Yoga Nidra Retreat with Renu
Italy, May 20-26, 2024
Renu Invites you to Experience an Unparalleled LuxuryWellness Journey to Italy
“Life is an experience. Fulfillment of what you are doing comes not from the completion, but from the evolution in the experience of being present with where you are and what you are doing. When you are fully alive, your capacity to experience is total”
– Gurudev Shri Amritji
Daily Yoga and Yoga Nidra in a mesmerizing landscape, as well as delicious Italian food and wine tasting, this retreat is not only a treat for your soul, but also your taste buds.
Surrounded on three sides by the Alps, and the borders to Switzerland and France, you’ll find Piemonte. True to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), Piemonte is a land of mountains.
La Villa Madonna
La Villa Madonna is a personal and elegant boutique hotel located in Piemonte, in the northwest part of Italy. It is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) is the most desirable community of independently minded travelers and independently spirited hotels in the world. Each one is anti-chain and anti-same. SLH properties are able to offer secluded, intimate spaces in unusual places with the highest standards of luxury and guest wellbeing. The hotel is surrounded by marvelous nature and their own vineyard and wine cellar from the 17th century. In the kitchen at Villa La Madonna rests the heart and soul of the hotel. They offer tempting food experiences – everything provided within a unique environment and atmosphere. The chef specialize in cooking food from Piemonte and from the whole of Italy.
Villa La Madonna is owned by the Swedish sisters Marie and Annica. Villa La Madonna has been in the family’s possession for quite a while and now Marie and Annica have taken over the ownership. They are offering a fantastic experience for all visitors in the beautiful Piemonte area. Marie herself sums it up neatly: “Villa La Madonna is way too special to keep private or secret – it’s a place which deserves to be shared.”
The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, all in boho-chic style with a blend of contemporary design and vintage. All rooms have a terrace or a balcony and most of them have a stunning view over the vineyards surrounding the hotel.
At the hotel they describe the concept of ”wellness” like this: “it’s as much about attitude and mood as it’s a physical experience”. At Villa La Madonna “wellness” represents a complete experience embraced by wonderful nature and a relaxing atmosphere.
The nearest village is called Monastero Bormida, where you’ll find a charming catholic church, a few shops and cafés and a small local market on Thursdays. It’s a lovely 20 minute walk from the hotel or alternatively you can use one of the bikes (8 in total) that the hotel provides. Enjoy biking or walking between the wine fields that surround Villa La Madonna, take a tour of the village, enjoy a cappuccino or cold drink at the local bar or hike around the area and up to the famous big heart bench.
See this Instagram video by Villa la Madonna
About Piemonte
The region of Piemonte is famous for its wines and was added to Unesco’s World Heritage list in 2014. Piemonte is also home to the world famous Italian white truffle, one of the most expensive and appreciated delicacies and it’s here you’ll find the world’s truffle capital, Alba. In the little town of Bra, the concept “slow food” was born. Piemonte is also known for making famous cheeses such as Roccaverano, and for chocolate with among others, the well-known brand Nutella.
Only 15 minutes by car from the hotel we’ll visit the charming small Roman village Acqui Terme. The town is known for its curative waters and for its thermal baths. Here you’ll find the famous hot spring. The town’s cosy atmosphere is enhanced by its many shops, bars, excellent restaurants and cafés.
About the food
We will balance our day at the retreat with healthy, local food. Enjoy cuisine which combines creativity and flavors with a special attention to creating balanced meals. The colorful and tasty menus celebrate Piemonte.
International and Mediterranean flavors are prepared by an in-house chef from fresh, local organic ingredients. Breakfast consists of eggs, cheeses, meats, fresh fruit and juices, homemade granola with farm-fresh yogurt, croissants and baguettes. These are prepared fresh for you each morning.
A 4-course dinner will be enjoyed every evening by candle light on the veranda, on the terrace in the shade of the oak trees, or under the pergola depending on weather conditions.
On the first night, our wonderful hosts will welcome us with a complimentary Spumante and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy as our Aperitivo. An aperitivo is a pre-meal drink; the experience of aperitivo is a cultural ritual. Derived from the Latin aperire, the tradition is meant “to open” the stomach before dining. Accordingly, for centuries Italians have said cheers “ cin cin “ over drinks and appetizers in the evening before dinner.
About Yoga/Yoga Nidra
To stay at Villa La Madonna can be a spiritual experience in itself. The beautiful building and the peaceful surroundings create the perfect environment for us to relax and nourish our souls. Here we will take time to enjoy Yoga and Yoga Nidra in the lovely large yoga studio with a gorgeous view over the landscape, or outdoors in the beautiful hotel area. The Amrit Method of Yoga can take you to the deepest levels of integration, meditative bliss, and harmonious self awareness. Enjoy clear and simple guidance for precise alignment and points of focus to maximize the benefits of every pose. Yoga Nidra is an ancient meditation technique that has the power to take you to the innermost, deepest levels of relaxation where your whole body and being is permeated by peace of mind and profound stillness. The hotel is also providing yoga mats, blankets and pillows.
Massage and Facial Treatments
If you are looking to create a peaceful feeling in both body and mind, at Villa La Madonna you can make a reservation for a massage or facial with our experienced therapist, who is an expert on various body treatments. She offers several kinds of massage including Hot Lava Stone and Ayurvedic Oil. Of course you can experience a classic massage specific to you based on your request. You can also treat yourself to a lovely beauty or anti-aging facial. To book a treatment please contact Renu to request what you’d like so she can coordinate it with the itinerary. She will send you back day and time options to choose from.
Meet your Yoga Nidra Facilitator
Renu (Diane Zagoria) is the founder of Relaxation with Renu.
It is her passion to help people of all ages navigate through their lives with greater ease by giving them tools to help manage what stresses them.
Renu is an E-RYT 500 Hour certified Yoga teacher and Yoga Nidra facilitator. She has a bachelor’s of science degree in education and minor in psychology. She is also a certified reflexologist, Reiki Master and Life Coach. She is based in Los Angeles, where she has a private practice offering Life Coaching sessions and Energy Healing. She also travels in the US and abroad teaching workshops, trainings and retreats. Her expertise is in Yoga Nidra, specializing in the Integrative Amrit Method for adults, teens and kids.
Her teacher, Kamini Desai says this from her book, Yoga Nidra The Art of Transformational Sleep…Every night when we sleep, we must do one thing; let go of our thoughts. In Yoga Nidra we consciously enter the twilight zone between waking and sleeping, enabling us to rest more and more as the space of being beyond the mind, and less and less as the mind itself. This unlocks the mystical, integrative powers of the subconscious, as well as your higher centers of consciousness, to effortlessly erase your most tenacious, self-destructive habits and behavior patterns. It is said by yogis that 45 minutes of Yoga Nidra is as restorative as three hours of sleep. It is very effective for addressing common stress-related health issues, and self-destructive behavior and thought patterns.
The Itinerary
The itinerary from last year (seen below), will soon be updated for this retreat!
Day 1, Monday May, 20
Arrival Day
Milan, Airport one time transfer to Villa La Madonna
15.00 Check in at VLM and settle into rooms
18.30 Aperitivo – Welcome drink (included tonight)
19.30 Welcome Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Yoga Nidra after Dinner to help you recalibrate from your journey and sleep well.
Day 2, Tuesday May, 21
8:00-9:30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
9.30 Transfer leaving to Acqui Terme
10.00 Market in Acqui Terme Village
Today we visit the charming small Roman village Acqui Terme. We will start with exploring the market for a little browsing, shopping, and street entertainment. We’ll visit the famous fountain with very hot, but healing natural spring water. Then we will walk to the local wine bar/restaurant La Curia which is a perfect spot for lunch.
Lunch in Acqui Terme (excl.)
15.00-15.30 Transfer back to VLM
16:30-17:30 Afternoon Yoga/Yoga Nidra
18.30 Aperitivo – drinks excl.
19.30 Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Day 3, Wednesday May, 22
8.00-9:30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Free morning…take a walk or bike ride and explore the beautiful surroundings, play a little table tennis, read a book in one of the many indoor or outdoor nooks or lounge by the pool. Maybe make a reservation for a massage or facial treatment.
13.00 Lunch available at VLM (excl.)
Free afternoon – enjoy the beautiful surroundings or maybe make a reservation for a massage or face treatment.
14:30-16:00 Afternoon Yoga/Yoga Nidra
18.00 Wine tasting at Villa La Madonna in their own wine cellar from the 17th century.
19.30 Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Day 4, Thursday May, 23
8.00-9.30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
10:00 Walk to Monastero Bormida village for market day. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the hotel to the market and the church. Then another 20-25 mins to the big heart bench for a beautiful view.
Back to VLM at your leisure.
13.30 Lunch available at VLM (excl.)
15.00-16:30 Reiki Circle followed by Yoga Nidra
18.30 Aperitivo – drinks excl.
19.30 Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Day 5, Friday May, 24
8.00-9:30 Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
9:30-10:30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Cooking class ?
18.30 Aperitivo – drinks excl.
19.30 Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Day 6, Saturday May, 25
8.00-9:30 Yoga/Yoga Nidra
9:30-10:30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
13.00 Lunch available at VLM (excl.)
Free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
15.00-16:00 Reiki Circle
18.30 Aperitivo – drinks excl.
19.30 Dinner with set menu (drinks excl.)
Day 7, Sunday May, 26
8.00-9:00 Morning Yoga
9.00-10.30 Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
11.00 Check out
Time to say goodbye…all good things must come to an end…at least until next time!
Transfer to the airport, Milan
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.
Included:
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Villa accommodations (Boho inspired bedrooms with balcony or terrace, free access to Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathrooms with amenities, hairdryer, soap, shampoo & conditioner, robes & slippers.)
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Daily Yoga and/or Yoga Nidra Meditation (yoga mats, blankets and pillows provided)
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Welcome aperitivo on arrival day
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Daily Breakfast
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Daily Dinner
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Welcome gift – a healing crystal bracelet from forUjewelry
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Use of the Estate premises (hiking trails, pool, etc)
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Wine tasting at La Madonna
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Cooking class
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Trip to Acqui Terme village
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Airport transfer
Not included:
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Lunch 5 days
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Drinks
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Massage (book in advance via Renu)
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Travel insurance
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Airfare, Nearest airport: Milan
There will be group transfers provided:
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ARRIVALS = 1 from Milan Airport
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DEPARTURES = 1 to Milan Airport
How to say yes to a journey of a lifetime…
Step 1: Learn all about the trip; the theme, the teachers, the venue, the location, our policies etc.
Step 2: Register online.
Step 3: You’ll get a confirmation email + 2 emails leading up to your trip preparing you for an amazing adventure.
Policies and terms – get clear before your purchase
We strive to maintain a balance between offering our programs to the widest range of participants and running a sustainable and thriving company so that we can continue to create and share our experiences with you.
By reserving your space through placing your deposit with us, you are agreeing to the stated policies in our Agreement. Please read in full and please note:
All prices are per person in Euro. All bookings include a deposit that is 20% of the total trip cost. Final payments are due 60 days before the start date of the trip to keep your spot secure.
Payment
Early Bird until December 1, 2023: €3295 (The price is based on a shared room)
1st deposit: (20%) due upon reservation – non refundable: €659
2nd deposit and final payment: €2636
Added fee for a single room: €402
Price after December 1, 2023 : €3400 (The price is based on a shared room)
1st deposit: (20%) due upon reservation – non refundable: €680
2nd deposit and final payment: €2720
Added fee for a single room: €402
Deposit is due upon registration!
Additional transaction fees might be added to international payments.
You will receive payment information upon registration!
Airline tickets – Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Cancellation policy
If you wish to cancel your retreat you must notify us in writing. Once we’ve received your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following: If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date any payments made will be refunded minus your deposit.
Maria Söderholm reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary by our team, trip leaders, teachers or partners. In the rare case of a cancellation on the part of Maria Söderholm (due to political unrest, dangerous weather, or low sign-ups), we require all participants to purchase travel insurance and highly encourage them to purchase “cancel for any reason” to protect them against the rare chance of cancellation.
Maria Söderholm