APRIL 30-MAY 7. 2022
You guys! This region! Heart-eyes emojis x1000! This place is my soul home. When first visiting I felt an immediate connection, I found out after my trip that my Italian roots are from this specific region! Italy will invite you to slow down and enjoy ‘the sweet life’. We'll be in the 'heel of the boot', the region of Apulia, where the Europeans go on holiday. Here you'll find serene countryside with olive groves and farms, stunning coastline, traditional architecture unique to the area, food, wine and laid-back charm. Located on 14 acres of farm land, our home for the week is a beautifully restored 16th century farmhouse. Allow the languid pace, tranquil setting and daily yoga peel back life’s layers and inspire a deep sigh for your entire being.
The Region
Puglia (or Apulia) is located in the ‘heel’ of the boot of Italy. A peninsula with the Ionian sea on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other. The area is known for its miles of Mediterranean coastline, centuries old farm lands and white-washed conical stone houses. This lesser-known area offers a peaceful and authentic taste of “the sweet life”.
The Accommodations
Our home for the week is family run retreat center on 14 acres of private farm land. The buildings date back to the 16th century, all beautifully restored to reflect the tranquil setting of your surroundings. The main house is a ‘masseria’ a traditional Apulia farmhouse. Also on the property are 5 ‘trulli’ rooms, traditional conical huts with stoned archways, found only in this region of Italy. Around the property you’ll find many lounge areas as well as a large swimming pool with shaded and sun loungers. Massage services can be booked on site. Meals are healthy, vegetarian and locally sourced. And of course, delicious organic and local Italian wines available for purchase.
The Adventures
Included in this retreat are 3 special excursions.
A visit to a beautiful local market in Martina Franca, historic center visit and Granita coffee experience.
A visit to the famous village on the cliff Polignano a Mare, then stop to Adriatic seaside beach club for a a dip, lunch and a lounge. Next off to olive oil taste at Masseria Brancati with visit to ancient underground mill and tour walk in the field with olive trees. Last a stop in Ostuni, the white town, for a charming stroll, shopping and gelato.
Heading further south with a visit to Lecce "the Florence of the South", then to the wonderful Bauxite caves, ending in Otranto one of the most famous town in Salento.
The Yoga
Yoga will take place in the fully renovated 18th century barn, complete with wood flooring, traditional stone arches and white-washed walls. Morning practice will be slow-flow, strong and deep, intuitive and intelligent, each class building on each other with time for mediation, pranayama and posture lessons. Evening will be focused on relaxation, with more breath work, and restorative yoga with a sprinkling of deep-stretch and ending with guided deep relaxation.
Prices start at $1900. Hop on over to Anna’s website for rooming options and booking.