Evolve - A wellness retreat in Puglia

      martina franca

      YR
      Yogando Retreats
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      34 reviews
      May 13 - 18, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 25
      Evolve - A wellness retreat in Puglia
      martina franca

      Yogando Retreats
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      34 reviews

      May 13 - 18, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 25

      About this trip

      Your host - Mychal Prieto

      Mychal Prieto is a Los Angeles based Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Registered Yoga Teacher, and ex-collegiate athlete who has studied Kinesiology + Exercise Science since 2008. 


      He is known for his ability to help his students build strength, courage, body-awareness, + self-confidence through the use of mindful movement/embodiment practices including: Yoga, Kettlebells, + Animal Flow.


      In his classes, you'll be taken on a journey deep within your mind, body, and spirit. Infusing holistic elements, ancient yogic wisdom, personal experiences and insights, as well as bio-mechanical easy-to-grasp cueing that allows and encourages each student to become more interconnected to their bodies and the divine within.


      Mychal is a certified Strong First instructor (SFG), 250+ hour Holistic Yoga Flow teacher, certified in Animal Flow, TRX, Functional Movement Technique (FMT Basic & Performance), & Precision Nutrition Coach. Mychal was a top-producing trainer at Equinox from 2013-'17 & was voted Most Professional Trainer of the Year 2015 & '16. He has been the personal trainer & yoga instructor of Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin, and musician Banks. He has also worked on many projects with Nike and Adidas as a Movement Director and model.


      He currently resides on the westside of L.A. You can practice with him in person at 'Light on Lotus', in Mar Vista, as well as the online Yoga and Meditation platform 'Inner Dimension TV.' 

      The curriculum

      This retreat will be a total immersion into wellness. We will offer an assortment of nourishment for the body, mind, and soul. Morning yoga, meditation, pranayama practices, afternoon adventures and ample time for relaxing, recharging, and decompressing. In the evenings, we will dive deeper into restoration through a combination of Gentle, Restorative, and Yin yoga, plus healing sound frequencies integrated throughout.


      No matter what your level as a practitioner is, new or seasoned vet, you will leave this retreat having a greater understanding and solid foundation for any and all of your yoga, movement, and wellness practices.


      Expect morning yoga sessions to be awakening, yet calm, invigorating yet approachable for any level of yogi. Led by Mychal V. Prieto, whose many years of teaching and movement experience will take you on a journey both physically and spiritually. Each practice will begin with a heart-centered theme and thought-provoking dharma talk steeped in Yoga philosophy and personal experience. Evening sessions will be blissfully restorative and cup-filling — the perfect way to end each day after immersing local activities around Puglia. 


      All practices will invite us to contemplate, expand, and listen deeply, so that we may come into greater harmony within ourselves. We will sharpace and feel supported by like-minded human-beings who come in as strangers and leave as family. 


      By the end of the retreat, expect to feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and in equanimous state-of-being. You will take home many simple, yet profound self-care and self-love tools and practices to support you along your life's epic journey.

      What is a cacao ceremony?

      Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing – which is one of the oldest holistic healing practices used by indigenous cultures all over the world. These types of healing ceremonies work with rebalancing energies in the body to regain health.

      La Dolce Vita

      Immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita, "the sweet life" in the Italian dreamscape of Puglia, Italy in this 5-day/6-night retreat of yoga, delicious farm to table food, vineyard hikes, excursions to the quaint towns of ...., olive oil tastings, and authentic Italian cooking.


      Led by Los Angeles yoga instructor Mychal Prieto, this yoga retreat, will take place at LaRosa, a renovated 17th century Masseria (farmhouse) tucked in the beautiful Mediterranean olive groves and vineyards of Itria Valley.  


      Twice daily yoga practices will be held in an ancient barn that has been converted into a bright and spacious, fully-equipped yoga studio that features a vaulted ceiling of local stone. Expect both energizing and restorative yoga practices to reawaken and connect to a healthier, nourished-self as well as guided meditation and pranayama to calm the mind. Some yoga experience is preferred.


      You can further deepen your relaxation with a massage, a swim in the private pool, a gorgeous hike through nature, or simply by enjoying your free time with a good book. 

      The retreat center

      La Rosa is an ancient Masseria (farmhouse) dating from the year 1689 renovated with the aim of bringing it back to its timeless beauty.


      The property is located in the heart of the Itria Valley, about 10km from Martina Franca, 450 meters above sea level and midway between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.


      It was carefully designed with the purpose of hosting yoga disciplines, philosophies and activities from all over the world.


      The retreat is totally immersed in the quiet countryside of the Murgese, a gently undulating area of alternating troughs and hills, hillocks and karst lariat, between oak forests and Mediterranean scrub, orchards, olive groves and vineyards.


      The countryside of Martina Franca, dotted with characteristic trulli, the typical peasant houses with the cone-shaped dome, is a riot of colors ranging from green oak woods, olive trees and vineyards, to the white of trulli and farms to the red soil of  the countryside, framed within the dense network of characteristic dry-stone walls.


      Here is where La Rosa hosts guests from all over the world.

      Our values

      People at La Rosa carefully work in creating and offering the best environment to welcome retreats, workshops, trainings, events and all the disciplines related to psychophysical, spiritual and moral well-being.


      The aim is to create a healthy, positive and regenerating environment, safeguarding the exceptional energy and tranquility of the surroundings.


      We promote a careful and sensitive approach, from our food philosophy to the attention for details, and we ensure that all these meaningful values are met into an unique experience.


      The activities of La Rosa dei 4 Venti assists to spread and apply a humanist and social vision of tourism based on social cohesion, unity and sharing, meeting and communication and improvement of human relations.


      Through the form of retreats and holistic holidays we develop social connections, opportunities for cultural enrichment, promotion and exploitation of local resources.

      The yoga studio

      The old stone barn has been converted into a large and impressive yoga studio


      Inside, the natural wood flooring is surmounted by a barrel-vaulted ceiling of local stone, and the original troughs that contained the food for the animals now used for storage of mats, etc. It is a bright and spacious environment in which to find silence and inspiration, and to practice yoga and meditation.


      100 square meters, hard wood floor, convection heating system.
      Suitable for every yoga style and activity.


      Equipped with Ashtanga yoga mats, bricks and blocks, belts and straps, anti-burst Swiss Balls, meditation pillows and blankets.


      PA system with Analog Mixer (Ipod, Iphone connection), video projector
      with Pc & Mac connection, microphone headset.


      Whiteboard and Flipchart.


      Guitar, harmonium, Kirtan instruments.

      Lounge areas

      La Rosa Dei Venti 4 is surrounded by silence and tranquility, nestled amongst the vibrant colors of the countryside. To appreciate its beauty there are various indoor and outdoor areas where you can spend time in peaceful solitude, rest and reflection.


      There is also a large glass room that maximizes natural light and allows you to appreciate the views of your surroundings from the comfort of an armchair.


      All the individual outdoor areas are designed to allow guests to relax and connect with the harmonious charm that this unspoilt environment offers.


      You can laze in the sunshine under one of the poolside cabanas, linger in the outdoor lounge, doze on the hammock or easy chairs found under the olive trees, listen to the sounds of nature or in relaxed contemplation under the shade of oak trees in an island of green, surrounded by wheat fields.

      The surroundings

      The private wood covers about 13 acres, is populated by a variety of ancient oaks and following the sinuous path you can breathe in the scents of Mediterranean shrubs and discover the colours and fragrances of other flowers and plants.


      The vastness, silence and intimacy of the wood make it perfect for walks amongst the foliage and for moments of meditation. Discrete recesses are equipped with natural stone seating where you can relax and contemplate under the shade of the oaks.


      The forest is also home to our beloved donkeys, Elma and Elinara, who take care of it and keep it tidy and clean.

      The rooms

      The Retreat has 10 guest rooms in total: five trulli-rooms (traditional Apulian dwellings with cone shaped roofs), three spacious rooms in the main building and two comfortable rooms next to the Yoga Shala.


      Each guest room is unique, full of character and furnished to reflect different styles consistent with the building to create a relaxed, calming and laidback atmosphere.


      Options include single or twin bedrooms.


      Max Capacity 20 people (Teacher/Staff included).

      Rooms are all equipped with:

      – Underfloor heating system
      – En-suite bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin
      – Towels
      – Hairdryer
      – Welcoming gift

      Discover PUGLIA

      Trulli (traditional drystone huts) enclosed by vineyards and olive groves, this is the authentic side of the Itria Valley. The panorama is filled with a timeless magic, in the heart of which lie fascinating villages like Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Cisternino.


      Leave the trulli, olive trees and drystone walls of the Itria Valley, and follow the way to the most beautiful beaches of the Adriatic or Ionian coast.


      Take a journey at the marinas of Fasano and Ostuni, with their beaches and small coves in the low rocky coast.


      Further south, search out an untamed corner of the marine nature reserve and enjoy sea breezes and the perfume of Mediterranean scrub, a natural paradise of inlets and high dunes overlooking the Ionian sea.

      Traditional food of Puglia

      For millennia Puglia has been predominantly an agricultural region, producing around 40% of Italy's olive oil and a large proportion of its wine. Vast tracts of the region's territory are given over to farming, whether it be crops or livestock, and many inhabitants continue to grow their own produce.


      This essentially agricultural nature means that Puglia cuisine's is home-country inspired, predominantly using the abundant local produce such as durum wheat, tomatoes, artichokes, fava beans, rocket, courgettes, beans, fennel, peppers, onions, beef and lamb.


      In terms of pasta, Puglians pride themselves on their orecchiette, little ear-shaped shells that are still produced by hand on a daily basis by many signore. It is usually served with tasty sauces such as meat ragu, broccoli and lard, mushrooms or turnip tops. 


      The pasta itself is made rigorously from durum wheat flour, water and salt. Eggs once considered a luxury, are not used in traditional Puglian pasta-making.

      Alberobello

      Trulli, trulli everywhere... It must be Alberobello, Puglia's picture-postcard town famous for its conical-roofed houses - trulli!


      It's not just a pretty picture, though, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected thanks to its "outstanding universal value... an   exceptional example of a form of building construction deriving from prehistoric construction techniques that have survived intact and functioning into the modern world."


      With its narrow pedestrianised streets, little shops selling local produce and a few nice cafes and trattorie offering al fresco dining, Alberobello is a great day out for families with young children, who, in our experience, love the trulli and remember them as one of the highlights of their holiday!

      Polignano a mare

      Polignano offers all the right ingredients for a perfect day out. The tiny old town, reached through the Porta Vecchia gate, combines charming, white-washed streets with beautiful old churches such as the Chiesa Matrice. 


      You may find yourself getting lost in the winding streets, but you won’t mind at all. Before you know it, you will have reached one of three panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea and coastline.


      After a stroll through the town and a coffee in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, why not pop down to the Blue Flag beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the old centre? A firm favorite with the locals, the beach has crystal clear waters and is flanked on two sides by cliffs from which children and teenagers dive all through the day until sunset.


      Polignano is famous throughout the world for three things. First of all is, as hinted at above, cliff diving. In recent years the town has hosted the Red Bull diving competition, attracting crowds of 45,000 people in 2010! 


      Second is its outstanding ice cream, which you really cannot afford to miss on a hot summer’s evening. The third and possibly most famous export of Polignano a Mare, however, is the great Domenico Modugno, who wrote and sang numerous classic songs, including the massive international hit, Volare (originally entitled Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu)! 


      The locals are incredibly proud of their favourite son and rightly so. As you wander through the streets that inspired such a wonderful song, you might well find yourself involuntarily singing or whistling, “Volare, oh,oh… Cantare, oh,oh,oh,oh… Nel blu dipinto di blu… felice di stare lassù…”.

      Ostuni

      Rising high above the vast olive-carpeted plateau of the lower Murgia, Ostuni has long been an awe-inspiring sight for those travelling across Puglia. Strong defensive walls and tumbling clusters of white-washed houses wind around the hillside, at the top of which, proudly surveying the surrounding land, sits the magnificent Gothic cathedral.


      First founded by an indigenous tribe some 600 years before Christ, Ostuni’s long and varied history saw it pass from the Romans to the Ostrogoths, from the Lombards to the Saracens, from the Byzantines to the Normans, from the Hohenstaufen to the Angevins and from the Aragonese to the Bourbons. Traces remain from each domination but most of what visitors can see today dates from between the 1400s and the 1700s.


      The most distinguishing characteristic of Ostuni and the reason for its taking the epithet La Città Bianca, is its uniformly white buildings. Originally the practice of lime-washing the town's served as a means of lightening up the dark, labyrinthine medieval streets but in the 17th century it became a matter of life and death and was used to limit the depredations of the plague.


      Wandering through the streets today, visitors are charmed by Ostuni's medieval layout. The narrow back streets, little passages and flights of steps make it delightfully easy to lose one's bearings! Suitably, however, the climax of any visit arrives when you reach the highest part of town, home to the imposing Archbishop’s palace and the 15th-century Concattedrale with its curvaceous, symmetrical façade and rose window.


      The views from Ostuni are, by themselves, reason enough to make a trip there. Wonderful vistas abound from all angles, the best of which offer 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea.

      The coastline near Ostuni (just 8km away) boasts some of Puglia's loveliest beaches whose cleanliness and quality of amenities are testified to by the 5 Blue Flags won in recent years.

      North of Puglia's loveliest beaches

      Heading south down the Adriatic, the coast between Manfredonia and the bustling, historic capital, Bari, is formed by a series of sandy and pebble beaches, the salt pans of the Margherita di Savoia Nature Reserve, and some lovely towns such as Trani with its fabulous seafront cathedral. 


      From Bari, the mostly rocky coast is punctured by occasional spots of sandy beach, such as those at the lovely towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, both well worth a visit.

      What’s included

      • Hotel Room
        single Rooms or Shared Rooms Available for 5 nights of the retreat
      • Daily brunch & dinner
        delicious cuisine, based on PH alkaline diet with a wide variety of locally sourced products and organic ingredients, carefully selected among the freshest food of this great agricultural region.
      • Morning yoga
        each morning meet us at the yoga studio for an amazing invigorating workout first thing - Nothing starts the day better!
      • Afternoon workshops
        workshop with Mychal focused on our retreat theme, GROW. Your mindset is a key component to finding success in your health and in life.
      • Harmomium music
        dedicated music sessions hosted by Mychal
      • Cacao Ceremony
        hosted by Mychal, a magic shaman experience to heal an rebalance energies

      What’s not included

      • Airfare / Transportation
        Closest airport is Bari, a 1hr flight from Rome. The resort is 2hr from Bari airport, a shuttle bus will be sent to pick you up, and one or two pick ups will be done to maximize the driver's time
      • Ancillary Expenses
        Room charges, spa services, etc. are up to you to purchase
      • Excursions
        Since we do not know how many people will attend, we are leaving off excursions, and they will be managed as add-ons

      Available Packages

      Standard Room - Shared Occupancy

      Rooms link - please click here to see the photos of the rooms.

      $2,790
      Deposit: $500
      Big room - Double Occupancy

      Rooms link - please click here to see the photos of the rooms.

      $2,933
      Deposit: $500
      Standard room - Single occupancy

      Rooms link - please click here to see the photos of the rooms.

      $3,219
      Deposit: $500
      Big room - Single occupancy

      Rooms link - please click here to see the photos of the rooms.

      $3,362
      Deposit: $500


      Itinerary

      Day 1
      May 13 - Arrival day

      4pm Check in

      We cannot wait to meet you! 


      When you arrive, go get checked into your room then make your way down to our Welcome Dinner at the designated spot.  We will take the opportunity to toast to our gratitude for your making this important trip to spend the week with us. 


      GROUP DINNER

      Following the dinner you will be ushered into a private dining event with some of the best food found in the region. The impeccably presented culinary creations will feature locally farmed ingredients.


      We will spend the evening making introductions and laying the foundation to what will be one of the most memorable moments of your lives.

      Your Organizer


      YR
      Yogando Retreats
      34 reviews
      We design and host exclusive custom yoga retreats

      Reviews

      I had zero expectations leading up to this event. I knew I wanted to experience a mind body connection somewhere tropical and that’s what I got! I knew I wanted to have some new tools to take into this new year and break some old mindsets that have been holding me back, that’s what I got! I wanted to move my body differently and cut off distractions from the outside world, that’s what I got! I’ve never felt so aligned with my new intentions and supported as I worked through some of the old self limiting thoughts .The accommodations were beautifully rustic and the food was average, but that’s not why I went. I went to fine tune myself, my perspective and create new healthy habits, that’s exactly what I got and more! Bravo to everyone who helped set this new year on track for me. Ill be back, Ive already manifested it ;)
      By Melanie A for BBBody&Soul | Longevity Retreat in Costa Rica on Jan 16, 2024
      Disorganized & disappointing, There was nothing related to longevity about this retreat. Eating at a buffet meals a day isn’t a 5 star experience. Being left for an hour in the hot sun along the side of a river waiting for transportation isn’t a 5 star experience. Not knowing any details about the waterfall excursion when asked 2x is not a 5 star experience. Not having bug spray for your guests not a 5 star experience. Not knowing who’s actually going on your retreat NOT a 5 star experience. The resort running out of towels not a 5 star experience. Over promises and undelivered
      By Cali L for BBBody&Soul | Longevity Retreat in Costa Rica on Jan 14, 2024
      Hello Carol, we are very sorry that this is your idea of a fabulous retreat that got 5 stars and amazing reviews from every single person on this trip. Regarding the organization, we were fully supportive in each step of your booking. We reacted very fast when, only the day before you were traveling, you sent us your flight details and we realized you were landing in the wrong airport. We showed full support while you were traveling solo, we spent time with you and we offered you dinner, the day before the retreat started. We treated you with compassion and support. The meals offered at buffet style were listed in the original contract, and the food was beyond amazing, offering a variety of fruits, vegetables and different form of proteins, at each meal. The waterfall hike was a very simple hike, we waited for transportation as part of the excursion, there was shade, and fresh fruits offered to everyone. We are sorry that this is your perception of the whole experience and we are quite surprised about your review. Hopefully, you learnt that there is no secret to longevity, but longevity is sisterhood, community, and how you perceive life.
      By Yogando Retreats on Jan 14, 2024
      YR
      My experience in Costa Rica with Brooke Burke and Elisa Magni was incredibly enriching and transformative. The combination of mindful practices, body movement , communal connection, and transformative activities was without a doubt a valuable investment in my personal well-being. Brooke asks some very important reflective questions that helped me tune into my core being, as well as get really honest and accountable with myself . My favorite activities included the breath-work ceremony, group I AM manifestion affirmations , mirror work and the transformative letter writing . Lastly , and perhaps the most invaluable aspect of this retreat is the deep connection and communal bond that formed between myself. Brooke , Elisa and ALL of the women attending. In addition, the resort is absolutely beautiful. The ocean is perfectly salty, warm and blissful, the food is extremely fresh with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. All of which I thoroughly enjoyed ! We also got a very generous swag bag filled with all of Brooke and Elisa‘s favorite things , ranging from hats , work-out clothes, candles and journals ! And the list goes on ! I am grateful that I choose to invest in myself and took this journey with Brooke and Elisa . I cannot think of a better way to begin the new year. I retuned home with the tools needed to keep vibrating at this higher frequency. I AM energetically lighter , I AM every woman, and I AM ready for an extraordinary 2024 .
      By Elysia L for BBBody&Soul | Longevity Retreat in Costa Rica on Jan 14, 2024
      Let me just say, if you are in a point of your life seeking transformation and restoration this experience is for you. Brook created such a safe supported space which allowed us all to be open and available for growth. I came home from this retreat refreshed, focused and calm. I have a better sense of who I am and what I want to experience moving forward. Forever grateful for this community and in awe of the dedication Brooke has to each and everyone of us. Her work ethic is extraordinary and her level to connect to each of us is unparalleled. Stop what you’re doing and take a moment to consider this opportunity for yourself. You deserve all the good things this retreat will curate. So much love and gratitude.
      By Basha D for BBBody&Soul | Longevity Retreat in Costa Rica on Jan 10, 2024
      An amazing experience! So blessed to have had the opportunity to attend such a transformational event. Elisa was the best and was always there for any questions. Brooke focused not only on body wellness but also teaching a mind and body connection and left me with tools that I’ll be able to make part of my life. I made connections with many women who I believe will be lifelong soul sisters. I definitely recommend!
      By Amanda M for BBBody&Soul | Longevity Retreat in Costa Rica on Jan 09, 2024
      Show More Reviews