TUSCANY Yoga Retreat

22ND - 29th JUNE 2024

 
 

This small group retreat fuses the power of community and group practice, with the precision and progression through daily workshops.

Set in the rolling, lavender lined hills of Tuscany, our lovingly restored farmhouse Locanda Cugnanello is our home for the week. Situated south of historic Florence and Pisa with the west Italian coast 60 minutes away, the retreat features two main practices a day, local organic food, group workshops and more.

Over the week we look to find a balance between rest and rejuvenation, and a deeper learning of yoga posture, philosophy, and history. My hope is you leave feeling revitalised, empowered, and hopeful, having learned as much as you have relaxed.

About the practice, activities and more. Highlights include:

  • Daily morning practice of meditation, breath work, and strong vinyasa flow yoga

  • Daily afternoon practice of yoga, qigong, deep stretching, long relaxations

  • Optional group workshops on yoga postures (including arm balances and inversions), meditation and philosophy

  • Organic, locally grown food with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans

  • Traditional, homely bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Open plan spaces and cosy nooks to spend time reading, relaxing, or making new friends

  • Swimming pool and sunbathing

  • On site gym

  • Massages and therapies

  • Day trip to local historic town

  • Wine tasting options

 
 

Our home for the week as an historic estate which lies nestled amidst vineyards and is surrounded by olive groves and idyllic hills. Locanda Cugnanello has been completely refurbished to offer guests a tasteful ambience where new stories may be written and beautiful memories begin. The villa is 800 years old and situated in a picturesque landscape of uniquely wild beauty.

 
 
 
 

Imagine your day like this: waking up refreshed with the morning Tuscan sun rolling over the landscape. You have your coffee or tea and quietly make your way to the yoga room for morning practice; meditation and breath work centre you into a calm but alert state. Slowly building vinyasa yoga then energises, strengthens and revitalises your body, leaving you spiritually uplifted and connected to your highest self.

A well deserved Italian breakfast follows! After which perhaps you relax by the pool, have a massage, or join a group workshop before lunch. Lunch is light and healthy, but you may still indulge in a nap afterwards of course! Afternoon practice is a slower with deep dives into deep stretches, yin yoga, and the graceful, meditative movements of Tai Chi and qigong. You release and unwind the stresses and tensions of regular life and totally reset. A long shavasana always follows.

In the evening there’s time to refresh, get dressed for dinner and enjoy making new friends and connections with local organic food under the softly setting sun and gentle breeze. Bed time is up to you; perhaps turning in early to read or journal, or perhaps enjoying how conversation and friendships are formed into the late evening.

 
 
 
 

Great food is at the heart of any retreat. Healthy vegetarian food served buffet style forms the main basis of all our meals. However, to this, there will be additional options for omnivores, pescatarians, and vegans. Food honours and respects the fact that this is a traditional Tuscan estate, prioritising simple local and seasonal produce cooked in the traditional way. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day including teas, perfect Italian coffee, and fresh fruits. Wines are available for those who drink alcohol.

 
 
 
 

Practice level and suitability

James teaches in an open and inclusive way, with many different options and levels. Morning vinyasa yoga will be strong and firey so this retreat is not recommended for absolute beginners. Everything can be modified but some prior knowledge of vinyasa flow is therefore necessary (and no you do not have to be able to do or do arm balances, inversions, wheels etc. And yes we can always modify around injuries).

 
 

Pricing

Shared twin rooms

Two people sharing a room, and sharing an ensuite bathroom

£2200 (per person)

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Individual room, ensuite bathroom

£2600 (per person)

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Junior Suite, ensuite bathroom

£2800 (per person)

Deluxe Suite, ensuite bathroom

£2900 (per person)

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Early Bird Discounts

£100 off if you book and pay deposit before November 30th 2023

£200 off if you book and pay in full before November 30th 2023

*If paying in full, payments can be refunded anytime up to 90 days before the retreat starts

**Deposits are non-refundable but always transferable to future retreats if your plans change

Prices include all accommodation, food, practices, workshops

Prices do not include transport, massages, day trips, wine tasting extras