Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat in Italy
4 - 11 July 2008
Practice Yoga and learn about Ayurveda during this very special 8- day/7-night retreat set in Puglia, Southern Italy. Puglia is located in the heel of the Italian boot, and has coasts on both the Ionian and Adriatic seas. It is a very special area, known for olive oil and wine. The countryside is typically covered in ancient dwellings called trullo. These stone buildings are either bare stone or white washed, and are reminiscent of ancient Greece or Turkey.
Italy just wouldn’t be the same without indulging the senses, and as long as we live and eat healthily most of the time, we can indulge in the pleasurable things in life (of which Italy has so many!) without causing imbalances. On this retreat you can learn how to balance yourself according to your Ayurvedic constitution, eat deliciously and well in a way that leaves you feeling vibrant, and enjoy typical, fresh Puglian food.
The Yoga & AyurvedaThe Yoga and Ayurveda sessions will be led by Rachel Hull, a very experienced teacher who has led retreats and teacher trainings around the world. She is known for her precision and sensitive alignment of the physical body, as well as her ability to encourage the class to flow in a smooth and organic way. People often comment that they feel ‘well looked after and safe’ in her classes. There will be 11 classes in total. Numerous classes are dedicated to Yoga practices such as asana & pranayama techniques that are more specific for the Ayurvedic Doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).
Don’t worry if you don’t know what all this means, you will learn all about it on the retreat. It’s fascinating and fun.There is also a session to help discover your Ayurvedic constitution. If you already know yours you can use the session to address any imbalances you may be experiencing. The retreat is open to all levels of Yoga practitioners, from quite new to experienced. It is recommended that you have practiced Yoga for at least 6 months before attending. We will practice Yoga each morning. Afternoons will be a mix of Yoga classes and discussions on Ayurveda. There will also be some time free for trips to local towns, markets, beaches and restaurants.
The Retreat CentreThe retreat is being held at a 4 Star property called Santa Maria del Sole. This is a 15 hectare property situated in the heart of the Itria Valley, in the Martina Franca countryside. It is encircled by a forested nature park and is committed to preserving the natural environment.
The building, an old 16th Century farm, is located on a hillock dominating the valley. A little yoga village is situated by the main buildings, a 100 square metre indoor hall, and an open space in the middle of the wood to practice yoga. The property comes with a pool for the use of the retreat participants, brilliant views and complete silence. An ideal place for spiritual practice, you will find special corners for meditation among oak trees, lots of space and open air. You are welcome and will be made comfortable whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, with a friend or with a group.
For more information and photographs on the retreat centre itself, see www.santamariadelsole.it
Many ancient, historic towns are located in Puglia, including Alberobello – a World Heritage listed town made up almost exclusively of trulli, Martina Franca, and Ostuni – known as the White City. Visits to some of these places will be included, and those of you with extra time might like to hire a car and explore this fascinating area after the retreat finishes.
Accommodation at Santa Maria Del Sole is of a 4 Star standard.
Whichever accommodation option you choose, you can be assured of a lovely, clean and comfortable room.
Accommodation options vary between:
Trullo - these are typical Puglian dwellings. They are comfortable, suggestive and furnished in an elegant, simple Eastern style. Each room can be single, double or twin share, and has a private bathroom.
Rooms in the Masseria - this is the main house, a romantic white farmhouse, elegantly restored in typical old Puglian style. It has bedrooms including bathrooms, a large kitchen, a family oven (for pizza and home cooked bread), common library and space for creative activities.
The price of the retreat per person is:
| € 1325 double or twin-share room - (come alone or with a friend and we can accommodate you in a twin/ double share room). | |
| € 1195 triple-share rooms - to ensure everyone’s comfort, this option is most suitable for people travelling in their own group of three (rather than strangers). | |
| € 1680 single room |
As you see above, it is possible to pay securely with credit card using Paypal, or to pay using Paypal even if you don’t have a credit card. This is quite an easy payment option and you do not even need a Paypal account to use it. Just click on the relevant button above, and you will be guided through the simple process.
CURRENCY CONVERTER
You can check the exchange rates between various currencies on these sites
www.oanda.com
www.xe.com
www.x-rates.com
It is also possible to pay via International Bank Transfer to Rachel Hull’s Australian account. You can either do this online or over the counter at your bank. Please email us on shaktispirit@gmail.com if you would like to use this option, and we can send you our bank account details.
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