Gozo Island Wellness Retreat: Yoga, Sound Baths & Mediterranean Hiking

The retreat is run at HIVE Malta on Gozo, the smaller, greener island in the Maltese archipelago. Gozo is known for its slow pace, limestone countryside, coastal cliffs and swimming spots like the Inland Sea and Dwejra. The villa sits in San Lawrenz, on the western side of the island, with countryside views and sunsets over the garden and pool.

A typical day starts with meditation or yoga, then breakfast. After that the group heads out for a hike around the island, which could take in coastal paths, salt pans, or old villages depending on the day. Back at the villa there's free time by the pool before lunch — and lunch is also where the chef gives a short talk on healthy nutrition. The afternoon includes a sound bath session, and there's an ice bath experience for anyone who wants it. Dinner is followed by an evening bonfire session with the group.

What separates this from a standard wellness week is the villa itself. It's a 300-year-old traditional Gozitan building that was recently renovated: high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, Maltese stone walls, a grand courtyard entrance with carved local stone, and a kitchen with handcrafted ceramic tiles. There are five bedrooms, each with a king-size bed, private sitting area and ensuite bathroom with mosaic tiling and a walk-in shower. Several rooms open onto terraces with sunset views.

Also on site: a private garden, a swimming pool, a terrace looking out over the surrounding countryside, and a jacuzzi with both hot and cold water. The activities on offer include yoga and stretching, local hiking tours, cooking classes, sound bath and meditation therapy, and classic massages. The team arranges activities based on what guests ask for, so the schedule can shift.

The programme is customised for small groups, with a stated group size of 5 to 10 people. Practitioners come from Gozo and Malta and are described as experienced in their respective fields. Accommodation is either single or double occupancy, and longer 7-day programmes can be arranged on request.

What's included

- Airport pick-up and drop-off from Malta International Airport - Three meals and snacks per day, tailored to dietary needs - Accommodation in single or double occupancy rooms - Yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions - Guided hikes around the island of Gozo - Lomi Lomi and classic massage sessions - Sound bath sessions - Ice bath experience - Hot and cold jacuzzi access - Nutrition talk presented by the chef

What's not included

- Flights to and from Malta - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional treatments or activities outside the programme