A Perfect PugliaN Escape
September 12-18, 2026
Bask in the Apulian Sun as you explore seaside towns, stunning historical sites +and more!
Sweet Italian summers
Imagine sun-drenched fields of ancient olive trees, their silvery leaves shimmering in the gentle breeze, leading down to turquoise waters that kiss sandy beaches. Puglia, Italy's heel, is a place where time slows, and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun mingles with the even warmer hospitality of its people. Picture yourself savoring fresh seafood by the sea, exploring charming whitewashed towns, and losing yourself in the vibrant hues of summer. It's a taste of authentic Italy, a place to truly relax and reconnect with the simple joys of life.
Stay
Our home base for this magical retreat will be La Rosa dei 4 Venti, a place steeped in history. Originally built in 1689 as a Carmelite Monastery, this sacred space served as a sanctuary for pilgrims and spiritual seekers for centuries. Imagine practicing your asanas within walls that once echoed with ancient prayers, and finding stillness in the small, still-consecrated church dedicated to the Virgin of Carmelo. Later transformed into a traditional Puglian Masseria, a farmhouse that nurtured both land and community, La Rosa dei 4 Venti now returns to its roots, inviting modern travelers to rediscover their well-being. Here, amidst the echoes of the past and the peaceful embrace of the Puglian countryside, we'll embark on a journey of inner peace, rejuvenation, and ADVENTURE.
Dream Stations
The Practice Space
Our yoga practice will unfold within a beautifully converted stone barn, a space where history and tranquility merge. The expansive studio features natural wood floors beneath a stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling of local stone. Echoes of the past remain in the original animal troughs, now repurposed for yoga mats, adding a touch of rustic charm. Bathed in natural light, this bright and spacious environment provides the perfect sanctuary for finding inner silence, inspiration, and deepening our yoga and meditation practice.
Nourishment
Our meals will celebrate the abundance of vegetables, transforming them into colorful, flavorful dishes that honor both tradition and innovation. Expect lighter, healthier interpretations of classic Italian fare, featuring fresh pasta, artisanal bread made with ancient Senatore Cappelli flour, and local dairy. We'll explore the textures and tastes of seasonal ingredients, with options for fresh fish or meat upon request, all thoughtfully crafted to nourish both body and soul.
What we will get up to…
This retreat will give you the best of all the worlds. A little R and R, history, seaside magic, inland nature, art, and more! We will have 1-2 yoga classes per day; create energy through active morning classes and delight in the truest form of self-care (nervous system work) in deeply relaxing evening yin+restorative practices. Your free time can be spent adventuring from inland to the coast, forest bathing in the nearby natural reserve, or explore summer markets in the countless charming towns surrounding our retreat.
Drumroll for the EPIC group activities included in the retreat packages…
A day trip to MATERA
Matera, Italy, is a city renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, which have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, creating a truly unique and evocative landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into a remarkable past, where history is carved into the very rock of the city.
A Adventurous Day exploring
3 of the Star towns of puglia
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Puglia, where we'll explore three enchanting villages nestled in the Itria Valley. First, we'll wander through the perfectly circular streets of Locorotondo, a charming town that seems plucked from a fairytale. Then, prepare to be mesmerized by Polignano a Mare, where dramatic cliffs meet the azure Adriatic, creating a breathtaking coastal panorama. Finally, we'll ascend to Ostuni, the "White Town," a dazzling hilltop city where you can savor an authentic Italian gelato or aperitivo in a sun-drenched piazza, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and timeless beauty of these remarkable destinations. Each village offers a unique glimpse into Puglia's rich history.
-ThE italian way-
Package includes:
—6-nights stay at the stunning Masseria.
—1-2 high-quality yoga practices daily in various styles ranging from Vinyasa, to Katonah, to yin/restorative+more.
—Half board meals—fresh brunch and dinner daily.
—Group day trip to Matera, one of Italy’s most unique destinations.
—Group day trip to explore 3 of the most charming villages in Puglia: Polignano e Mare, Ostuni, and Locorotondo.
—3 completely free days (aside from yoga+meals) to plan your own adventures or get some pool time in!
-Expected group size: 14-18 guests.
Check in after 4:30pm on Sept. 12 - there will be an evening welcome circle around 6:30pm before dinner.
Check out by 10:30am on Sept. 18 - purely leaving day with breakfast available in the morning.
PACKAGE PRICES
(ALL IN USD)
Rates:
Standard Room
Single - $3,700 (Limited in quantity - 2)
Double Occupancy - $2,600 per person
Large Room
Double Occupancy - $2,800 per person
Please note that package does not include:
—Roundtrip airfare to Brindisi airport or (BDS) or Bari airport (BRI)
Brindisi is an 60min from retreat. Bari is 80min from retreat.
—Transportation to the retreat location - our Masseria can help coordinate airport rides, or you can rent a car to use to adventure throughout the retreat.
—Offsite meals.
—Staff gratuities.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
to secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $800usd is required.
deposits are per person, not per room.
please specify room category at time of deposit.
-remaining balance due no later than August 1, 2026.
Payments can be made through any of these methods (ordered by preference):
—Wise App is by far the most preferred method. Deposit here.
—Bank Transfer (inquire for info.)
—Zelle willisjohnston@gmail.com
—Venmo @Willis-Johnston (last digits 9295)
(friends + family to avoid fees—all fees will be at the expense of guest)
Any fees taken out by Venmo or other methods will be at the guest’s expense and applied to final balance.
Please choose friends and family options if asked.
**due to the financial responsibility of the retreat host for booking and holding the luxury property, all payments are non-refundable once paid. it is recommended that the traveler has a travel insurance policy in the rare event that cancellation on the traveler’s end is unavoidable (Squaremouth is a great search engine for trip insurance). However, if you must cancel, you are able to transfer to a friend or family member to come in your place. In the event of border closures that prevent entry for the group, we would have full credit for a future date with absolutely no penalties or fees incurred. This is highly unlikely to happen, but bases are covered if so.