We are continually inspired by vintage travel posters, postcards and photographs. When we were rebranding last year, these tokens were our main inspiration. Not only for the color and type, but for the memory they provoke. We wanted to share with you a collection of a few from some of the locations we are visiting this year. Hope you enjoy and tha it inspires you to travel somewhere with us in the future!
Our EPM team are avid readers and we wanted to share with you what we are currently into. We would love to hear back from you any suggestions. We want to make this a place we can share and exchange ideas, so comment away!
We always love catching up on their journal for recipes, informative articles, city guides and so much more. On the blog this week we wanted to share a super simple face mask you can make at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Enjoy and take some time to pamper yourself naturally with ease.
We are looking forward to several retreats in Tuscany this year and thought we would highlight some of the charming Italian towns we visit while there. (Our Itinerary changes depending on the retreat and time of year but this will give you some insight into the region.)
We are so excited to introduce to those of you who don’t already know her, our newest collaborator for our yoga + self care + cuisine retreat in Tuscany, Amy Commander! Amy has been friends with our founder Erin for many years and after last years Puglia retreat (Amy is also half of Boxerina) they have finally found the perfect collaboration in Tuscany.
We are thrilled to introduce our collaborator ALEXA DERIGGS, who will be leading our CROATIA retreat in June 2024. Dedicated to taking her practice on and off the mat, Alexa is a student and teacher of Yin, Power, Hatha, and Vinyasa yoga.
Friend of EPM Margaret was kind enough to write for us to suggest some sanity activities for regular travelers like ourselves who are stuck at home. Margaret is a copywriter and PR professional with insatiable wanderlust. You can check out her work at margaretreeb.com.
These are uncertain times we live in. As we’ve seen over the last several weeks, the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the global community in ways we could have never predicted. As travel junkies here at EAT.PRAY.MOVE, the restrictions on international travel (not to mention restrictions on leaving our homes, in some cases) can feel disheartening. And at the same time, we know that this is a time to call upon the tools we use in our yoga practice; meditation, breathing, stillness, acceptance, nonattachment, non-judgment.
Feeling some #wanderlust, or just need to get away? Whether you have to force yourself to take time off or you’re a frequent flyer, traveling can be taxing to the body and spirit. As someone with both a personal yoga practice and a lust for travel, I see no difference in intentionally approaching my practice on the mat and intentionally preparing for a trip. Over the years I’ve developed some tricks to keep myself healthy and happy (not to mention sane) while traveling.
We are getting so excited to return to one of our favorite fall destinations: VENICE!!! We go in the fall for several reasons: we avoid the heat and humidity that would be unpleasant for a city that is primarily explored by walking, we avoid the huge crowds that block the narrow winding streets of the city, and we get the beautiful fall light and possibility of Acqua Alta photography. (More on that later!)
When I was 19, I fell in love with an Indie Kate Winslet film called Hideous Kinky. It was about a young English woman who moves with her two small daughters to Morocco and gets lost in the soul of the place. I watched it over and over, taking in the colorful souks, the music, the sufi poetry, the vast desert and mountain landscapes, pink city walls shaded with orange blossoms and roses and silver pots of sweet mint tea.
Earlier this month we wrapped up a really unique and wonderful time in Venice over our New Year’s retreat - the perfect melding of adventure and tranquility. While it’s true that Venice is a bustling city, full of art and color and life, it’s also true that in winter, it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet. It’s the perfect time to explore and see the city as it’s meant to be seen. And, as we found out, it’s an ideal setting for transitioning out of one year and entering another with clear minds.
Calling all fellow NYC'ers, or even those thinking of visiting the Big Apple...I'm excited to announce that there are now mini EAT.PRAY.MOVE urban retreats right here in the city.
The NY-based company
recently contacted me about teaming up with them with a health&wellness tour. I love their concept of offering experiential tours around the city with local experts. It's such a great way for residents to learn more about specific subjects or locales around the town, as well as a wonderful opportunity for visitors to dig deeper than the typical tourists sites.
I'm hoping that these ongoing mini urban tours will be a great way to introduce city-dwellers to a more peaceful way of living, as well as giving guests a way to indulge in some eating, praying, and moving during their visit.
Join me on the first tour where we'll start with a walking meditation through one of the city's hidden gems of a park, then on to a yoga class, followed by a meal at one of the top vegan restaurants including a small presentation on the benefits of a healthy diet.
Read more about the details & sign up
!
Have you heard? We've announced several new 2012 retreat dates on the site! Now you have more opportunities to join us on an EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreat holiday this next year.
2011 was an amazing year in Italy and Morocco with some of the best groups ever. I'm so excited to see who we get to meet next year. There have already been some sign-ups and even some repeat guests coming again.
Here is the line-up! Don't miss out.
UPCOMING 2012 RETREATS:
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO :: March 4-10 & September 23-29, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!
TUSCANY, ITALY :: May 20-26, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!
VENICE, ITALY :: May 27-June 2, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!
ISCHIA, ITALY :: September 16-22, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!
I hope to have whet your appetite for more about the Marrakesh yoga retreat from the
. Oh but how much there is to say about our lovely time there.
So what did we do during the week (well besides a couple yoga classes and some meditation each day)?
PLENTY!
The first day was a magical guide through the exotic Marrakesh Medina. Through palaces, rihads, and souks.
We explored the streets, bargained at the stalls, found just the right rugs and slippers, and of course enjoyed a few mint tea breaks throughout the day.
The main square in the old part of the city is indescribable in words or photos...you just have to be there to experience it first-hand!
One day we enjoyed a pool-side cocktail party at
while getting painted up with beautiful henna designs! (Even the guys joined in on the party!)
Then we all took a trip to the seaside town of Essoauria with its lovely laid-back vibe. After a yoga session on the beach we explored the markets and the quaint streets, (ate a gelato...shhh don't tell!), and then geared up for one of the highlights...
...Camel rides on the beach! Passing old fortress ruins, watching the sunset as we lazily rode through the sand, "fantasizing being like Lawrence of Arabia" as one guest put it!
But wait...there's more! Stay tuned for thoughts on the food, flavors, and spices of Morocco!
Wow. Has it really been six weeks already? Finally just a few days ago I arrived back to NYC and am finally getting over the jet lag!
The last time we spoke I was just about to board a transatlantic flight - and boy has the time flown! Well now I'm back after some unforgettable weeks in both Marrakesh and Ischia. For now I thought I'd just give you a nice recap of the Marrakesh retreat and the amazingly fun time we had at Peacock Pavilions in September. ...Of course, stay tuned for even more updates about the Ischia retreat - and news on the upcoming 2012 calendar announcements.
OUR EXPERIENCE AT PEACOCK PAVILIONS
I thought I'd break up the posts on the Marrakesh retreat into several categories. The first being about the amazing location and hosts of Peacock Pavilions. Words won't do it justice so I'm only going to give some snippets of how beautiful it really was.
As soon as we arrived we were given a tour of the grounds and just oooh'd and aaaahh'd at all the details that had gone into every single space. The rooms are magnificent and each piece of paint, artwork, or fabric seems to have some story behind it.
Many an afternoon was spend lounging by the beautiful pool area while mint teas were sipped continuously. We even had a henna & cocktail party as well as a wine-tasting event around the pool throughout the week...but more to come on that in another post!
Morning and evening yoga classes were held in the lovely yoga tent in the olive grove. Spacious and always nice views, the tent has most recently been painted even more awaiting our
in March! Meditation class, including a walking meditation around the grounds, was always a nice wake-up routine with just the warm breezes and occasional bird caw filtering in through the tent.
Meals here are another story that will require its own post - as there's just too much to say about it. I think that between all of the guests, the plates were the spotlight of the most photos all week! Each meal, including breakfast, was served in courses, each one more beautiful than the next. And don't get me started on the mouth-watering tastes. Plus, we enjoyed dinner in the dining tent which made us all feel like kings and queens each evening!
Maryam with me and some of our lovely guests
Then there are the hosts Chris and Maryam (plus their adorable kids, interns, and staff) who all welcomed us with open arms. Their hospitality makes you feel at home - ok, well maybe a bit more pampered than at home - but a beautiful home nonetheless!
...More to come on the rest of the Marrakesh experience!
So the anticipated GIVEAWAY is here! (A week after the first announcement - sorry again for the delay those who saw the original post that we removed) We're SO happy to announce that we're working with the amazing team at
to offer one of their lovely malas to one lucky EAT.PRAY.MOVE fan and to help promote our
on the beautiful island of Ischia!
As the name EAT.PRAY.MOVE suggests, PRAYing and meditating is one of the fundamental
aspects of the yogic experience we want to promote on our retreats, and throughout life
in general. Mala beads are a great tool for helping one focus, meditate, be still, and stay present.
Here's a little snippet from the Tiny Devotions site:
"Our Tiny Devotions mala beads are perfect for beginnings and endings - goals, struggles, worries, dreams, intentions and prayers.
Mala beads transcend cultures and religions and can be found in some form in nearly every tradition around the world. The word bead, historically coming from the word "prayer" or "to pray".
These sacred and beautiful beads help us live in the moment - staying present to the beauty of life.
We combine rudraksha seeds with semi precious crystals and pearls to create beautiful designer malas that each have their own specific intention. Rudraksha seeds are known as the eyes or tears of Shiva - and are worn for their protective and sacred qualities."
So...are you ready to get a set of these designer Mala Beads for yourself?
Then enter our GIVEAWAY!
Here's what you have to do:
1. COMMENT on this post (include an email if it isn't included in your comment profile) and ANSWER the question: What Mediterranean location would you like to retreat to and use your mala?
2. EXTRA ENTRY: TWEET this exact phrase "win a @TinyDevotions mala from @eatpraymoveyoga http://bit.ly/npy9n3 (& join a #yoga retreat in Italy http://eatpraymove.com)"
3. That's all! One entry + one extra Twitter entry per person. US and Canada shipping addresses only allowed for winner. Contest ends SATURDAY, AUG 20th.
That's all! We would also
♥
♥
♥ it if you would
- that way you can find out about new retreats, news, and fun other events from EAT.PRAY.MOVE.
...plus watch this lovely lifestyle video from TD, and STAY TUNED for more posts about Ischia, malas, and Diana, the beautiful founder of Tiny Devotions!
I just got back to the States after an amazing month in Italy. Two Tuscany retreats and lots of research for the next EAT.PRAY.MOVE adventures.
Not only did we have two amazing groups of guests at each retreat at the villa in Tuscany (which by the way, check out the
...week two coming soon!), but we also met the truly lovely people of the villa in Ischia where the October retreat will be held.
That island never ceases to amaze me. It's a one-of-a-kind gem sitting in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the shore of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
We visited ancient castles in the sea...
...lounged on the sandy beaches
...enjoyed magical views from our lunch table
...exploring new "rooms with a view" for retreat day trips
...swimming in the clear waters
And, we also had the opportunity to stay at the Ischia villa where the retreat will be held, which sits on the cliffs of a seaside mountain. Yes, it's quite a magical place itself...
Won't you join us in the bubbling thermal pools...
...relaxing on the deck at sunset
...practicing yoga
...and watching the sun disappear into the sea every night
Here's a video to tempt you...
We have a great group signed up so far, and there are still spaces available for YOU! Don't miss out.
Wow! Just said 'arrivederci' yesterday to all the wonderful guests at the June retreat in Tuscany. It was an amazing time with a great group of people. However fabulous a place may be, the dynamic of a group is one of the most important pieces of a retreat - and we couldn't have asked for a better one! Friendships were made, plenty of laughs shared, growth made in the yoga studio, and lots of delicious food was enjoyed.
We started the week out with an amazing dinner on the terrace overlooking the picturesque hills. Most of us were commenting that everyone knows that stereotypical Tuscan landscape in your mind...but it's still a bit surprising to see that it is actually exactly like that.
We'd missed the fields of red poppies in bloom just by a couple weeks, but were greeted by plenty of lavender and the bursts of yellow sunflowers beginning to bloom. One field we found was so abundant that we decided to do some group shots in the flowers.
Amazing dish by amazing dish was provided throughout the week by Amanda (villa owner / interior decorator / Tuscan cook extraordinaire) and each meal was met by mmmmm's and ahhhhh's around the table. I think by the last day we were all glad to have practiced daily yoga as well as walked as much as we had in order to enjoy all the dishes provided.
Thanks to Julian, Amanda's husband and who usually runs the art retreats at this location, we were entertained with lots of interesting anecdotes about the region, sites, and chauffeured around for the day trips...including stops in Arezzo, Chiusi, Florence, and the beautiful tiny hilltop town of Panicale. I think one of the favorite times of relaxation came during a trip to a thermal spa where we all lounged by the thermal pools and took in some of the warm rays.
Here's a video from the experience:
Overall it was an amazing week, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. Today I'm writing from Florence and am heading tomorrow to Ischia to work out some details for the October retreat there...then it's back to the villa next week for the second Tuscan retreat this summer! Can't wait to meet the next group!
