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Bella Yoga in Italy
Italy: Bella Yoga in Italy
- Rome, Italy - 7
nights
(April, May, June, August or October)
Active Gourmet Holidays
brings
you yoga retreats at a rustic country home in the Italian hillside. Choose from
several different yoga experiences, each unique but each offering a spiritual
journey in a breathtaking and tranquil setting.
Each retreat offers its own type of Yoga and qualified instructor, with different
backgrounds and experiences. Each brings along his/her own spirit, experience and
passion for the practice of Yoga.
The Property
 In
the heart of the Italian hills, among olive groves, woodlands and a rolling
landscape unchanged for centuries lies a peaceful haven of repose.
With its spectacular views and magical setting, your home for the
week lies in the midst of the Italian countryside less than an hour
from Rome. The grounds are lush and abundant, with a natural spring,
gardens, pond and swimming pool. The property is peaceful, rustic
and ideal for spiritual practice. There are spaces indoors and out
for yoga, meditation, music and the arts.
 Two
beautifully restored 17th century stone buildings overlook an
undulating panorama of olive groves and fruit trees. There are three
terraces with beautiful vistas for relaxing and watching the
stunning sunsets. A charming medieval village of is nestled in the hills nearby.
Inside, rooms are designed in a simple natural
style, a combination of old and new. Furnishings and fabrics
complement the buildings and their natural surroundings, creating an
environment which is calm, comfortable, practical and ideal for
spiritual practice.
YOGA SPACES
 Outdoor
Yoga Deck
A magnificent wooden yoga platform sits in the valley surrounded by
verdant, unspoilt nature. Designed by architect Marco Antonini, it
measures 15m x 10m and has a graceful white canvas covering for
shade.
Yoga Room
The indoor yoga room has an atmosphere of serene tranquility with
views over the valley and is also used for meditation, chanting and
treatments. It is fully equipped and measures 5m x 10m.
Activities
The area is rich in sites of historic and natural beauty. Activities
include walks, excursions to hot sulphur springs, medieval sites,
local festivals in surrounding villages, swimming in nearby rivers
and springs, and trips to Rome and Umbrian towns. Cities and towns
within easy access include Rome (45 minutes), Spoleto and Orvieto (1
hour), Siena and Assisi (2 hours).
The grounds are extensive and a joy to
explore, with sheltered spaces for reading and meditation. A variety
of restorative treatments can also be arranged.
2007 PROGRAMS
April 5-12, 2007
This week will give students the opportunity to practice
Ashtanga yoga in an environment which is calm and relaxing. With
both teachers on hand during the morning sessions each individual
will have the opportunity to practice at his/hers own level, making
the week suitable for students of different abilities - including
those who may be new to yoga and those who practice other yoga
disciplines.
 The Yoga
There will be two yoga classes a day with the
exception of Wednesday when there will be only one morning class. In the morning class (2 to 3 hours) the teachers
will focus on the traditional ashtanga yoga asanas as taught by Sri
K. Pattabhi Jois giving particular emphasis to the union between
breath and movement. This union helps us to become more conscious
and present so that our thought process is able to slow down thereby
creating more tranquility and stability in the practice.
They will also introduce you to the universal
principles of alignment known as spirals and loops as practiced in
Anusara yoga. Spirals and loops help to re-align the body and create
a better connection to the earth and, at the same time, promote a
deeper consciousness of the body-centre. Consciousness of the centre
brings firmness and control of movement, and your practice becomes
more balanced and harmonious with the mind more focused and light.
Applying spirals and loops allows you to become more aware of the
single asana without losing the fluidity of movement characteristic
of ashtanga yoga.
The afternoon sessions lead by Gabriel will be
shorter than the morning ones and will concentrate on the removal of
blockages of the natural breath as well as working with the spine
and on specific areas of the body such as the shoulders or hips.
 Your
Instructors
Gabriel and Milka are young and highly experienced:
they teach together and have an increasing reputation and following
in Rome. They both have an exceptional understanding and approach to
yoga based on their own extensive study including with Shi K.
Pattabhi Jois, Rudra (Rishikesh – Iyengar yoga), Desikachar and with
Doug Keller (Anusara yoga). Their classes draw from ashtanga yoga
with an emphasis on spirals and bringing awareness to the centre -
helping students to gain more depth and confidence. They are able to
give individual attention to students making the workshop suitable
for all levels.
May 12-19, 2007
Imagine waking up to morning Yoga in the Italian countryside amidst
rolling olive groves and stunning landscapes. Feel a connection to
ancient lands, fascinating cultures, and traditional cuisine.
Treat yourself to this unforgettable Yoga retreat in the hills of Italy.
Your certified Kripalu Yoga instructor for the week is a native of Rome, Italy.
Francesca Vanegas grew up in Italy, Colombia and South America and speaks fluent Italian and Spanish. She has also
completed the Forrest Yoga advanced teacher training and assists Ana Forrest at
national Yoga conferences. Her intention in leading this Yoga adventure is to
weave the spirit of yoga seamlessly with the everyday beauty and sensuality of
Italy and Spain.
 Italy
wakes up our senses as will your morning Yoga. In no time you’ll
breathe more deeply, relax easily, and open your heart. We’ll blend
the best of Kripalu Yoga with Yin and Forrest Yoga influences to
explore the emotions rooted in the body. The Emotions of the Spine
and learning trust; Rooted on one Foot: Learning to fall; The Art of
Easy YogaSM: cultivating loving kindness in your Yoga and your life.
Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced practitioner, each
class will support your practice.
Enjoy the rejuvenating benefits
of yoga amidst rolling olive groves and allow your yoga practice to
penetrate and open your heart. Feel a connection to ancient lands,
fascinating cultures, and traditional cuisine. Join us!
 Activities
and Excursions
The area is rich in sites of
historic and natural beauty. Rome, Spoleto, Orvieto, Assisi, and
Siena are within easy reach. You can visit hot sulphur springs, or
take part in delightful local festivals in nearby villages. There
are optional daily and evening excursions to choose from, or you may
choose to stay in the country and go biking, swimming, and exploring
the Italian countryside.
June 2-9, 2007
 J oin
Elizabeth and Karen as you explore the beauty inside yourself by
practicing yoga amidst the beauties of Italy. Spend a memorable week
in the beautiful Italian hills, doing yoga and appreciating life!
Surrounded by stunning views of
olive trees and a valley below, we will practice yoga and meditation
in the morning and evening, on the outdoor platform or in the lovely
indoor studio. Additionally, “Circle” will be offered for one hour
each morning where we might chant, write, meditate or dance. The
afternoons are free for you to continue your meditation, lounge by
the pool, have a massage, or visit the nearest village, less than 2
miles down a winding road.
 Elizabeth has been guiding people
into the depths of the soul for years through workshops and
individual sessions. She is the founder of her own yoga studio and
has led workshops in Israel and Australia.
Karen has taught yoga on both the
west and east coasts. Her nurturing style is based on Anusara and
Hatha Flow. She will also offer private Reiki sessions.
August 11-18, 2007
 Meredith's
passion for practicing and teaching Yoga was ignited in 1999 upon
taking her first "real" yoga class where she felt the powerful
merging of her Mind and Soul into her Body. Her background includes
a variety of Yoga styles including Hatha, Iyengar and Ashtanga
which is her primary focus and practice. The many influences in
Meredith's training enhance her ability to assist and educate
students at all levels. Her goal is to help individuals rediscover
and reclaim their true nature through direct experience.
This retreat offers you an
opportunity to devote a week completely to yourself! We will use
this time to delve deeper into ourselves as pure potential, pure
consciousness and support, uplift, and commune with each other in
the process.
Each day will consist of the
following:
~Morning vinyasa yoga and
pranayama
~Light breakfast
~Chanting and Intention Meditation
~Healthy, nourishing lunch
~Free time to play in the pool, read, go for a walk, enjoy nature
~Late afternoon restorative yoga session
~Yummy Dinner
~Evening Gathering (topics TBA)
October 6-13, 2007
 Most
life changing experiences usually involve trekking across the
Himalayas or freezing in Moscow, and a heavy dose of Deli Belly -
Amazing in hindsight - not much fun at the time. A life changing
yoga retreat would, therefore, conjure up images of being tied in
knots on the cold hard floor of an ashram, but what if you could
take a retreat where you are taught yoga practices that remain true
to the ancient teachings, but you were able to unwind relax and let
go in a stunning 5 star boutique hotel? This is a retreat, you are
nurtured to let go.
Your Instructors
 Your
instructor, Nikki, discovered Yoga in 1994, and it soon became the
blueprint for her life, giving her practical skills to be able to
balance all of its aspects. In 2001, after years of dedicated
practice under the guidance of esteemed Yoga practitioners from
around the world, Nikki made a conscious decision to change careers,
from International Business Development to Yoga teacher. She is now
a certified Iyengar level one teacher in training and her style of
teaching nurtures people to discover their own attributes as well as
challenging them enough to move beyond their limitations.
Tamara's background is in the
performing arts, both as an actress and a dancer. While having
practiced Yoga since 1990, she came seriously to yoga ten years ago,
after sustaining a neck injury while dancing. Initially using Yoga
to assist the treatment of the injury, she soon discovered the
expansive nature of Yoga and how it could truly enrich all aspects
of her life. Tamar is a certified Iyengar level one teacher in
training.
Nikki and Tamar encourage all to
make the journey that’s riches will be present in your body and
heart long after your return home.
"Unlike any other holiday
experience I have had – stunning location, enriching classes and a
great sense of shared experience with both the other students and
Nikki and Tamar. I have never returned from a trip away so relaxed
and with such a sense of overriding well-being. I cannot recommend
it highly enough to other students contemplating a yoga retreat.
" - Beth D.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
The earliest arrival time to the
retreat site is 4.30pm, so please organize
travel arrangements accordingly. On the final day
of the retreat the scheduled departure time is 10.00am, or if
leaving by train, the 9.40 train from Stimigliano station.
Most of you will most likely be
flying to Rome and then taking a train to the Stimigliano train
station just a few minutes away. The cost of a pick up from the train station is $25 for one
or two people and $13 each if there are 3 or more people. If you desire more flexibility
and freedom and want some real adventure in Italy, you are welcome
to rent a car and drive.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
The retreat is within easy access
of Rome and its airports. It is approximately one hour from the
center of the city (by train or car) and about 1.5 hours drive from
both airports.
If you are coming by
train from the airport, you can take a train from directly inside Fiumicino (Leonardo DaVinci)
Airport. Take the Orte train and get off
at Stimigliano. The train tickets costs
roughly 10 Euros.
From the Ciampino Airport (Ryanair,
Easyjet), you will need to take the bus to Termini station in the
center of Rome and from there the underground to Tiburtina station
to take the Orte train, getting off in Stimigliano (approx. 45 min).
This whole journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours. The train ticket costs
roughly 4 Euros.
* All
participants must be fully insured and have passports with an expiration date
two months from date of return
*For more information on yoga
instructors please inquire.
| BOOKING INFORMATION |
| 2007 FEES PER PERSON |
DEPOSIT |
Double or Triple Occupancy
April 5-12
$1600
May 12-19 $2100
(*transfer and excursion also included on this date)
May 20-27 (*Please inquire about our Spain/Andalucian Yoga Retreat)
June 2-9 $1900
August 11-18 $1900October 6-13
TBA
Single Supplement $ 300
(limited availability)
|
After availability is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of
$500 per person and the completed and
submitted registration form will secure your reservation. Final payment is due in full 60 days before your arrival date. |
| 2007 DATES |
INCLUDED |
April 5-12
May 12-19
June 2-9
August 11-18
October 6-13
|
Use of all facilities
Yoga
Full board: three healthy meals per day (minus one evening meal as we go to a
local restaurant) and some wine at dinner
All linens and bath towels (not swimming towels)
Yoga props (including mats, blocks, belts, blankets and cushions - you can bring
your own mat if you'd like)
Mountain bikes
Transfer from Stimigliano Train Station
*May 12 Tour Also Includes
One tour of choice (Rome, Spoleto, Siena, Assisi, Orvieto - please inquire)
Group transportation from Stimigliano -
Not included
Flights to Italy
Rental cars or transportation in Italy
Guided walks or other excursions and activities outside of the house and grounds
(except for May 12 date - see above)
One dinner at restaurant
Massage and other therapies
Personal expenses |
For further inquiries or to register, click here.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please inquire about cancellation policies of each week. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
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