Tuscany’s inspiring sunlight, peaceful green hills, rustic farmhouses and nourishing cuisine are everything a yoga lover could hope for in a retreat destination. Steeped in art, history and nature, this enchanting region ensures you will enjoy la dolce vita with each downward-facing dog. Here are five of the best yoga retreats to get you flowing under the Tuscan sun.
Side angle pose in Tuscany (Photo: Book Retreats)
From Florence and Pisa – overflowing with Renaissance splendor – to the sweeping vistas and pine-dusted hills of Fiesole, there is no lack of yogic inspiration in Tuscany. The region has been conducive to meditation for centuries: the Dominican friars cloistered in their hillside havens were on to something. Whether for a relaxing weekend or a journey of self-discovery, retreats take place in lavish family-owned villas, or in agriturismo farmhouses creating mindful, eco-responsible experiences. Tuscany also boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes and mildest climates, with optimal conditions for yogis to flourish in their practice. Facciamo yoga!
6-Day Creative Escape Yoga Retreat in Wild Tuscany
Tuscan yoga retreat with Nina Butler (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
Amidst 500 hectares (1236 acres) of shaded olive groves, vineyards and organic vegetable gardens in the heart of rural Pisa, the 19th-century Villa Lena is divided into cosy apartments and welcoming communal spaces looking out on the vast expanses of painterly Tuscan green. Lululemon ambassador Bjørn Jakobsen leads invigorating strong flow each morning, and a replenishing, calming yin and meditation in the evenings. Between classes, cool off by the pool, explore a range of arts activities, and savor the restaurant’s buffet breakfasts and three-course dinners with seasonal cucina contadina (farm-to-table food), including wine and olive oil produced on site. From $2017/6 days
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4-Day Nourishing and Harmonized Yoga Retreat in Tuscany
A gentle yin class at Villa Borri (Photo: Book Retreats)
In the small natural springs town of Casciana Terme in the province of Pisa, well being and spa treatments have been trending for hundreds of years. At Villa Borri, pamper yourself with a visit to the on-site thermal spa or a massage as part of your 4-day recharge. An experienced and compassionate yoga teacher, Alice welcomes students of all levels, guiding your days from morning pranayama breathing exercises to a more intensive ashtanga vinyasa sequence, winding down with gentle yin in the afternoons. Explore the nearby villages in your free time, and move on to Pisa or Florence feeling refreshed. From $689/4 days
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7-Day Yoga, Relaxation, Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Tasting in the Heart of Tuscany
Tuscan Fitness retreat in Arezzo (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
In the chianti wine region of Arezzo, the charming La Forra hotel caters to all your yoga and fitness needs, with no shortage of magical views overlooking the Valdarno valley to accompany your sun salutations. In addition to beginners’ or intermediate yoga sessions, enjoy the benefits of the swimming pool, tennis courts, horse-riding center and guided hikes in the wuthering countryside all around. Tuscans have a quasi-spiritual relationship with the land and produce; visits to the local vineyard and olive groves take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. From $1961 / 7 days
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8-Day Outdoor Relaxation and Yoga Retreat in Maremma
Paula in trikonasana in the Capalbio countryside (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
Near the medieval town of Capalbio in the coastal Maremma region, Paula and Erico lead a highly personalized yoga experience for small groups. With passion and precision, Paula leads a daily accessible hatha and meditation class, while Erico prepares healthy vegetarian meals using local produce. Within reach from the accommodation are the beaches of Argentario and Capalbio, hiking trails around Manciano, and the thermal baths of Saturnia. From $1519 / 8 days
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7-Day Aerial Yoga Training in Elba, Marciana
Aerial yoga – learn to fly on Elba island (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
No Italian villa would be complete without a hammock positioned for stunning views and tans… These hammocks just happen to be for yoga, as well. This villa on Elba island is the place to turn your preconceptions of yoga upside down, offering what is undoubtedly the only aerial yoga retreat on Italy’s third-largest island. Suspended from swings in the Mediterranean breeze for a feeling of weightlessness, you will experience yoga differently, taking away new tools and sensations when you eventually return to terra firma on your mat. Experienced yogini Christel trained extensively in India and California before founding her practice at the rustic Villa Shanti, where you can explore from the woods to the rugged shore. From $2002 / 7 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com