Though I’ve hosted retreats and traveled in Italy several times, the Personal Growth and Yoga Retreat we hosted in Bolzano in October was the first of its kind. I designed it with intentions to focus on mindfulness and the inner work of yoga more so than the more active practices I often lead, and I was a little nervous about how it would be received. Usually when I try something new, like the first time I taught the Namaslay® Got Yo’ Back Workshop, I’m unsure of myself and second guess what I have to offer. But there’s power in showing up and doing it anyway, and that’s exactly what I did. Each workshop, meditation and practice was a hit, and our guests loved the venue and care we put into designing the retreat. We had experienced practitioners, yoga teachers, and brand new yogis attend, and everyone walked away with something new for their toolbox of self care and empowerment.
Each day we began bright and early with a mindful yoga practice. We’d start with intention setting, bringing our attention to what we’d like to receive and give to ourselves during the retreat and moving forward, followed by journaling, a gentle yet uplifting yoga practice, and guided meditation.
I did also teach my Namaslay® Arm Balance workshop (and I’m doing it again this weekend at Namaslay® Studios, if you’re in the area!) because it’s just plain fun. Even for students who don’t feel strong in their arm balancing or inversion practices, we approach everything with a sense of play and curiosity, and the breakthroughs in confidence I get to witness remind me of how grateful I am to do what I love. These ladies rocked it!
After yoga, it was time to eat! Our venue in the quiet town of Bolzano is nestled beneath the Dolomite Mountains, and each morning we filled our plates from a quality breakfast spread of pastries, Italian meats and cheeses, fresh pressed juices, sausage, eggs, baked tomatoes, mushrooms, fresh fruit, and yogurt with all the fixings and ate overlooking the vineyards and peaks.
Cappuccinos were enjoyed every morning.
After breakfast, our guests headed out on their own to explore the vineyards and town of Bolzano, go for a hike, or relax in the spa area of our venue. This is usually when Ashley and I would pack up and walk into town for a solid wi-fi connection to get some work down, eat lunch and do a little exploring of our own.
The cobblestone streets and ornate building facades make you feel like you’re walking in an Italian fairytale.
Gelato was a must. I don’t go for sweets very often, but when I do, ice cream or a warm cookie gets me every time. There’s nothing like Italian gelato though. Such a treat!
After working and having lunch, we’d hike up the STEEP hill back to the hotel. There’s a shuttle to take guests to and from downtown that runs a few times a day, but we usually appreciated the opportunity to move and didn’t want to waste time waiting on the shuttle. Views of the mountains, vineyards, and this steeple made the trek a little easier.
In the early afternoon, I’d try to squeeze in some time for self care. Leading retreats requires a lot of energy, and especially for one so steeped in introspection, I needed to be sure I was filling my own cup and on my game for our guests. After lunch I’d practice yoga or get in a quick practice in the gym.
Sometimes self care looked like relaxing in the solarium, journaling or reading.
Our hotel also had not one, not two, but FOUR saunas. I started feeling a little sick and run down toward the end of the retreat, and spending about 20 minutes in the infrared sauna made me feel like a brand new woman.
One afternoon, we didn’t have an evening practice, so the guests could have time to take a longer excursion if they’d like. This is usually the day to explore the nearby castle, hike around the lake, or take a winery tour. Ashley, Eva and I took the opportunity to walk into town and find a nice meal for ourselves, catching up and brainstorming about business ideas for 2020.
We took this gondola up into the mountains. For just ten Euro, you can get a round trip ticket to take the glass encased car over the farms, vineyards and mountain tops into a little German town over the ridge. The ride offers incredible views!
At the top, we walked around the cutest little town, taking in the leaves and fall colors.
And this delicious meal awaited us at a cozy little restaurant. We sat outside, in a back yard turned patio seating area, and shared wine and good times. So much ravioli and lasagna was had on this trip, and I don’t regret a minute of it!
On all the other evenings, we’d have a restorative yoga practice before dinner. The final day of the retreat, we held our closing ceremony in the vineyards over looking the valley, taking mental snapshots of the moment during an inspiring balancing practice.
Finally, it was time for dinner. It’s a two hour affair in Italy, with five courses (that’s right - five, and that’s paired down from the usual!) beginning with salad and always bread, then a pasta dish, soup or another small plate of seafood or meat, a heartier entree’ like the salmon you see here, followed by dessert. We were all stuffed by the third course, but each bite is so delicious! We had to pace ourselves to at least enjoy a bit of every plate.
Though I don’t have another retreat of this kind planned for next year, I do think this is one I’ll keep in my back pocket for the future. All in all it was a success, and amidst a busy season of travel, spending time in Bolzano was easy and restful. I’ll look forward to returning soon! Our next retreat is a Business and Marketing Intensive style weekend in Santorini in April. It’s perfect for yoga teachers and wellness professionals who’d like to learn more about growing their business and online presence, and we’ve got a few accommodation options available if you’re interested in coming along!