'Respira' - retreat monferrato, Italy,
14th - 19th may 2026
It’s been manifesting for a while and I am now delighted to announce I will be leading a 5- night retreat in Italy, in Spring 2026.
Respira means 'breathe' in Italian and this retreat is my offering to you to step away from the busyness of your daily life and take a moment to breathe in the beautiful landscape and countryside of Northern Italy. .
LOCATION
Retreat Monferrato is run by Roberto & Virna and is ’a historic venue in the heart of Italy, where wellness and spirituality unite’. Situated just 75 minutes drive from Malpensa Milan airport, in the beautiful countryside and vineyards of the Piedmont region in Northern Italy.
The venue comprises of Villa Monastero, a restored monastery which houses the accommodation, dining area, cinema room and spa..
Yoga classes will be held in the OPMD retreat centre, a former barn which has been converted into a dedicated studio/seminar space with toilets and showers, lounge area, fully equip with yoga mats, blocks, bolsters and blankets.
Within the grounds and garden is a heated outdoor pool.
ROOMS
The rooms at Villa Monastero are all unique and beautifully decorated, offering 5 double rooms which can all be converted into twin rooms for sharing. Within the grounds is a yurt which can sleep up to 6 guests with bathroom.
Ideally we will be a group of 10 - 14 people plus teacher.
3 x doubles with private bathroom
2 x doubles with shared bathroom
1 x quadruple room with private bathroom (4 singles)
Yurt, sleeps up to 6
FOOD
Meals are freshly prepared onsite and will be vegetarian and based on fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients.
You will enjoy a post-practise brunch & evening meal, plus two additional snacks & drinks available pre-morning practise and mid-afternoon if you wish.
One evening dinner will be out at a local restaurant. transport can be provided by the venue.
Gluten-free meals can be provided with no extra charge. Any other dietary requirements may be subject to an additional charge.
YOGA PRACTISE
Yoga will be held in the spacious and bright OPMD retreat centre.
There will be 2 yoga practises a day (subject to change), a dynamic flow in the morning and a more restorative or workshop based class in the afternoon.
On the day of arrival we will come together for an opening circle once everyone has arrived.
All yoga classes will be taught by Hannah Juliano, a senior teacher with over 10 years of experience. All classes are optional.
WHAT TO EXPECT
8.30am - 10am Morning practise & meditation
10.30am Brunch
Free-time
5.30pm - 6.45pm Afternoon practise
7pm Dinner
(times subject to change)
EXCURSIONS / THINGS TO DO
The villa is situated in the Piedmont countryside and local walks, hikes and bike rides can be taken direct from the villa. There is also a local farm nearby should anyone wish to horse ride.
Wine Tasting Tour
Included in your stay is a 2-hour guided wine tasting tour, ‘From the Vines to the Wine’, at the winery Poggio Ridente.
During the visit they share insights into traditional Piedmontese viticulture and their organic farming methods. The tour includes a walk through the Barbera and Albarossa vineyards, followed by a tasting of three of their wines and the house-made vermouth, all produced on-site.
(There is no obligation to partake in the tour if it is not of interest).
Local villages/towns
Spend a few hours exploring some of the local villages and learn about the history and culture of the Piedmont region. Whether you have your own car or need transport, this can be arranged by the venue
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Montiglio Castle (Castello di Montiglio) is a historic fortress with roots in the medieval period, celebrated for its impressive architecture and sweeping views of the countryside.
Nizza Monferrato is famed for its vineyards and as the birthplace of “Nizza DOCG” Barbera wine.
Moncalvo is known as the “smallest city in Italy,”, with its historic architecture, rich cultural traditions, and renowned cuisine, including the prized white truffles of the region.
Onsite Spa
The stunning onsite spa includes sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi pool. The spa access costs €100 per day for a group of 5 people, or €25 per person.
PRICING
The following prices include 5 nights accommodation, all yoga practises, brunch and dinner plus two additional snacks, early morning / mid-afternoon, teas and coffee (exclusive of evening meal out) & optional vineyard tour.
Double/Twin Room with ensuite (x 3)
Twin/shared room with ensuite £1200 pp
Single occupancy £1500 pp
Double/Twin Room shared bathroom (x 2)
Twin/shared room shared bathroom £1050 pp
Single occupancy £1325 pp
Quadruple Room with ensuite
4 x Single bed with ensuite (come as a group of friends or share as a twin room) £1200 pp
Yurt with ensuite
Double (sole use) £1325 pp
Twin / Triple of more £995 pp
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
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Flights, transfers to and from the airport.
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Insurance
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Optional excursions & transport
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Evening meal to local restaurant
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Use of the spa - The spa access costs €100 per day for a group of 5 people, or €25 per person.
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Personalised massages upon request — 10 days' prior notice to book a therapist.
TRAVEL INFO
At time of writing (June 2025), flights to Milan from Gatwick with Easyjet are the best value.
Suggested flights:
14th May 2026: Dept Gatwick 9.30am - Arrive Milan 12.30pm
19th May 2026 : Dept Milan 1.20pm or later at 7.15pm
There are also flights to Turin but these seem to all leave from Luton. Also BA fly to Milan.
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Flights are the responsibility of the attendee but I am happy to liaise with the venue to arrange a group transfer from Milan Airport.
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Venue check-in time is from approx 3pm & departure approx 10am
BOOKING
Show you interest and request a booking form by emailing info@zoneinyoga.co.uk
To secure your space there is a non-refundable £300 deposit to secure your booking.
Second deposit of £300 due 1st February, with final balance due 1st April 2026.
Payment plan option available.
i would love for you to join me - grazie