Wellness Escape: 8-Day Yoga and Relaxation Retreat in the Umbrian Hills, Italy

The retreat takes place at Locanda del Gallo, a boutique hotel nestled in the hills between Gubbio and Perugia. The property has ten rooms, each decorated with a unique mix of antique and exotic furniture that owners Paola and Irish have collected on their travels. The grounds include terraced lawns, an olive grove, rose bushes, and herbs. There's a saltwater pool, a jacuzzi, and an onsite wellness center with a sauna and spa. The setting is quiet and rural, with only the sounds of the countryside around you.

Led by hosts Shelby Makowsy and Carrie Howard, the retreat offers a varied yoga program that adapts to the group's level. Expect vinyasa flows, somatic yoga, restorative sessions, and an introduction to Ashtanga. There are also workshops on pranayama (breathing), chakra exploration, and meditation. The schedule is structured but not rigid, with mornings for yoga and afternoons often kept free for relaxation, hikes, or spa treatments. Some afternoons include group trips, like a cooking class where you make your own lunch or a visit to a local winery.

The food is a highlight. The onsite chef prepares meals using vegetables from the kitchen garden, local olive oil, and seasonal ingredients. Breakfast is a spread of homemade yogurt, breads, and preserves; lunch is light and wholesome; and dinner is a multi-course Italian meal served in a communal setting. It's a good choice for anyone who wants a proper break – to practice some yoga, eat well, and spend a week in a beautiful, restorative part of Italy.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off (from Rome Fiumicino Airport) - 7 nights accommodation at Locanda del Gallo - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Daily yoga classes and workshops - Cooking class - Group excursions and activities - Transportation during the retreat - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Wi-Fi connection - Gratuities (for staff)

What's not included

- Flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Spa treatments - Alcoholic beverages