Wellness Yoga Escape in the Italian Vineyards

Lakshmi Rising's yoga retreats happen alongside their Yoga Alliance-accredited teacher trainings, which gives the week a unique rhythm. You get the structure of a daily practice and the option to drop into workshops on Ayurveda, chakras, and yoga philosophy, but there's no homework, exams, or practice teaching. The schedule is designed so you can engage as much as you want—some days you might spend hours in the posture lab, other days you might take a book to the pool and not move until lunch.

The setting is a 28-hectare heritage estate called Villa dei Cipressi, perched on the highest hilltop in Sona, about 20 minutes from Verona and a short drive from Lake Garda. The villa itself is historic, with antique furniture, original artwork, and sunlit rooms that house your yoga practice and meals. The grounds feature century-old cypress trees, working vineyards, a winery with a tasting room, rose gardens, and an outdoor pool. On Saturdays, a full excursion day offers wine tastings on the estate, beach time at Lake Garda, opera in Verona, or cycling through the countryside.

Founder Dr. Liz Lindh leads the program with over 30 years of yoga study and a background in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. She's trained thousands of teachers and brings a grounded, multidisciplinary approach to each class and lecture. Guest teachers and staff handle the day-to-day logistics with concierge-level care, while Gaia Gourmet prepares all meals—vegan, gluten-free, and Ayurvedic-inspired, with dishes like chana masala, pesto primavera lasagna, and dark chocolate truffles.

This is a retreat for people who want a real break—not a packed itinerary, not a detox bootcamp, but a spacious week to reconnect with their practice and themselves. The community is international, mostly women, aged 20s to 60s, and everyone shares meals and spaces. If you're a yoga teacher looking to recharge without the pressure of certification, or a beginner who wants a supported entry into daily practice, this fits. You'll leave feeling stretched, fed, and genuinely rested.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in historic villa rooms - 3 daily nutritious vegan and gluten-free meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Unlimited coffee, tea, and seasonal fruit - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (90-minute vinyasa flow) - Daily meditation and pranayama classes - Opening ceremony with intention-setting - Optional expert-led lectures and workshops - Group excursions on Saturday - Use of yoga props (blocks, straps, bolsters) - Access to pool, gardens, and common areas - Light daily housekeeping and weekly self-serve laundry - Wi-Fi in designated areas - Pre-arrival orientation materials and packing list - Personalized mentorship from master trainers - On-site support from staff and facilitators

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Personal expenses - Additional treatments (massages, facials, etc.)