Italy Yoga Retreat

Ananda on the Amalfi

This retreat is sold-out! 

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     Scenic picture-postcard view of famous Amalfi Coast with Gulf of Salerno from Villa Rufolo gardens in Ravello, Campania, Italy.

September 16-24, 2017

Ananda is a Sanskrit word that translates to bliss, the condition of utter joy. Amalfi is the name of a beautiful Mediterranean town and stretch of coastline in Italy known for its abundance of lemon groves, pastel-colored villages, terraced vineyards, stunning views and an abundance of Ananda! So, are you ready for some Ananda in Amalfi?

Join Maria Santoferraro, E-RYT 500 of the Daily Downward Dog for eight joyous days of seaside yoga, meditation, sunshine, scrumptious food, and sightseeing on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast of Italy. Your home base for this Italian yoga retreat is Villa Simonetta, a splendid and private two-story villa located on the coast of Sorrento with breathtaking views of the island of Capri, the bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. We’ll start each day with joy-infused yoga practice overlooking the sea and spend the afternoons immersed in Italian culture, history, food, and adventure.

Located only 15 minutes by car from the sea front between the bays of Naples and Salerno, this villa is an ideal location for sightseeing the entire Amalfi Coast and Naples areas. At Villa Simonetta, you will be roughly 3 km (1.8 miles) from Massa Lubrense, where you will find restaurants, shops and bus transportation if needed.

Villa Simonetta provides a typical example of the Mediterranean, with olive trees, fruit trees and vines and a garden on the property. The villa has a private swimming pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a wide private terrace with a view of the sea (and our yoga studio for the week!), private garden, wood burning over for pizza parties, air conditioning and Wi-Fi internet access. The furnishings are elegant and bright, and include some antique pieces. In the living room there are two sofas, a dining table which can accommodate 24 guests, satellite television, a DVD player and a CD player. The room has a Juliet balcony with a view of the sea and of Capri.

Each bedroom can accommodate two guests in either a combined double bed (160 cm/62 inches, wider than a queen-size bed) or separated to make two single beds. There are a variety of room types, some with garden and sea views, some equipped with kitchenettes, refrigerators, and each room has a private bathroom with shower (with the exception of one room with a bathtub only). Room assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

What’s Included:

  • Twice daily yoga & meditation with Maria with breathtaking views of the sea
  • Round-trip transportation from Naples airport to Villa
  • 8 nights Villa accommodations in double occupancy ensuite bedrooms (7-night option is available upon request) – please inquire about single occupancy availability
  • Breakfast each morning

Breakfast and yoga class views of the sea!

  • Two chef prepared Italian dinners at the Villa
  • Included sightseeing excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and tour guides:

Day boat trip to Capri on a private boat – visit the Blue Grotto, White Grotto, Green Grotto and explore the island, take a dip or swim.

Day trip to Positano for sight-seeing and to Hike the Path of the Gods

Tour of the stunning Amalfi coastline with stops in Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano

Tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius – Reach the top of Mount Vesuvius to look down into the crater and it will take your breath away along with a spectacular view to top it all off!

Italian Cooking Class – You will learn how to cook typical local dishes such as gnocchi, baked aubergines, ravioli, assorted pizzas, bruschetta. At the end of the class, you will get to eat everything that you have prepared and cooked, and drink some great local wine.

Tour of Sorrento with Mozzarella & Italian Cheeses and Limoncello Tasting Tours – The tour begins in a cheese making factory in Piano di Sorrento with a guided tour in English. You will see all the stages involved in making the mozzarella and Caciocavallo cheeses. At the end of the tour, you will be able to make a mozzarella plait with your own hands! After this, you will be invited to taste 8 different types of cheese. Water and local red wine is included. The same guide will take you to the Limoncello factory, where you will taste Italian limoncello, and you will learn the secrets to producing it.

Not included:

  • Airfare to Naples Italy (NAP)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities which include spa treatments and wine tour of the Amalfi Coast
  • Snacks and additional meals
  • Wine and alcohol (except where noted above for the 2 villa dinners and cooking class)

 

Deposit and Final Payment Policy

Step 1) A $500 non-refundable deposit is required per person to reserve your retreat space. Contact Maria about payment options.

2) Once we’ve received your deposit, you will be contacted to confirm room selection, dietary restrictions, and with travel arrival/departure logistics

Step 3) Final payment is due on June 15, 2017.  You will be invoiced and can pay by check or online with PayPal.

All payments are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation on our side, your entire payment will be refunded.

Need additional information or have questions, please email Maria at info @dailydownwarddog.com