VENICE, ITALY - Dec 28, 2018 - Jan 2, 2019

FORM+FOCUS – We’re returning to our annual retreat in Venice, Italy – but this time to ring in the New Year! This enchanting city is the backdrop of a magical celebration – finding presence in each day and setting intentions fo the year to come through daily yoga, creativity workshops, day trips, spas, and gourmet meals.

FORM + FOCUS

This is one of our continued collaborations with Julian Hyzler from EASEL&LENS to combine a look at creative focus with art projects in sketching and “ifonography” (smartphone photography) throughout the week. Yoga and meditation classes will be held daily to prepare our bodies and minds to find the calm in the magic that is Venice – and then these art projects will help us find news ways of seeing – both yoga and art working together to find FOCUS in the many layers of history, water, and beauty of the Venetian landscape. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, non-intimidating and personal experience.

GIVE BACK RETREAT

This retreat is part of our GIVE BACK initiative, where EPM will donate at least 10% of profits to a non-profit partner in the community where each retreat is held. Our partner in Venice is SAVE VENICE, whose mission is to protect the cultural patrimony of the city by raising funds to restore its monuments and works of art. Save Venice also values its educational mission to teach people about the culture and history of Venice.

VENICE

Come away with us for a week in the magical part of Italy known as Venezia! Venice is a place unlike any other in the world, and to see it is to transport yourself back to the days of Casanova, masked balls, and Carnevale. Oh, but there is so much more to Venice than what the usual tourist visit can offer. Our yoga retreat will allow for a deeper knowledge of Venice, its canals, and neighboring islands. We’re so excited to offer this retreat during a unique time to visit this amazing city – as it’s out of the main tourist season so you can get a deeper view into the local life, as well as a chance to ring in the NEW YEAR in such a magical and inspiring place.

The retreat will be hosted at the beautiful luxury boutique hotel, Palazzo Vitturi, a Byzantine / Gothic Venetian Palazzo built during late 1200’s and adorned by fine neo-classical original frescoes. Feel a timeless atmosphere where you’re transported to the old days of glorious Venice, with the original beams, the Murano chandeliers, the typical venetian flooring, the capitals and decors: every detail will give you a flavour of romance and exclusivity to your time in Venice.

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner daily, and select lunches, either hosted at the villa or out and about in town. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Venetian traditions. We will be visiting some of Venice’s most historical cafes and restaurants, like Florian, during our visit, as well as smaller local in-the-know osterias and trattorias for more traditional experiences. We’ll visit gourmet restaurants around the city and enjoy chef tasting menus – plus a special “cenone” (large dinner) celebration feast on NYE before heading out to see the fireworks and full festivities.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel property with its traditional decor, but will also have plenty of time to explore the city, the lagoons, canals, and other nearby islands – all with their own personality. An overview visit to Venice will allow guests to get their bearings in the maze of canals, to see the major sites, and even ride the famous gondolas. Another day will be spent seeing Burano, the island of colorful picturesque houses and lace-making, as well as a stop for a tour of one of Venice’s only wineries. We’ll enjoy a visit to Peggy Guggenheim’s museum and other noteworthy sites, and there’s also plenty of time to explore on your own as well.

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!