Back to Nature Yoga and Wellness Retreat on the Istrian Coast

The retreat is built around daily yoga practice in stunning outdoor settings. You'll do three invigorating Ashtanga Vinyasa sessions each morning, usually on a quiet beach or a deck overlooking the sea. There are also daily pranayama (breathing) and meditation sessions, plus some more unusual activities that Goran has added over the years: SUP yoga, where you practice on a paddleboard floating in the calm bay, slack-lining to work on balance and focus, and something called YogaKick, which fuses yoga with kickboxing — a nod to Goran's martial arts background.

The setting is a big part of the experience. southern Istria is one of Croatia's best-kept secrets: a rugged coastline of rocky beaches, pine forests and the pristine Cape Kamenjak nature park, which juts out into the sea at the very tip of the peninsula. There's a special atmosphere here — the water is a rare blue-green colour, the sunsets are long and slow, and the air smells of pine and salt. It's the kind of place that gets into you.

Goran's style is the heart of it. He's been practising and teaching for two decades, starting with kickboxing before discovering Ashtanga yoga in his twenties. He trained in Mysore, India, with Sharath Jois, and has studied with many of the great Ashtanga teachers. But he's not about strict form or pushing you to advanced poses — the emphasis is on awareness, breath and finding your own edge. Reviewers talk about his kindness and generosity, and how he creates a space where people feel safe to let go.

Accommodation is simple but comfortable — private rooms with king beds, air conditioning and sea views from a small terrace. There's no restaurant on site and meals are not provided, which keeps the price down and gives you freedom to explore Premantura's excellent konobas (taverns) for dinner. The village is right on the sea, with a few restaurants and a small supermarket within walking distance, so self-catering is easy.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private room with sea view - 3 morning Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga sessions - Daily pranayama (breathing) classes - Daily meditation classes - 1 SUP Yoga class - 1 slack line class - 1 YogaKick class - Transport during the retreat (listed activities) - Airport transfer from Pula Airport (PUY) on day 1 and departure on final day - Welcome and pre/post retreat support from the team - Parking and wifi at the property

What's not included

- Airport transfers (only included on arrival/departure days) - Travel insurance - Flights - Visa fees - Private yoga classes or alignment sessions - Meals and drinks - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Gratuities