“I found the retreat experience to be healing in unexpected ways. Ultimately, an excuse to break free from my routine.”
Slow down and enjoy La vita bella in the south of Italy.
Rejuvenate your spirit in Italy!
Puglia is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and known for the delicious food and warm hospitality.
Join Anne Wanda Tessier and Cat Doyle for a week-long yoga retreat at Yogapulia Retreat Center in the south of Italy. You will enjoy a variety of daily yoga classes, meditation, pranayama, workshops, swimming, nourishing local food and exploring the local region.
The retreat is hosted in a beautiful retreat center in the southern region of Italy featuring accommodation in farmhouse typical of the region of Puglia. Each room is well decorated with modern decor and there are plenty of magical places around the property to relax, wander and explore.
The area of Puglia is known for its beautiful beaches, olive groves, delicious food and wine. Take advantage of lower costs for flights, fewer tourists, and perfect temperatures for yoga, wandering the nearby towns and swimming in the pool.
“Amazing place for a yoga retreat, possibly one of the best. The location is absolutely perfect: surrounded by olive trees, you can easily immerse in your yoga practice (the shala has wonderful views of the valley), chill by the pool or go for a walk. The food is simply delicious and the hosts are super welcoming and really make you feel like you’re there to visit friends. Highly recommended”
“Cat is a master in creating a relaxed and chill vibe for all participants. She takes the time to connect with each guest in an authentic manner. She truly created magic for our group in the creatively sequenced yoga practices and group activities.”
This retreat is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, truely rest, and be supported.
Anne Wanda Tessier (she/her/elle)
Anne is a Canadian yoga teacher and restorative yoga trainer who teaches various styles of yoga including hatha, yin, slow flow and restorative yoga. Her calm voice guides you through a practice that is suitable for beginners and advanced offering various options throughout the class. Anne’s aim is to create a safe and welcoming environment in all her classes. She has been practicing yoga for over twenty-five years and understands the benefits of yoga to help relax the body, soothe the soul and ease the mind.
Cat Doyle (she/her)
Cat hails from Ottawa, Canada and brings a deep love of gathering people together and creating an experience. She has been teaching yoga since 2011 and offers clear, straightforward instruction with a dose of insight and playfulness. Her background in biology and psychology means she is serious about anatomy, alignment, and functional movement. She focuses on moving in intentional, mindful ways and balances practices that feel like a good workout with practices that give you a sense of calm and release. Cat is an experienced retreat host; having facilitated over 20 yoga retreats, both locally and internationally.
Open your heart to new friends, travel, and yoga.
During this retreat, you’ll be staying in the peaceful YogApulia Retreat Centre and partake in activities to fuel your soul like:
Yoga with Anne & Cat
Meditation & breathing practices
Guided journaling
Yoga workshops
Excursions to surrounding villages
Delicious vegetarian food
Pool lounging time
Downtime to rejuvenate yourself
Sample Day:
8:00am: Morning Mediation & Gentle Hatha / Slow Flow / Mobility Yoga
10:30am: Brunch
Free time/group excursion
4:30-6pm: Yin Yoga / Restorative Yoga / Yoga Nidra
6:30pm: Dinner
Investment
$2450 CAD
*EARLY BIRD PRICE* $2250 before December 1, 2024
Deposit of $750 CAD due upon booking (non-refundable)
Final Payment due April 20, 2025
Accommodations:
At YogApulia, you can expect a cozy and serene sleep. The rooms are intentionally minimalist and clean to aid in you unwinding and relaxing at night. All accommodations are double occupancy and there is one double room - perfect for two people who want to share a bed. The other rooms have two single beds. Each room has it’s own private bathroom.
Deepen your yoga practice, explore what the region has to offer while also taking time to relax, restore and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
FAQs with Cat & Anne
Q: Is this retreat only for advanced yogis?
A: Definitely not! You will benefit from having practiced yoga before, but we are experienced yoga teachers who can adapt the practice depending on your skill level. We can also can offer suggestions and modifications if you’re dealing with an injury. This is a great opportunity to explore different styles of yoga, ask questions, and learn variations that work for your body.
Q: What if I’m coming to Italy alone?
A: That’s great! You’ll have an opportunity to connect more with the group, and yourself. We will partner you in a shared room with someone. As our accommodations are limited, there are no single rooms at this time. You will be fully supported and integrated into the group.
Q: How do I get there?
A: The closest airport to the retreat centre is Brindisi (BDS) or Bari (BRI). You may want to look at flying into Rome (FCO). From there, you’ll take ground transportation to Casalini. Renting a car can be an inexpensive way to get around and see the countryside. As we get closer to the retreat, we will arrange the group so that people can carpool, as needed.
Q: What does a day at this retreat look like?
A: Each day of our retreat will be unique, as we’ve curated the activities based on our experience of hosting retreats and showcasing the region. Typically, we will have two yoga practices per day (one more active and one more passive), meditation, breathing practice, meals together, free time, and an outing. Please contact us if you’d like a more detailed itinerary.
Q: What is the weather like in May?
A: Late spring in Italy is glorious! You can expect temperatures between 15-23°C, with lots of sun.
Q: Am I required to participate in every excursion and activity?
A: No, you can customize your retreat experience to be as relaxed or as lively as you want. Although a group itinerary with daily meditation, yoga and activities has been curated, at the end of the day you can opt in or out of anything along the way.
Q: What’s the food like?
A: Italy is renowned for it’s delicious and fresh food. Each meal is prepared on site with the highest quality ingredients. All meals at YogApulia are plant-based, and food allergies (eg. GF/DF) are easily accommodated. We will have two groups meals per day: Brunch at 10:30am and dinner at 6:30pm. Light refreshemnts are served in the afternoon.
Q: What is NOT included in the price?
A: You are responsible for booking and paying for flights and transportation to YogApulia. We also strongly recommend that you purchase travel and medical insurance.
Q: When does the retreat start and end?
A: Check in at YogApulia is at 3pm on Saturday May 24. Check out is at 11am on Thursday May 29.
Q: Are there any specific health related issues that I should be aware of?
A: No, just general travel safety.
