OVERVIEW

A WEEK OF SUN, STONE, OLIVE TREES & LA DOLCE VITA

Come with us to Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy, where ancient olive groves meet the Adriatic, whitewashed villages rise from rolling hills, and some of Italy’s best food is still made the old-fashioned way.

Our home for the week is a beautiful boutique masseria in the heart of the Valle d’Itria, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, orchards, and the iconic trulli of the region. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down the moment you arrive.

Mornings begin with yoga in the countryside, followed by leisurely breakfasts and days designed to balance discovery with plenty of time to simply enjoy being here. Swim, relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, wander through ancient towns, or sit beneath an olive tree with a glass of local wine and nowhere else to be.

And then there’s the food.

Puglia is often called the kitchen of Italy for good reason. This is a region where food is deeply connected to the land, the seasons, and family tradition. We’ll visit local producers, taste exceptional olive oils and wines, discover the art of Puglian cheesemaking, and get our hands dirty with a traditional cooking experience. Long lunches, fresh pasta, burrata, local vegetables, warm bread, and tables shared with good company are all part of the experience.

Beyond the masseria, we’ll explore the villages and landscapes that make Puglia so captivating—from the extraordinary trulli of Alberobello to the winding streets of whitewashed hill towns and the dramatic Adriatic coastline of Polignano a Mare.

This is a retreat for curious travelers who want to experience Puglia rather than simply visit it. A week of movement and stillness, culture and cuisine, adventure and rest—woven together at the unhurried pace of southern Italy.

Come for the beauty.
Stay for the food, the laughter, the long lunches, the olive trees, and the feeling of having nowhere you need to rush off to.

This is Puglia at its best: simple, generous, beautiful, and meant to be savored.

ACCOMMODATION

OUR HOME IN THE VALLE D’ITRIA

For five nights, we’ll call Ottolire home—a beautifully restored masseria tucked into the heart of Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, where the character of an old Apulian farmhouse meets the quiet luxury of a contemporary boutique hotel.

Surrounded by olive groves, ancient stone walls, vineyards, orchards, and whitewashed hilltop towns, Ottolire feels wonderfully removed from the world. This is a place to slow down and settle into the rhythm of southern Italy.

Mornings begin with yoga surrounded by nature, followed by a generous breakfast filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace: swim laps in the panoramic pool, retreat to the unique Trullo Spa for a treatment, wander through the gardens, or simply find a shady spot beneath an olive or prickly-pear tree and do absolutely nothing.

The hotel’s connection to the land extends to the table. An organic garden supplies the restaurant with seasonal produce, while the kitchen celebrates the flavors and traditions of Puglia through local ingredients, regional recipes, and special Apulian evenings. Expect simple food done beautifully, shaped by the seasons and the generations of cooks who came before.

And then there is the setting.

The Valle d’Itria is one of Puglia’s most enchanting landscapes—a patchwork of ancient olive trees, dry-stone walls, vineyards, orchards, and distinctive trulli, dotted with villages of whitewashed stone. From Ottolire, we’ll have an idyllic base for exploring the region, returning each afternoon to our peaceful countryside sanctuary.

This is rural Italy at its most beautiful: sunlight filtering through olive branches, a cool swim in the afternoon, a glass of local wine at sunset, the sound of birds across the estate, and long evenings that seem to stretch a little further than expected.

A place to rest. A place to savor. A place to slow down and let Puglia work its magic.

ACTIVITIES

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF PUGLIA

Puglia is a place best experienced slowly — wandering through whitewashed villages, tasting what comes from the land, lingering over long lunches, and following the coastline wherever it leads.

Throughout the week, we'll explore some of the region's most beautiful landscapes and fascinating traditions, balancing cultural discoveries and delicious experiences with plenty of time to simply relax.

ALBEROBELLO + THE TRULLI

We'll visit Alberobello, home to one of Puglia's most extraordinary landscapes: hundreds of traditional trulli, the distinctive whitewashed stone houses topped with conical roofs.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello feels almost dreamlike as we wander through its winding streets and discover the history and craftsmanship behind these unique structures.

We'll have time to explore the town before sitting down to a special tasting-menu lunch at an award-winning restaurant, paired with regional wines.

FROM FARM TO TABLE

Food is inseparable from Puglian culture, so we'll go beyond the restaurants to meet some of the people who produce it.

We'll visit a local cheese farm to learn about traditional cheesemaking and, naturally, enjoy a tasting of the region's specialties.

It's a delicious introduction to the simple, deeply rooted food traditions that make Puglia one of Italy's great culinary destinations.

WINE + THE PUGLIAN COUNTRYSIDE

We'll spend another day exploring Puglia's wine country with a visit to a local winery.

Tour the vineyards and cellar, learn about the region's distinctive wines, and sit down for a tasting that connects what's in the glass to the landscape around us.

Because in Puglia, wine isn't just something you drink.

It's part of the place.

POLIGNANO A MARE

We'll head to the spectacular coastal town of Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically above the turquoise Adriatic.

Wander through its whitewashed streets, discover hidden corners and panoramic viewpoints, and take in the extraordinary contrast between the bright blue sea and the limestone cliffs.

Bring your camera.

You'll want it.

TIME TO SLOW DOWN

Not every day needs an itinerary.

Back at our home-away-from-home, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the pool, gardens, walking trails, and beautiful surroundings.

Treat yourself to a massage, take a quiet walk, read by the pool, or simply do nothing for a while.

Because discovering Puglia is only half the experience.

The other half is learning to enjoy the slow, sun-soaked rhythm of life here.

CUISINE

THE TASTE OF PUGLIA

Puglia is often called Italy's kitchen — and once you've eaten here, you'll understand why.

With fertile farmland, ancient olive groves, vineyards, and a spectacular Adriatic coastline, Puglia has built its food culture around something deceptively simple: exceptionally good ingredients, prepared with care and shared generously.

Throughout the retreat, we'll experience Puglia through its food — from family-run farms and ancient olive groves to local wineries, cooking tables, and long dinners beneath the southern Italian sky.

FROM FARM TO TABLE

We'll visit a traditional family-run cheese farm and discover how some of Puglia's most beloved cheeses are made, including fresh mozzarella and creamy burrata.

Naturally, we'll finish with a tasting.

We'll also explore the region's extraordinary extra virgin olive oil, learning about the centuries-old olive-growing traditions that have shaped Puglia's landscape and tasting the oils produced from these ancient trees.

WINE FROM THE LAND

Wine is deeply woven into Puglian life.

We'll spend an afternoon at a local winery, exploring the vineyards and cellar before tasting distinctive regional varietals and learning about the traditions behind them.

It's an opportunity to understand not just what's in your glass, but the landscape, climate, and people that put it there.

COOK, EAT, REPEAT

One of the highlights of the week will be a hands-on Puglian cooking class, where we'll learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients and techniques passed down through generations.

And because no Italian retreat should be without pizza, we'll gather for a relaxed pizza party — wood-fired pizzas, local wine, laughter, and good music under the southern Italian sky.

There may even be some Pugliese dancing involved.

THE ITALIAN ART OF THE TABLE

From leisurely breakfasts to long dinners, our meals are designed to be savored rather than rushed.

In keeping with the yogic tradition at the heart of Eat Pray Move, the majority of our retreat meals are vegetarian. This allows us to honor the lineage from which our practice comes while making thoughtful choices about the way we travel.

We know not everyone is vegetarian, and we ask our guests to embrace this philosophy for the few days we are together.

Breakfast is more flexible, with a variety of options available, including meat and fish. When we dine independently, you'll be free to choose from the menu, and special dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

Ultimately, this is about more than food.

It's about sitting around a table.

Passing plates.

Opening another bottle of wine.

Learning a recipe from someone who has been making it their whole life.

And discovering that some of the best parts of travel happen between the first bite and the last glass.

Benvenuti in Puglia.

WELLNESS

MOVE. BREATHE. RESTORE.

Yoga is at the heart of every Eat Pray Move retreat, creating a grounding rhythm alongside all the food, culture, adventure, and exploration.

Each day, we'll make time for yoga and meditation, with practices designed to leave you feeling energized, grounded, and restored.

Classes are open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners, and may range from gentle, restorative practices to more dynamic Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga-inspired classes.

With our intimate group size, practices can be adapted to the people in the room, allowing for personalized attention and the freedom to explore your practice at your own pace.

Depending on the weather, we'll practice in our dedicated yoga space or take our mats outside into the beautiful Puglian landscape.

And because this is Eat Pray Move, wellness isn't confined to the yoga mat.

There will be time for massage, swimming, walking, resting, exploring, eating beautifully, and simply enjoying the slower rhythm of southern Italy.

Sometimes the most restorative thing you can do is put your feet up, pour a glass of wine, and watch the sun go down.

MEET YOUR RETREAT LEADER

AMY COMMANDER

Amy discovered yoga in 2003 after a knee injury from long-distance running. What began as a way to get back to running soon became something much deeper — a sustainable practice for movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.

In 2008, she opened her first yoga studio, which she successfully ran for more than 12 years. With over 14 years of teaching experience, Amy brings a warm, intuitive approach to her classes and a genuine ability to meet people wherever they are in their practice.

Her work extends well beyond yoga. Amy is a Reiki Master, intuitive, oracle and tarot reader, astrologer, and certified holistic nutrition counselor. She completed advanced astrology training with Debra Silverman and later studied nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

After losing a close friend to cancer in 2020, Amy felt called to deepen her understanding of nutrition and holistic wellbeing. She went on to create Yogi Bites, offering nutrition services and homemade treats, alongside her work at The Studio in St. Augustine, Florida.

For this retreat, Amy brings together her love of movement, nourishment, intuition, and connection — creating a practice that supports the whole person.

Come ready to move.

Come ready to slow down.

And come ready to discover a little more of yourself in the beautiful landscape of Puglia.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

WHAT PAST GUESTS ARE SAYING

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Sep 22-27, 2027)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $4395 (shared room*), + various single and upgraded room options available during registration

• Deposit to hold space = $1500

• Max # Guests = 14

* Please note that shared rooms will not be confirmed until both spaces are filled. Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
** 50% of final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date.
Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *

• Hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Dinner

• Selected Lunches

• Airport Transfers on retreat start/end days

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily meditation and yoga classes

• Use of hotel amenities (pool, relax rooms, etc.)

• Chef tasting menu + wine pairing

• Cheese farm visit with tour + tasting

• Winery visit, tour, tasting

• Day in Alberobello, trulli, walking tour, freetime

• Day in coastal town of Polignano al Mare

• Pizza Party Dinner

• Cooking Class

• Olive oil tasting

• Cheese Farm tour & Tasting

• Spa treatment

• Taxes

• * airfare not included
  ** all meals are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
  ***activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

TRAVEL

• Located in the heart of Valle d'Itria in the territory of central Puglia, Ottolire Resort is just outside of the picturesque town of Locorotondo

• The hotel is about 65 km from Brindisi Papola Casale airport and about 80 km from Bari Palese airport.

• AIRPORTS: Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS), Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)

• Airport transfers to the Masseria will be provided to and from the retreat on start and end dates

SUGGESTED PACKING

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• Bathing suit (beach, pool, spa)

• Comfortable shoes

• Yoga clothes *YOGA MATS PROVIDED*

• Personal yoga props

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Insect repellant

• Sunscreen

• Casual clothing, layer for various weather

• Journal

COME WITH AN OPEN HEART

This is not a retreat about checking things off a list.
It’s about slowing down enough to actually experience where you are.

To wake up beneath the Puglian sun.
To move among olive trees and ancient stone.
To wander through whitewashed villages.
To swim, taste, explore, and linger.
To break bread around a table with people who were strangers just days before.
To discover the stories behind the food, the land, and the families who have cared for them for generations.
To let someone else take care of you for a few days.

And perhaps, somewhere between the long lunches, salty Adriatic air, morning yoga, glasses of wine, and evenings under the stars, you’ll remember something simple:

There is nowhere else you need to be.

Just here.
Just now.
Fully alive.

Puglia has a way of reminding you that life is meant to be savored.