Maybe we’re an aging society or maybe we’re just all wising up, but personal wellness is becoming popular amongst the 50-something crowd. And, the latest trend in personal wellness is destination wellness retreats. Just Google wellness retreats on the Internet and you’ll find over 1.2 million hits. From Albuquerque to New Zealand many dedicated wellness enthusiasts are seeking out holiday spots or retreats where they can combine their vacation with de-stressing sessions. I found one such retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy. Billed as the ultimate in luxury retreats, La Preghiera Country House Estates offers wellness enthusiasts the opportunity to experience yoga, hiking, biking or a combination of all in the heartland of Italy, with time off for exploring the nearby medieval villages.
La Preghiera is located in the heart of the Umbrian countryside about 40 minutes from Perugia, the medieval center of Umbria and 2.5 hours north of Rome. It’s also a short distance from Cortona, which almost everyone is familiar with from the movie- “Under the Tuscan Sun”. There are low cost flights from London via RyanAir to Perugia on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. La Preghiera, (“The Prayer” in English), was originally a 12th Century monastery, and has been restored to an elegant country house estate – bed and breakfast accommodation with impeccable rooms and service. John and Liliana Tunstill open their home and hearts to each visitor that passes through. In fact, they operate under the philosophy that “a stranger is a friend as yet unmet”.
Normally booked solid, La Preghiera just announced that it is opening up one of its highly sought after yoga retreats (September 2nd – September 9th) to new guests who wish to experience yoga in the tranquility of the Umbrian countryside. The retreat includes 7-nights private luxury accommodation, 12 yoga classes (90-minute morning classes and 60-minute evening classes), a hearty breakfast buffet, light lunches, 3-course dinners, and private minibus transfers to local medieval villages. Guests can even rent the property’s Jaguar to explore the area or can choose just to relax at poolside. Beauty treatments, such as a body massage, facial scrub, manicure or pedicure, are available at an additional cost. And, private airport transfers to the property can be arranged as well.
So what’s the hoopla all about?
Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is the oldest defined practice of physical well being and self- development. Yoga has proved to be helpful in reducing stress, reducing pain, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, reducing anxiety and muscle tension, increasing strength and flexibility, slowing the aging process, improving sleep, and helpful in dealing with allergies and asthma symptoms. It’s an excellent alternative form of healing that is very suited to the needs of thyroid patients, individuals suffering from bi-polar disorder, depression, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis. It improves the immune system and circulation. Virtually everyone can see physical benefits from yoga, and its practice can also give psychological benefits, such as a sense of well being.
But if yoga isn’t your thing, be certain that a retreat geared toward your desires can easily be arranged. This was one of the most relaxing locations I have ever experienced and one that is usually missed by visitors to Italy that limit themselves to Florence, Rome or Venice.
Sara Lucci lives near Perugia, Umbria, Italy with her husband and two teenager sons. She writes about her experiences in moving, living and surviving in Italy.
If you have a question relating to this article or about Italy, please email her at saralucci@yahoo.com.
