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Overview

Ancient Roots, Modern Peace—Unplug in Puglia, 7-day Italy Yoga Retreat
74015 Martina Franca, Province of Taranto, Italy
Oct 25 - 31, 2026
Julie and Karen Retreats image
Julie and Karen Retreats
$3,290
Deposit: $2,290

About your trip

Soothe your soul and revitalize your spirit, in the serene beauty of Puglia, Italy.

Join us for yoga, meditation, laughter and connection, in this charming region of Italy, away from the tourist crowds. Immerse in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra Meditation under the expert guidance of two seasoned retreat leaders, Karen Pagano and Julie Murphy (Yogaressa).


Our retreat is a harmonious blend of yoga, nature’s beauty, and nurturing wellness.  A sacred space for self-discovery, cultivating a profound sense of inner peace, emerging with renewed clarity and purpose.


🧘🏻‍♀️ *** Yin Yoga / Yoga Nidra Immersion *** 

Yoga Alliance CE hours are available for portions of this retreat


Escape to a corner of Italy that remains blissfully unspoiled, where the authentic local culture shines through, an area waiting to be genuinely discovered.

Highlights

 ● On the grounds of a monastery dating back to 1689, the perfect place for modern spiritual retreat


Delicious, diverse cuisine based on a nourishing pH Alkaline food philosophy, inspired by traditional Italian dishes


● An area of natural beauty, where the trees whisper secrets and the air is a tonic for the soul


● Enchanting UNESCO World Heritage region, the landscape dotted with whimsical 'trulli,' the ancient cone-topped stone dwellings


Deepen your yoga practice in a serene setting (plus “on-the-mat” Yoga Alliance CE hours included)

Accommodation

Your retreat destination isn't a hotel ... it's a unique, specialist destination, designed with yoga and retreats in mind. 


Peaceful, unspoiled, unique … our private location is on the vast grounds of a monastery dating back to 1689, lovingly restored as the perfect place for modern spiritual retreat.  


Stay in charmingly-appointed rooms with private en-suite bathrooms, in our private retreat sanctuary.


A haven of happiness, the whitewashed dwellings are bright and cheerful against the endlessly blue sky. 

Activities / General Schedule

If you’ve been with us on retreat before, you’ll know we blend yoga and excursions with the opportunity to truly retreat, whether in peaceful solitude or in the community of likeminded souls. Puglia adds the beauty of  charming small towns, unique in character, steeped in history.


What delights will you choose on your retreat?
– walk a meditational path in the private forest
– take a dip in our private swimming pool

– unwind and meditate in one of the many peaceful areas on property

– enjoy an Ayurvedic massage
– relax in a hammock with your favorite book


Find the calm of tranquil nights under a star-filled sky.

It’s all on offer here, in peaceful Puglia. 

Delicious Meals!

Our daily brunches and dinners are home-made, healthy, pH Alkaline meals, deliciously prepared with local products and organic ingredients - a culinary treat! Simply delizioso!


For those who like a little something in the early morning, there will also be a selection of light breakfast snacks and good Italian coffee.

Important info - please READ ✅

Transfers To/From Our Retreat Center ✈️ 🚙

Check in time is 3pm on Sunday, Oct 25, 2026

Check out time is 10am on Saturday, Oct 31, 2026


SHARED RIDE from/to airport 

The cost of transfers is not included. We’ll provide information for an optional shared ride from either Bari airport (BRI) or Brindisi airport (BDS), and the cost will depend on how many people are on the shared ride. 


PASSPORT / VISAS  

  • Ensure your passport has at least 2 unused visa pages and minimum 6 months validity before expiry date
  • Please contact your embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding your visa requirements

TRAVEL INSURANCE

All payments are non-refundable. We strongly advise comprehensive travel insurance to include trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance and medical assistance. 

Cancellation Policy

All payments are non-refundable

Should you cancel your trip: unfortunately we cannot offer refunds, due to the commitments we have made to reserve our unique venue —hence our advice that you please purchase comprehensive travel insurance.


Having secured this exclusive location, we can now focus on creating an unforgettable experience together!


TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

When you complete your registration and make your first payment, you will be asked to agree to our Terms and Conditions. 

PLEASE familiarize yourself with this before you register! Click HERE for the info.


ACTIVITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

We live in an unpredictable world, and many things are out of our control. If an activity or excursion is canceled, we will use our discretion and our best efforts to substitute it with an alternative option where possible. As experienced retreat leaders, we accommodate the tempo that suits our group, adjusting and making changes as needed. 

About Your Retreat Hosts

You'll be enjoying this yoga retreat under the expert guidance of two seasoned retreat leaders, Karen Pagano and Julie Murphy (Yogaressa).

Julie is recognized globally for her meditation teachings, and she is the creator of the leading Yoga Nidra Meditation course on Insight Timer. She is thrilled to share her 30+ years of experience, contributing to a kinder world through meditation and yoga philosophy. More at yogaressa.com


Known as the pioneer of Yin Yoga in South Florida, Karen's instruction focuses on energy patterns; releasing and opening to one’s True Essential Spirit.  Her light-hearted delivery is grounded by multiple teaching certifications she has earned in over 30 years of practice. 


Since 2015, Karen and Julie have co-created dozens of yoga and wellness retreats in fabulous destinations around the world. With multiple teaching certifications from India and the USA, their combined teachings are heartfelt and inspirational


 CLICK HERE for testimonials

What's included

Accommodation

6 nights

Beverages

Water and coffee is available at no charge

Meals

Brunch and dinner daily: home-made, healthy, pH Alkaline meals, deliciously prepared with local products and organic ingredients - a culinary treat!

Daily Yoga & Meditation

Our yoga and meditation workshops will ease your body and put a smile on your face

Yoga Alliance CE Hours

A portion of the yoga/meditation workshops include some Yoga Alliance CE hours

Yoga Shala

Use of yoga studio and all props

Local Excursion

Local excursion to one of the many quaint towns in this charming region of Italy

Hiking

Hiking in the wild protected Natural Reserve of Pianelle Forest

On-site Amenities

Large, private swimming pool, spacious gardens, a library to enjoy a good book

Meditative Walks

Explore nature in the vast grounds of our retreat space

Internet

(but we hope you’ll unplug as much as possible!)

What's not included

Transport

Air fare, airport transfers or other modes of transport are not included (you will be given details of how to join an optional shared-cost group airport transfer)

Wine

Alcohol is not included but it is available

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance

Massages

Massage services are available, at your expense

Gratuities

Gratuities are shared by staff, housekeeping or the employees who help to make your stay memorable.

Location

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1. 74015 Martina Franca, Province of Taranto, Italy

74015 Martina Franca, Province of Taranto, Italy

About your organizer

Julie (@yogaressa): Busy exec burnout led me to balance, through yoga and meditation. Now, Yoga Nidra meditation is my calling. I am delighted to teach the transformative power of Yoga Nidra in courses, workshops and retreats! Please enjoy my meditations on all platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Insight Timer (search “Yogaressa”). My dear friend (and Yin Yoga virtuoso) Karen Pagano, and I, have created dozens of enriching and joyful yoga retreats in soul-filled destinations around the world. Join us on the next one!

Reviews

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© 2026 Julie and Karen Retreats