This was an unique and rewarding experience! From the first moment welcoming us to Erba Brusca and the adjacent farm and garden, Sadie, Alice and Danilo were gracious hosts--making sure we were comfortable and getting to know each one of us. And throughout the week they were knowledgeable , informative and helpful. The combination of expertly prepared food, a course in enology fit for graduate students, the beautiful setting and comfortable accommodations at Marchesi Alfieri--and last but not least the yoga practice under Sadie's guidance was magical! I think what elevated the experience for me is that our hosts joined the group--sat with us for dinner, lead us on our hikes and explorations of nearby villages and towns. So, by the end we were bonded, relaxed, well fed and our bodies were refreshed and tuned from the yoga and rigorous walking. A perfect escape from the tumult of the current world. Bravo!

In this apocalyptic moment there are surprisingly few places to hide. Sadie’s retreat has always been one of them. Sign on the dotted line and you will be gifted with the anticipation, and realization, of a blessed week of tranquility. Choose beauty. Safety. Renewal. Sadie.

The Yogi Sadie and Chef Alice Italy Retreat was unlike any trip or vacation I had ever experienced. We were perfectly nourished, just the right-amount-challenged with yoga and hikes, and properly spoiled with fine wine and accommodations that somehow made living in a castle vineyard for a week both casual and relaxed. It was the perfect setting to unplug, settle into a community, and enjoy the space created by not needing to make any decisions. Sadie's yoga classes left lasting benefits of newfound openness in my shoulders, back, and hips. Despite eating two 3-course (at least) meals a day, with wine, I came home lighter and glowing (according to my daughter picking me up at the airport)! Alice, Danilo and Emi provided beautiful meals that I can't forget, and the inspiration to try a few at home. I highly recommend this retreat, and plan to attend in the future. Thank you Sadie, Alice, Danilo and Emi, and all of the new (and old) friends with which I shared this amazing week.

The retreat to Marchesi Alfieri, Piedmont was sublime. Sadie, Alice, and Danilo are the best! In addition to providing awesome yoga (Sadie), magical food (Alice), and deep wine knowledge (Danilo), these three bring heart and soul to their wonderful retreats. This was my fourth Italy trip with them over the past nine years. On this trip, we stayed at a winery in Piemonte, cooked gnocchi with Alice, had a tour of the garden next to Erba Brusca, Alice and Danilo's restaurant in Milan, visited the historic flour mill, Mulino Sobrino, hiked among vineyards, had movement medicine yoga with Sadie once or twice each day. And that is just some of the activities - that are just enough, not too hectic, and always optional. The group of ten who were on this trip bonded in a special way. Thank you Sadie, Alice, Danilo, and additional chef Emi, who all helped to make this a special retreat.

This was a fantastic trip. I had done this trip once before, so knew it would be great. But it was even better this time around. . Sadie, Alice, Danilo, and Eiko did an amazing job organizing it, and then shepherding us through the week. They were again able to find a truly lovely venue where we could settle in and really soak up the beauty of the Italian countryside. Sadie got us up each morning, getting our blood moving with her yoga moves, getting us ready for adventure. Alice and Eiko's meals were artistic and gustatory wonders--and Alice shared some of her secrets in cooking classes during the week. Danilo's encyclopedic knowledge of wines and organic farming-- and his willingness to teach us--filled our brains with new ideas and out tongues with new tastes.. We learned about the history and culture of the area on the 3 outings of the week, the last of which (a trip to the Ligurian coast to tour a terraced vineyard and wine cellar by the sea in Cinque Terre) was breathtakingly beautiful. The other folks in the group were also great--interesting, thoughtful, and supportive of each other. We made friendships that will last beyond the week. So-- I just want to say--if you can find a way to join one of these trips, you should definitely do it!