EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: What happens when a celiac with no art skills goes on an art and yoga retreat to Italy.
An EAT.PRAY.MOVE Milestone \ 50 Retreats!
Traveler Testimony \ Going to France Solo
Our Venetian Adventure \ FORM+FOCUS Retreat Recap
Ischia, oh Ischia!
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.
A Week in Florence
Well if you keep up with EAT.PRAY.MOVE you may have noticed a little bit of a drop in online chatter this week as my time on the computer (twitter, facebook, blogs) has been more sporatic... but only because I'm in ITALY preparing for the Tuscany retreat which starts this Sunday.
I took off last Friday and luckily got some sleep on the plane (as the seat next to me was empty!), and woke up just as we were flying over France and then into Italy over the Mediterranean coast.
It's been a lovely time in Florence this week - seeing friends, running errands, going to the yoga studio, and just being back on the old cobblestone streets that I consider a second home. It always takes me a few days to get over the jet-lag but the rich espresso here definitely helps me out!
Besides all the regular sites, there tends to be festivals and special events going on all the time here. This week happened to be fashion week, so the shop windows are in full regalia and the people watching is at its finest.
All the plans are in place for the upcoming retreats, and being in Florence has made me even more excited for them as well as the day-trip during the week back to the city. It's such a lovely place close to my heart that I can't wait to share it with guests.
Besides getting ready with logistics, I've also been getting ready just to meet everyone. Plus we had 2 MORE LAST MINUTE SIGN-UPS! So now both Tuscany retreats are full, and the groups are going to be great!
If you've been thinking of joining us on a retreat - don't miss out. There's 1 more spot in Marrakesh in Septempber as well as spots in ISCHIA in October. Stay tuned on our
for pics-of-the-day during my month in Italy (including preparations in Ischia in two weeks)
so where is Ischia anyway?
After announcing the upcoming yoga retreat in Ischia, Italy, I've already had a few people ask me, "So where exactly
is
this place?". I know it's not as well-known of a destination (at least not for American tourists) as some of its more famous neighbors, but that's one of the reasons it's so special. So for those of you wondering a bit more about this magical place called Ischia - keep reading!
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples on the mid-southeastern coast of Italy. Located 30km from Naples mainland, it measures just 34km in diameter and is profiled by Mount Epomeo peaking at 788 meters above the sea. Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it's not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over!
Nicknamed the "Green Island", Ischia was one of the world's first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. I've had the opportunity to try out various types of springs on Ischia — from the famous "thermal parks" which are planned areas of various pools, gardens and baths — to the naturally-occurring, free and open spring mouths on the edge of a cliff by the sea.
Island Activities:
• Thermal Spas (parks, natural springs, mineral baths, health spas)
• Mountain hikes
• Artisanal shopping
• Beaches
• Gardens
Famous Neighbors:
• Isle of Capri
• Pompeii
• Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, etc)
Besides all of the lovely things about Ischia and it's landscapes and beauty, one of the most appealing things to be about it is the hospitality of the people themselves. I've enjoyed interacting with almost everyone I met on the island, and it's something that draws me back...
As you can probably easily tell, Ischia is a place I really love and that's why I'm very much looking forward to sharing with with the guests who join us on the EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreat. Want to reserve a spot?
(and take advantage of the $100 early sign-up discount for the first 4 guests).
EAT.PRAY.MOVE \ May Announcements
*These are some highlights from the May EAT.PRAY.MOVE newsletter, but I thought our blog readers may be interested in some of the announcements from this month. If you want to join the mailing list contact us from the website.
• NEW RETREAT ANNOUNCED: Ischia (Italy), Oct 2-8, 2011
"The beautiful island of Ischia awaits you with hikes to dormant volcanoes, thermal spas, vineyards, lush gardens, crystal clear beaches, and amazing Ischitani hospitality!"
Don't miss it...plus, we're offering an EARLY SIGN-UP DISCOUNT. $100 off for the first 4 sign-ups. Email erin@sojournista.com for discount.
• LAST MINUTE DEAL for June 19-25, 2011 TUSCANY Retreat
$200 off for those interested in a spot at the June retreat. This is only $1200 for 7-days inclusive! Email erin@sojournista.com for discount.
• MARRAKESH Retreat Sept 11-17 almost sold out!
Only 3 spots left for this exotic retreat. It's going to be an amazing group and week! All the details are on the site.
• SPECIAL GROUP / PRIVATE WEEKS are always possible.
Whether you're interested in a private retreat, or just have a particular place + date in mind, with just a minimum of 4 people we can work on arranging a special EPM experience.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for their interest and support. We couldn't do it without you - You are what make EAT.PRAY.MOVE possible. We're so excited to bring you unforgettable experiences and hope you can join us. Currently, we're in the process of planning the 2012 calendar...and as always, any places/dates suggestions are always welcome!
P.S. Don't forget to join us on
Namaste
New Retreat! Italian Island of Ischia
Castello Aragonese, Ischia Ponte
Well, I think I've narrowed down one of my most favorite places ever - to a small(ish) island in the Bay of Naples. Ischia
had always enticed me, (yes yes, I will say that my obsession with the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley" initially had a little bit to do with that), but after getting to visit this amazing island I can say that it now entices me even more since experiencing it firsthand. One day when my husband and I were vacationing and exploring the various villages, I found a partially abandoned building overlooking the ocean and tucked it away in the "maybe-one-day-I-can-make-that-a-yoga-studio-and-live-here-part-time" file in my mind. Who knows....maybe, just maybe...
view back over island from the Castello
There's something magical about this place for me - not only for the pre-Roman history, lush landscapes, natural thermal spas, small castles in the sea, or the dormant volcano which the whole of Ischia rests - but it largely has to do with the pure kindness of so many people there with whom we've come in contact. Plus, since it's a bit more off the grid than at least the main stops like Rome, Florence, and Venice, it feels a bit more authentic Italian and less touristy. Patience towards visitors is something we observed as well. This combined with the amazing hospitality we encountered and the breath-taking beauty of the island, it's easy to see why it's a place I've wanted to return.
Between the two upcoming EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga retreats this summer in Tuscany, I had one week completely free to travel, so during that time I'm headed back to Ischia to explore even more of the island - plus scout out some locations and details for the retreat I just announced today, taking place in, none other than ISCHIA!
The retreat will be at Villa Lina which overlooks the Mediterranean from the western coast of the island, I'm so excited to share all the things I love about this place with the guests. We'll be taking day trips to thermal spas, hiking up to Mount Epomeo for views over the entire bay, visiting famous gardens, and lounging at the beach. Plus enjoying daily yoga classes at the yoga space overlooking the sea. I can't wait!
CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS OF THE ISCHIA RETREAT HERE
SIGN UP TODAY.
P.S. have you joined us on Facebook yet?
Travel Thursday \ Bella Italia
As you can guess, with the
in Italy coming up soon, my mind is filled with images of "il bel paese". Tickets were booked this past week, and the details have been coming together.
I'll be in the boot for a month, and will be able to spend some time in the city I like to consider my second home, the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy. I love the familiarity that immediately hits me when I set foot on the cobblestone streets. Then they'll be plenty of exploring in the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. Hiking, admiring the fields of wildflowers, eating, drinking, enjoying.
Lately I've been watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation episodes from Venice, Rome, and Tuscany, as well as rewatching some of my favorite films (The Talented Mr. Ripley, La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2). Last week I even checked out an older film which I'd never seen, Summertime, starring Katherine Hepburn in Venice!
Besides getting to experience all the places we'll take guests during the retreats, I'll also have a bit of time between the yoga weeks to scout out some new locations for future
retreats! I have my eye on a few places...want to guess where they are?
Or better yet - let me know some of the places you'd love to visit for a week of yoga!
Celebrate Earth Day - Eco-Friendly Yoga Retreat
photos by
I know I've talked about the amazing place where the Moroccan
will take place, but in celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to tell you about another part of Peacock Pavilions that is very relevant today especially - the "eco-friendly" part.
was designed with the earth in mind, and the owners take steps to make a healthy haven, and one that doesn't make a huge mark on the land. Located on a 8.5 acre piece of land just outside Marrakesh, 5 acres of which is olive grove, this boutique hotel was built taking certain things into consideration to make it more "green". With over 300 days of sun a year, creative pergolas and porches allow for the needed shade.
To reduce electric energy consumption and carbon output, here are a few things Peacock Pavilions lists on their website as eco-friendly elements:
Insulation in the walls and on the roofs more vulnerable to heat gain or loss. This step is almost always skipped in Marrakech, because of the extra costs entailed.
Aluminum windows with air tight seals.
Rumsford fireplaces which radiate more heat into a room and less up the chimney.
Radiant floor heating. Hot air passes through pipes buried in the concrete floor slabs. The heat is then radiated into the room over a period of hours. This is more efficient than heating air, and nicer for the feet, too.
Air conditioning through evaporative cooling. This system draws 70% less energy than conventional air conditioners and is well adapted for arid climate. Used frequently in the southwest of the US, evaporative coolers blow a mist of water over a filter and then air is passed through the filter. Air temperature can be reduced as much as 30 degrees F.
Solar water heater panels. Hot water for our own house and our 3 bedroom Pavilion is provided by the Moroccan sun, with back-up provide by instant gas heaters.
Primarily fluorescent lights. Why use 75 watts when 20 watts will do the same job?
As for the lovely piece of land it sits on, Peacock Pavilions takes measures in the care of the land, gardens, and irrigation. Instead of using the common "flooding" irrigation system as in much of Morocco, Peacock Pavilions uses a drip system which
only puts out about 1 gallon of water on the ground per hour. The water slowly seeps in the ground with almost no evaporation, thus saving a lot of precious water in this dry climate. Also grey water is used for irrigation.
No chemical pesticides are ever used on the property, and an organic garden with d
elicious tomatoes, lettuce picked fresh from the garden...pumpkin, corn, onions, and more are grown using only natural fertilizer.
Besides enjoying the upcoming
at an eco-friendly location, also with the all-vegetarian menu being served, we're being even more gentle with the earth. This past
lists some of the popular points citing vegetarianism as one of the best "green" practices around.
Italian day-trip \ market in Arezzo
Today I thought I'd take you on an Italian day-trip...won't you join me? One of the side trips we'll be taking on the
in June and July this year in Italy is to the lovely Tuscany town of Arezzo. This once Etruscan city is home to the famous
(antique fair) which is spread up and down all the streets, alleys, and squares of the city center.
There are over 500 antique vendors with everything from jewelry, books, oil paintings, original edition comic books, tapestries, linens, furniture, frames, tin toys, carved wooden doors, stamps, postcards and almost anything you could think to collect.
A few years ago, while my husband and I were living in Florence, we visited Arezzo with the lovely Julian and Amanda (owners of the villa where the yoga retreat will take place). It was a beautiful spring Sunday, and such a great way to experience this Tuscan town.
We meandered up the street past many frames of silver, pine, and iron leaning against the stone walls and tables of bric-a-brac being picked through by tourists and Italians from all regions. As soon as we got to the first intersection, I looked to the right and left down the crossway and each
strada
(street) was just as full of antique vendors as was the current one on which we stood.
We quickly came upon a small piazza with the
, which we were able to step in for a little bit to see the
Legends of the True Cross
by Piero della Francesca. Since it was Sunday mass, we had to view it from afar...luckily Julian (owner of the villa where the retreat will be held, and who will be also leading this day-trip) teaches art history and was able to explain much of this massive fresco to us from the prints in the back of the church. As soon as we exited the silent hall, the hum of shoppers filled the air once again and we continued the trek through town.
Soon we were at the Vasari Loggia, a hall of old shops with a covered sidewalk and archways leading to Piazza Grande, the culmination of the fair. Here is where
, author of
Under the Tuscan Sun
and
Bella Tuscany
, writes about buying things for her villa in Cortona. I searched through some stalls of bed linens and found a couple white embroidered pillow cases. Notice, I didn't say a "pair" of cases, as the two I chose don't match...but it's nice to find mismatched linens with different stories behind them (not that I
know
the stories, but at least I can
imagine
two stories now instead of one).
After a small lunch at a cafe under the shade of the Loggia, we inspected several more streets and even found the cathedral, near where a scene of
(Life is Beautiful) was filmed. This town was the main backdrop of the first part of this internationally famous movie, and there are even plaques around the city at certain sites, marking scenes from the film.
Arezzo is a beautiful town with or without happening upon it on the market day. If you're in Tuscany I highly recommend a visit...or you can always
!
springtime + savoring life
Life runs away from you sometimes....and we try to run with it at least. That's how the past month or so has been feeling for me - things coming at me in all directions - mostly good. Really good things. When this year started I felt like it was going to be a great year - not exactly sure why I was sure of it, but I felt that there were changes in the air, optimism on the horizon, and lots of fun to be had. For now...just a small story of stopping to smell the flowers of life...
About a week and a half ago, we went up to Asheville, NC for a long weekend in the mountains with a group of friends. Mountains, hiking, good food, cool nights, some yoga, picnics, and lots of live music from the guitars, banjo, harmonica, and bass which made the trip as well.
Mornings never started with an alarm clock, and hours passed without anyone rushing to go somewhere or do something. Time was slow, conversations plenty, and a birthday was celebrated with the richest chocolate cake I've eaten.
Asheville boasts a strong community of local/organic/vegetarian restaurants, which we were able to sample. There are also a handful of wonderful yoga studios, and always an array of classes and workshops to choose from. I was just in Asheville over Christmas and had stopped in on an Ashtanga class, and decided to go to an inversion workshop this time at Asheville Yoga Center for a couple hours one afternoon.
We hiked some Smoky Mountain trails and drove with the windows down over miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway...through tunnels, past valleys and peaks. We stopped for a little picnic at a lookout, and enjoyed the afternoon sun. Made our way to the stream at a waterfall, and watched the mountain ranges turn purple at sunset.
It was a beautiful several days with a wonderful group of people. It's a reminder to breathe in deep, unplug, and enjoy the spring flowers that are blooming!
KARMA CONNECTION \ Weekly Italy Fix
I've been enjoying the
since its very beginning in the spring of last year. This weekly podcast is always on my iPod when I travel, especially on longer drives. Of course, I'm a bit partial because of my extreme interest in Italy - the country I love to consider my second home - but even for those with just a general interest in "il bel paese", travel, world knowledge, or just different cultural facts, will find it very interesting.
"Eye on Italy is an Italy podcast that focuses on news, culture and travel in English. Each episode includes expert interviews and guests, Picks of the Week for new Italy applications, websites, and tips in every episode, plus a different Italian word featured in our Angolo d’Italiano (Italian corner)."
Our friend, Sara, is one of the hosts along with Michelle and Jessica. All of these lovely American ladies have amazing credentials. Sara, lives in Milan and is a techy-guru, find out more about all of her projects on her hub site,
. Michelle, is a freelance writer and attorney living in Calabria where she blogs at
. And Jessica is a writer for BootsnAll Travel Network and also runs the
travel guide.
Each week they get together with various guests to talk about current news in Italy, special interest subjects, and plenty of travel talk. The most recent episode is about a subject close to my heart: "Being Vegetarian (and Dealing with Other Special Diets) in Italy" - and includes a mention of the
Yoga Retreats. Read about and download the episode
.
So if you can't get to Italy as soon as you'd like, but would like a way to transport your mind...check out more of Eye on Italy through the ways below:
Subscribe to FREE podcast on iTUNES
Look through PAST EPISODES
Follow on TWITTER
Like on FACEBOOK
Announcing Extended Travel Planning Services
Pantheon in Rome
Happy Friday! I'm so excited about all the interest we've been getting for the upcoming
. Almost everyday I hear from someone else who wants to join us this summer. Plus, as of earlier this week there are ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT! Want to be one of them?
today!
Several people who've contacted us have wanted to make more of a full vacation out of their trip to Italy, adding several days before or after the retreat to experience more of the country's amazing treasures.
gondolas in Venice
This is where we can help!
CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL ITINERARY PLANNING AND PERSONALIZED TOUR GUIDING SERVICES ARE NOW AVILABLE!
Would you like assistance in finding a list of suggested routes, cities, sites, accommodations, and dining options? Or would you prefer a very specific list of an exact itinerary to follow? Maybe you want an onsite personalized "concierge"/tour guide to accompany you, allowing you to just sit back and enjoy the ride?!
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Whatever your preference, we can help! Don't worry if the 7-day yoga retreat isn't long enough for you to travel to
"il bel paese"
- you're free to extend your trip as long as you'd like.
Visit Rome and see the Eternal City with the ancient ruins, go to Venice and experience a city unlike any other on earth, or even head to the beautiful Cinque Terre and hike along the seaside cliffs and picturesque villages. Whatever your ♥ desires...
EMAIL US for more information and pricing details!
Plus, don't forget to "Like" us on FACEBOOK!
KARMA CONNECTION \ Chianti Wine Tour
Today on another installment of the "Karma Connection" blog series where I highlight other types of retreats in order to share the ♥love♥, I'd like to introduce you to
.
I was lucky enough to meet the beautiful founder,
a few years ago when I was living in Florence. We had "met" through the blogosphere, and finally met in person and enjoyed a glass of, none other than, Chianti. She and her husband Antonio run a wine business and from their love of the grape, came the Passionate Palate tours where they share their knowledge of Italy and Italian wine + food to guests on their trips.
photo:
They just announced their upcoming trip this fall, taking place September 5-11 and will allow guests to indulge in VIP wine and food tours, alongside of chef and author Leonardo Curti.
KARMA CONNECTION \ Morocco Retreat
This is a new blog category where we plan to feature other inspiring people around the world doing amazing things of their own, because hey, isn't that what part of the yogic spirit is about?
Plus, this gives those of you reading an opportunity to learn about other options out there - retreats that take place on other dates in the year than EAT.PRAY.MOVE and perhaps other places on the globe that are more accessible to you.
photos from
This week, as the first KARMA Connection on this blog, I'd love to introduce you to the lovely,
, an American who lives in Morocco and blogs at
.
From reading her blog for years now it becomes more and more apparent that Maryam is a sort of Renaissance woman - wearing hats from writer, expat, journalist, traveler, designer, hotelier
, wife/mother, and shopper. Yes, among many other things, she's a professional personal shopper and is hosting a retreat this May for those interested in diving deep into the exotic Moroccan shopping experience.
photos from
When she isn't acting as purveyor of peacocks at home on her 9-acre olive grove property, she's getting ready to host amazing experiences for her guests in May at the
Ace Camp Morrocan Shopping Retreat
. Enjoy a week shopping in the souks with Maryam as a guide, Morrocan wine tastings, palace visits, expert talks, and lodging at the
boutique hotel.
Find out more on Maryam's site
. And say,
"salam alekoum"
for me!