebanon. It likes to show itself in all of its elegance, with the original furniture, stuccoes, floral frescoes, wooden floors, boiserie on the walls. For then, again, amaze with very modern details.

The story of Villa Flori begins in 1859, when the Marquis Giorgio Raimondi, decided to enlarge a pre-existing villa to gift it to his daughter Guseppina Garibaldi for her wedding with Giuseppe Garibaldi.
While Giuseppe Garibaldi felt in love with the girl since their first encounter, it appears that the young lady did not correspond his love, preferring one of his officers.

After an intense correspondence, on January 24th 1860, the wedding was celebrated, but it was shortly after annulled because the young Marquise decided to follow her heart. It might be for this reason that in the hotel you can still feel a romantic XIX century atmosphere.
To the Raimondi family is dedicate in tribute the restaurant that still carries their name, that features a large interior room with a view and a terrace on the lake, from which you can admire a romantic panorama. There are many other spaces with a lakeview, in addition of course to the rooms with a private terrace, from the conference and events rooms, to the Lounge Bar with a terrace, on the first floor.” — ledimoredelquartetto.eu

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate, but we’ll be able to experience this area up close and personal with private boat excursions to view some of the lakes famous villas. We will visit the legendary village of Bellagio, as well as the “pearl of the lake” Varenna, with one of the most picturesque promenades in the country. We’ll take a walk in the hills to get close to nature, and learn about the flora and fauna as we forage with a Michelin level chef before a class with lunch. And of course, one evening, we’ll get to explore the local town of Como, which is perfectly charming, full of boutiques, cafes, and a lively atmosphere, as well as a dominating cathedral. We’ll enjoy a guided hike with views down to the lake, as well as another boat trip across the lake to a luxurious spa day with treatments to cap off our time together with pure relaxation.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and lunch or dinner daily  - either onsite at the amazing restaurants, in the city at some of the top rated locales, or out on our day trips. We'll taste the regional specialties at a couple of top-level gourmet tasting dinners, as well as experiencing a wine tasting, a foraging hike and a food class with a Michelin-level chef. We will also visit some fun casual restaurants and a pizza night! You won't leave hungry, and you'll be able to experience how the food is an integral part of this country.

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 and restorative to 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. 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.

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

FORM + FOCUS
This retreat will feature Julian Hyzler from EASEL&LENS to combine a look at creative focus with art projects in sketching and "ifonography" (smartphone photography) throughout the week. Yoga and meditation classes will be held daily to prepare our bodies and minds to find a creative way to focus on our excursions through the beautiful lake district of Northern Italy. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, un-intimidating and personal experience.

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Jul 9-14, 2023)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $4,395 (shared room*), +$1180 (single room)

• Deposit to hold space = $1500

• Max # Guests = 12
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** Final balance due 60 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Luxury accommodation (spacious bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Daily yoga and creativity classes

• Daily Breakfast at hotel

• Daily lunch or dinner

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Private boat ride tour on lake

• Visit to one of Lake Como’s famous villas

• Wine tasting

• Day trip to the “Pearls of the Lake” villages: Bellagio and Varenna

• Foraging hike and class with Michelin level chef

• Use of estate premises

• Guided hike

• Afternoon in Como town for sites, shopping and aperitivo

• Luxury spa day with treatments

• Various gourmet tasting dinners

• Tips & taxes

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

LOCATION:

• Cernobbio, Como Town

• Nearest major airports: Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN)

• Taxis are easy and direct from either Milan airport or train station, and the ride takes about 40 minutes. Guests can arrive whenever is convenient for them. Check-in is officially at 3pm (earlier depending on availability) and the retreat will start at 6pm for orientation and welcome reception.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• Yoga mats & creativity class supplies will be provided

• Any additional yoga props that you may prefer

• Bathing suit (spa day)

• Comfortable shoes (city walking, country hiking)

• Yoga clothes

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Weather proof outerwear