RETREATS
ASHTANGA YOGA + HIKE RETREAT
September 8-15, 2024
Dolimites, ITALY
I invite you to join me on this Retreat to a small TOWN in the heart of the Italian Dolomites FOR a week Of Yoga, outdoor adventures, delicious food (especially Apfelstrudel), and Fun.
RETREAT OVERVIEW
This week-long retreat to the heart of the Italian Dolomites offers an opportunity to dive deep into your Yoga practice, relax, and hike through picture-perfect Alpine landscapes. The Dolomites are such an iconic destination for outdoor lovers and Völs, a small village at the foothill of the Schlern massif, my personal favorite. I am looking forward to showing you this magical place in Northern Italy, practice Yoga, and take you on my favorite hikes in the region.
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL WALDSEE ***
The small, family run Hotel Waldsee, is located just outside the picturesque village of Völs am Schlern at 1036 m (3398.95 ft.) above sea level. It is adjecent to Lago di Fiè/Völser Weiher, a small sweet-water that is perfect for an apres yoga or hike dip in the summer. Hotel Waldsee is close to Mt. Sciliar/Schlern, one of South Tyrol’s trademarks, as well as the outdoor paradise Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, right in the heart of the Sciliar-Catinaccio/Schlern-Rosengarten nature park. Mt. Sciliar/Schlern and Catinaccio/Rosengarten are part of the famous Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Rooms: the hotel offers stylish single and double rooms with high-quality spruce wood furniture, shower or bathtub / WC, desk and / or comfortable seating area, telephone, safe, flatscreen TV, balcony or terrace, mostly with a view on the Schlern and the small lake.
Food: Hosts Hans Peter and Daniel Kritzinger are personally responsible for the culinary pleasure of their guests. They are passionate chefs who serve home-made pasta, home-made jams and exceptionally creative dishes of the highest quality; regional and Mediterranean. Daily exquisite delicacies including vegetarian dishes and special meals for allergy sufferers.
Spa: Apart from the stunning sweet water lake Laghetto di Fiè/Völser Weiher the hotel furthermore offers a light-filled 17 x 7 m indoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna, our sauna with homely flair in the garden, and our vitality and steam bath. Use of spa is included in your retreat package.
RETREAT SCHEDULE*
Sunday, September 8th:
Travel independently to Bolzano, Italy and then to Völs and Hotel Waldsee. Meet for an orientation and dinner at 6 pm.
Monday, September 9th:
Start the day with breathing, a short sitting and Mysore style practice. Then, its time for breakfast. We will head out for a hike above Völs. Return to the hotel and meet for an afternoon practice, followed by dinner.
Tuesday, September 10th:
After today’s morning practice and breakfast, there will be time to relax and enjoy the hotel. We will meet again for afternoon practice and then dinner.
Wednesday, September 11th:
Today’s morning pratice will be shorter and after refuelling at breakfast we will transfer to the Alp di Siusi. Return to the hotel later in the afternoon and then meet for dinner.
Thursday, September 12th:
We will start a little more leisurly today with morning pratice and breakfast. Then, there will be time to relax at the lake, enjoy the spa, or just read a book at the hotel. We will meet for a relaxing afternoon yin practice and then head to dinner.
Friday, September 13th:
By now, we are in the groove with morning practice followed by breakfast. If the group is up for it, we will either head to Bolzano, or meander through vinyards and apple orchards near Völs. Upon returning to the hotel, you will have time for a swim and then head to dinner.
Saturday, September 14th:
Morning practice will be a guided Ashtanga practice, followed by breathing and some chanting. After breakfast, we will relax and choose a fun, last outing depending on weather and the group’s preference. Dinner at the hotel.
Sunday, September 15th:
Depart after a nourishing breakfast. Check-out is at 11 am.
* Retreat Schedule is subject to changes.
All level practitioners are welcome but to make your experience fuller and more beneficial, it is recommended to have some experience of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series, especially the standing sequence.
MEET BARBARA
Originally from Austria, Barbara lives in Telluride, Colorado, where she runs Ashtanga Yoga Telluride. She is an authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher, and has been practicing the Ashtanga Yoga method with her main teacher Annie Pace since 2015 and has travelled to Mysore, India annually since 2016. Barbara loves music and chanting and has had the great fortune to study Hindustani music and traditional chanting with her teachers in India. Furthermore, she has been able to explore concepts of Hindu philosophy, Ayurveda and other aspects of Yogic studies with Dr. KLS Jois. As an avid hiker and former hiking guide, Barbara has led many guided tours through the Dolomites and Alps.
COST per person
Superior Single Room with private bathroom: $2350
Superior Double or Twin Room with private bathroom: $2100
Retreat price includes:
7 nights / 8 days at Hotel Waldsee*** in room with private bathroom
breakfast and dinner daily (lunch is not included)
use of all hotel amenities including spa and tennis court
all yoga classes and guided hikes during the retreat
all group transfers during the retreat week
The cost does not include airfare and transportation cost to/from retreat hotel. Cost for lunch or alcohol are not included. We recommend travel insurance. Please read our terms and conditions.
Registration & SIGN Up
A deposit over $750 is required to secure your spot. The deposit is non-refundable and transferable. Remaining balance is due June 1.
Click here to fill out the registration.
Arrival / Departure Info
I recommend flying into Munich (MUC) Airport, Germany. From there connect to Munich HB (main station) by train and then onto Bolzano (4 hrs.). This is a direct train connection and you won’t need to change.
More info: DEUTSCHE BAHN
Alternatively, fly into Venice (VCE), Italy and connect to Venezia Mestre train station. From there take a train to Bolzano and then transfer to Völs. (3-3.5 hrs).
More info: TRENITALIA
