The Beauty of the Boot in Southern Italy

Are you ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heel of the boot? Do new travel experiences spark your curiosity, creativity and stretch you to grow? 

If so, then join us for this once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience in Puglia (Apulia) on the sun-drenched Salento Peninsula in Southern Italy, with the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea to the east and the smooth, sandy coastline of the Ionian Sea to the west. Step back in time and immerse yourself in ancient culture that blends seamlessly with the new; rugged, expansive landscape; old growth olive groves; stunning baroque architecture; and superb local cuisine. Treat all your senses to an exquisite experience.

In travel, we embrace foreign places to grow our hearts, minds and creativity. And when we touch upon a destination that is less traveled and less touched by outsiders, we have the chance to see the authenticity of people and culture with a beginner’s mind. This wakes us up to the present moment and offers a perfect way to practice mindfulness in real time. 

A native Puglian named Antonello shares this, “Travel is far more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in our own ideas of living.” 

Why Come with Us to Puglia?

• This trip takes us on the roads less traveled in Italy. 

• The retreat venue’s proximity to the beautiful town of Lecce offers freedom to explore on your own.

• Linda’s love of Italy and ability to connect with its people create a very personal and authentic experience for participants.

• Linda hand picks every aspect of this journey, always asking, “Is this what I find valuable, engaging and life-changing?”

• Our cultural and wellness retreat offers great value and quality experiences. 

• Jumpstart or fortify your daily contemplative practices and wellness practices

• We give options and you get to tailor this experience to your desires and needs

• Come away from this life-affirming experience deeply inspired, and ready to take your next step

• Inspire your creativity whether you are a fine artist, artisan, writer or lay artist

Our adventures and excursions are complimented by daily wellness practices. Each day begins with a sunrise reflection, and most days include movement practices, depending on what is planned for the day. Of course, you get to choose if you want to participate in any group excursion or practice.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES include:

• Adventure in Lecce — Immerse yourself in the wonder of Lecce, an unsung hero in the heart of Puglia. Embark on a captivating journey through the ages, from enchanting Baroque architecture in yellow and pick hues, to ancient Roman ruins, to the narrow passageways and humble piazzas alive with daily life, artistic wonders, dedicated artisans, welcoming locals, vibrant markets and mouth-watering cuisine. 

• A Day in Gallipoli, the fishing village and port whose name reveals its Greek origins (kalé pólis means “beautiful town”). The old town of Gallipoli—an “island” that juts out into the Ionian Sea, with a popular local beach at its center—is connected to the new town by a 16th century bridge.

  We’ll enjoy a guided tour winding through narrow cobblestone streets with hidden courtyards and well-preserved medieval architecture. We’ll see locals in their daily routines and fisherman along the port, and we’ll explore a subterranean olive oil museum, the oceanfront promenade, and local Puglian cafes and flavors.

• Embracing the Olive Harvest – If the olives are ready to pick, we’ll have the opportunity to visit Casin’Anand’s grove, learn how olives are harvested, and try our hand at picking some. We’ll also enjoy a light snack and olive oil tasting near the grove. This region’s extra virgin olive oil, called the “Gold of Puglia,” is world famous for its quality and flavor. Puglia grows and produces 40 to 45% of Italy’s olive oil production, and some of its trees are hundreds of—and up to a thousand—years old.

  
  PLUS, choose one of the following:

• Hike along the Adriatic Coast — Join this guided experience and take in the stunning Adriatic coastline. After the hike, we will have free time in the town of Otranto to enjoy a cafe and gelato. 

• E-Bike Tour from Lecce to Galentina, led by Marco, a local resident. We meet in Lecce and bike to the village of Galentina, stopping along the way to visit interesting sights and local establishments. The locals speak Griko, a dialect that can be traced back to classical Greek origins.

• An Art Experience — details to be announced

WELLNESS EXPERIENCES include:

• Daily sunrise reflection to greet the day

• Daily movement and yoga, and more in tranquil gathering spaces (see more in Wellness Practices below)

• Fabulous, locally sourced meals to nourish the body

• Luxury swimming pool and jacuzzi

• E-bikes to ride locally

• Access to deeply relaxing spa treatments (extra cost)

• Access to unique spaces to reflect, connect, and re-envision our wellbeing, individually and collectively

INCLUDED IN THE COST:

• 7 nights lodging in beautiful accommodations at Oasi Verde Casin’Anand, an elegant Italian masseria (old country estate).

• Transportation to Casin’Anand from Lecce train station or Brindisi airport on Saturday, Oct 18 (retreat start date)

• Transportation from Casin’Anand to Lecce train station or Brindisi airport on Saturday, Oct 25 (retreat end date)

• 3 mostly vegetarian meals per day* — Fabulous, locally sourced vegetarian meals to nourish the body (fresh fish served for dinner)
  *Note: Lunch is on your own during our day trips (below).

• Day trip to Lecce with guided tour of this Baroque town.

• Day trip to Gallipoli with guided tour of this seaside fishing town.

• Choice of one additional activity — E-bike tour; guided coastal hike; or an art experience

• Daily sunrise reflection to set the tone for the day ahead.

• Daily wellness practices — Movement, yoga, connection, and more in tranquil meeting spaces.

• Gratis access to beautiful gardens and a luxury outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.

• Easy access to the towns of Novoli (walking distance) and Lecce (20-min train ride) for exploring on your own.
  

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare

• Lunch on excursion days

• Alcoholic beverages

• Spa services (on site)

• Optional activities beyond those included above

• Travel insurance (highly recommended; see below)

• Gratuities

Our home away from home:
OASI VERDE CASIN’ANAND

Once a country house, now an oasis. Casin’Anand is an elegant, refurbished private estate on the outskirts of Novoli, near the honey-hued, Baroque city of Lecce. Historically, this pink casina produced local wines, but today it’s an oasis for wellness, delight and harmony. The old blends beautifully with new decor and exquisite gardens created by the dedicated owner, Consuela. From the well-appointed rooms to the exquisite meditation gardens, the olive grove, and on-site luxury spa, each visitor is drawn into their uniquely tailored experience.

“It is a hospitable place, steeped in history and art, where the communal spaces encourage conviviality and restorative harmony. Outside, guests can experience over 5 hectares of varied nature, with sensory paths that immerse them in the scents and sensations that favour meditation and wellbeing. The evening birdsong and the majestic sunsets mark the slow passage of time at La Casina.”

LINDA’S VISION FOR THE RETREAT: My vision for this retreat is that each person nourish their senses and the deep roots of their soul. Come with a beginner’s mind, see through the eyes of curiosity and choose how you want to orchestrate your retreat.

My goal of integrating cultural engagement with wellness practices is a passion of mine. I’ve been doing it for myself for decades. Having new experiences and embracing therapeutic movement and reflection offer benefits for brain health and an enhanced sense of well-being, including feeling grounded and relaxed. I love learning about myself through cultural experiences, vibrant movement, rest and reflection. I bring this passion to how I teach, and my hope is that you come away from this retreat with tools to support your journey.

The following are my offerings for our week together. These will vary day to day to accommodate our cultural experiences and excursions.

Sunrise Reflection: Greet the dawn with a daily Sunrise Reflection.
This practice provides a daily theme for those who would like it. You are also welcome to come and do your own quiet practice in a collective space. Weather permitting, we meet outside in a beautiful garden. Otherwise, we meet inside.

Wisdom Flow Yoga: In this slow-flow alignment-based practice, we wake up the wisdom of the body. Stabilizing, grounding and regulating ourselves are focal points. It is a naturally invigorating practice that mindfully builds and reaches a peak shape or sequence. Options are offered to allow for individual abilities and preferences. Participants come away feeling centered, stronger, and empowered.

Whole Body Therapeutics in Movement: This session is exploratory in nature, as we build proprioceptive skills (understanding where our body is in space) and interoceptive skills (understanding what the body is communicating to the brain; understanding internal cues). We delve into functional movement; joint activation; dynamic stretching; core stability; slow, fluid sequencing; pausing; and reflection. Come with curiosity and nonjudgment, leave with connection and embodiment.

There are a number of options offered daily. Please do not feel pressure to do it all. You may participate in as much or as little as you wish. This is your retreat, so make it what it needs to be for you, no one else. Please allow yourself the time and space to relax and renew in body, mind and spirit. Go at your own pace. Honor your inner nudges and let them guide you to an appropriate level of activity, striking a healthy balance between community time and time on your own.

Take time for yourself and take advantage of all this place has to offer — open spaces, breathtaking views, peaceful solitude, and nature's bounty all around. Let it refresh and nourish you!

CLOSEST AIRPORTS:

• Seville [SVQ] — 75 minutes by car

• Malaga [AGP] — 2 hours by car

• Jerez de la Frontera [XRY]: 50-60 minutes by car

MAJOR AIRPORT TO CONSIDER — MADRID (MAD):

• Flights may be cheaper.

• Itineraries from U.S. may be better.

• Take a train from Madrid to Seville (~2.5 hours); from Seville, take the ground transfer to Suryalila (see below).

NEAREST BUS STATION:

• Villamartin: 20 minutes by car to Suryalila

SUGGESTION —
TIMING YOUR TRAVEL INTO AND OUT OF SPAIN:

• ARRIVAL: Consider arriving a day (or more) early — If your schedule allows, we highly recommend you arrive in Spain at least one day before the retreat starts to allow for unexpected travel delays, recovery from jet lag, and extra touring time on your own.

• DEPARTURE: Consider staying an extra day (or more) — We suggest staying over Saturday night after the retreat in the city of your departure airport and flying out on Sunday (or later), so as to not feel rushed, and to ease your transition from “retreat” mode back into your everyday life.

SCHEDULE FOR RETREAT START DATE -- Saturday, Oct 28, 2023:

• 3:00 PM — Room check-in opens at Suryalila

• 5:30 PM — Optional “Travel Recovery” therapeutic practice.

• 7:00 PM — Dinner in the Suryalila dining room

• Ground transfers from airport or bus/train station to the retreat venue — We will help coordinate ride-sharing to Suryalila. As people register for the retreat and begin to book their air travel, we will share itinerary information among retreat participants to help them align arrival times and locations to facilitate ride-sharing from the designated pick-up points (see chart above).

SCHEDULE FOR RETREAT END DATE -- Saturday, Nov 4, 2023:

• Early morning practice

• 9:30 AM — Breakfast

• 11:00 AM — Room checkout time

• TDB — Departures from Suryalila

• Ground transfers to airports or bus/train stations — We will help coordinate ride-sharing back to designated group transfer drop-off points (see chart above). Departure times and cost-sharing will be determined once we have received all guest travel itineraries.

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $2,995/person

• SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed): $3,795

• 230—250 sq. ft. room

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $2,995/person

• SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed): $3,795

• 250 sq. ft. room

• Shower and bath tub

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $2,995/person

• SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed): $3,795

• 240 sq. ft. room

• Small “Juliet” balcony

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $3,195/person

• SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed): $4,095

• 250 sq. ft. room

• Private terrace (250 sq. ft)

• Outdoor shower under flowered pergola

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two two beds): $3,195/person

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• 260 sq. ft. room

• Private terrace (230 sq. ft) with flowered pergola

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $3,245/person

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• 205 sq. ft. room; bath tub

• Private terrace (320 sq.ft.); outdoor round bed w/ mosquito net

• Shower and bath tub

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one King or two twin beds): $3,245/person

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• 195 sq. ft. room

• Private terrace (205 sq.ft.); private outdoor soaking pool

• DOUBLE Occupancy (two King beds): $3,295/person

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• King bed on main level; King bed on mezzanine

• Larger 290 sq. ft. room

• Mezzanine (by ladder) suitable for sleeping or meditation

• Jacuzzi tub; 2 sinks

• DOUBLE Occupancy (one Super King bed): $3,395/person

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• Super King bed in bedroom; double sofa bed in living room

• 580 sq. ft. two-room apartment

• Small living room with dining table and sofa bed

• Kitchen with local Salento tiles

• Shower and bath tub

Superior Double (Shared Bathroom)

Room with one double bed and shared bathroom (shared with 1 or 2 other people).

SINGLE Occupancy Only.

Cost: $2,895 per person.

Superior Twin (Shared Bathroom)

Room with two twin beds and shared bathroom (shared with 1 or 2 other people).

DOUBLE Occupancy only.

Cost: $2,295 per person.

4-Person Dorm Space

This lodging is housed on two floors. The second floor has one large space with eight twin beds. The ground floor has one dorm-style bathroom (2 showers, 2 toilets, 2 sinks).

Occupancy is limited to 4 people unless you bring your own group of more than 4 people.

Cost: $1,995 per person.

Glamping: Yurt or Mini-Dome — Double or Single

These beautiful and unique spaces have all the comfort of Suryalila’s regular rooms, with two twin beds or one double bed and a space heater. The yurts and mini-domes use shared bathroom facilities in the glamping area, including the choice of indoor or outdoor showers and flush or compost toilets.

DOUBLE Occupancy: $1,995 per person.
SINGLE Occupancy: $2,495 per person.

Glamping: Honeymoon Yurt (Private Bathroom)

This beautiful and unique space has all the comfort of Suryalila’s regular rooms, with one European king-size bed (equivalent to an American queen), private external bathroom, space heater, and private patio.

DOUBLE Occupancy only.

Cost: $2,495 per person.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 

• If registering before July 28, 2023, a $500 Nonrefundable Deposit at a minimum is due with your completed registration form. You are welcome to pay the Full Retreat Fee if you wish. Any remaining balance is due July 28, 2023. 

• If registering on or after July 28, 2023, payment of the Full Retreat Fee is due with your completed registration form.

• After you submit your registration form, you will receive an electronic invoice within 48 hours, payable online upon receipt.

ALL PAYMENTS ARE BY CREDIT CARD:

• VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

• After you submit your registration form, you will receive an electronic invoice within 48 hours, payable online upon receipt.

CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY:

• A Cancellation Fee of $500 applies to ALL cancellations, regardless of the reason.

• Cancellation requests must be made via EMAIL to info@lindameacciyoga.com.

• If you cancel on or before July 28, 2023, your payment(s) will be refunded, minus a $500 Cancellation Fee (the $500 Nonrefundable Deposit covers this fee).

• After July 28, 2023, no refunds will be given UNLESS you find someone to take your spot, in which case your payment(s) will be refunded, minus a $500 Cancellation Fee, after payment has been collected from the new registrant. If you are unable to find someone to take your spot, no refund will be issued.

LINDA MEACCI (she/her), E-RYT 500, YACEP; Therapeutic Movement & Mindfulness Teacher; Retreat Curator —

Linda is an innovative teacher who listens intently, honors the potential within each person, and delivers practices and experiences that seamlessly blend philosophy and art of the East with science and grounding insights of the West. She loves collaborating, gathering community, and curating wellness retreats.

Linda specializes in therapeutically oriented yoga, alignment-based vinyasa flow, accessible movement, and contemplative guided experiences drawing upon her background as performing artist, athlete, and yogi to design rhythmic, fluid practices that incorporate physical asana, therapeutic movement, yogic philosophy, spiritual themes, and personal attention.

In a welcoming and easy way, Linda opens the door for students to explore on and beyond the yoga mat, encouraging them to contemplate the forces at work in their lives, open up to possibility, and strive to reconnect with the power, love, joy, and wisdom within.

Linda is a forever-student. She is committed to treating all peoples with respect and humbly learning what this means in action. Her mission is to honor and uplift all who step into a practice or retreat or who cross her path in life.

Off the mat, Linda thrives on her love of nature, cultures and languagues, expressive arts, and her spiritual path, Surat Shabda Yoga.