The Beauty of the Boot: Southern Italy

Are you ready for an adventure in that feeds your soul? Are you interested in new cultural experiences that spark curiosity and stretch you to grow? 

If so, then join us for this road less traveled cultural experience in Puglia (Apulia), Italy on the sun-drenched Salento Peninsula with the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea to the east and the smooth, sandy coastline of the Ionian Sea to the west.

Experience Italy away from the crowds 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.

When traveling, we have the possibility to grow our heart, mind and creative eye. And when we touch upon a place 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. This is mindfulness in real time. 

“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.” (— a native Puglian)

Why Come with Us to Puglia?

• Discover a lived-in part of Italy and a place locals love to go.

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

• Linda handpicks every aspect of this journey with you in mind.

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

• Fortify (or jumpstart) your daily contemplative and wellness practices and take them home with you.

• Tailor this experience to your desires and needs, choosing from many wonderful options.

• Come away from this life-affirming experience deeply inspired and grounded.

Our adventures and excursions are complemented 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. You always get to choose!

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 from one of the following bonus experiences:

• Hike along the Adriatic Coast — Join this guided experience and take in the stunning Adriatic coastline. 

• E-Bike Tour from Lecce to Galatina, led by Marco, a local resident. We meet in Lecce and bike to the village of Galatina, 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.

• Local artisanal experience.

WELLNESS EXPERIENCES include:

• Daily sunrise reflection to greet the day

• Daily movement, 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).

• Roundtrip transfers from Lecce train station or Brindisi airport

• 3 fabulous, locally sourced meals* (mostly vegetarian with fresh fish served for dinner)
  *Note: Lunch is on your own during our day trips (below).

• Day trip to Lecce with a local guide in this Baroque city.

• Day trip to Gallipoli with a local guide in this seaside fishing town.

• Choice of one additional activity — E-bike tour through small villages; a guided coastal hike; or an artisanal 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. This style of travel goes beyond a check list of the best sites, and more meaningfully enhances your well-being, including feeling grounded, present 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:

• Brindisi [BDS] — 40 min by car to Casin’Anand

• Bari [BRI] — 2 hours by car to Casin’Anand

• Trains can be taken to Lecce from the above cities, to connect with the group transport to Casin’Anand

MAJOR AIRPORT TO CONSIDER — ROME (FCO):

• Flights may be cheaper.

• Itineraries from U.S. may be better.

• Take a direct train from Rome to Lecce (~5 hours)

NEAREST TRAIN STATION:

• Lecce: 20 minutes by car to Casin’Anand

SCHEDULE FOR RETREAT START DATE -- Saturday, Oct 18, 2025:

• 3:00 PM — Room check-in opens at Casin’Anand

• 6:00 PM — Optional “Travel Recovery” therapeutic practice.

• 8:00 PM — Dinner in the Casin’Anand dining room

• Ground transfers from Lecce train station or Brindisi airport to the retreat venue — Group transportation (vans) will be provided at specified times (TBD).

SCHEDULE FOR RETREAT END DATE -- Saturday, Oct 25, 2025:

• Early morning practice

• 9:00 AM — Breakfast

• 11:00 AM — Room checkout time

• Ground transfers to Lecce train station or Brindisi airport — Departure times for group transportation TBD.

• All prices are per person and are quoted in U.S. dollars.

• All prices listed are Early Bird prices:

  • Early Bird is good through July 18, 2025.

  • Add $200 to all prices after July 18, 2025.

• All rooms are equipped with:

  • Private full bathroom with shower (some rooms have a tub)

  • Air conditioning

  • Towels, hair dryer, vertical iron, safe

For more room pictures, visit the Casin’Anand Rooms & Suites page.

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

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

• 230 sq. ft. room

• Two sinks

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

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

• 250 sq. ft. room

• Shower and bathtub

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

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

• 240 sq. ft. room

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

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

• 240 sq. ft. room

• Small “Juliet” balcony

• $3,295 SINGLE Occupancy (one Queen bed)

• DOUBLE Occupancy: N/A

• 140 sq. ft. room

• Lit Bateau queen bed

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

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

• 250 sq. ft. room

• Private 250 sq. ft terrace

• Outdoor shower under flowered pergola

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

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• 260 sq. ft. room

• Private 230 sq. ft. terrace with flowered pergola

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

• $4,195 SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed)

• 205 sq. ft. room; bath tub

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

• Shower and bathtub

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

• $4,195 SINGLE Occupancy (one King bed)

• 195 sq. ft. room

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

• $3,295/person DOUBLE Occupancy (King bed + King bed)

• 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

• $3,395/person DOUBLE Occupancy (King bed + single bed)

• $2,795/person TRIPLE Occupancy (King bed + single bed)

• SINGLE Occupancy: N/A

• King four-poster bed in bedroom; single bed in dressing room

• 870 sq. ft. 3-room suite

• 215 sq. ft. dressing room with single bed

• 240 sq. ft. living room

• Bathroom with copper bathtub

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: 

• If registering before July 18, 2025, 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 18, 2025. 

• If registering on or after July 18, 2025, 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.

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED:

• Zelle bank-to-bank direct funds transfer (no fee)

• Credit card (no fee)

• After you submit your registration form, you will receive a Zelle payment request or electronic invoice within 48 hours, payable 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 18, 2025, your payment(s) will be refunded, minus a $500 Cancellation Fee.

• After July 18, 2025, 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.