TEACHER
Pauliina Merisalo

RETREAT VENUE
YogApulia

Check-in / check-out at the retreat venue:
Check-in begins at 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.

RETREAT PRICE
800€

Includes:

6 nights in beautiful accommodation, with twin bedrooms and private bathrooms
Two delicious vegetarian meals each day, including a generous breakfast/brunch and dinner
Light afternoon refreshments, water, tea, coffee, and fruit
A light breakfast before departure on Friday morning
Wi-Fi internet access
Pauliina’s yoga program

Not included:

Travel arrangements, including flights and transfers to and from YogApulia
Health/travel insurance
Tourist tax of 2€ per night per person, payable in cash on site

RETREAT PROGRAM

Saturday 4.7
15:00 Check-in
18:30 Dinner
20:00 Welcome gathering, introductions, and creating a sense of safety for this deepening Ashtanga yoga retreat. Meditation.

Sunday 5.7
08:00-10:00 Mysore
10:30 Brunch
17:30-18:30 Pranayama and guided relaxation
18:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation

Monday 6.7
08:00-10:00 Mysore
10:30 Brunch
16:00-18:00 Ashtanga yoga workshop
18:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation

Tuesday 7.7
08:00-10:00 Mysore
10:30 Brunch
Free day
18:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation

Wednesday 8.7
08:00-10:00 Mysore
10:30 Brunch
Ashtanga yoga workshop
18:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation

Thursday 9.7
08:00-10:00 Mysore
10:30 Brunch
17:30-18:30 Pranayama and guided relaxation
18:30 Dinner
20:00-21:00 Retreat closing and meditation

Friday 10.7
Light breakfast before departure

PAYMENT
You will receive detailed payment instructions when you register for the retreat.

REGISTRATION
Binding registration by email.

MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS
12 yogis

YOGAPULIA RETREAT CENTER

YogApulia is located in the beautiful Valle d'Itria in Puglia, Southern Italy, between Ostuni and Cisternino — a land of trulli houses, rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient olive groves.

Nearby historic towns include Cisternino, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Alberobello, all within a 10–20 minute drive. The beaches are about 25 minutes away, and the Fasano forest is also easily accessible.

The aim has been to create an intimate space in harmony with the rhythm of nature, where guests can step away from the demands of modern life and deepen their practice in a peaceful setting in Valle d'Itria.

ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES

The retreat center sits on a 2.5-hectare property in a valley filled with olive and almond groves.

The accommodation includes six twin bedrooms and one double bedroom, all with private bathrooms. The rooms have been renovated to a high standard using locally sourced materials, creating a luxurious yet simple and understated atmosphere.

The main building features a large dining/workspace, a small kitchen with tea and coffee available throughout the day, and cozy living rooms inside the trullo.

A large outdoor courtyard serves as the main communal dining area, while several lounge areas offer space to relax in sun or shade.

A saltwater pool lies at the heart of the retreat space, surrounded by palm trees and olive trees. A hidden meditation hut nearby offers a quiet place to retreat and take in the valley views.

TRULLO

A trullo is a unique architectural structure characteristic of Puglia, especially the Itria Valley. It is built from locally quarried stone, stacked without mortar using simple tools and craftsmanship. The structure has walls up to one meter thick and a conical roof covered with round stone tiles called chiancarelle.

YOGA SHALA

The center has a beautiful, light-filled yoga shala with wonderful views over the olive groves and countryside.

The shala is equipped with blocks, cushions, blankets, and yoga mats for 12 students.

FOOD PHILOSOPHY

Food plays an essential role in both yoga and everyday life. The belief here is that meals should be varied, unprocessed, and nourishing to support energy and wellness. All food served is plant-based.

Everything is prepared on site, with an emphasis on local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible. Thanks to the vegetable garden and fruit trees, seasonal produce may include figs, pomegranates, salads, zucchini, herbs, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.

Refreshments are available throughout the day, including tea, coffee, water, and fruit.

LOCATION

Brindisi International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, while Bari Airport is approximately 55 minutes north. Renting a car in Puglia is relatively affordable and is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside, historic towns, and beaches. Both airports offer a wide selection of car rental companies, and it is recommended to book in advance online.

YogApulia Retreat Centre
Contrada Zaccano 5b,
Casalini,
72014 Cisternino
BR, Italy

THINGS TO DO IN PUGLIA

The retreat center is set in the stunning Itria Valley, surrounded by countryside, olive trees, vineyards, and trulli — round stone houses with conical roofs. If you want a break from the pool or simply wish to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, there is plenty to experience nearby.

Historic towns:
The main towns in the Itria Valley are Cisternino, Martina Franca, Alberobello (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ostuni, and Locorotondo. These charming old towns have remained almost untouched for centuries.

Cisternino is less than a ten-minute drive from the retreat center and was recently voted one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy. Its narrow winding streets are home to excellent restaurants, chocolate shops, and gelaterias, including vegan gelato.

The city of Lecce, with its Baroque architecture, cafés, bars, and restaurants, is a lovely place to wander.

Local markets
Visiting local street markets is a wonderful way to experience traditional life in Puglia. Weekly markets in nearby Cisternino, Ostuni, and Martina Franca offer local produce, seasonal vegetables, fruit, cheese, clothing, plants, and many other small goods.

Country walks
The surrounding area offers beautiful walking routes through olive and almond groves. A small village called Casalini is less than a 15-minute walk away and has an excellent pizzeria, bakery, and bar/café — a great place to experience everyday local life.

Beaches:
The long Mediterranean coastline is also home to some of Italy’s best beaches. Favorites include:

Polignano a Mare, a beautiful old coastal town with a popular cove beach.
Monopoli, another lovely historic town on the coast, just south of Polignano a Mare.
Torre Canne, a local beach destination with sandy beaches, cafés, and restaurants.
Lido Ottagono, a beach club in Savelletri on a rocky coastline with crystal-clear water for swimming.

Mindfulness in Italy