Yoga and Nature Retreat in the Umbrian Hills, Italy

Mornings at Tara usually start on the octagonal outdoor deck, which is over 110 m² and one of the largest at any retreat centre in Italy. The boards run east–west so mats face the sunrise, and oak and olive trees shade the space in the early and late hours. You will hear birdsong, and deer sometimes wander past. When the weather turns, practice moves into the 52 m² indoor shala, which has Bose speakers and a beamer for audio and video.

The rest of the day is yours to shape. There is a 15 m pool for swimming, forest walks straight from the property, and the medieval town of Todi a short drive away for coffee or a look around. Groups often use the afternoons for workshops, ceremonies or creative sessions, and the evenings for shared meals and conversation.

Caroline and Timothy have been running yoga retreats and festivals for around ten years, and they host everything themselves rather than handing it to a management company. They built the deck with engineers and carpenters, and got married on it. That personal involvement shows in how the week runs — small details get handled, and guests tend to end up talking to the owners rather than to a reception desk.

The centre is eco-friendly in practice, not just in wording: solar power, sustainable forestry and soil management, and organic food grown on site or sourced locally. The land is managed to preserve biodiversity, and the surrounding forest is home to deer and badger.

Because Tara is a venue as well as a retreat centre, the programme changes with each booking. Some weeks are yoga and wellness retreats, some are women's retreats, some are trainings or creative and personal development gatherings. Check the specific retreat you are booking for its own schedule and teacher. What does not change is the location, the food, the pool, the deck and the quiet.

What's included

- Accommodation on site at the retreat centre - Organic meals during your stay - Use of the 15 m pool - Use of the 110 m² outdoor yoga deck - Use of the 52 m² indoor studio with Bose speakers and beamer - Access to the surrounding forest and grounds - Daily yoga and group sessions as per your chosen retreat programme

What's not included

- Travel to and from Umbria - Airport transfers (not stated as included) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional excursions and activities not in your programme - Any treatments or services not listed in your retreat booking