7 Day Inner Healing Yoga Retreat in 16th-Century Monastery, Italy

The retreat is thoughtfully designed to balance movement and stillness, activity and rest. Mornings start with a vinyasa flow that energizes the body and mind, while evenings wind down with yin yoga, gong baths, and sound journeys that open space for release and self-discovery. The practice locations are as inspiring as the sessions themselves—yoga in the cloister, among ancient olive trees, or in a candlelit wine cellar.

Beyond yoga, the retreat immerses you in Apulian culture. You’ll learn family secret recipes in the monastery’s kitchen laboratory, shape ceramics using traditional techniques, and join herbal workshops that connect you to the land’s bounty. These creative endeavors are designed to spark inspiration and healing, reconnecting you to the joy of making with your hands.

The food is a highlight—slow, intentional, and rooted in tradition. Daily home-cooked Mediterranean meals use seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and the monastery’s own gardens, with recipes passed down through the Tommasino family. Shared around long tables in the refectory, these meals foster genuine connection and conversation, creating a sense of family among guests.

The location itself is a living sanctuary. The 16th-century monastery, with its vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and antique furnishings, exudes timelessness and grounding. Surrounding gardens feature over a hundred species of herbs and flowers, offering aromatic pathways for strolls and quiet reflection. Just minutes from Nardò and a short drive from Lecce, it’s an ideal base to explore Puglia’s baroque beauty, coastal towns, and wild beaches.

Lead instructor May Koh brings a unique blend of classical ballet training and 250-hour Awakening yoga certification. Her teaching style is nurturing and adaptive, ensuring every level feels supported. Her signature program combines detoxification, Vinyasa, Ashtanga Flow, and Yin Yoga, all complemented by nutritious meals. With her warm presence and attention to detail, May creates an environment where transformation feels natural and joyful.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off (from Brindisi Airport) - 6 nights accommodation in a restored 16th-century monastery - Daily yoga (morning vinyasa + evening yin) - Sound healing & gong bath ceremonies - Creative Apulian workshops (bread, herbs, ceramics) - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Midweek nature excursion to pine forest & beach - Sponsored luxury pyjamas for your bedtime ritual - Use of monastery grounds and meditation spaces - Intimate group size (max. 12 participants) - Wi-Fi throughout the property

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Flights costs - Visa fees - Additional activities/treatments (e.g., massage) - Alcoholic beverages (wine is included with meals, but extra drinks may be charged) - Personal expenses