Wild Swimming and Yoga Wellness Retreat on the Edge of Abruzzi National Park

The rhythm here is uncomplicated. Each morning there's a yoga session at 8:00am, then a breakfast buffet of fresh bread, fruit, and vegetables. After that, the day is yours. There are organized walks to a nearby lake for swimming and walking meditation, and more ambitious hikes from the farm toward the waterfall, gorge, and mountain summits. An optional afternoon yoga class is offered with a different style, and guests often organize their own excursions, like visiting the organic farm 45 minutes away or taking a short walk into Sora. Dinners are at 8:00pm, a shared Italian-style buffet where guests and volunteers trade stories.

The farm is the centerpiece. It's a family-run, active farm on the edge of the national park, growing Mediterranean fruits and vegetables that end up in the meals. There's a community of volunteers living and working here, so the energy is genuine, not staged. In reviews, guests mention the host Antonello and his father Guiseppe making people feel at home, and the farm's storytellers and interesting guests are often highlights.

What makes this retreat different from a generic yoga week is the specific setting: the edge of a national park, a cold natural lake for swimming, and a working farm. There aren't flashy amenities or a spa; instead, you get simple restored rooms, forest yoga, and a direct connection to the land. The swimming lake is a highlight—cold, wild, and totally different from a pool.

Yoga teachers include Ana, a yoga and tantra practitioner, and Michael, who trained in India and Thailand. The resident host, Antonello, is a 500-hour yoga teacher who grew up in the area and leads some classes himself. All levels are welcome, and the teaching is described as grounded and approachable, with a focus on practice and daily life rather than dogma.

The location is a key part of the appeal. Sora is about 40 minutes on foot, and the national park is right there for hiking, horse riding, and exploring. Guests without a car can reach the farm by bus from Rome, making it an easy escape into nature.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private or shared room - Daily morning yoga class - 1-hour massage or reiki treatment - Walking meditation at a nearby lake - Swimming in the cold lake - Breakfast and dinner daily - Free wifi and parking - Free gift: lunch on the last day - Concierge flights & travel assistance with one of our travel experts - Post-retreat integration support (online session) - Access to exclusive curated playlists - Free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches (not included) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments