GAIA YOGA RETREAT, UMBRIA, ITALY: SEPT 13-20,15
Cultivate your spirit, connect with the Earth and celebrate life in this magical place where time stands still.
The retreat includes: 7 nights luxury accommodation, 2 daily Yoga classes (one Vinyasa Flow and one restorative Reiki Yoga class), 1 private Reiki session, 3 daily organic farm to table meals, ground transfers to & from Monestovole, day Trip to Assisi- a medieval sacred town and birthplace of St. Francis, farm to table pizza making class.
Silvia will guide you through a journey of asanas to connect, expand and evolve our energies and express our earth-tones through a grounding practice. The combination of breath work and movement will boost the flow of Prana to cleanse and recharge the body providing a grounding and energizing experience, suitable to any fitness level. Coupled with Robbert’s powerful ability to recalibrate and rebalance our Life Force energy through Reiki, the journey will start with a practice to strengthen our roots, unlock the tension in our bodies, and remove blockages so there’s room for new universal life energy. As we surrender to our true Nature with Yoga, we will explore the foundations of the asanas and their relation with the Chakra system to open up new possibilities and illuminate our hearts. Evening Reiki Yoga classes will offer deep relaxation and guided meditations to melt into our practice and become one with our surroundings, honoring the earth and celebrating life.
More info about Silvia and Robbert HERE
The retreat includes: 7 nights luxury accommodation, 2 daily Yoga classes (one Vinyasa Flow and one restorative Reiki Yoga class), 1 private Reiki session, 3 daily organic farm to table meals, ground transfers to & from Monestovole, day Trip to Assisi- a medieval sacred town and birthplace of St. Francis, farm to table pizza making class.
Silvia will guide you through a journey of asanas to connect, expand and evolve our energies and express our earth-tones through a grounding practice. The combination of breath work and movement will boost the flow of Prana to cleanse and recharge the body providing a grounding and energizing experience, suitable to any fitness level. Coupled with Robbert’s powerful ability to recalibrate and rebalance our Life Force energy through Reiki, the journey will start with a practice to strengthen our roots, unlock the tension in our bodies, and remove blockages so there’s room for new universal life energy. As we surrender to our true Nature with Yoga, we will explore the foundations of the asanas and their relation with the Chakra system to open up new possibilities and illuminate our hearts. Evening Reiki Yoga classes will offer deep relaxation and guided meditations to melt into our practice and become one with our surroundings, honoring the earth and celebrating life.
More info about Silvia and Robbert HERE
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES. At Monestevole, there are plenty of walks and bike rides for every level. Climb Monte Acuto or Migianella; walk to the water dam for a nice swim and picnic or visit the abandoned Monestevole Castle. We also organize weekly trips to the local markets, neighboring organic farms and bee-keepers. Excursions upon request to Perugia, Gubbio, Montone, Spello, Norcia, Spoleto, Montefalco, Citta' di Castello, San Sepolcro, Anghiari/Caprese Michelangelo, Trasimeno lake, Citta' della Pieve, Orvieto, Cortona, Arezzo, Siena, Montalcino, Bagno Vignone and the Tevere springs.
There are 3 beautiful horses at Monestevole. Tribu', the colt who is being trained; Pippo, a maremmano, a local breed; and Brecht V, a Friesian, who is our latest addition. We ride in the fields and go for excursions. Riders must be trained, as the horses are not for beginners. To ride, let us know while at Monestevole and we will organize.
ABOUT THE LOCATION. Monestevole is a small, traditional Umbrian community living in a beautiful 15th century farm hamlet. The property sits at 600 meters on top of a hill surrounded by 40 hectares of olive groves, pastures, oak forests and a vineyard. The vision at Monestevole is to build a model sustainable community in the green heart of Italy that celebrates the best of traditional living, providing a beautiful and inspiring home for travelers from around the world. Monestevole is a different experience for every guest, the important thing is to come with an open mind. Everyone can participate as much or as little as they want, we only ask our guests to respect the local traditions and culture, cooking together around the fire, eating and drinking good wine together. Food is grown locally, deep in Umbrian traditions, rich in culinary knowledge. The meats are grass fed from the Umbertide valley; the pork, wine, extra virgin olive oil, jams, tomato sauce and veggies are all from Monestevole’s permaculture gardens. They grow farro and legumes to make whole grain bread and pasta, and make essences with fresh lavender for home-made soaps.
10 SUSTAINABILITY METRICS - At Monestevole they measure their sustainability with three pillars: environment, social and economic. They measure thier impact with 10 parameters: Energy, Water, Food, Waste, Carbon Footprint, Education, Health, Employment, Happiness and Financial break-even. They are constantly working to improve the structure with renewable energies, biomass for heating, water and waste recycling. Monestevole welcomes vegetarians, vegans and omnivores.
UMBRIA is the greenest region of Italy; full of woodlands, which have been sustainably harvested for the past 20 years. The laws here are such that you can only cut a hectare of woodland every 20 years, leaving spare trees on each hectare, so the amount of forests in Umbria have actually increased over this time period. Local crops include olive oil, wine (Umbria is famous for its Sagrantino di Montefalco), sunflowers, legumes, tobacco, and the region is famous for its truffles, pork meat and wild boar. Local breads are made without salt due to an old feud with the Pope on salt tax. Local plants include juniper, wild brooms, wild roses, oaks, chestnuts, truffles, porcini mushrooms, wild berries and mimosas. Local animals include foxes, wild boars, hares, roe deer, porcupines, badgers, falcons, owls and buzzards.
TRANSPORTATION - A private shuttle service to Monestevole from the Perugia airport is included. Private transfer from Rome to Monestevole available upon request.