50-Hour Aerial Yoga Teacher Training & Wellness Escape in Tuscany, Italy

This 50-hour aerial yoga teacher training unfolds on Elba Island, a slice of the Tuscan Archipelago where the mountains drop straight into the sea. Villa Shanti, the retreat center, sits 200 meters above sea level, so summers stay pleasant and the views stretch to Corsica on clear days. The property runs on solar power and its own spring water—you'll drink from a source Napoleon himself once used. There are two yoga shalas, an outdoor one where you'll practice with the sunrise, and a newer indoor space for cooler months. The garden is huge, with fruit trees and a barefoot path for acupressure walking, plus a 12-by-5-meter pool.

Christel, your host and lead trainer, has been teaching since the 1990s. She trained with Brian Kest for power yoga, completed therapeutic and yin yoga trainings in India and Canada, and earned her aerial yoga certification in Thailand. She's also a Reiki master and massage therapist, with a warm, attentive style that students consistently mention in reviews. The training itself is intensive—about eight hours a day—but broken up with meditation, breaks, and plenty of hammock time. You'll work with three different types of aerial swings, and Christel provides an online manual and PowerPoint that she's developed specifically for this course.

The schedule stays consistent, which helps you settle into a rhythm. Mornings begin with meditation and a vinyasa flow, followed by a garden breakfast. The bulk of the day is dedicated to learning and practicing aerial techniques, and evenings wind down with yin yoga, meditation, and a family-style dinner. Midweek, there's time to explore the island—hike Monte Capanne, bike the coastal roads, or swim in the clear water. Because the group is so small, often just a few people, you'll likely get near-private attention and the chance to shape your week.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared apartments - Daily breakfast and dinner, with fresh local ingredients - Water, tea, and coffee available all day - Fruit and snacks available all day - Welcome drink on arrival - 50-hour Aerial Yoga Teacher Training course - Course manual and PowerPoint presentations - Certificate upon successful completion - Specialized workshops - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., Ayurvedic massage, sauna) - Lunch meals (unless specified) - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Airport or ferry transfers (available at extra cost)