Wellness Escape: Yoga and Mountain Hiking in the Italian Countryside

The retreat mixes a daily yoga practice with guided hikes in the surrounding mountains, designed so you're moving your body in two very different ways every day. Madeleine's classes draw on her background in Chinese energetic practice and neuroscience, so you're not just running through poses — there's a clear logic to why you're doing what you're doing, whether it's a slow yin session to calm the nervous system or a more dynamic vinyasa to build heat.

The location does a lot of the work. Alvito sits in a green valley ringed by peaks, and the hikes take advantage of that immediately. Expect proper walking — a few hours a day, sometimes longer, with a guide who knows the area well. The pace is adjusted to the group, so it works whether you're a regular hiker or more of a casual walker. You'll cover ground that most tourists never see, through chestnut forests and past old stone villages.

Sleep is a key part of the program, and the accommodation is set up for it. The house is a restored heritage building right in the center of Alvito, with spacious rooms and private bathrooms. The decor is minimal, and the only real noise is church bells and birdsong. There's a yoga deck for practice and a terrace with views over the rooftops to the mountains beyond.

Madeleine handles the teaching and hosting herself, along with her partner, and the food is a highlight in its own right. Your chef works with what the valley produces — seasonal vegetables, local cheese, olive oil, fresh bread — and gives traditional recipes a lighter, more nutritious spin. You'll understand why the village life here moves at this pace after a day of hiking and a meal like that.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private or shared room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - Free WiFi

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments