7 Day Yoga and Dark Retreat Holiday in the Abruzzi National Park, Italy

The retreat is split into two distinct parts, and that structure is what makes it unusual. Days one to three are the dark retreat. You'll move into a separate stonewall studio—bedroom, bathroom, and a small kitchenette—and the windows are covered so no light gets in. Meals arrive at agreed times, and you're essentially on your own, with no books, phones, or distractions. It's an advanced practice rooted in the Dzogchen and Kalachakra lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and while it sounds intense, guests consistently report it as a highlight. The first night is the hardest; by the third, many say they've never felt so present.

The second half of the week is about integration. Mornings start with a yoga class on a wooden platform in the forest, just a five-minute walk from the main farm. Teachers rotate—often Ana, whose training is in traditional Tantra and Hatha, or Antonello himself, who studied in India and Thailand. One day includes a walking meditation in a lake nature reserve, and you're welcome to swim in the 8-degree water if you're brave. Another is given over to a one-hour treatment—Reiki or massage—that's included in the package price.

Afternoons are free to explore. The farm itself is an easy walk to the town of Sora, which has cafés, gelato, and a few local restaurants. Hiking trails of every difficulty start right from the property, and the Abruzzi National Park behind you has wildlife, forests, and dramatic ridges. Evenings are for meals and conversation; dinner is often at the farm, but a few times a week it's moved to a nearby location so you can experience different restaurants and cuisines. The hosts are careful to keep the group small and personal.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation (3 nights in dark retreat studio, 4 nights in ensuite room) - Breakfast and dinner daily - Daily yoga classes with experienced teachers - One 1-hour treatment (massage or Reiki) - Walking meditation in the lake nature reserve - Free WiFi - Use of farm facilities (garden, terrace, restaurant)

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights and train/bus costs - Lunch (available at €11 per day) - Extra treatments - Travel insurance - Personal expenses