Retreats

Savor Life! A Yoga Retreat to Sicily, Italy

Savor Life! A Yoga Retreat to Sicily, Italy

Savor Life! A Yoga Retreat to Sicily, Italy

September 14th – 21st, 2024 :: with Julie Dohrman + Peter Goodman

 

Join Julie and Peter as they team up again to lead a 7 day yoga retreat to Sicily, Italy!

September 14th – 21st, 2024

Julie and Peter create exceptional yoga retreats focusing on deepening practice and gathering amazing people together, with plenty of time for relaxation and daring adventure.

Sicily, Italy’s largest island, is a glorious mixture of culture and history that has inspired centuries of myths and ancient tales. From mountains and ruins, to farmlands and paradisiacal beaches, plus the glorious farm fresh meals (i.e., pasta!) and vigor of daily yoga practice, you’ll be inspired to savor life from the moment you arrive!

THE RETREAT

Nestled in the heart of the Madonie natural park about two hours from Palermo, our retreat takes place at Sicilian Spirit, a restored 17th century Masseria (farmhouse) in one of the most beautiful areas of Sicily with stunning landscapes and neighboring medieval villages all within a short drive.

The retreat features an expansive terrace overlooking the valley, a large infinity pool set among the palms and olive trees, beautiful common spaces, and a fully equipped yoga hall with huge vaulted ceilings. The 60 acre property also has an 18th century labyrinth garden, a winding river, and peaceful paths with plenty of hidden spots for quiet reflection.

Lounge by the pool, read in a quiet spot under the trees, or book an Ayurvedic massage with in-house experts and explore what Sicilians call “dolce far niente” – the sweetness of doing nothing.

THE YOGA

Your two daily yoga classes will be geared toward exploring, learning, and growing your practice. Julie and Peter share a background as certified Anusara yoga teachers so you’ll get expert attention to detail, playful teaching styles, thoughtful themes, all in a lively communal atmosphere. The yoga hall is fully equipped with mats and props, in a gorgeous transformed old barn with vaulted ceilings.

Retreat is all levels – anyone is welcome regardless of yoga experience. All classes are progressive and catered to the group.

THE FOOD

The Masseria is a certified organic farm that produces all of our farm to table vegetarian meals for the week, in addition to extra virgin olive oil and homemade jam. All meals are prepared fresh, from the breads to the seasonal soups and stews, salads, and of course pasta, made in true Sicilian tradition!

Meals are vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions you may have and chefs will cater to your needs!

YOUR STAY

Rooms are in old stonehouse cottages perched on a hillside overlooking the valley, or in the farmhouse above the yoga hall. Each room is uniquely outfitted, with shared outdoor space. Shared and single room options available.

EARLY BIRD – DEPOSIT OF 1/2 NOW, FULL PAYMENT BY JULY 1ST, 2024

Early Bird Pricing, per person (before July 1st, 2024)

  • SHARED / SHARED BATH: $1900/pp
  • SINGLE / SHARED BATH: $2400/pp
  • SHARED / ENSUITE BATH: $2400/pp
  • SINGLE / ENSUITE BATH: $2800/pp

Standard Pricing, per person (after July 1st, 2024)

  • SHARED / SHARED BATH: $2100/pp
  • SINGLE / SHARED BATH: $2600/pp
  • SHARED / ENSUITE BATH: $2600/pp
  • SINGLE / ENSUITE BATH: $3000/pp
*Payment plans are available on request.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 7 nights accommodation in the luxury of this historic Sicilian villa
  • 2 yoga classes daily and expert attention from Julie + Peter
  • All farm to table vegetarian meals; coffee, tea + snacks throughout the day
  • Full access to the property including the pool, free wi-fi, and exploring the natural wonders of the land
  • Options of touring the island and nearby medieval towns on a midweek day off

AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST

  • Ayurvedic massage on-site
  • Locally produced wine and drinks during meals
  • Local wine tour
  • Cooking classes
  • Other exciting excursions

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • All international flights, transfers, and taxis to / from Sicily, Italy
  • Rental car or Shuttle service
  • Soft drinks, wine, and beer with meals
  • Gratuities

EXPLORE SICILY!

Mid week you’ll have a free day to head out and explore some of the Sicilian wonders that surround the retreat. You can visit the Valley of the Temples on the southern coast, go to nearby Cefalu’s long white beaches, or visit Palermo with its labyrinth of street markets. There’s something for everyone on this visit to the biggest island in all of Italy!

GETTING THERE:

Fly to Palermo or Catania. We recommend renting a car for about a 90 minute drive to Sicilian Spirit. We can also help arrange a shuttle service and carpooling.

Consider purchasing Travelers Insurance for extra peace of mind!

MEET YOUR TEACHERS:

JULIE DOHRMAN:

Julie Dohrman has been teaching locally and internationally for over 20 years and is one of New York’s most sought after teachers. Widely known for her inspiring, intelligent, and practical approach to yoga, Julie has an infectious passion for the practice, and views yoga as a means for personal transformation and growth. Her classes are deeply layered and invite your attention to awaken the body-mind connection, combining mythic stories and sage teachings with clear instruction and progressive sequencing. Julie is Certified in Anusara® Yoga, meditation instruction through Blue Throat Yoga, and teaches classes and workshops locally in Brooklyn and NYC. She leads 200 / 300 hr Teacher Training under her school Shaktiyoga New York, and is ERYT-500 and YACEP with Yoga Alliance.

PETER GOODMAN:

is a Certified Anusara® yoga teacher, ERYT-500 and YACEP with Yoga Alliance. He has been practicing yoga for nearly 30 years and teaching for over 15. Peter has had the great honor and pleasure of traveling worldwide to study with many great yogis in many corners of the world, and considers himself a lifelong student. In his classes, he is passionate and sincere in offering students a place to journey to – a place filled with stability, freedom, and integrity in alignment while never forgetting the joy filled love of life, and the highest teachings life offers. www.petergoodmanyoga.com

The Perfect Autumn Escape: A retreat to Portugal

The Perfect Autumn Escape: A retreat to Portugal

The Perfect Autumn Escape: A retreat to Portugal

OCTOBER 7 – 14, 2023

 

Join Julie and Peter for an idyllic 7 day Autumn reset where the water is warm, the food is farm-fresh, and the living is easy.

OCTOBER 7 – 14, 2023

This week long retreat is the perfect Autumn escape!

Expect incredible twice daily yoga classes, secret beach adventures, new friendships, and plenty of time to be solo, explore nature, nap in a hammock, hug a goat (!), and deepen your connection to yourself.

We will nestle down at Cocoon Portugal, an oasis of a property on Portugal’s untouched Atlantic coast that boasts two yoga shalas, a freshwater lake, veggie farm, and a circus of goats, sheep and peacocks.

It’s the perfect backdrop to pull back from daily living, reestablish a regular routine, and remember yourself more fully as you breathe fresh life into your life!

YOUR STAY

Cocoon is a 275 acre farm + retreat, located just ten minutes from the beach in the wild and untouched coast of Portugal. Far removed from the tourist culture of the rest of Europe, Cocoon boasts nearby beaches that are open and expansive with a magnificent coastline, and is interwoven with traditional whitewashed villages.

The farm includes a freshwater lake to swim in, farm animals to connect with, and two yoga shalas to enjoy. Our group will have full private access to the retreat space during our week long stay at Cocoon.

Cocoon Portugal offers inspiration and community for the modern traveler. Between the oversized hammocks and the freshwater lake, you’ll start to lose track of time as each day re-enlivens awareness that life is a gift.

THE FOOD

Cocoon serves three nourishing and delicious farm to table meals each day. Coffee and herbal teas are available throughout the day. Food is sourced locally, either from nearby farms or Cocoon’s own gardens. A typical breakfast includes eggs, local fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, local honey, homemade jam, slow-rise bread, and a daily tonic. Lunch is often a bowl; a base of ancient grains like farro, topped with avocado, roasted veggies, nori, or mixed greens. For dinner, expect Indian + Japanese inspired curries, Mediterranean stews, and at least one of their famous pizza nights.

THE YOGA

Cocoon has two yoga spaces. The indoor shala is spacious and airy, and the outdoor deck is perfect for morning meditations or restoratives, set under old Pine trees. They have full collection of mats and props.

Julie and Peter have nearly 45 years of teaching experience collectively, and each bring their unique approach to yoga to every class. Expect classes themed around yoga teachings and philosophy to sweeten the physical exploration using bio-mechanic principles of alignment and smart sequencing.

Morning classes will be an upbeat and strong approach (maybe even sweaty!), and early evening practices will be a slower, deeper dive including restoratives, pranayama, and meditation.

PRICING:

Deposit of 50% holds your space. To qualify for the early-bird rate, balance must be paid in full by JULY 1, 2023. (Deposit is non-refundable, and the retreat center has a strict no refund policy!)

Early Pricing, per person (before July 1st, 2023)

  • SHARED / SHARED BATH: $2200/pp (private/shared bath option inquire)
  • SHARED / ENSUITE BATH: $2400/pp
  • SINGLE / ENSUITE BATH: $2800/pp
  • *TRIPLE / ENSUITE BATH: $2100/pp
    *To qualify for Triple price rate, you must have a trio upon registration*

Standard Pricing, per person (after July 1st, 2023)

  • SHARED / SHARED BATH: $2400/pp (private/shared bath option inquire)
  • SHARED / ENSUITE BATH: $2600/pp
  • SINGLE / ENSUITE BATH: $3000/pp
  • *TRIPLE / ENSUITE BATH: $2300/pp
    * To qualify for Triple price rate, you must have a trio upon registration*
*Payment plans are available on request.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Daily yoga, meditation, dharma talks and inquiry
  • 3 healthy, lovingly prepared farm to table meals each day
  • Access to the entire property, the freshwater lake and plenty of oversized hammocks
  • Free use of bicycles for daily exploration of local villages
  • Optional adventures to secret untouched beaches, nearby seafront villages, and hiking

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International travel to Portugal
  • Transport from airport to / from Cocoon Portugal
  • Additional excursions or personal treats like massage, horseback riding, or surf lessons

GETTING THERE:

Easiest is flying into Lisbon and renting a car for about a two hour drive south. We are happy to assist pairing you with other retreaters to share costs. Check in anytime after 3pm.

Cocoon is on the breathtaking Atlantic coast of Portugal, near the charming fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar, in the Alentejo region, which is far removed from the hustling tourist culture of the rest of Europe.

We recommend travelers insurance to safeguard your trip!

MEET YOUR TEACHERS:

JULIE DOHRMAN:

Julie Dohrman has been teaching locally and internationally for over 20 years and is one of New York’s most sought after teachers. Widely known for her inspiring, intelligent, and practical approach to yoga, Julie has an infectious passion for the practice, and views yoga as a means for personal transformation and growth. Her classes are deeply layered and invite your attention to awaken the body-mind connection, combining mythic stories and sage teachings from varied Tantric lineages with clear instruction and progressive sequencing. Julie is Certified in Anusara Yoga, ERYT-500 / YACEP, meditation instruction, and teaches in Brooklyn and NYC. She leads 200 / 300 hr Teacher Training under her school Shaktiyoga New York.

PETER GOODMAN:

Peter Goodman is a Certified Anusara® yoga teacher, ERYT-500 and YACEP. He has been practicing yoga for nearly 30 years and teaching for over 15. Peter has had the great honor and pleasure of traveling worldwide to study with many great yogis in many corners of the world, and considers himself a lifelong student. In his classes, he is passionate and sincere in offering students a place to journey to – a place filled with stability, freedom, and integrity in alignment while never forgetting the joy filled love of life, and the highest teachings life offers. www.petergoodmanyoga.com

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