OVERVIEW

VENICE & LIDO

Come away with us for a week in the magical part of Italy known as Venezia! Venice is a place unlike any other in the world and to see it is to transport yourself back to the days of Casanova, masked balls, and Carnevale. Oh, but there is so much more to Venice than what the usual tourist visit can offer. Our yoga retreat will allow for a deeper knowledge of Venice, its canals, and neighboring islands.

The retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Villa Ines on the island of Lido - just next to Venice, and within view of the famous St. Mark's Square. The villa is situated in the center of the island known for its Liberty style architecture, its famous beaches and its way of life on this tranquil island just ten minutes from the suggestive magic of Venice. In fact, the Lido offers the possibility of enjoying the wonders of the Lagoon without the crowds of mass tourism - in other words, the perfect (quiet and relaxing) location to "retreat"!

Also, Lido is well-known for being the center of the International Film Festival, one of the most renowned European Golf Clubs, and the beaches of Excelsior and Des Bains with their "fin de siècle" elegance. Enjoy leisurely afternoons biking on the beach or through the quaint streets, kayaking, or taking the ferry for a few minutes to arrive back in St. Mark's in the city.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner daily, and select lunches, either hosted at the villa or out and about in town. Our host, Marika is a renowned Chef of international level and will wow us with delectable tastings throughout the week. She has turned her passion of food into an art, and will not only will comfort us with her special breakfasts, but she will also be hosting a cooking class for the group so we can learn some of the secrets of the kitchen. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Venetian traditions.

Marika and her Acquolina catering company has been featured in publications like The New York Magazine, Food and Wine, and Bon Appetit, among others. And her distinguished clients include Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Martha Stewart Omnidia, HRH Princess Alexandra of Greece, and Dolce e Gabbana.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the grounds of Villa Ines with its relaxing gardens, but will also have plenty of time to explore Lido, the beaches, Venice, and other nearby islands - all with their own personality. An overview visit to Venice will allow guests to get their bearings in the maze of canals, to see the major sites, and even ride the famous gondolas. Another day will be spent seeing the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello - each with their own specialty - glass-blowing, lace-making, and historical ruins.

Want to really put your feet up and relax? Then take advantage of the free time day where you can lounge at the beach, bike along the shore, or even go back to Venice and do some shopping or more site-seeing. One could spend a year in Venice and still discover new mysterious alleyways and canals each day. It's here you can find your interest (art, music, food, history) and dive even deeper.

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 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.

Certified yoga instructor and EPM founder, Erin Lewis, will facilitate the classes, helping each student focus on improving their practice and gaining new insights into their bodies and movements. She's studied various types of yoga disciplines since 1998, concentrating on the Ashtanga discipline since 2008. She received her teacher certification in Florence, Italy and has continued her education with various specialty certifications throughout the years. She now combines powerful movements with more anatomical-based core vinyasa flow and restorative movement in her personal practice and teaching style.

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

DETAILS / PRICING

• 7 days / 6 nights (May 27 - June 2, 2012)
• Inclusive Retreat Price = $2,400
• Deposit to hold space = $900
• Max # Guests = 12
• * Prices based on shared occupancy. Single supplement available upon request.
• ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date.
• Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Villa accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)
• Daily Breakfast at Villa Ines**
• Select Lunches
• Daily Dinner at Villa Ines or in town
• Beverages - including wine
• Transportation to/from day trips
• Daily meditation and yoga classes
• Tour guide on various day trips
• Venice sites
• Gondola ride
• Three-island boat tour
• Venetian mask-making class
• Cooking class
• Taxes

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

DAYTRIPS *:

• Walking overview of Venice - (St. Mark's Square, Bascilica/Doge Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Grande Canal, etc)
• Island boat tour - Murano (glass factory), Burano (lace-making), Torcello (ruins)
• Venetian mask-making demo and class
• Cooking class
• Venetian Market

* *tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

• Villa is located on the Venetian island of Lido
• Nearest major airport: Venice Airport "Marco Polo" (VCE)
• Other major airports easily reachable by train: Bologna Aeroporto G. Marconi di Bologna (BLQ), Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
• Venice Train Station: Santa Lucia
• Nearest local airports: Sant'Egidio Airport (PEG - Perugia), Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR - Florence)
• Venice Train Station: Santa Lucia
• We can arrange to meet you at the ferry stop in Lido and guide you to the villa just a few minutes away. Full travel details will be given when you sign up. We can help with the details so you can find the best route for you!

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• YOGA MAT
• Bathing suit
• Yoga clothes
• 'Yogitoes" yoga mat towel (or equivalent) - helps protect mat and wick sweat for non-slip and comfortable posing
• Personal yoga props (blocks, straps, etc.)
• Sweat towels for practice
• Plug adaptors / converters