Yoga and Paragliding Retreat in the Italian Abruzzo Mountains

The week is built around a morning practice on a wooden platform in the forest, about five minutes' walk from the farm. The teachers are international and experienced, and the practice varies depending on who is leading—Antonello, the host, is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance teacher who studied in India and Thailand, while other teachers like Ana and Michael bring backgrounds in hatha, yin, and tantra. Expect a mixed group of guests from around the world, with plenty of time to talk and get to know each other.

The paragliding day is the standout. You'll drive to the Mount Cassino valley, where the flight takes place. The valley is known for its monastery and its wartime history, and from the air you get a different perspective on the landscape. The flight is a tandem one, so you're strapped in with a pilot who does the flying while you take in the views. It's not an extreme sport experience—more of a peaceful glide over the valley.

The rest of the days are more relaxed. There's a walking meditation in a lake nature reserve, where you can also go for a swim (the water is cold, around 8 degrees). You can book a Reiki session or a massage with Ana or another practitioner—one treatment is included in the package. The farm is surrounded by hiking trails of varying difficulty, and the town of Sora is a 45-minute walk away, good for a coffee or gelato in the afternoon.

The farm itself is a working organic farm, with fruit trees and vegetable gardens. You'll see where the food comes from—breakfast is often served after yoga and includes eggs, legumes, and fruit from the farm. Dinners are either at the farm or at two nearby locations, to give you a change of scenery. Many guests are volunteers or long-term visitors, so there's always someone to talk to.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a room or tent - Daily breakfast and dinner (vegetarian and vegan options) - Daily morning yoga class on the forest platform - 1 hour Reiki or massage treatment - Paragliding flight in the Mount Cassino valley (tandem) - Walking meditation in a lake nature reserve - Free parking and Wi-Fi - Access to farm kitchen and laundry

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Flights and visa costs - Lunch (available at the farm for €11, or you can explore local eateries) - Additional treatments or activities - Other meals and drinks outside of what's specified