5-Day Yoga and Self-Care Escape in the Italian Countryside

The retreat runs for five days and four nights at Italy Countrystay, a guesthouse in the village of Pescosolido, about two hours from both Rome and Naples. The property sits in the countryside with views over the valley, and the surrounding area is part of the Abruzzo National Park, known for its forests and mountains. The nearby town of Sora, with its cafés and markets, is close enough to walk to or reach by bus.

A typical day starts with a yoga class led by Olivia, who has been teaching since 2016 and has practiced in several countries. She keeps classes suitable for all levels, so you don't need to be an experienced yogi. After yoga, you have breakfast, and the rest of the day is a mix of free time and planned activities. One afternoon there's a meditation workshop, which covers some common misconceptions about meditation and includes short practices of a few different techniques. Another day, you'll be taken on a guided hike into a canyon to see a waterfall, with the option to swim in the cold pools. There's also a trip to Lago di Posta Fibrena, a cold lake nearby.

A full-body oil massage with Liina is part of the package. Liina has been offering bodywork for 15 years and combines deep tissue, Swedish, and myofascial release techniques. Evenings are spent eating a vegetarian dinner on the terrace, often joined by friends of the host, which some guests have appreciated for making the group feel more open and social. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, and solo travelers will feel welcome here.

What makes this retreat different is the small size and the personal attention. Olivia is known for being warm and helpful, and she goes out of her way to make guests comfortable, even helping with transport if needed. The pace is relaxed, so you can use the free time to journal, paint, or read, and there's a bookable option for a private studio if you want more space. It's a good fit for a first retreat or for someone who just wants a calm week in the Italian countryside with some structure.

What's included

- Accommodation for 4 nights in a private room - Daily yoga classes - One 1-hour full body oil massage - Guided hike to a waterfall with option to swim - Trip to Lago di Posta Fibrena - Meditation workshop - Daily breakfast and dinner (vegetarian) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Free wifi - Free parking - Free pickup from Sora station

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunch (not included) - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments