OVERVIEW

SEEK+SAVOR

What is “SEEK+SAVOR”? This is a special YOGA+CUISINE+NOURISHMENT retreat. "SEEK" - Besides a daily yoga class, the week will also include workshops with Enneagram coach and author, Gina Gomez who will use this insightful tool to dive deeper. We will look into ways that we can seek more about our selves as well as find ways of nourishing our spirit. "SAVOR" - We'll not only balance the week with the healthy "seek" part of the retreat, but also with learning about and experiencing firsthand the amazing flavors of this region. Each day, we'll be able to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine and take part in tastings, from wine and olive oil, to cheeses, gelato, and, of course, the Italian espresso. From award-winning restaurants to family farms and kitchens, learning and enjoying the food will be an added bonus to working up an appetite during our classes and walks! Each day will be a curated experience, with a yoga class, self-nourishment workshop, and food tasting - all combining to provide a sensorial and culturally rich mindfulness practice.

LODGING

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place in the picturesque Italian countryside, along the border of Tuscany and Umbria. A beautifully restored farmhouse awaits your arrival, complete with sprawling vistas over the rolling hills in all directions. Former cantinas and stables on the ground floor have been transformed into apartments that are works of art. One can immediately see the careful attention that went into restoring, decorating, and preparing these rooms. Two large apartments are divided into different rooms of various size accommodations, each complete with private bathroom and linens.

A large and open art studio awaits those interested in exploring various creative mediums while visiting, and it can also serve as location for an "art as meditation" course or a journaling room. The grounds are spacious with plenty of outdoor space to sit alone, relax on the outside terrace overlooking the meadows, or enjoying an open-air lunch. The house is located on a large estate ground with plenty of hiking available and even a pool to cool you down in the warmer summer months.

Our hosts will spoil guests with their hospitality, mouth-watering cuisine, and fun-filled side trips. The owner, Julian, will lead us with his extensive knowledge of Italian cities and art history, which will allow for a special and unique look into the surrounding areas. Don't be surprised when you leave feeling as if you have made friends for life. You'll almost feel part of the family when you stay at this lovely property.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients, from the onsite garden or from the local market in Chiusi, much of which is organically grown. Dishes may include seasonal tastes like pumpkin risotto, pasta al forno, slow roasted fennel with red onions, salads with wild rocket, pecorino and fresh figs, and more. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. 

Our dinners will include a range from Italian family-style to multi-course tasting menus as well as tastings of the regional specialties throughout the week. We'll experience tastings from where certain local delicacies are produced, like vineyards. And while on-site we'll dine overlooking the Tuscan countryside, the villa’s breathtaking backdrop.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the villa and encompassing estate, but also the richness of the Italian landscape and villages nearby. Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. Trips include visits to small villages, and outdoor activities, even a day at a beautiful thermal spa where guests will enjoy a indulging dip in this area’s famous thermal waters. See smaller villages that few tourists visit, and get a true education and taste of Italy with an olive oil, cheese, and wine tasting.

Besides visiting the lovely town of Chiusi, other nearby villages and other smaller “off the beaten path” uncrowded towns will be explored. We will take scenic walks through the area and see this part of Italy in a unique way unhindered by the usual crowds.

YOGA

A daily meditation and yoga class will be offered at the start of the day 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. On this SEEK+SAVOR retreat, we'll also enjoy themed self-nourishment workshops using the tool of the Enneagram as well as daytrips which allow us to learn about the region and the cuisine/wine - this combines with the asana practice to deepen our mindful experience during the week in a balanced way. (COVID update: Enneagram coach Gina Gomez will be now leading our daily sessions live online).

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

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights (Sept 13-19, 2020)

  • Inclusive Retreat Price = $2,795

• Deposit to hold space = $950

• Max # Guests = 8
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile.
  ** Final balance due 56 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Accommodation

• Daily Breakfast

• Daily lunch

• Daily dinner (minus one dinner where guests have opportunity to choose their dining experience)

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Meditation and yoga classes

• Self-nourishment workshops with Enneagram coach (daily virtual classes)

• 30-min private coaching session

• Signed copy of “The Enneagram & You” book

• Welcome reception and aperitivo

• Tour guide on various day trips

• Cheese, Olive Oil, and Wine Tasting

• Thermal Spa day

• Visit to local Etruscan town of Chiusi with tour and pizza lunch

• Wine and cheese tasting

• Visit to hilltop town of Cortona (from “Under the Tuscan Sun” fame)

• Visit to the lake of Trasimeno with village visit and meal

• Pasta-making demo

• Use of yoga mats

• Tips & taxes

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

DAY TRIPS:

• Each day will be a curated experience to combine a yoga class, self-nourishment workshop, and food tasting - all combining to provide a sensorial and culturally rich mindfulness practice

• Tuscan Tasting Tour (explore the special nuances to different cheeses and oils in the Italian diet)

• Winery visit with Tour + Tastings

• Thermal Spa Day - healthful visit to “take in the waters” at a Tuscan thermal spa

• Countryside tour (various village visits, historic museums and churches)

• Cortona (explore this hilltop city with a guided walk and free time to explore)

• Various other town visits as described above

LOCATION:

• Countryside on border of Tuscany and Umbria

• Nearest town: Chiusi, Tuscany

• Nearest major airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO - Rome), Galileo Galilei Airpot (PSA - Pisa)

• Nearest local airports: Sant'Egidio Airport (PEG - Perugia), Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR - Florence)

• Nearest train station: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme

Free transfer service is available from the Chiusi-Chainciano Terme station to the retreat location (only 15 min away) on the afternoon of the start date and morning of the end date. Full details will be provided at sign up.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• Bathing suit (pool, thermal spa)

• Comfortable shoes (walking tours)

• Yoga clothes

• Personal yoga props (mats and straps will be provided, but if you have a prop you prefer, feel free to bring it along)

• Plug adaptors / converters