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!
Food in Marrakesh \ part 3
Part 3 of my posts on the past yoga retreat in Marrakesh. This one will probably be my last one about Marrakesh for a while, as I have several other things to update you on...but this one is last, and not least, about the amazing FOOD we had.
The week was an ongoing parade of tastes - all completely vegetarian and completely delicious. Most of the meals were served at Peacock Pavilions, from breakfast and lunches on the outdoor poolside terrace to extravagant dinners in the Moroccan dining tent.
Flavors and spices from sweet to savory were in every bite...
(and sip...as we had a few lovely cocktails throughout the week too! Here were some cucumber mint Pimms sipped poolside during the henna party)
All fresh, local ingredients were served with a mix of traditional and more international flair of recipes.
All meals were multi-courses and served in beautiful displays before each of us.
Dessert was a daily indulgence as well. (shhh.... ;)) and I don't think there were any complaints about that.
What a GREAT group it was - so many laughs were shared each day, smiles/hugs/encouragement given, and life-long friends made. Can't wait to see everyone again sometime.
Here's a video recap of our amazing week:
Yoga in Marrakesh \ part 2
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!
and we're baaaacckk!!!
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!
leaving on a jet plane
So today I fly out for the upcoming
Yoga Retreats in
and
! Really excited for these next adventures and to meet all the wonderful guests that are traveling over to join us.
I can't believe that the time for Morocco is already here. This coming week we'll be doing yoga in an olive grove, sipping iced mint tea by the pool, shopping at the souks in Marrakesh, and riding camels on the beach...
Doesn't this video just get you in the mood for the exotic aura of Marrakesh?
If you missed signing up for this one...then
when we'll be meeting again at
for another week of yoga, Moroccan cuisine, henna parties, and spa days.
•••••••••••
Plus, you still have time to sign up for the ISCHIA, ITALY retreat Oct 2-8! Here we'll be exploring the amazing island off the Amalfi Coast, hiking, visiting castles in the sea, eating amazing food, and practicing yoga along the cliffs of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
(psst...there's a $100 off last-min discount as well...just mention the post during sign up!)
I'll be staying in Italy between the two retreats this time to lead a
trip. We're visiting the "waters of Italy"...Belaggio, Lake Como (lake) + Venice (canals) + Florence (river) + Cinque Terre (sea). I'll be sure to
!
...and the WINNER is...
A big THANKS to all those who participated in the
mala giveaway last week! We had such a great response on the blog and on
...plus many new friends on our
page as well.
Well...the names were all put together and the random.org number generator chose...
GLAD DOGGETT
(don't you just love her name?!) :)
CONGRATS Glad! We know you'll love the beautiful mala from Tiny Devotions. Also a big thanks to Tiny Devotions for being a part of this and for the lovely light & love you give!
Glad is getting the beautiful Amazonite Mala which "promotes universal love and alleviates fear and anxiety".
Be sure to visit
site for yourself to check out all the malas... And visit
to see the upcoming retreats (and perhaps sign up to join us in Marrakesh or Ischia SOON!)
Q&A with Tiny Devotions
Well, if you have been following EAT.PRAY.MOVE for the past week you'll know that we're really excited about the current mala bead giveaway with
. If you haven't entered yet...
before this coming Saturday when the contest closes.
Today I want to introduce you to the lovely founder of Canadian company Tiny Devotions, Diana Charabin. According to her bio,
"she is a yogi, a world traveller, an adventurer, a writer and creative soul that is dedicated in making the most beautiful mala beads in the world."
Her travels have taken her from the Gold Coast of Australia around the world and back - and to life-changing time in Bali. In Bali is where she began making these beautiful malas which are now exploding as the must-have mala beads in the worldwide yoga community.
We're thankful that she had a bit of time to answer a few questions that EAT.PRAY.MOVE threw her way. There's a lot more to know about her and the Tiny Devotion company - so feel free to check out their
and
for a lot more information!
Q&A with Diana of Tiny Devotions
• On your site and videos you've shared several inspiring stories of intention with your mala beads. What story/experience, either personally or from a customer, stands out the most?
The story that most stands out is an amazing girl who received a rose quartz from her friend in Switzerland. She had been trying to get pregnant for some time with no success and a few weeks or months (not sure) of wearing the rose quartz mala with the intention of helping her get pregnant she became pregnant and called me with tears from Switzerland. Um…that was pretty cool!
I would not say that our mala beads magically got her pregnant but rather (and hopefully) shifted her intention and energy which made her more emotionally and energetically open to getting pregnant. Sometimes we have blockages and mantras and tactical objects with intention can help us overcome them!
• How do you decide which new stones to introduce to the collection and are there any exciting additions you have coming out?
Creating our mala beads is sort of like solving a jigsaw puzzle. There are some stones that I want to use that I can never find and other stones that I never thought of using that I find and get inspired by.
We're always creating new and evolving our mala beads - it is a balance of creating buddhaful mala beads that are still functional.
• What is the most influential teacher you've had in your journey through yoga/meditation?
Well two different teachers come to mind - for meditation Emil Wendel - he told me I could have coffee before I started meditation. That won me over.
For yoga it would have to be the Merrifield sisters. Michelle and Clare are phenomenal yogis and human beings! Complete opposite styles and energies and I just feel like whenever I am around them I learn so much and connect. Unfortunately they are in Australia so have not got to practice with them in a while but heading there in a few months so stoked!
I also feel as though I have a lot to learn from my lovely friend Katie Brauer who is a North County + international yoga teacher. You will hear a lot about her in the next few months/years. She is so in the flow!
• What is your favorite location to retreat to?
Well being a travel addict I obviously have a few. The 2 that stand out are: Southern California and Gold Coast, Australia.
The last two trips I have taken have been to San Diego and North County - I kind of feel like I live there. Ocean, Yoga, nature and great food. There is a natural pull there. Plan on spending more time there doing yoga with Katie Brauer and practicing at Bindu and Haute Yoga.
Gold Coast is where I lived for 3 years during law school and it is one of my most favourite places on earth. I would describe it as magical. Nobbys is such a cool area to go and chill - also my favourite yoga studio is there - Essence of Living. People are so effortlessly cool in Australia and I just feel a lot of goddess energy when I'm there. It is so easy to be in the flow and to manifest your dreams! Australia to me is like a parallel universe. It is bliss!
And obviously hope to go on one of your retreats someday soon ;)
A HUGE HUG and THANKS to Diana and Tiny Devotions for the Q&A and beautiful beads!
GIVEAWAY \ Tiny Devotion Mala
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!
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.
RETREAT RECAP \ June 2011 Tuscany
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!
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)
Pose Series #10 \ Parivrtta Trikonasana
Parivrtta Trikonasana :: Revolved Triangle
Feet grounding and spaced.
One foot forward, one foot back.
Heels pressing.
Toes light.
Legs fully engaged.
Hips squared to front.
Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).
Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).
Torso lengthened, strong, and twisting.
Arms extended and reaching.
Bottom hand pressing and grounding on outside of front foot.
Top fingers reaching skyward.
Top of head reaching out.
Neck lengthening.
Gaze (dristhi) upwards.
B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).
smile.
balancing act \ paddleboard yoga
instructor demoing
A couple days ago I had the opportunity to try my hand (and feet, and core, and entire body) at paddleboard yoga! This new craze is definitely catching fire in coastal towns (or any town for that matter with a bit of water).
As stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been steadily growing as a sport in the past few years, some yogis have been getting in on the action. A friend in town who owns the Bikram studio recently started taking groups out in an inlet area of the island and invited a group of us to try it out!
I'd never been on a paddleboard, although I've surfed and felt that the balance issue was similar. So first things first, we headed out from Lighthouse Park to an area around the floating boats...
...tied our boards up to a line between some buoys so we wouldn't float away or bump into each other. Then took a deep breath and began...
A few sun salutations started us off, and a lot of concentration and precise intention of movements was needed to maintain balance during the flow. It was really amazing being out in the quiet of the water, so close to this beautiful setting while doing the class. Yes, there was some splashing, some falling in, some laughing, but those times where we could be still, stay concentrated, reconnect with the breath, allowed for some pretty amazing moments.
friends trying headstands
Then of course, there was some free-style time where we pushed the limits of balance and tried out some inversions and arm-balances.
attempting flying pigeon
I loved how being on a moving board allowed for a deeper awareness of every small part of your body. During a few arm balances, my fingers and breath were the main things keeping me upright. I actually made it through without falling in, but it took a lot of core work. The next morning I woke up with the sorest quads I can remember in a long time - plus a deep soreness in my midsection core. All those little muscles were working to keep me on the board and what work they did.
The class was amazingly fun and I can't wait to go again after I'm back in town from Italy next month. If you have an opportunity to go to a paddleboard yoga class, definitely try it out! (and bring a towel!)
Marrakesh Retreat - ENCORE!
We've had such a great response to the retreat in Marrakesh, Morocco that we've just listed more dates! This is the EAT.PRAY.MOVE kick-off announcement for 2012 retreats.
MARCH 4-10, 2012
7-DAY INCLUSIVE
As I write this there is just one spot left for the Marrakesh retreat in September, and interest is still pouring in. It's not too early to mark your calendars.
Plus there's a $200 EARLY SIGN-UP DISCOUNT.
Still the same amazing location at Peacock Pavilions boutique hotel, tasty Moroccan cuisine, exotic day trips, camel rides, henna parties, daily yoga classes, and more!
Pose Series #9 \ Vasisthasana
Vasisthasana :: Side Plank
Bottom hand spread, fingers pressing.
Arm strong.
Wrist directly under shoulder.
Torso open to side.
Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).
Hips lifting.
Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).
Bottom leg strong.
Side/bottom of foot pressing into the mat.
Extension (optional): Top leg lifting.
Pressing away with heel.
Grabbing toe with fingers.
Gaze (dristhi) upwards.
B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).
smile.
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?
Pose Series #8 :: Ustrasana
Ustrasana
:: Camel Pose
Knees hip width apart.
Shins parallel behind knees pressing into mat.
Tops of feet grounding.
Quads engaged.
Hips lifted and pressing forward.
Glutes soften.
Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).
Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).
Heart and chest reaching up.
Shoulders back.
Arms reaching back.
Hands reach toward heels.
Neck long and head looking back.
B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).
smile.
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!