Light of the Heart: UmbriA Yoga Retreat

Our Umbrian yoga retreat takes place in the gentle hills of the Italian countryside as we explore how yoga, meditation and qigong can help reawaken the inherent joy and vibrancy of the heart. This retreat offers a rare chance to step back from daily life, slow down, and make headspace for the things we truly love. Practices will cultivate a balance between mindfulness and heartfulness, wisdom and compassion. We’ll have two practices per day, one energising, one restorative, with plenty of time to explore the gardens, go for walks, swim, read and make new friends. Oh, and lots of delicious, locally grown vegetarian food of course!

LOCATION

The retreat will be held at the charming old farmhouse Locanda della Quercia Calante, situated in the verdant countryside of Umbria and just 18km from the historic town of Orvieto. The centre is nestled amongst extensive gardens and fields and features two yoga spaces, one inside, and one open air shala overlooking the fields. There are two swimming pools and a jaccuzi, elegant rooms, and a restaurant serving local Umbrian cuisine. You can view the property in more detail at www.querciacalante.com

ACCOMODATION

Single and double rooms are available. Each room has a private bathroom and outdoor porch overlooking the park of the Locanda della Quercia Calante. Guest rooms are simple yet charming, furnished in typical Umbrian style with individual thermostats, terracotta floors, wooden ceiling beams and brick walls. All rooms are renovated with the most innovative natural architectural criteria: only natural mortar, paint and wax; no electromagnetic fields thanks to electric circuit breakers; water is heated by a solar panel system and electricity is generated by photovoltaic panels.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Our days will begin with breathing and meditation practice followed by energising and revitalising flowing vinyasa yoga. We’ll then enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and have time to relax and unwind.

Lunch will be served under the shade of the veranda in the gardens, after which time to nap, swim, go for walks, read, or make new friends. Our afternoon movement practice will include restorative and healing modalities such as qigong and yin yoga. A delicious Umbrian dinner then awaits before evening meditation and a sweet deep sleep!

CUISINE

We’ll enjoy three delicious vegetarian meals a day, prepared lovingly by the kitchen team. 90% of the delicious vegetables and fruits used are grown organically on the farm itself, with well balanced dishes typical of Umbria and Tuscany

There is an inside restaurant area but also a beautiful outside shaded area covered in vines overlooking the gardens. It’s beautiful both during lunch, and by candlelight over dinner.

THERAPIES AND TREATMENTS

Massage therapies will be available during your stay. Payment is direct in cash to the therapist, and more details will be provided upon booking. 

DAY TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

We will have a full day trip on the Wednesday where we will visit the astonishing historic town of Civita di Bagnoregio and the wonderful cathedral city of Orvieto for lunch.

During your stay at the Locanda, you can enjoy reading by the pool. relaxing under the veranda by your room or walking the grounds. The yoga spaces are also open and available anytime for self practice, meditation and rest. Napping is also highly encouraged!

COSTS AND PAYMENT INFORMATION (PER PERSON)

£1100 Twin shared room with bathroom

£1500 Single room with private bathroom

PAYMENTS

A non-refundable deposit of £200 is required when booking to secure your place. The full balance is due by 30th June 2021.

Payment can be made by bank transfer. Rooms available on first come first serve basis. please indicate preference for room on the booking form and we will do our best to meet your request.

Cost includes all yoga and meditation, meals and accommodation. Not included in the price: transportation to / from airports, any day trips or activities, any massages or treatments.

ARRIVALS AND TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS

Check-in is from 14:00 on 31st July. Check-out at 10:00 on 7th August.

We will offer a shuttle bus pick up and drop off to/from the airport on arrival day and departure day in the afternoon.

Recommendations on flights, airports and transfers will be provided upon booking.

Please do not book flights until we can confirm airport shuttle bus departure times to you.