Lucca excursion - view from Torre Guinigi Borghino Melograno - Verde - Twin beds or Double Borghino I Nespoli - Rosa - Twin beds or Double

OCTOBER 8 – 15, 2022 | LA DOLCE VITA YOGA HOLIDAY IN ITALY WITH MATTHEW MITLAS + TONI TROUT

An authentic Yoga practice comes from listening to your own body

Join Matthew Mitlas and Toni Trout for the Italy Yoga Holiday of your dreams!

Nestled deep in the rolling hills of Tuscany, between age-old olive groves and sweet scented vineyards, awaits Il Borghino-“small village,” a magnificent 20th century estate just fifteen minutes from the medieval town of Lucca. The Tuscan sun shines brightly on the rustic terra cotta roofs of the 3 houses on the estate, the mild October earth awaits the kiss of your feet, farm-fresh meals cooked lovingly by an Italian Nonna await the table… Welcome home.

Yoga

During your yoga holiday in Tuscany,  you will practice yoga twice per day in Il Borghino’s beautifully equipped indoor AND outdoor yoga studios, listen to uplifting daily Dharma (philosophy) talks.  In addition, you will enjoy home-cooked vegetarian meals and take time to explore Tuscany with 3 included excursions. Lastly, you will create friendships that last a lifetime!.

What’s Included in Your Yoga Holiday?

Included in the price of this yoga holiday are twice daily yoga & meditation classes and Dharma talks, a Coastal Paradise hiking excursion, a wine tasting, a cooking class and one  complimentary turkish-sauna/steam room session.

Our final night will be filled with a celebratory pizza & prosecco dinner together.  All meals are included except one lunch out on Wednesday during out all day excursion to the seaside and one dinner out.   However, there will still be plenty of free time in which you to participate in other optional other activities, spa treatments or simply just soaking up life at Il Borghino.

Yoga Spaces

We have access to a fully-equipped yoga studio with Manduka mats, bolsters, blankets and straps as well as a stunning outdoor yoga shala set amongst  vineyards and olive trees. With incredible views to the surrounding country side and the valley below, this is the perfect space to practice our sunset  yoga sessions, weather permitting.

Location

Our retreat home for the week will be Il Borghino, a beautiful estate that has been restored to provide elegant comfortable living in authentic Tuscan style.  Wood beamed ceilings, stone, terracotta, marble – each bedroom has a gorgeous view of the Tuscan countryside.   The estate is booked solely for our group of travelers and includes an  outdoor salt-water pool, large communal living areas, a steam room and much more.

About Matthew Mitlas

“Matthew is frequently recognized for his work teaching brand- new beginners.”

Matthew is a certified Reiki Level I practitioner, has completed basic level training in Zero Balancing (a leading-edge, highly effective and gentle body work), completed Balanced Body’s Barre/Pilates Fitness training, has completed hours of study in sound healing with Jill Mattson, and is an Independent Product Consultant for dōTERRA Essential Oils. He is also a writer- commissioned to write Yoga and wellness blogs for various Yoga studios and has even been published with MindBody Online’s blog share.

Experience

While preparing to move to Connecticut in 2011 to study vocal performance, Matthew took his first yoga class and immediately felt a deep connection to Yoga. He subsequently  started practicing daily, and was soon sharing the practice with his friends, family, and even strangers – Yoga was all he talked about! He soon realized his natural understanding for Yoga philosophy and a keen desire to learn more was leading him down a very different path than expected. That same year, Matthew made a life-changing decision to move back to Pennsylvania to further his studies in Yoga and Mindfulness; embarking on a life-long path as a Yoga teacher.

Training

A short three months later Matthew met his mentor Connie Miller, Master Yoga Instructor with 40+ years experience, while taking a credited Yoga course at the local college. For two years, Matthew and Connie worked privately through a highly personalized and custom 200+ hour, Alliance certified, teacher training. He has since been certified to teach women with breast cancer by Allison Donley, E-RYT 500, children of all ages by Sally McNeil Delisle, E-RYT 500, of Childlight Yoga, and most recently completed an Advanced Teacher Training (75 hr) with internationally renowned teacher Alex Auder (Magu Yoga.)

More details about Matthew at www.matthewmitlas.com

What’s Included in Your Yoga Holiday?

  • Twice daily yoga + meditation classes with Dharma talks ( including use of yoga room, yoga mats, blocks, blankets, belts, and bolsters, plus additional yoga mats for use outdoors)
  • 7 nights’ accommodation at villa, linens and towels
  • 3 delicious vegetarian meals daily, except for one lunch out on Wednesday  and one dinner out on a day to be decided.
  • Fresh detox fruit / vegetable juice at breakfast
  • Local wine at dinner (1/2 bottle per person, per night)
  • Coastal Paradise Hike – Day Trip
  • Group cooking class with local cook
  • Wine and olive oil tasting excursion (we go on foot)
  • Unlimited fruit, water, and herbal tea.
  • Last night celebratory dinner with wood-fired pizza and prosecco!
  • Transfer from/to Lucca to/from the retreat centre on the day of arrival and departure (one scheduled pick-up and drop-off only).
  • Outdoor salt-water pool and large communal living areas
  • Pool Towels, Hair dryers and laundry facilities
  • Free Wi-fi
  • Tourist tax

Retreat Prices, per person

All prices listed reflect EARLY BIRD VIP PRICING.   Prices will increase Jan, 2020.

Il Borghino offers 3 types of rooms in 3 different houses on campus, all very close to the communal area. Room styles are allocated on a first come, first
serve (once deposit is received) basis.

*Roommates: If you need a roommate, tell Matthew and he will add you to the roommate interest list!

Room Type 1 – Twin room + shared hallway bathroom. (2 guests per room / 4 places available) $2150 (USD) per person  

Room Type 2 – Twin room + private bathroom (2 guests per room / 6 places avaialble) This room can be converted to King Bed for a couple $2250 (USD) per person. Note that some bathrooms may be located outside the room (not ensuite) but it is still a private bathroom for that room.

Room Type 3 – Single Room + Private Bathroom. (1 guest per room / 2 places avaialble)$2400 (USD) per person . Some double rooms can be made into singles for additional cost on a circumstantial basis. 

What’s Not Included in your Yoga Holiday?

  • Airfare from/to your home city (closest airport is Pisa Airport)
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport from your arrival destination to Lucca
  • Ground transportation outside the scheduled pick-up on arrival day and drop-off on departure day *
  • One lunch, one dinner, and any other additional meals
  • Optional activities other than those specified as included in the retreat price
  • Staff gratuities
  • Other travel-related expenses

* Transfers outside the scheduled pick-up or drop-off can be arranged for an additional fee

Terms and Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $600 is due by December 14, 2019 to
secure EARLY BIRD VIP PRICING and a no-interest payment plan*.

Final Balance after deposit – Pay in full by December 14, 2019 for an additional $50 discount!

Final balance is due by July 1, 2020. Beyond this deadline, the reservation may be canceled,the deposit(s) forfeited, and the room may be allocated to the wait list and/or put back on sale.

*Payment Plan

Remaining balance will be split into 3 separate invoices, due in full by July 1, 2020, at no additional cost.

Payment accepted via check or Pay Pal. If paying with credit card via PayPal,
3% service fee is added to the transaction.

For more information, click on the button “Reserve Your Place” or contact Matthew at matthew.mitlas@gmail.com

Cancellation Policy

In the event you need to cancel your trip, all money paid towards your remaining balance after your deposit will be refunded to you, if the cancellation is made before July 1st, 2020. Past this date, we are not required to offer any refund or credit of money paid; any refund or credit will be dependent on the sole discretion of Matthew Mitlas and the circumstances surrounding the trip. In certain cases, he may permit the transfer or your trip to someone else. No partial refunds or credits will be given to participants who arrive late to the retreat or depart early. Please remember that travel insurance is a requirement for this trip for the financial protection of all parties involved.​

Transport Options – Getting to and From Il Borghino

  • The nearest airport to Lucca is Pisa international Airport “Galileo Galileo” – 18 Miles from Lucca
  • Florence International Airport “Amerigo Vespucci” is 50 Miles from Lucca
  • If you are flying into Rome, Fiumicino Airport is 162 miles from Lucca.
  • Regular trains and buses run from both Pisa and Florence airports to Lucca and are very reasonably priced. Trains also run regularly from Rome airport but the trip is much longer and takes around 4.5 hours.

Check-in and Check-out

  • Check-in at Il Borghino is strictly 4pm on the day of arrival.
  • When booking your flights, we recommend you plan your arrival time in Lucca for around 15:30pm, to coincide with the group transfer to Il Borghino at 3:45pm.  There will be one scheduled pick-up only. Please email your arrival details to info@yogainitaly.com as soon as they are available.  If you are unable to make the pick-up,  we can arrange for a taxi to bring you to Il Borghino.
  • Check-out at Il Borghino is strictly 09:30am on the last day. Please plan your departure flights accordingly.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

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  • Preferred Retreat Dates
  • OCT 8 - 15, 2022
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  • Preferred Room Type
  • Room Type 1 – Twin room (2 single beds) with Private Bathroom
  • Room Type 2 – Double Room (queen bed) with Private Bathroom
  • Room Type 3 – Single Room with Shared Hallway Bathroom
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Autumn Yoga Retreat in Tuscany

Immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscany and all its autumn beauty. Spend a week enjoying a life at your own pace - unwind, relax, and refresh your spirit. Each day features a rejuvenating Hatha practice in the morning and a restorative practice in the evening.

Spend your days by the pool, walking the countryside, or indulge in a massage. Included in your week is a day-trip to breath-taking Cinque-Terre where you can explore the five coastal villages embedded in rocky cliffs along one of Italy’s most scenic stretches of Liguria. Explore the villages, walk gentle trails, swim in the sea or savour some of the freshest seafood in Italy. Keen hikers can spend the day walking and climbing between the villages, treated to spectacular scenery along the way.

And of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without the opportunity to perfect your culinary skills. Our fabulous local cook will lead you through a 2-3 hour Italian cooking class. Other excursions like a wine tasting, a bike & walking tour of Lucca, or a trip to a thermal spa are also available at an additional charge.

Santosha Yoga & Walking Retreat in Tuscany

Come and experience the magic of Tuscany in a place where nature connects with simple, yet sophisticated living. Nestled high in the hills of Lucca, our retreat centre, Il Borghino, sits high on a hillside overlooking a panorama of olive groves, vineyards and mountains. Located 10km outside the gorgeous medieval town of Lucca and just 35 minutes from Pisa airport, the stunning views, natural surroundings and secluded setting of Il Borghino create an atmosphere of calm and stillness, allowing you to switch off, wind down, and reconnect with self.

Whether you are new on the yoga path or an experienced yogi, this rejuvenating retreat will feed your body, mind and soul. We begin each morning with meditation and pranayama followed by an energetically balanced physical practice to energize the mind and body for the day ahead. Each afternoon the practice will explore the asanas more deeply; working to calm, restore and heal body, mind & spirit. Yin classes and Yoga Nidra will be offered on occasion.

Relax & Restore: Slow Yoga & Qigong Retreat

Relax, renew and treat yourself to an unhurried, unforgettable experience of a lifetime!

Celebrate the best of Italian cuisine, country and culture as you explore the heart of Tuscany. Relax and restore in our comfortable villa, just 15 minutes’ drive from the unspoiled medieval city of Lucca, the gem of Tuscany. Your luxurious week allows you to refresh, unwind, and care for yourself at your own pace whilst experiencing a taste of La Dolce Vita!

Enjoy twice daily Qigong and slow yoga - our balancing combination of Qigong, yin, restorative, gentle Kripalu yoga and yoga nidra. Choose from a variety of optional excursions and activities such as a hands on cooking demonstration, wine tasting, visit to a thermal spa, biking & walking tour on the medieval walls of charming Lucca, day trip to the stunning coastline villages of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera!

Relax by the pool and take in the storied Tuscan vistas. Enjoy an in-house massage, on-site Turkish Sauna or Reiki energy session. Visit a local village, market, or take a well-deserved siesta!

Discover Your "Self" - Yoga Retreat in Tuscany

Restore, quieten, rejuvenate and unwind in the most idyllic Tuscan setting + rediscover your “self” through the practice of yoga, breath and alignment.

Join Australian yoga teacher and yoga therapist Genevieve Stynes for an enchanted week in Tuscany. Immerse yourself deeply in your yoga practice and discover the way your body moves with emphasis on ujjayi, alignment and finding the balance of strength and flexibility of your body.

In the afternoons, you will have time to restore your energy, quieten your mind and rejuvenate your body through the practice of restorative yoga poses and meditation.

Unwind in the breath-taking views of this villa, relax by the pool, revive in the sauna, indulge in the divine foods and produce this region of Italy has to offer. Discover the hidden gem of Lucca!

Tuscany Art and Asana Retreat

Join Mary Catherine Starr and Kimberly Wilson for a week-long yoga, creativity, and mindfulness retreat over Columbus Day weekend. Unwind and let go at Il Borghino, a gorgeous Italian villa complex nestled between the hills of Tuscany and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. This experience begins with intention setting in our opening circle Sunday morning and ends with a heart-centered closing circle on Friday evening. Indulge in daily yoga sessions (vinyasa, yin, yoga nidra, restorative, and meditation), art and creativity sessions (art journaling/journaling, writing, photography, and mixed media/collage), and ample downtime for napping, reading poolside, dining on regional, vegetarian cuisine, and sipping local wines.

The villa is located in a secluded setting on a hilltop with magnificent views overlooking forests, vineyards, olive groves and mountains. Enjoy a saltwater pool, jacuzzi, Turkish sauna, and luxurious spa treatments, as well as local cheeses, pasta, breads, and pizza from a wood-fired oven.

Open to late beginner to advanced students, all classes will be taught at Tranquil Space Open Flow level with variations and modifications for your body.

Tuscany Yoga + Walking Retreat in Lucca, Italy

Join Jessie Chapman for a week of yoga & inspiration in Tuscany staying 7 nights at the beautiful 17th century Villa Benvenuti just outside the medieval walled city of Lucca. This soulful retreat combines inspirational twice daily yoga with beautiful walks, pre lunch core strength classes, evening yoga nidra, inspiring sightseeing & cultural tours and wonderful regional food. This is your time to relax and be on retreat in stunning surrounds.

Our daily ritual:
7.00 am: morning yoga
9.00 am: fresh juice and delicious buffet breakfast
10.30 am: depart for one of our inspiring walks or optional excursions
1.30 pm: pre-lunch core strength class or restoration yoga
2 pm delicious home cooked Italian lunch
3.00 pm: guided walk / massage / relax
6.00pm: afternoon yoga
8.00 pm: delicious home cooked dinner
9.00 pm: yoga nidra - a guided lying down relaxation for a good nights sleep

Yoga, Art + Gastronomia in Tuscany

Join Micheline + Joey for 7 days and nights of La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) surrounded as far as the eye can see by hillside-fields of olive orchards & Tuscan vineyards. In addition to nurturing daily Liquid Asana yoga and meditation you will enjoy farm-to-table alfresco feasting from estate produced wine, olive oil, fruit, vegetables and herbs. We will bathe in Italy’s art and warm waters alike—from Cinque Terre’s charming Mediterranean beach coves to thermal hot springs—the remedy for just about anything.

In addition to our magical stay at an authentic Tuscan Home Estate with a 180 degree view of the Tuscan hills and Lucca, salt-water pool, wood burning pizza oven and Turkish Sauna, our retreat includes 4 amazing excursions:
A Day Trip to Cinque Terre!
An afternoon at an authentic Italian Thermal Spa
A Tuscan wine tasting excursion
Aperitivo at the historical Villa Grabau, followed by a Puccini opera (Lucca is the birthplace of Puccini).

This retreat is OPEN TO ALL LEVELS of yoga, meditation, art and life experience. We look forward to taking this amazing journey and celebrating the art of life with you.