Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
Tom Norrington-Davies
21st - 27th September 2024
About the Retreat
Join Tom for a week of Mysore style Astanga Yoga in the stunning surrounds of Puglia. What better way to step back from the daily grind and connect with your practice, in a place where time often seems to stand still?
YogApulia is set in the Valle d’Itria, minutes away from the hilltop towns of Ostuni and Cisternino. This beautiful retreat centre is surrounded by peaceful olive groves dotted only with the conical rooves of trulli. It’s a perfect place to relax and reboot.
In keeping with traditional Astanga Yoga, our days will begin with self practice in the morning followed by breakfast on the terrace. You will then be free to choose between relaxing in the grounds, lazing by the pool or exploring the local area. The beaches of the Adriatic coast are just a short drive away.
In the evenings we will get together before dinner for a number of optional workshops. We will explore the philosophy and theory of practice, as well as some guided relaxation, meditation and chanting.
We feel very lucky to be hosting a retreat in southern Italy where the cuisine is impossible to resist. The food of the region is characterised by simplicity and the best of whatever is in season. Puglia is unusual on mainland Europe for being an easy place to be vegetarian. The food at Yogapulia reflects this, and the meals on site will be a real highlight of your stay. Local markets are fun to explore and good restaurants are plentiful should you wish to head out for lunch or dinner. Puglia is justifiably famous for its olive oil and wine production. We can also arrange local tours and tastings during your stay.
More About Tom
Tom is a teacher and a student at Astanga Yoga London, one of only a few centres in the UK completely dedicated to Mysore style self practice. Tom has been working there with his teacher Hamish Hendry for well over a decade.
Tom is also a regular student of Sharath Jois in Mysore and is authorised to teach the primary and intermediate series.
When he discovered this life changing discipline Tom was a chef, working long, irregular hours on his feet. He brings this experience to his teaching style. He can ensure that your yoga practice is safe, nurturing and sustainable, whatever life is throwing at you.
What's included?
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6 nights accommodation
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5 Morning Mysore practices and one Sanskrit counted led class
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Workshops including techniques, meditation, chanting, theory and philosophy
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2 delicious plant based meals daily, to include breakfast/brunch and evening dinner
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Light snacks and refreshments including, a selection of teas, coffee, water & fruit
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Wi fi internet connection
What's not included?
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Flights and transport (Yogapulia can organise local taxis and airport transfers)
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Travel and medical insurance
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Optional extras (can booked on the retreat)
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Massages by experienced local therapists
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Local wine and olive oil tastings
Accommodation and Facilities
Our retreat centre is set in 2.5 acres of grounds in a valley filled with olive and almond groves.
Accommodation consists of six twin rooms and one double room all with private ensuite bathroom. All rooms have been renovated to a high standard using locally sourced materials, to create a luxurious yet simple and understated feel. A large outdoor courtyard provides the main communal eating space, and several outdoor terraces offer a place to relax in the sun or the shade.
Situated at the heart of the complex, the swimming pool acts like a colourful meeting point – with the blue water combining with the green olive trees and the red soil.
Food plays a central role in both our yoga practice and life. We believe food should be varied, unprocessed and nourishing to promote energy and wellbeing. The food we serve is predominantly plant based with some vegetarian options. All produce we source and grow at YogApulia is local, seasonal and organic wherever possible.
Refreshments are also available throughout the day and include tea, coffee, water & fruit.
The international airport at Brindisi is approximately 40 minutes drive away and Bari is further to the north approximately 55 minutes drive. Hiring a car in Puglia is relatively inexpensive and provides a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, local historical towns and beaches. Both Bari and Brindisi airports have a large selection of hire car companies including Avis and Hertz. It is recommended to book a car before your arrival. Alternatively, we can arrange a taxi to collect you on your arrival.