Essence of Stillness – Yoga Retreat in the Heart of Italy

Location icon
Vidovina, Via Piramide, Casola Valsenio, Province of Ravenna, Italy
Users icon
Up to 12 in group
Date
Sep 10 - 15, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • Daily morning Vinyasa, meditation, and breathwork
  • Evening restorative yoga and deep Yoga Nidra
  • Initiation into a 21 day Kriya Sadhana practice
  • Five nights in a spacious, authentic Italian farmhouse
  • Guided exploration of the UNESCO Vena del Gesso National Park
  • Wholesome vegetarian farm to table meals
  • Private tour and tasting at a local artisanal winery
  • Traditional Italian dining experience at a local restaurant
  • Hilltop pool with panoramic views of the Apennine mountains
  • Integration time for journaling, reading, and stillness

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Essence of Stillness: A Journey into Kriya & Nature
Perched on a quiet hilltop in the heart of the UNESCO Vena del Gesso National Park, this retreat is an invitation to pause, breathe, and return to your center. Essence of Stillness is more than a yoga holiday; it is a five-day immersion designed to help you shed the noise of daily life and cultivate a sustainable inner sanctuary.

The Practice
Our days are anchored by a balanced movement practice—invigorating Vinyasa to wake the body and deep, quiet Restorative Yoga to settle the nervous system. The heart of our journey is the initiation into a 21-day Kriya Sadhana. This ancient, potent practice is offered as a gift for you to carry home, ensuring the stillness we find on the hilltop stays with you long after you leave.

The Space & Nourishment
We will live together in a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse, where high ceilings and valley breezes create a sense of boundless space. As your host, I believe nourishment is an extension of practice. I will be personally preparing our vegetarian farm-to-table meals, using sun-ripened ingredients sourced from our local neighbors in Emilia-Romagna.

The Experience
Between practices, you are invited to explore the wild "moonstone" ridges of the national park, swim in our panoramic pool, or join us for a private tasting at a local artisanal winery.

Whether you are seeking a deep reset or a deeper practice, this retreat offers the space to simply be. Join us in Casola Valsenio for a week of community, ritual, and profound quiet.

Schedule

Essence of Stillness: A Journey Inward

While our flow shifts to accommodate our local winery visit and guided explorations of the National Park, here is a glimpse into the daily rhythm at our hilltop sanctuary.

08:00 AM | Morning Sadhana
Greet the Italian sun with a complete practice of Meditation, Breathwork, and an energizing Vinyasa flow. We conclude with guided journaling to ground our intentions in the quiet of the morning.

10:30 AM | Farm to Table Brunch
A nourishing communal meal featuring fresh flavors from the Emilia Romagna region, shared overlooking the rolling valley.

11:30 AM | Spacious Free Time
The afternoon is yours to claim. Retreat to the airy high ceilinged farmhouse with a book, or find a peaceful nook in the gardens to soak in the silence.

02:00 PM | Afternoon Refresh & Exploration
Gather for light snacks followed by an optional journey into the Vena del Gesso National Park. This protected landscape offers direct access to ancient trails and the unique ridges of Casola Valsenio.

04:00 PM | Poolside Integration
Enjoy the afternoon sun by our hilltop pool. Whether you choose a refreshing swim or a quiet moment on a sun lounger, this is your time to simply be.

06:00 PM | The Lunar Path
As the light fades over the Apennines, we move into Restorative Yoga and the deep yogic sleep of Yoga Nidra, resetting the nervous system for profound rest.

08:00 PM | Family Style Italian Dinner
A wholesome vegetarian meal celebrating local seasonal produce, shared together in our spacious farmhouse dining hall.

09:30 PM | Evening Stillness
A gentle close to the day—an invitation for quiet reflection, stargazing from the hilltop, or a restful transition into sleep.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Niamh Pollins Yoga, Vidovina, Via Piramide, Casola Valsenio, Province of Ravenna, Italy

Directions

To make your journey to our hilltop sanctuary as seamless as possible, I will be organizing one group transfer from Bologna International Airport (BLQ) at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 10th.

For our return journey, one group transfer will depart the farmhouse at 7AM or 8AM on Sunday, September 15th.

Please note that I am only able to organize these two specific group transfers. If your flight times do not align with these scheduled times, you will need to arrange and fund your own private transport to and from the retreat venue.

Accommodation

Rustic 19th-Century Stone Farmhouse: Restored with high ceilings and airy interiors for a sense of spaciousness and peace. Shared Guest Rooms: Minimalist, restful rooms featuring traditional wood beams, terracotta floors, and large windows with valley views. Natural Serenity: Thick stone walls and hilltop breezes keep the sleeping quarters cool and comfortable for deep rest. Communal Living Spaces: Large, light-filled lounges and a central farmhouse kitchen that foster community and connection. Connection to Nature: Every room offers views of the forest or the surrounding UNESCO National Park ridges.

Triple Room
Twin Room

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
19th-Century Farmhouse: An authentic, airy sanctuary with high ceilings and natural breezes.

Hilltop Pool: Panoramic swimming pool with 360° views of the rolling Apennine valleys.

Lush Gardens: Peaceful Mediterranean grounds with quiet nooks for reflection.

Yoga Space: A light-filled, tranquil studio designed for deep focus and stillness.

Communal Dining: A rustic farmhouse kitchen for shared farm-to-table vegetarian meals.

UNESCO Access: Located on the doorstep of the Vena del Gesso

Meals

Menu Types

Enjoy heart-led, vegetarian farm-to-table meals celebrating Emilia-Romagna’s produce. Includes a local restaurant dinner. Please share allergies at booking; we will do our best to accommodate.

What's Included

  • 5 nights of shared accommodation in an authentic airy hilltop farmhouse
  • Daily morning Vinyasa, Meditation, and Breathwork sessions
  • Daily evening Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra practices
  • Full initiation into a 21 day Kriya Sadhana practice to take home
  • Nourishing daily vegetarian brunch and afternoon snacks
  • Wholesome vegetarian family style dinners at the farmhouse
  • One traditional dinner at a local Italian restaurant
  • Guided hiking and exploration in the Vena del Gesso National Park
  • Private tour and curated tasting at an artisanal winery
  • Group transfer from Bologna Airport at 11:00 AM on September 10th
  • Group transfer to Bologna Airport at 8:00 AM on September 15th
  • Unlimited use of the hilltop swimming pool and garden sanctuary
  • All yoga mats and props provided for use during the retreat

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Alcohol
  • Transfers outside of group transfer time

Customer Reviews

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