Ischia Island Yoga Retreat, Italy - A Soulful Escape

After unforgettable retreats in 2024, 2025 and 2026, I’m delighted to welcome you back to the magical island of Ischia for a 5-day retreat designed to offer deep rest, joyful connection and meaningful transformation.

Nestled in lush greenery with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this peaceful sea-view sanctuary is just a short walk from the healing Sorgeto Hot Springs and close to the charming villages of Sant’ Angelo and Panza. Hidden away from the tourist trail, yet perfectly placed to enjoy the beauty of authentic Italian island life, it is a setting that invites you to slow down, soften and truly exhale.

I first visited Ischia in 2023 to celebrate my mum’s 80th birthday, and instantly knew I wanted to share this special place. The island’s gentle energy, volcanic soil, thermal waters and warm-hearted locals create the perfect backdrop for healing, stillness and joy.

This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, rest, nourishing food, beautiful surroundings and the company of like-minded souls. Whether you are craving clarity, calm, healing, connection or simply the space to breathe again, you will be held with care every step of the way.

A reset. A pause. A chance to return to stillness, joy and a life you truly love.

After unforgettable retreats in May 2024 and 2025, I’m delighted to welcome you back to the magical island of Ischia for a 5-day retreat designed to offer deep rest, joyful connection and meaningful transformation.

Nestled in lush greenery with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this peaceful sea-view sanctuary is just a short walk from the healing Sorgeto Hot Springs and close to the charming villages of Sant’ Angelo and Panza. Hidden away from the tourist trail, yet perfectly placed to enjoy the beauty of authentic Italian island life, it is a setting that invites you to slow down, soften and truly exhale.

I first visited Ischia in 2023 to celebrate my mum’s 80th birthday, and instantly knew I wanted to share this special place. The island’s gentle energy, volcanic soil, thermal waters and warm-hearted locals create the perfect backdrop for healing, stillness and joy.

This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, rest, nourishing food, beautiful surroundings and the company of like-minded souls. Whether you are craving clarity, calm, healing, connection or simply the space to breathe again, you will be held with care every step of the way.

A reset. A pause. A chance to return to stillness, joy and a life you truly love.

Each day begins in stillness, sea air and birdsong, as we gather for morning practice beneath blue skies with views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Expect a beautiful balance of yin and yang, with practices designed to soften the body, calm the mind and gently reset your nervous system.

Throughout the retreat, I’ll guide you through deeply nourishing sessions including yoga, meditation, acu-yin and yoga nidra, alongside space for reflection, rest and integration.

Afternoons invite you to slow down and savour island life. You may choose the spa, the sea, the hot springs, a quiet coffee, a massage, a village wander, or simply time to do very little at all.

There will be moments of laughter, connection and heartfelt conversation, as well as plenty of space for privacy and personal reflection. In the company of like-minded souls, this retreat offers space to let go of what has felt heavy and reconnect with a lighter, calmer and more joyful way of being.

This is your invitation to pause, heal and rediscover the magic of feeling truly alive.

Ischia is one of Italy’s best-kept island treasures - a place where thermal waters, volcanic landscapes, lush greenery and the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea come together in a way that feels both restorative and deeply alive.

Far gentler and less hurried than many better-known destinations, the island offers a more authentic rhythm of Italian life. Here, time seems to slow down. Mornings feel softer, the air feels lighter, and beauty reveals itself in the simplest of moments.

Close to the retreat, you’ll find the charming villages of Sant’ Angelo and Panza, each with their own character, warmth and unmistakable Italian charm. From winding lanes and little boutiques to beautiful sea views and relaxed local cafés, this is a place to wander, pause and savour.

Just moments away lies the magical Sorgeto Bay, famous for its natural thermal waters where warm springs meet the sea - one of Ischia’s most unforgettable experiences and a true invitation to rest, restore and reconnect.

A place you’ll never want to leave.

Your sea-view sanctuary rests in one of Ischia’s most peaceful corners, with breathtaking views across the Bay of Naples, the Tyrrhenian Sea and Capri in the distance. Surrounded by greenery and tucked away from the rush of everyday life, it offers the perfect setting to slow down, soften and truly retreat.

What makes this place especially memorable is not only its beauty, but the warmth of the people who care for it. Lovingly family-run, there is a genuine kindness here that is felt from the moment you arrive. The staff go above and beyond to make your stay feel easy, welcoming and special, creating an atmosphere that is calm, heartfelt and full of soul.

You’ll also have access to beautiful wellness facilities including geothermal pools, a cool pool, hot thermal jacuzzi, sauna and steam room - all set within peaceful gardens and panoramic terraces designed for rest and renewal. Massage therapies and tailored treatments are also available by appointment.

All retreat spaces are based on a superior front-facing sea-view room with ensuite and private terrace, complete with double or twin beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and thoughtful comforts chosen to make your stay feel especially beautiful and restorative.

Nourishment from nature, made with love.

Food is such a beautiful part of this retreat experience - fresh, colourful and deeply nourishing, enjoyed slowly in good company with sweeping sea views and the relaxed rhythm of island life.

Expect authentic Mediterranean flavours, with meals that are vegetarian-friendly, beautifully prepared and rooted in the freshness of the season. Many ingredients are home-grown and locally sourced, bringing a simple, wholesome quality to every plate.

Breakfast is served after morning yoga and offers a generous spread to ease you gently into the day, with fresh fruit, homemade options, eggs to order, and a range of plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free choices.

Lunches are left open for flexibility, giving you the freedom to keep things light, dine at your own pace, or explore local flavours around the island.

In the evenings, we gather for delicious dinners at the venue and at authentic local restaurants personally chosen by me. These are places I know and love for their quality, exceptional service and wonderful food, offering you a more meaningful taste of true Italian hospitality and island life.

More than twenty years ago, being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, complex PTSD, depression and anxiety left me unable to function. It was a deeply challenging time that changed the course of my life.

When conventional approaches were not giving me the healing I needed, I was led down a more holistic path - one that slowly helped me regain my health, rebuild my strength and reconnect with myself. That journey did not just transform my wellbeing; it also led me into the work I now share with others.

What began as a personal search for healing became a profound path of study, practice and service. Over the years, I have completed over 900 hours of advanced Yoga Alliance teacher training across hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, yin, yin yang, acu-yin, restorative, yoga nidra, yoga for trauma recovery and sound healing.

Yin yoga, in particular, became a turning point in my life. It was where my healing was truly ignited, and why I felt called to go deeper into advanced yin yoga and acu-yin training. The common thread through all of my work has always been the same: helping people switch off stress, restore balance and heal from the inside out.

Whilst being treated for complex PTSD, I also became fascinated by the connection between the brain, body and healing. Learning more about my own nervous system opened the door to a much deeper inquiry into how we heal, adapt and transform. That path eventually led me to gain a PhD in Metaphysical Science.

Today, my teaching brings together ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, deep rest and lived experience in a way that is both practical and deeply personal. My sessions are designed not simply to help people stretch or relax, but to support meaningful healing, lasting change and a gentler, more peaceful way of living.

This work is not only my profession, but my passion. It is personal, powerful and offered from the heart.

The yoga on this retreat is a deeply restorative and carefully curated experience, designed to support healing from the inside out.

Morning practices are spacious, uplifting and intelligently layered, blending gentle vinyasa and yin flow to awaken the body, open the breath and ease you into the day with presence and intention. As each session unfolds, you’ll be guided into a more yin-based practice before moving into yoga nidra, allowing the morning to become a complete journey from movement into stillness, rest and nervous system restoration.

Afternoon sessions invite you to soften more deeply through yin yoga, acu-yin, meditation and other restorative elements designed to release tension, regulate the nervous system and create space for emotional and energetic healing.

Rooted in the wisdom of yin and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and enriched by modern understanding of the body, mind and nervous system, these practices go far beyond standard yoga classes. They are intentionally designed to help you reconnect with yourself in a meaningful and lasting way - physically, mentally, emotionally and energetically.

This is not yoga as just another exercise class. It is yoga as medicine, as ritual, and as a pathway back to peace, wholeness and vitality.

You’ll be added to a private WhatsApp group to connect with fellow retreat guests before the retreat, coordinate any shared travel, and stay in touch afterwards.

The group also offers a gentle space to help you integrate your retreat experience and carry its benefits more fully into everyday life.

This retreat is more than just an escape - it is a shared space for healing, connection and growth.

Kindness, self-awareness and respect for one another are at the heart of the experience we create together. There is space here for honesty, reflection and real human experience, but the invitation is to meet the retreat with openness and a willingness to move beyond old stories, habitual negativity and ways of being that keep us stuck.

The energy we each bring matters. When we speak and act with awareness, we uplift the whole group and help create an environment that feels peaceful, supportive and transformative for all.

Your journey to Ischia is designed to feel as smooth and stress-free as possible.

A group transfer is included for all retreat guests, departing at 11:00am on 14 September 2027 from Naples International Airport (or a designated Naples city-centre collection point for guests staying in Naples beforehand).

One of our trusted drivers will meet the group and escort you to the port. Your ferry crossing to the beautiful island of Ischia will already be arranged, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey across the Bay of Naples.

Once on the island, another driver will take you through the scenic hills of Ischia to our sea-view sanctuary, where I’ll be ready to welcome you.

Guests typically arrive at the hotel from 1:00pm onwards, depending on ferry schedules and traffic conditions.

From the moment you join the group transfer, everything is taken care of, allowing you to relax, switch off and begin your retreat experience.

Please ensure your travel arrangements allow sufficient time to join the 11:00am group transfer.

Check-out is at 11:00am on 18 September 2027.

Booking & Payment
Your place on the retreat is secured once the required deposit has been paid and your payment plan, if applicable, has been agreed.

All deposits and payments are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. Bookings may not be transferred to another retreat, event, or person, and may not be resold, reassigned, or exchanged under any circumstances.

The full balance must be paid no later than two months before the retreat start date, in line with your agreed payment plan.

Travel & Flights
Please do not book flights until Amanda has confirmed that the retreat will go ahead, as minimum numbers are required for the venue to be viable.

All travel arrangements, including flights, are made at your own risk and remain your responsibility. Amanda cannot accept responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or other travel-related disruption.

It is strongly recommended that you book through a reputable provider and take out comprehensive travel insurance and cancellation insurance as soon as you book.

Guests are also responsible for ensuring they meet all relevant passport, visa and government entry requirements.

Cancellation Policy
As retreat planning involves significant upfront costs and financial commitment, no refunds can be given if you cancel for any reason. Any financial loss or cancellation costs must be addressed through your own travel insurance.

Only guests who have completed the full booking process and agreed to the Terms & Conditions are permitted to attend. I reserve the right to refuse attendance to any individual who has not been formally booked and confirmed in advance.

Health & Suitability
If you have a health condition, injury, disability, serious medical issue or clinical mental health condition, please consult your doctor before booking and discuss this with Amanda in advance so that suitability can be considered.

All guests must complete the mandatory health form before their booking can be accepted.

Retreats are open to those aged 18 and over.

Food & Dietary Requirements
In keeping with the retreat ethos, all included meals provided by Amanda are vegetarian / vegan. Meat and fish are not provided as part of the retreat package, although guests are free to choose other options when dining independently outside of what is included.

If you have dietary requirements, allergies or restrictions, please notify Amanda before booking. While every effort will be made where possible, special diets cannot always be guaranteed.

Shared Retreat Environment
This retreat is designed to be a peaceful, supportive and harmonious shared experience. Guests are expected to treat one another, the venue, staff and surrounding community with kindness, awareness and respect.

To help preserve the atmosphere of the retreat, guests are asked to avoid disruptive, anti-social or harmful behaviour, including harsh speech, excessive noise, behaviour that disturbs the group or neighbouring properties, or anything that affects the safety, wellbeing or comfort of others.

As the retreat takes place within a shared venue, Amanda cannot be held responsible for the presence or behaviour of other hotel guests outside the retreat group.

Right to Remove a Guest
Amanda reserves the right to ask a guest to leave the retreat immediately, without refund or compensation, if their behaviour is considered unacceptable, unsafe, seriously disruptive, damaging to property, or harmful to the wellbeing of the group, staff or wider environment.

Liability
Dr Amanda Bowen cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury, sickness, inconvenience or additional expense incurred by guests, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with the retreat, travel arrangements or the actions of third parties.

No liability is accepted for circumstances outside Amanda’s control, including but not limited to weather conditions, transport disruption, power cuts, internet or telephone interruptions, noise from neighbouring properties, or the behaviour of other guests staying at the venue.

Under no circumstances shall liability exceed the total amount paid in advance for the retreat.

Mandatory Health Form
Completion of the health form is required before a booking can be accepted:

https://dramandabowen.co.uk/contact-us/

By making a booking or payment, you confirm that you have read and agree to these terms.

Arrive softly and let the island embrace you. Breathe in the sea air and settle into your Italian home by the water.

In the late afternoon, ease into your first yoga and meditation practice, releasing the journey and arriving fully in the moment.

We gather for a beautiful vegetarian welcome dinner, your first taste of connection under Italian skies.

Retire in bliss… or raise a glass to the beginning of something special.

Wake gently, perhaps for sunrise, perhaps for slowness.

Yoga and our opening circle set the tone, followed by a relaxed vegetarian breakfast.

This stress-melting session softens the body and settles the mind before we immerse ourselves in Ischia’s wild thermal springs. Ancient waters, open skies and slow time restore what the world has overstimulated.

Later, we head to Panza for an authentic family-style pasta and pizza evening, where warm local hospitality and delicious Italian food complete the day beautifully.

Awaken to island light and begin the day with yoga, followed by a nourishing breakfast.

Choose your own adventure - a private boat to Procida, sea caves and sunset aperitivo......or stay close and do nothing at all.

We reunite in the evening for dinner and shared stories.

Start the day with yoga and breakfast, then slip into the warm embrace of the Sorgeto Hot Springs, where the sea meets the steam.

Later, we gather for our closing circle and practice - a sacred pause for reflection as the retreat begins to draw to a close.

As night falls, explore Sant’ Angelo and dine at an exquisite waterfront restaurant overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

One final yoga, one slow breakfast.

Time to linger… then goodbye, for now.

You leave not as a guest, but as part of something, carrying softness, clarity and the echo of island magic into everyday life.