Yoga Retreat in Tuscany offering Art classes and Wine tasting!
Join Lily Eslahjou and Madeleine Maiorano in Tuscany for Yoga, Art and Wine at the beautiful Villa Benvenuti! September 7 to September 14, 2013
This fully restored 17th century villa is located 30 minutes from Pisa and 1 hour from Florence. Combining luxury and comfort, organic tasty meals and wine, Art and Yoga all in the midst of forested hills, olive groves and oak trees. The grounds are lush and include beautiful vistas, secret garden and bubbling fountain perfect for meditation, reading and relaxing. There are hammocks throughout the estate if one needs to nap and a swimming pool for those that need a dip before sunset. http://www.villabenvenuti.com/
Why Yoga and Art?
Both Yoga and Art are forms of expression and creativity where we apply effort to open up new possibilities. Yoga is about moving inward and tapping into our true Self, setting an intention each time you practice but more importantly letting go of the outcome. With art the best results can come when you approach it in this same way. Start with an idea, move the brush just as you move the body in Yoga, guided by long established techniques and then allow intuition to take over without trying to control the final product.
So both Yoga and Art teach us the importance of surrendering to the final product, since all is ever changing. The true magic is in allowing for energy to flow rather than forcing the perfect picture on the canvas of our lives.
YOGA
Classes held in the beautiful Yoga space provided with various props and mats available. You will experience restorative classes as well as vinyasa flows to challenge the core and open mind/body. Each session will start with meditation and a couple of classes will be formatted in a workshop style to help deepen your practice. Sessions will be in the a.m 1.5 to 2 hours. Sessions suit all levels.
ART
No prior art experience? No worries! Matisse is known to have said that the most important thing about a picture cannot be explained. Oh so true. No amount of art theory will allow you to create something beautiful, what will is what cannot be explained…intuition and inspiration. So once Lily has helped open your mind/body through her amazing Yoga sessions we will take that one step further and tap into your intuitive creative side. You’ll be shown some simple techniques, learn the basics of using watercolour and be inspired by the breathtaking Tuscan landscape. You will surprise yourself with what you can create! Classes will be in the late afternoon – 1.5 to 2 hours. All materials will be provided; the only thing to bring to class is an open mind and a smile.
Activities:
Please view for details: http://www.villabenvenuti.com/pages/activities.aspx
How to Get There
Please view details: http://www.villabenvenuti.com/pages/directions.aspx
Prices:
Double Occupancy shared bathroom starting at $2350 + HST per person – Deposit of $600 due by April 15, 2013 and remainder of $1750 + HST due July 15, 2013.
Double Occupancy private bathroom starting at $2670 + HST per person – Deposit of $700 due April 15, 2013 and remainder + HST due July 15, 2013.
Private rooms are limited to 2 and are subject to a single room supplement please inquire via email : lily@healandtone.com
Retreat Price Includes:
- 5 Yoga Classes – 5 Art Classes – 3 meals per day (excluding one dinner eaten out mid week) – 7 nights accommodation + all linens + towels – Aperitivo with Prosecco on the last night – Fresh detox juice at breakfast – unlimited fruit, water and herbal teas throughout the day – Wine from the estate at dinner – Use of pool, Yoga room, mats and props – Guided hike (2-4 hours) to hill top village with picnic lunch – Free pick up from Lucca Train or Bus station to Villa – Italian lessons from Madeleine upon request – Assistance and advice in arranging optional excursions.
Retreat Price does not include:
- Flight – Travel Insurance – Airport Transfers (Note that taxis or drivers can be organized for pickup from Pisa airport at around 80 Euro for an 8 seater taxi) – Excursions outside the villa – Massages and Holistic Treatments – Other travel related expenses – Use of Internet other than for essential communications. Private Yoga sessions or Private Art sessions – Bowen Therapy treatment/massage
Check in Time is 4pm Saturday September 7 and Check out is 10 a.m on September 14.
