Can you imagine anything more relaxing than yoga…in Italy? Vacation yoga retreats are a going trend in bel paese. And they make perfect sense: an affordable way to get away from it all, and an easy place to go solo. In our April issue, Sharon Sanders introduced us to one such retreat in Puglia. She also profiled a Le Marche yoga escape and this yoga retreat near Rome:
Sunflower Retreats Holidays
Via Tito Tazio, 11
Casperia (39) 3331 893092
www.sunflowerretreats.com
Location: Casperia, situated in the heart of the Sabine Mountains in the region of Lazio, is a car-free hilltop medieval village, with fewer than 350 inhabitants who are largely involved in the running of Sunflower Retreats. The town is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and forest-covered mountains.
Philosophy: “Our yoga retreats and holidays are based around health and relaxation, good food, Italian culture, eco-tourism and nature, and we promote, acknowledge and transmit the intrinsic and endless values of nature to all our clients.”
Retreats: Lucy Bremner and many guest teachers conduct classes in English -open to beginners and more experienced yogis-from March through October. Classes are primarily Hatha yoga with some teachers specializing in Iyengar and Ashtanga. Weather-permitting, classes are conducted on an outdoor platform. Other activities available are massages in a variety of styles, reiki, thermal baths and natural hot sulphur springs.
How to Get There: Casperia is located about 90 minutes from Rome. There is a train from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to Poggio Mirteto Scalo station. The train fare is around 5€ and includes the local bus service from Poggio Mirteto Scalo station to Casperia. Information on a 45€-per-person transfer from Fiumicino directly to Casperia (minimum two people) is on the Web site.Rates: Basic prices are between 500 and 620€ (based on double occupancy) per person, per week and include accommodation, breakfast, daily 90-minute yoga class, guided mountain walk and all-week use of bicycle. (Single rooms are available for a supplemental fee.)