Rest & Recharge
Yoga Retreat in Puglia 2025
Join us for this transformative Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat
Escape to the enchanting countryside of Puglia, Italy's stunning heel, for a rejuvenating experience. Nestled among ancient olive trees, our retreat offers a serene sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
DATES: April 19-25th, 2025 (6 nights, 7 days)
Last year one of my retreats was selected by IO Donna of Corriere Della Sera as one of 6 recommended wellness events in Italy, read the article here (in Italian). For non-Italians: IO Donna is the weekend magazine of one of the biggest newspapers in Italy.
Look forward to enjoying yoga and mindfulness sessions in a peaceful setting, nourishing body and mind surrounded by beautiful nature. The location is 15 minutes walk from a cute village, and easily accessible from Bari and Brindisi airports.
Welcome! Benvenuti!
(This retreat is taught in both English and Italian if the participants ask me to.
Questi ritiri saranno insegnati sia in inglese che in italiano su richiesta)
Leggi la descrizione del ritiro in ITALIAN qui.
Join us!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Imagine this typical day:
You're waking up inside your beautiful and traditional Trulli with timeless and serene interior design to enhance the calm. After a slow morning at your own pace, we start our morning together at 08.00 with a dynamic hatha yoga flow class on the rooftop overlooking the beautiful landscape and Trullis, by the poolside, or inside the beautiful Shala (yoga room). We'll end the practice with a yummy guided mindfulness meditation for deep relaxation and stress release.
Then we head to enjoy a delicious, homemade, and nourishing brunch prepared by our private local chef, using mostly organic and plant-based ingredients grown at the retreat center.
One day during the retreat I'll also introduce you to Mindful Eating before one of our meals so you can explore the power of this practice to open the senses.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to practice yoga in person with me. Benefit from hands-on adjustments (only if desired) and personalized tips to really reap the best benefits of the practice for your body and needs.
The rest of the day you have the freedom to choose how you want to unwind: relax by the pool, read in a hammock among the olive trees, just enjoy the slow living and calmness of the amazing place we are staying, connecting with new friends among the other participants, explore the beautiful nearby beaches (about a 30-minute drive), or visit charming local villages. The retreat center offers excellent recommendations for activities and sightseeing.
We'll meet back for the evening practice to wind down, and land together in a beautiful and calming restorative practice before the yummy dinner is served!
A yoga retreat is a transformational experience, leaving you with a deeper connection to yourself and a profound sense of calm and rejuvenation. Embrace this opportunity to recharge and enrich your life. And maybe make some friends for life too!
Find the full outline of a typical day below.
Save your spot soon—limited spaces available!
Mindfulness, Yoga & Nature
April 2025
Mindufl Hatha Yoga Flow,
Restorative Yoga,
Mindfulness Meditation
and Myofacial Release
YogApulia
One of the best yoga retreat places in Puglia
About the place
YogApulia is a boutique retreat center exclusively for yoga and meditation practice.
They have renovated the center to create an intimate space in tune with the natural rhythm of nature, where guests can escape from the demands of the modern world to deepen their practice in the beautiful, peaceful setting of the Valle d’Itria in Apulia, Italy.
There is space for maximum 12 participants, a smaller group will give you the luxury of more personal follow-up and a more intimate atmosphere and pristine experience. There are six twin rooms and one double room all with private bathrooms, and all in Trulli.
I am so happy to collaborate with YogApulia for this retreat as I really like the people running this place, they care about what they do, down to every single detail. They will serve us plant-based food that they mainly produce. They not only put their heart and soul into what they produce, but into their customers too, and in the way they respect and connect to nature. You can expect to see a couple of cute and calm dogs they have adopted from rescue for example. This is such a heartfelt, yet professional and exclusive place - I can't wait to bring you here!
Trulli
Experience the Charm of Trulli:
During our retreat, you will stay in Trulli, the iconic and traditional houses of Puglia. These stone buildings with their distinctive rounded, bell-shaped roofs are designed to keep cool in the summer heat and regulate temperature year-round. Puglia's Trulli are renowned worldwide, and staying in one is usually a luxurious treat that can cost €300-€500 per night.
The retreat center has beautifully renovated these Trulli with serene, white interiors and natural wood elements, harmonizing with the surrounding nature. You'll feel a sense of calm the moment you step inside.
Most rooms feature twin beds for sharing between two people, and one room has a double bed, perfect for a couple or close friends. Twin beds can be moved together for couples. The listed prices at the bottom of this page are per person for a bed in a shared room or one person in the double room. If you wish to share a room with a friend, let me know when booking.
Traveling alone? You'll likely form lifelong friendships with your room partner—such connections are common on yoga retreats.
If you prefer a private room, contact me for availability and pricing.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Mindful Yoga Flow
Accessible for everyone!
Learn how advancedness can lie in simplicity.
About the Yoga classes
Morning Yoga Classes: Dynamic and Mindful:
Our morning classes will be dynamic and energizing, fun classes. I teach a blend of Hatha and Vinuasa flow, always incorporating mindful elements and designed to be accessible for all levels and who is present at the retreat. Each class focuses on movements that are functionally beneficial for our modern, often sedentary lifestyles, emphasizing how the poses feel rather than how they look.
In our small group setting of a maximum 12 people, I will provide individual adaptations and adjustments, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention, individualized adjustments and help throughout class.
We won’t be exploring advanced asanas (yoga positions); instead, we’ll find challenges in other meaningful ways. These classes will be enjoyable and invigorating, helping us build strength and sweat a little, but mainly focusing on the beauty of the flow between movements and breath, bringing us into the present moment.
A key principle in my classes is non-judgment. We will practice this often, planting a needed seed of awareness and pausing the critical mind—a challenge in our achievement-driven society.
Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation and mindfulness meditation, allowing you to release stress and connect deeply with the beautiful surroundings.
Class Highlights:
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Fun sessions with creative sequencing in a flow with your breath, with challenges and adaptations adapted for everyone.
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Building functional strength of core, legs, hips, back, arms, and shoulders.
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Enhancing spine mobility, reducing tension and pain, and increasing functional flexibility.
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Mindfulness themes to guide us and explore how we can bring what we learn about ourselves on the mat into everyday life!
Language Options:
Classes can be taught in both English and Italian, catering to all participants. I have extensive experience teaching in both languages, including my classes for FENDI, ensuring that everyone is in good hands. It’s also a great opportunity for anyone looking to improve their language skills.
For Who:
Everyone is welcome, from beginners to advanced practitioners. I’ll provide adaptations and variations to suit all levels. I often have a mix of everything from beginners to seasoned teachers at my events and retreats.
Welcome!
Learn to rest
Evening Practices: Yummy and Relaxing Yoga:
Our evening sessions are all about relaxation and rejuvenation through Restorative Yoga. As a specialist in this practice, I will guide you through restorative sessions using all the props you could dream of. The retreat center is fully equipped, making it easy to explore different bolster and pillow placements to achieve a deeper sense of rest. The key to benefiting from Restorative Yoga lies in finding the right adjustments and props, and I'm here to help you master this beautiful, regenerative practice.
Did you know that scrolling on your phone or watching Netflix doesn’t provide true rest for your brain and nervous system?
Want to learn how to teach your body and brain to access a deeper state of rest?
This is a great opportunity to really feel the effect of this practice after a week's retreat! Research shows Restorative Yoga is one of the best tools to improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels, and boost your immune system. I have studied the traditional approach to Restorative Yoga under one of the practice's developers, but I've also studied the modern research-informed approach with neurologists at Yoga Medicine, and I'm excited to share the power of this practice with you!
For Who:
Open to everyone, beginners and advanced practitioners alike. If you're experienced, this is a great opportunity to receive personalized assistance to enhance your prop placement. If you're new to Restorative Yoga, it's a perfect chance to learn this fantastic and calming practice.
If you have PTSD, please notify me upfront so I can give you the correct guidance and help in confidentiality.
Welcome!
Mindful Restorativ yoga
Learn what deep rest really is, and get help to prop yourself up in the best way to find comfort and ease.
MFR
Release tension and rejuvenate the tissues in your body.
This is a delicious practice you'll fall in love with!
The Myofacial Release Workshop
What You’ll Learn:
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Discover what fascia is and why myofascial release (MFR) is so beneficial and important, supported by research.
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Learn when to perform myofascial release, when to avoid it, and explore different techniques like cross-fibering and pin-and-stretch.
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Focus on releasing key areas that often need attention: shoulders, back, legs, arms, and neck.
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This is a unique opportunity to get individual tips for addressing your most tense areas, or areas of pain or discomfort. (benefit of the small group!)
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We'll use professional MFR balls from RAD Roller, which you'll receive as gifts to take home.
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Self-Myofascial Release: Learn how to do MFR using just your hands
For Who: This workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you're familiar with Myofascial Release or it's entirely new to you. I've studied this extensively with Yoga Medicine, learning from leading researchers in the field of fascia. Myofascial Release is an incredibly efficient way to relieve tension and pain, even with limited time, and it's easy to do at home once you've learned the techniques.
If you are a yoga teacher you'll learn how to teach this and earn Continued Education Credits with Yoga Alliance for this workshop.
Welcome!
Food
Local, Plant-Based, Nutritious, and Delicious:
All meals are included in the retreat price and prepared with care by the retreat center's local, on-site chef, allowing you to relax and savor the flavors of Puglia without the hassle of cooking or cleaning. The ingredients are primarily sourced from the retreat center's own gardens, ensuring fresh, organic, and plant-based dishes.
Meal Schedule:
- Brunch: Served at 10:30 AM (after the morning yoga), this abundant and delicious meal will keep you satisfied until the evening.
- Afternoon Refreshments: Fresh fruit, nuts, and tea are available throughout the day, with occasional cakes provided.
- Dinner: Served at 6:30 PM.
The retreat center itself describes its culinary philosophy as follows: "Food is a central component at YogApulia, and we believe passionately in healthy, nourishing, and sustainably sourced ingredients to support yoga practice. Our food is plant-based, focusing on seasonal, local produce wherever possible."
If you haven't been to Puglia before, you're in for a treat with its amazing ingredients and culinary delights!
Mindful Eating:
One day, I'll introduce you to the practice of Mindful Eating, enhancing your appreciation of the flavors and the overall dining experience at the retreat.
If you have any intolerances, allergies, or special dietary needs, please inform us before booking to ensure we can accommodate your requirements.
Some photos of the place
A typical daily Program
Slow morning
8am - 10am: Morning, Vinyasa or Hatha flow Yoga - typically a more dynamic flow yoga class. and Mindfulness Meditation.
10am - 11am: delicious brunch (vegetarian)
11am - 5pm: free time / pool/ walk in nature / town visit / beach / One day we do a workshop in Myofacial Release (of approximately 3h), and another day we will do a mindful nature walk to the nearby village of Casalini (15 minute walk)
5pm - 6.30pm: evening yoga practice (restorative yoga/yoga nidra and Mindfulness meditation). One day we will do a sunset meditation.
6.30pm - 7.30pm: dinner (plant-based)
FREE TIME:
For this retreat, I have included plenty of free time for you in the middle of the day, so that you have the flexibility to use this time the way you want according to the way you best like to recharge! Sometimes retreats are so packed with activities that you would need a vacation once you get home, I don't want this retreat to be like that for you - I want you to end it feeling amazing and regenerated! But we all have different ways to recharge - so whether you are more adventurous and want to go for excursions during the day or just relax at the retreat center practicing 'Il dolce far niente' - the sweetness of doing nothing as we say in Italian (a profound and beautiful way to connect to being and to living) is really up to you! You have the possibility to take a dip in the pool, walk around to explore the surrounding nature, take a rest under the olive trees, read a book in one of the hammocks, or connect with your fellow retreat participants. All of these are options that would be without additional costs as it is just enjoying the beautiful retreat center and relaxing there, and there will be afternoon refreshments available ecc. But you can of course choose to use those hours in the day to go for excursions on your own initiative to the beach, nearby towns ecc. but this then would be with the additional cost of transportation to get there ecc.
The meals and the morning and evening practices bind us together, and beyond that, you have the freedom to spend your time the way you want the most to help you recharge. You'll see that no matter how you spend your day - having the red thread of the practices, the poetry I'll share, and the self-care in this way will also transform the way you live the other experiences during your day.
Options not included in the price for your Free Time that the retreat center can help you with:
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If you want to travel around more before/after the retreat dates, the retreat center knows the area well and can give you lots of tips as well as tips for car rental etc.
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If you want to explore more in your free time during the retreat itself you can also rent a car either the whole stay or only for one or more days, and if so, the retreat center can arrange it so that your rental car is delivered to and picked up from the retreat center.
Examples of things to do in your free time if you want to explore a bit or visit beaches:
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Beaches: There are many amazing beaches close by, and Puglia beaches are famous for their beauty and crystal clear waters. To get an idea do a quick Google search of some of these that are all within a 30-minute drive: Torre Pozella, Bosco Verde, Lula Bay, and Torre San Leonardo. A little further around 40 40-minute drive is Lido Ottagono, there is no sand but the water is beautiful for swimming.
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While you are at it looking at Google Pictures you can also check out beautiful nearby old towns of Cisternino, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Alberobello (all within 30 minutes) or also Apulia, Bari, or Brindisi. (check out Google Pictures for an idea and Google Maps to check the precise location of the retreat center you find the location at the bottom of this page)
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Grotte of Castellana, a complex of underground caves among the most spectacular in Italy, is approximately 40 minute's drive
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Polignano a Mare - a beautiful old town on the coast approximately 40 minutes drive
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Monopoli - the old historical town on the coast approximately 35 minutes drive
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Torre Canne - beachside resort with sandy beaches, cafes, and restaurants approximately 20 minutes drive
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
On the arrival and departure day, the program will be different:
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Check-in time is from 15.00 on Saturday the 19th, and check-out is by 11.00 on Friday the 25th.
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Light breakfast will be served on the Friday of departure, and dinner I served on the Saturday of the arrival.
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On the arrival day, we will have a welcome circle in the evening to get to know each other a bit, and do a different kind of practice together.
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We will have our ending practice and circle on the day before departure in case someone has a very early flight on departure day.
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On the departure day itself, we may have a brief morning practice, depending a bit on how early most of the participants are leaving.
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Transfer to the retreat center is not included in the price (see below for more info under price).
The Program may be subject to change.
This year as a new element I have a toddler with me so there may be some changes in the program also due to this, although the retreat place will arrange for a babysitter to take care of him during our practices, and the father will be there to handle him most of the time outside of the practices so that I am fully available to you! But he will spend the meals with us, and I do still breastfeed so he may need some moments with his mama when you have your free time.
Practical Info
WHAT YOU NEED:
You do NOT need to bring your own yoga mat, as the retreat center is fully equipped with high-quality mats, blocks, bolsters, and other yoga props.
Bring comfortable yoga clothes. Remember a sweater/jacket for the afternoon and sunset meditations as it may get chilly. There are blankets there. I also recommend bringing with you a notebook/sheet of paper and a pencil/pen for writing exercises.
INVESTMENT - PRICE:
6 nights and 7 days, the price is:
EARLY BIRD price of € 1450 until 15th of October 2024, then € 1550 for the whole stay.
The price includes all the yoga classes, Mindfulness sessions, and MFR workshop, all meals and fruit, nuts and tea throughout the day (explained above), accommodation in the beautiful Trulli's, use of the property and pool, and an organized walk to the nearby village together.
Email me if you want to be sent info on how to make the payment and secure your spot.
Not included in the price:
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Flight tickets
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Airport pick-up (see below)
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Medical/Travel Insurance (see below)
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Additional activities you would want to do in your free time.
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A tourist tax of 2 euros a night (so 12 euros in total) needs to be paid directly to the retreat center upon arrival.
Payment Policy:
To secure your spot, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of €600 is required. (Please ensure that your travel insurance can cover this amount in case of cancellation.) The full payment is due no later than two months before the retreat, by February 22. You may choose to pay in installments if preferred (up to 2-3 payments), but the entire amount must be completed by this deadline. For last-minute registrations (within two months of the retreat), payment is required in full at the time of booking. The final deadline to sign up, if spots remain, is 30 days before the retreat (March 22).
If you are unable to attend, you may cancel your booking up until February 22 and receive a refund for the amount paid, minus the €600 non-refundable deposit. After February 22, no refunds can be given for any reason, including medical or family emergencies. Once the full payment is made, your reservation is considered final and your payment is non-refundable under all circumstances.
In cases where you cannot attend, you may find a replacement to take over your booking. It is your responsibility to identify someone to fill your spot, and the transfer can be made by providing me with their details. However, please note that I am unable to assist in finding a replacement for you.
In the rare event that I am required to cancel or reschedule the retreat (due to severe illness, low enrollment, or unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters), most of your payment will be refunded. The €600 deposit, however, is non-refundable and serves to cover the minimum fees required by the retreat center. Please confirm with your travel insurance that it can cover this deposit in case of such an event.
Alternatives for your partner not interested in yoga/meditation:
If you want to bring your partner to this beautiful location and use the opportunity to also get a stay here, and meals together, yet they do not want to participate in the yoga and meditation sessions, here are the options:
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You can bring your partner/friend even if they do not want to do the practices they can still: 1) participate in the meals and organized excursion, use the pool and area where we stay.
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As they will be taking up a full spot for someone else, they would need to pay the full price. But considering the boutique luxury place to stay and all food included, this is not a bad price even for this.
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You could maybe bring your pet, but this needs to be arranged upfront, you need to talk to the place first, and there may be extra fees. It is also important that if you do, you'd have a partner or friend there not doing yoga who will be watching your pet so that it does not disturb the practices.
Welcome!
To book your spot send me an email: maria@mariawaag.com, and I'll send you the payment info.
Also, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
What's included
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Access to the private and exclusive property of YogApuglia and use of their pool, ecc. the whole retreat center is exclusively for us during our stay.
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Accommodation in Trulli, all rooms have private bathrooms (more about accommodation above).
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All food, wish included: Brunch & dinner are prepared only for us by a private chef, vegetable-based, and most produce grown at the property. Afternoon refreshments: Friuts, nuts and tea, and the occasional cake. Food allergies and intolerances will be taken into account, please inform me before signing up about this so we can make sure it is feasible.
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Yoga classes two times a day (usually: Mindful Yoga Flow and Restorative Yoga, read more about the yoga practices above), except on arrival/departure days (see program above)
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different practices of Mindfulness
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One workshop of approximately 3h on Myofacial Techniques
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Proffesional Myofacial Release Balls as a gift to bring home with you
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Use of the yoga space with all mats, props, blankets ecc. included.
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Arraged walk through nature to the nearby village.
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Parking your rented car inside the property (this needs to be double-checked with the retreat center depending on how many rents a car).
What's not included
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Flights or train to Bari or Brindisi
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Transport to arrive at the retreat center from the airport/train station. For those arriving by plane or train who choose not to rent a car, we will try to see if we can manage to help you organize among yourself to split a taxi (depending on arrival times ecc). If you need to take a taxi alone, the retreat center says it's very safe, and not very expensive, and depending on where you are flying to (Bari or Brindisi) it is anyway approximately a 45min to 1h drive depending on where you travel from (I can send price list of transfer on email on request). And if someone is renting a car in the group and would like to offer someone else a spot in their car on the way from the airport we will have a WhatsApp group before departure so you can coordinate with each other.
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Other meals if you want more than what is offered.
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Other excursions or activities in your free time that are outside of the retreat center or not listed here.
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Tourist tax of 12 euros, paid upon arrival.
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Medical/Travel insurance. I strongly recommend travel insurance that will cover your costs in case you can't participate or the retreat is canceled due to unfortunate unforeseen events, and also will cover any injuries for example that may happen during the trip or yoga classes as this is not included in the retreat price.
Ready to recharge after a long winter & start the summer season early?
Spend Easter with us in Puglia!
April in Puglia offers comfortable temperatures, perfect for enjoying the nearby beaches. Depending on the weather, you can take leisurely walks or indulge in sunbathing and swimming. The beaches, often called the Maldives of Italy, are famous for their white sand and crystal-clear waters.
With climate change, April temperatures can be warmer than usual, making it a great time to visit before the summer heat and crowds arrive.
This is also poppy season, so we might see these vibrant flowers in full bloom during our stay.
Dear Lovely Maria, it was a real pleasure for my human and soul to meet you, wonderful woman and teacher, and come to know your practice of yoga and mindfulness... it gave me precious moments of peace and closure to my everyday cahotic and stressfull life! I really look forward to meeting you again and also thank you for this amazing opportunity
— Laura
I met Maria at a lake view yoga and mindfulness event, which was given to me last year. It was the first time I participated in a yoga class, but I must say that Maria immediately conquered me with her smile, her delicacy and extreme professionalism. I immediately liked her positive approach and the extreme sensitivity with which she follows all the participants. Her classes are a mix of relaxation, more intense exercise and knowledge of your own body. From the first lesson at the lake I then decided to continue following the online classes and I absolutely recommend her classes to dedicate quality time to yourself. If you have the chance to join one of her events in nature they are magic!
— Laura
Maria is probably the most dedicated yoga teacher you can find out there ! She puts a huge effort, time, and love into her classes and workshops and all her knowledge guarantees a great value and proficiency. Maria really cares about her students, their opinion, feelings and wellbeing. From the many yoga teachers I met, Maria is surely one of the most authentic ones, who is really living yoga and not just performing it with postures. Can really recommend her consultancy and classes.
— Regina
Where?
Approximately a 45-minute drive from Brindisi Airport, and 1h from Bari Airport.
YogApulia, adress:
Contrada Zaccano 5b, Casalini, 72014 Cisternino, BR, Italy
Google maps plus code. PFG9+87 Fogliarella
About the teacher
Hi, I'm Maria,
If you don't know me already, I am a Norwegian yoga and mindfulness teacher living in Italy with my Italian partner and our son of 16 months (as I write this). I speak fluently English and Italian, in addition to Norwegian of course. I have worked a lot with international groups, and love bringing people together with different nationalities for yoga retreats and events, as we can learn so much from each other in beautiful settings like this.
I have more than 19 years of experience with Yoga, and 11 with Mindfulness, and very many specializations and educations in for example therapeutic yoga and yoga anatomy so I can give a level of individual adaptations that is quite unique compared to other teachers. I chose this path as a teacher as I myself needed adaptations once because of a severe illness and could not find any teacher qualified to help me - so I chose to become that teacher I once wished I had.
I have a Biology background so I love to follow the latest research on neuroscience and the psychological and physiological benefits of yoga, and use this to create functional classes that are research-based and beneficial for you! Because of my specializations, I work a lot with clients 1-1, but I also love to bring this competence with me into my group classes, and when I teach events and retreats, or work with corporate wellness. You can read more about my qualifications and some of who I've worked with here. If you yourself have an injury or an illness or challenge you can check out my list on that page to see if I am qualified to help you, also feel free to contact me and we can set up a 15-minute free phone call so you can ask the questions you want.
I am also a yoga teacher trainer and a Yoga Alliance Continued Education Provider so if you are a yoga teacher you can get teacher training credits for the MFR workshop of this retreat as a bonus.
My student group in group classes, events and retreats is often very mixed, from beginners to teachers - and what I love is creating an inclusive space where all can feel seen, safe, and challenged at their individual level.
One of the things I love the most about my job is to bring like-minded people together in settings like this - magic happens!
Participants of my events and retreats are always very friendly, inclusive - and just lovely human beings - with a variety of nationalities, and backgrounds.
One of my retreats was selected by IO Donna as one out of 6 recommended wellness retreats across Italy of October 2023.
For non-italans, IO Donna is the Saturday magazine of Corriere Della Sera which is one of the most important and most read newspapers of Italy.
Read the article here, and the specific article on my retreat here.
