Renu invites you to experience an unparalleled luxury wellness journey to Italy.
Along with daily Yoga and Yoga Nidra in a mesmerizing landscape, as well as delicious Italian food, wine tasting, hiking with a local guide including a picnic lunch with a stunning view – this retreat is not only a treat for your soul, but also your taste buds.
Surrounded on three sides by the Alps, and the borders to Switzerland and France, you’ll find Piemonte. True to the meaning of its name (foot of the mountain), Piemonte is a land of mountains.
La Villa Madonna
La Villa Madonna is a personal and elegant boutique hotel located in Piemonte, in the northwest part of Italy. The hotel is surrounded by marvelous nature and their own vineyard and wine cellar from the 17th century. In the kitchen at Villa La Madonna rests the heart and soul of the hotel. They offer tempting food experiences – everything provided within a unique environment and atmosphere. The chef specialize in cooking food from Piemonte and from the whole of Italy.
Villa La Madonna is owned by the Swedish sisters Marie and Annica. Villa La Madonna has been in the family’s possession for quite a while and now Marie and Annica have taken over the ownership. They are offering a fantastic experience for all visitors in the beautiful Piemonte area. Marie herself sums it up neatly: “Villa La Madonna is way too special to keep private or secret – it’s a place which deserves to be shared.”
The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms, all in boho-chic style with a blend of contemporary design and vintage. All rooms have a terrace or a balcony and most of them have a stunning view over the vineyards surrounding the hotel.
At the hotel they describe the concept of ”wellness” like this: “it’s as much about attitude and mood as it’s a physical experience”. At Villa La Madonna “wellness” represents a complete experience embraced by wonderful nature and a relaxing atmosphere.
The nearest village is called Monastero Bormida, where you’ll find a few shops and cafés. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the hotel or alternatively use one of the bikes (8 in total) that the hotel provides. Enjoy biking between the wine fields that surrounds Villa La Madonna or take a tour to the village for a cappuccino at the local bar.
About Piemonte
The region of Piemonte is famous for its wines and was added to Unesco’s World Heritage list in 2014. Piemonte is also home to the world famous Italian white truffle, one of the most expensive and appreciated delicacies and it’s here you’ll find the world’s truffle capital, Alba. In the little town of Bra, the concept “slow food” was born. Piemonte is also known for making famous cheeses such as Roccaverano, and for chocolate with among others, the well-known brand Nutella.
Only 15 minutes by car from the hotel you’ll find the charming small Roman village Acqui Terme. The town is known for its curative waters and for its thermal baths. Here you’ll find the famous hot spring. The town’s cosy atmosphere is enhanced by its many shops, bars, excellent restaurants and cafés.
About the food
We will balance our day at the retreat with healthy, local food. Enjoy cuisine which combines creativity and flavors with a special attention to creating balanced meals. The colorful and tasty menus celebrate Piemonte.
International and Mediterranean flavors are prepared by an in-house chef from fresh, local organic ingredients. Breakfast consists of eggs, fresh fruit and juices, homemade granola with farm-fresh yogurt, croissants and baguettes. These are prepared fresh for you each morning. Dinner will be enjoyed on the terrace in the shade of the oak trees, or served by candlelight under the pergola or in the veranda.
Upon the arrival, before we start the retreat, our wonderful hosts will welcome us with Spumante and hors d’oeuvres.
About Yoga
To stay at Villa La Madonna can be a spiritual experience in itself. The beautiful building and the peaceful surroundings create the perfect environment for us to relax and nourish our souls. Here we will take time to enjoy Yoga and Yoga Nidra in the lovely large yoga studio with a gorgeous view over the landscape, or outdoors in the beautiful hotel area. The hotel is also providing yoga mats, blankets and pillows.
Massage and Body Treatments
If you are looking to create a peaceful feeling in both body and mind, at Villa La Madonna you can make a reservation for ayurvedic massage with our experienced therapist, who is also an expert on various body treatments. Besides ayurvedic massage she offers several kinds of massage like hot stone massage and of course classic massage. You can also treat yourself to a lovely facial. To book a treatment please contact the hotel directly: booking@villalamadonna.com
Meet your Yoga Nidra Facilitator
Renu (Diane Zagoria) is the founder of Relaxation with Renu.
It is her passion to help people of all ages navigate through their lives with greater ease by giving them tools to help manage what stresses them.
Renu is an E-RYT 500 Hour certified Yoga teacher and Yoga Nidra facilitator. She has a bachelor’s of science degree in education and minor in psychology. She is also a certified reflexologist, Reiki Master and Life Coach. She is based in Los Angeles, where she has a private practice offering Life Coaching sessions and Energy Healing. She also travels in the US and abroad teaching workshops, trainings and retreats. Her expertise is in Yoga Nidra, specializing in the Integrative Amrit Method.
Yoga Nidra is an ancient meditation technique that has the power to take you to the innermost, deepest levels of relaxation where your whole body and being is permeated by peace of mind and profound stillness.
Her teacher, Kamini Desai says this from her book, Yoga Nidra The Art of Transformational Sleep…Every night when we sleep, we must do one thing; let go of our thoughts. In Yoga Nidra we consciously enter the twilight zone between waking and sleeping, enabling us to rest more and more as the space of being beyond the mind, and less and less as the mind itself. This unlocks the mystical, integrative powers of the subconscious, as well as your higher centers of consciousness, to effortlessly erase your most tenacious, self-destructive habits and behavior patterns. It is said by yogis that 45 minutes of Yoga Nidra is as restorative as three hours of sleep. It is very effective for addressing common stress-related health issues, and self-destructive behavior and thought patterns.
The Itinerary (exact times will be updated)
Day 1, Wednesday May 18
Arrival Day
Milan, Airport one time transfer to Villa La Madonna
Welcome drink and snacks
Welcome dinner at La Villa Madonna
Yoga Nidra to help you recalibrate and sleep well after your journey
Day 2, Thursday May 19
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Market Day in the nearby village Monastero Bormida for those who wish to visit. It’s a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Market every Thursday.
Possible Yoga Nidra
Wine tasting at Villa La Madonna in their own wine cellar from the 17th century.
Dinner at Villa La Madonna
Day 3, Friday May 20
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Today we’ll visit a wine farmer and learn more about the local wines. It’s a fun excursion as you will be picked up in “farmer style” by the farmer and his tractor. He will take you to his rustic vineyard, 15 minutes away, where you will take part in the life of a small Italian vineyard. You will also be given the opportunity to try to bottle your own wine.
Possible Yoga Nidra
Dinner at Villa La Madonna
Day 4, Saturday May 21
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Free time – take a walk in the beautiful surroundings or maybe make a reservation for a massage or face treatment.
We can also recommend you to visit the charming small Roman village Acqui Terme, located only 15 minutes by car from the hotel. The town is known for its curative waters and for its thermal baths. Here you’ll find the famous hot spring. The town’s cosy atmosphere is enhanced by its many shops, bars, excellent restaurants and cafés. We recommend a visit to the local wine-bar La Curia, which will be a special experience. If you’d like to explore Acquit Terme on your free time, the hotel can arrange transfers to a small cost. Let Diane know and she will coordinate it with the hotel.
Possible Yoga Nidra
Dinner at Villa La Madonna
Day 5, Sunday May 22
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Today you will experience an unforgettable hike with a local guide. Villa La Madonna offers fantastic nature experiences. The highlight of the hike is enjoying the stunning views whilst indulging a lovely picnic lunch.
Possible Yoga Nidra
Dinner at Villa La Madonna
Day 6, Monday May 23
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Free time – take a walk in the beautiful surroundings or maybe make a reservation for a massage or face treatment.
Possible Yoga Nidra
Dinner at Villa La Madonna
Day 7, Tuesday May 24
Morning Yoga/Yoga Nidra
Breakfast at Villa La Madonna
Check out
Transfer to Milan, airport
Time to say goodbye…all good things must come to an end…at least until next time!
*Please note Itinerary is subject to change.
Included:
- Villa accommodation (spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms, linens)
- Daily Yoga and/or Yoga Nidra Meditation (yoga mats, blankets and pillows provided)
- Daily Breakfast
- Daily Dinner
- Welcome gift – a healing Lava stone or Amazonite bracelet from forUjewelry
- Use of the Estate premises (hiking trails, pool, etc)
- Hiking with a local guide, lunch included
- Visit to a wine farmer to learn more about the local wines
- Wine tasting at La Madonna
- Airport transfer
Not included:
- Lunch 4 days
- Drinks
- Massage (book in advance: booking@villalamadonna.com)
- Travel insurance
- Airfare, Nearest airport: Milan
There will be group transfers provided:
- ARRIVALS = 1 from Milan Airport
- DEPARTURES = 1 to Milan Airport
How to say yes to a journey of a lifetime…
Step 1: Learn all about the trip; the theme, the teachers, the venue, the location, our policies etc.
Step 2: Register online.
Step 3: You’ll get a confirmation email + 2 emails leading up to your trip preparing you for an amazing adventure.
Policies and terms – get clear before your purchase
We strive to maintain a balance between offering our programs to the widest range of participants and running a sustainable and thriving company so that we can continue to create and share our experiences with you.
By reserving your space through placing your deposit with us, you are agreeing to the stated policies in our Agreement. Please read in full and please note:
All prices are per person in Euro. All bookings include a deposit that is 20% of the total trip cost. Final payments are due 60 days before the start date of the trip to keep your spot secure.
Payment
The price is based on a shared room: €2795
1st deposit: (20%) due upon reservation – non refundable: €559
2nd deposit and final payment: €2236
Added fee for a single room: €960
Deposit is due upon registration!
Additional transaction fees might be added to international payments.
You will receive payment information upon registration!
Airline tickets – Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Cancellation policy
If you wish to cancel your retreat you must notify us in writing. Once we’ve received your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following: If cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to your departure date any payments made will be refunded minus your deposit.
Maria Söderholm reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary by our team, trip leaders, teachers or partners. In the rare case of a cancellation on the part of Maria Söderholm (due to political unrest, dangerous weather, or low sign-ups), we require all participants to purchase travel insurance and highly encourage them to purchase “cancel for any reason” to protect them against the rare chance of cancellation.
Register here!
Maria Söderholm 