May 11, 2013. I am pinch me excited to be returning to the Italy this summer to lead two yoga retreats and to spend more time than ever on the beach! Join me won’t you? xoxo

“To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.” -Isaac Newton

“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” -Wyland

(Amalfi Adventure is for lovers of the ocean, Ischia shown here)

ABOUT OUR AMALFI ADVENTURE JULY 1-7, 2013:

Are you looking for paradise? Well, we’ve found it and want to share it with you! Come experience a retreat like none other on the famous “Green Island!” Right next to the more famous Isle of Capri, the greener sister Island of Ischia (pronounced Iss-Key-Ah) has a more natural, untouched feel. As one of the world’s first health spa destinations, Italians (and Romans, before that) in the know would flock to Ischia to indulge in its mineral-rich volcanic mud and waters. Today, Italian Doctors literally prescribe time here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. Just off the Amalfi Coast, Ischia boasts natural wonders such a dormant volcano, lush gardens, thermal spas, clear beaches, ancient ruins, and endless views across the Bay of Naples.

We will be guests at the pristine Villa Lina, which is situated perfectly on a quiet nestle of olive trees and overlooks the Mediterranean. Soak in the incredible pool—filled with the famous thermal waters from an aquifer 150 meters below the island. Relax on the panoramic sun decks with breath-taking views. Take time to stroll the olive grove and lemon tree-lined terraces, gardens, and hiking trails to the beach. We will hold twice daily yoga classes in one of two amazing yoga spaces (one indoor and one outdoor), both overlooking the sea and lush vegetation.

But we will enjoy so much more than just yoga! We will ride Vespas to visit ancient port villages (such as the picturesque Castello Aragonese). Enjoy artisanal shopping in Ischia Porto. Look for the famous thermal mud bath treatments, rucolino liquors, lemon candies, or the handmade sandals. We will watch the sun rise from Monte Epomeo, and enjoy a hike to the natural thermal seaside cave of Baia di Sorgeto. Visit the lovely town of Sant’ Angelo and spend a day at one of Ischia’s popular thermal spa parks where you can hop from pool to thermal pool experiencing various temperatures, ancient therapy techniques, and opt for some treatments like a massage or facial. The week will end with an exciting boat ride to Capri, where we will see the hidden beaches and grottos where we will swim where the romans did, in the ancient ocean waterfalls.

In addition to all its natural wonders, one of the most appealing things about Ischia is the hospitality of the people themselves. You’re sure to enjoy the island’s welcome and relaxed way of life during your stay.

SPECIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS DURING OUR 7 DAYS:
Day 1: Arrivals Naples, Ferry to Ischia, Evening Yoga, Welcome Social Hour and dinner
Day 2: Ischia Porto: Visit to the Castello Aragonese, shopping, beach
Day 3: Ride motos to Baia di Sorgeto (open thermal beach) and visit Forio
Day 4: Wellness Day at Thermal Spa Park with 10 pools, Cooking class
Day 5: Hike to Mount Epomeo and enjoy amazing overlooks and historic cave dwellings, Visit seaside town of Sant’ Angelo, sunset aperitivo & wine tasting
Day 6: Boat Ride to Capri and island grottos
Day 7: Final Yoga, Breakfast and Departures to Naples

SAMPLE DAILY AGENDA
8:00am-9:15am Yoga
9:30am-10:30am Breakfast
10:30am–12:00pm Free time to relax at the villa
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm-6:00pm Special trips
6:30pm-7:30pm Yoga
8:00pm-9:30pm Dinner

RESERVATIONS:
$500 deposit to hold your spot. Book now at http://www.alchemytours.com

INVESTMENT:

$2,400 Double per person (shared room, private bath)
$2,700 Single per person (private room, private bath)

INCLUSIVE RETREAT PRICE:
• 7 days and 6 nights private Villa accommodations (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)
• All meals (one lunch will be on your own, to explore)
• Beverages during meals – including wine!
• Transfer from Ferry
• Use of estate premises (terraces, pool, beach access, etc.)
• Two Daily Yoga Classes and Evening Group Activities
• Scenic boat tour, visit to Capri
• All day trips and walking tours
• Private wine tasting
• Traditional cooking class
• Soaking in the healing waters of Baia di Sorgeto
• Visits to Thermal Spa Park with 10 pools
• Sunrise Hike to Mount Epomeo
• Trip to Sant’ Angelo for an amazing sunset
• A moto on select day
• Entrance fees to all group events and activities
• All transportation during the trip
• Comprehensive trip literature
• Use of yoga mats
• Taxes

NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:
Airfare to and from the trip, extra excursions and gratuities for your guides.

WHERE WE WILL STAY THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples on the mid-southeastern coast of Italy. Located 30km from Naples mainland, it measures just 34km in diameter and is profiled by Mount Epomeo peaking at 788 meters above the sea. Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it’s not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over!

Nicknamed the “Green Island”, Ischia was one of the world’s first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. In addition to all its natural wonders, one of the most appealing things about Ischia is the hospitality of the people themselves. You’re sure to enjoy the island’s welcome and relaxed way of life while during your stay.

ACCOMMODATIONS THE VILLA LINA
This yoga retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Villa Lina. An “agriturismo”, Villa Lina is a country villa situated perfectly on a plantation of olive grove and citrus overlooking the Mediterranean. The property boasts two pools, one of which is filled with the famous thermal waters of the island, and the other with sea water.

A private location, the Villa is nestled in gardens of flowers, olives, palms, and lemon trees. Rooms are nicely furnished with balcony or terrace with sea view. Positioned between the beautiful villages of Forio and Sant’ Angelo, this location is perfect for a hike to Mount Epomeo, the Baia di Sorgeto, and one of the island’s most famous thermal spas.

Lovingly run by Nicola, one can easily see the care and passion put into the villa and the respect of the land of the estate. This property is a piece of paradise and an oasis of pure nature.

THE YOGA SPACE
The indoor yoga room is a large studio (about 90 square meters) with tile floor and natural light. It has a beautiful view of the ocean. The outdoor yoga space is about the same size and also boosts a tremendous ocean view.

CUISINE
Nicola is also an amazing chef and he will delight you with typical dishes and you will have a chance to discover the authentic Ischian cuisine. Healthful, vegetarian and pescaterian food is part of the retreat experience, and while eating at Villa Lina you’ll enjoy typical cuisine of Ischia prepared by the Chef, all with the freshest of produce and ingredients. Vegetables come from the on-site gardens or other farmers on the island, and of course you’ll enjoy some of the best local wines. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. Special diets can be accommodated as well.

SURROUNDING AREA
Not only will you enjoy the grounds of Villa Lina with the sundecks, terraces, gardens, thermal pools, and yoga space, but the retreat also includes carefully-planned day-trips to offer guests a full experience of Ischia. The island is full of various natural wonders, from a dormant volcano, lush gardens, and rich agriculture, to thermal spas, clear beaches, ancient ruins, and endless views across the Bay of Naples.

We will visit the village of Ischia Ponte for a visit to the picturesque Castello Aragonese and artisanal shopping in Ischia Porto. Look for the famous thermal mud bath treatments, rucolino liquors, lemon candies, or the handmade sandals. A day will be spent hiking to Monte Epomeo for unparalleled views across the island, as well as a hike to the natural thermal seaside cave of Baia di Sorgeto. We’ll also visit the lovely town of Sant’ Angelo and spend a day at one of Ischia’s popular thermal spa parks where you can hop from pool to thermal pool experiencing various temperatures, ancient therapy techniques, and opt for some treatments like a massage or facial. The week will end with an exciting boat ride to Capri and around the island seeing the hidden beaches and grottos.

HOW TO GET THERE?
You will fly into Capodochino Airport (NAP – Naples). Alternatively you could fly into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO – Rome) and take the train to Naples.

You will depart for Ischia from Naples through the Port of Naples. We will meet you in Ischia with two options are to arrive in at either of these Ferry Docks: Ischia Porto (most frequent stops) or Forio (closer to villa). The Villa Lina is located in the countryside of Panza in the area of Forio, Ischia

ITINERARY
On line http://www.alchemytours.com or email us