A typical day begins with sunrise meditation and light stretching, followed by a morning yoga class that can include breathwork, meditation and journal prompts. Classes draw on Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative styles and are pitched at all levels. Breakfast follows, then the afternoon is free or given over to an optional Ayurveda or asana workshop, tailored to what the group wants. Evenings close with dinner at the villa, cooked by private chefs, with limited prosecco and wine included.

What separates this from a standard yoga week is the setting and the small group. The villa sits in the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula with views over the Mediterranean to Capri, surrounded by lemon and olive groves. With around eight guests, the teachers can adjust sessions to individuals rather than running one fixed class for everyone.

The week includes excursions to Sorrento and Positano and other nearby towns, a sunset hike with panoramic views, and a cooking class. There is also an Ayurveda workshop and a life and career coaching session, plus time for journaling and creative work — the hosts supply writing and art materials along with yoga mats, straps and blocks.

Daniella has worked in yoga, mindfulness and wellness for more than 20 years. She runs mindfulness and stress management workshops for groups ranging from school children to university students, professional staff and corporate offices, and is trained in career development support. Nancy moved from Sydney to the Sorrento Peninsula in 2021 after a corporate career. She teaches yoga and works as a sound healing practitioner.

The villa is about a 15-minute drive from Sorrento and 1.5 hours from Naples International Airport. Group transfers are provided from Sorrento train station on arrival and departure days; airport transfers are not included but the hosts can help arrange them. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.

What's included

- 5 nights at Villa Dafne - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Specialised workshops, including Ayurveda and life/career coaching - Cooking class - Group excursions to Sorrento, Positano and nearby towns - Sunset hike with panoramic views - Half board: daily breakfast and dinner - One dinner at a local restaurant - Water, tea and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Limited prosecco and wine with dinner - Group transfer from Sorrento train station on arrival and departure days - Transportation during the retreat - Yoga mats, straps and blocks - Writing and art materials for workshops - Course manual - Wi-Fi - Luggage storage - Pre and post retreat support from the hosts

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments, such as the optional 60-minute massage