ISCHIA, ITALY

MINDFUL MOVEMENT [LUXURY] – Join us on this hidden gem of an island, Ischia, the “green” neighbor of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Indulge in a thermal spa 5* hotel, just as the crowds leave, but while the water is still invitingly warm. We’ll taste mouthwatering cuisine, wine, and take walks to the mysterious castles, beaches, and gardens and enjoy yoga + meditation.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT

Join us on our return to this amazing, stimulating location. On this “MINDFUL MOVEMENT” themed itinerary, we’ll enjoy a daily yoga class as well as meditation – a morning movement class paired with various meditation sessions throughout the retreat to give guests an opportunity to explore what style may most connect with them. We’ll participate in a meditation walk on the beautiful island, a yoga nidra session one evening, and use the self-care elements (such as the quiet private beach, thermal waters, and beautiful sea view) to help us reconnect to ourselves.

THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA

Considered the “green island” and visited by the more “in-the-know” scene, as contrasted by the neighboring island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples and one of the must-sees of the area. Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it’s not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over! Ischia was one of the world’s first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters, rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. In addition to all its natural wonders, one of the most appealing things about Ischia is the hospitality of the people themselves. You’re sure to enjoy the island’s welcome and relaxed way of life while during your stay.

THE HOTEL

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place at the acclaimed 5-star hotel, Regina Isabella. The Regina Isabella was built in the 1950s in the charming village of Lacco Ameno d’Ischia. The hotel’s founder was Angelo Rizzoli, the legendary publisher and film producer. He had long been fascinated by the island’s villages and by the tradition of thermal baths, and in 1956 he extended the historic Baths of Queen Isabella, constructing a hotel complex on the ancient Greco-Roman ruins. Legendary figures such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Charles Boyer, Clark Gable and William Holden all graced it with their presence, making it one of Italy’s most desirable and glamorous resorts.

Named one of the “Best Hotels in Italy” by Forbes:

While the perennially glitzy isle of Capri draws countless revelers every summer, Ischia, the volcanic island just under 20 miles from Naples, has a wild beauty and less-traveled charm all its own. There, presiding over the tranquil seaside village of Lacco Ameno in the island’s northwest, you’ll find the L’Albergo della Regina Isabella, where the ineffable Italian glamour of a seemingly forgotten age endures. 

The Regina Isabella’s considerable charm lies largely in an innately Italian sophistication that recalls a bygone age. It doesn’t aspire to be a sleek, cookie-cutter property, to its great credit; instead, the hotel carefully cultivates an ambience that makes guests feel as though a young Sophia Loren might pull up on a Vespa and sashay through the lobby at any moment.

Its 128 large, airy rooms boast majolica ceramic tile floors—a dazzling hotel hallmark that also decorate the common areas—and elegant furnishings in a range of inspired color palettes (think moody blue walls with curtains and cushions trimmed in lush magenta velvet). Most feature balconies…

The cuisine at the Regina Isabella is equally refined. At Indaco, its al frescofine dining restaurant, Michelin-starred chef Pasquale Palamaro creates exquisite dishes like quenelle of sea urchin (artfully served in the spiny shell) with potato purée, and brochette of sea bream with seaweed and foie gras. Palamaro has also recently taken the reins at DolceVita, the hotel’s main eatery, which was revamped this past summer with the addition of an open-air terrace and a thoughtful redesign that maximizes the ocean breeze while minimizing direct sunlight.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as dining experiences in the hotel’s award-winning restaurants (including a Michelin-starred meal on the final evening) and in amazing restaurants in nearby towns. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients from the local markets and on-site gardens. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. Not only do we enjoy savoring the Italian cuisine, but guests will also get to learn more about the region’s vineyards on a wine-tasting experience overlooking the Aragonese Castle and Ischia Porto, at the most ancient cantina on the island, dating back to 1017.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate with the spa, pool, private beach, and beautiful lounges, but the richness of the Italian island life with trips to the other villages and towns on the island. Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. We will visit the star of the island, Ischia Ponte, where the Aragonese Castle sits out in the sea (connected by a footbridge) and overlooks the coast. This town, made famous by the film The Talented Mr. Ripley, is rich in natural beauty, and we’ll enjoy a winery visit and castle tour in our explorations. Another day will be spent on our own private boat, circumnavigating the entire island with stops for swimming in picturesque grottos, lunch, aperitivos on board, and a visit the town of Sant’ Angelo. A free afternoon in Forio will give guests time to explore the narrow streets, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the laidback style, culminating with a private guided tour of the famous Mortella Gardens before sunset.

YOGA

Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students’ needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable.

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