On the Island of Ischia
Fri, 6/21 – Fri, 6/28
8 Days and 7 Nights-All Inclusive
$1,495-Payment plans available!
Update: One room left with space for up to 2 people! Register now!
Come spend a rejuvenating week with yoga instructors Gabby Yates and Marisa Toriggino on the enchanting island of Ischia, practicing yoga morning and evening, while watching the sun rise and set over the Mediterranean sea from the Villa of Casa Lora.
YOGA and PRANAYAMA
Your twice-a-day yoga practice will be a challenging and deep exploration of alignment
 and awareness, to imbue life with more clarity and ease. The Pranayama practice will be like a sweet balm for your spirit, encouraging you to surrender the beauty of the island and rhythm of the sea. You can expect postures appropriate for your level of yoga. Please bring a yoga mat, block and strap if you have one.
MEALS
All meals will be vegetarian, but they will often include an option for shellfish or grilled fish at dinner and will be lovingly prepared by Marco Ambon and eaten on the terrace overlooking the sea. Inspired by his parent’s Neapolitan kitchen, Marco blends the ancient culinary traditions of southern Italy with the freshness of California cuisine. Depending on what is ripe in the local garden that day, you might dine on stuffed squash blossoms with ricotta and zucchini or penne pasta with cherry tomatoes and roasted eggplant.
Wine will come from the notable vineyards surrounding Casa Lora and we will spend one evening together at a local restaurant basking in more culinary delights of the celebrated region. Breakfast will be an offering of fruit, nuts, yogurt, croissants, tea/coffee, and juice. If you are at Casa Lora for lunch, you can expect an ample salad that could include roasted vegetables or mozzarella. Gluten free options will be available.
ACCOMMODATION
Casa Lora is an enchanting country villa turned B&B situated on the coveted western side of
 the island perched high above the sea. It exudes rustic mediterranean charm with family antiques and
 heirlooms in each room. The villa has been in the same family for generations and this warmth and care is palpable as you walk around the gardens. Four of the rooms boast a spectacular view of the
 sea and ancient volcano. The other rooms open onto the garden and all you have to do is walk out of your door to take in the sea. All rooms have a private bathroom. During the day explore the exploding beauty of the beach or garden terraced thermal baths (hot springs) that the island is famous for, many just a 15 minute walk from Casa Lora. Or, spend your day at Casa Lora swimming in the pool by the olive and lemon groves, sweating in the natural volcanic rock sauna or reading among the gardens. 
LOCATION AND TRAVEL
Casa Lora is located on the western side of the Island near Forio. Ischia is a short ferry (90 min) or hydrofoil (45 min) ride from Naples to the port of Ishcia Porto (most frequent stops) or Forio (closer to Casa Lora). From there you can take a taxi or arrange for Casa Lora to pick you up. Nearest major airports include Capodochino (NAP – Naples) and Leonardo di Vinci (ROM, Fumichino, Rome,). Once you reserve your place you will receive more travel details and Gabby can assist you with the best travel route. Click here for a google map of the retreat location.
PRICING
$1,495 for Double Occupancy,
Single Rooms available for an additional $100. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your place. $1,495 includes:
- Casa Lora accommodation with private bathroom (8 days/7 nights)
- Yoga and pranayama twice a day
- All vegetarian meals included (including one night dinner at a local restaurant )
- Beverages including wine
- Use of the villa – pool, gardens and sauna
- Price does NOT include flights or transfers to the island.
- Payment plans are available! Contact Marisa at Marisa@YogaGardenSF.com for more information.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the retreat contact Gabby Yates directly at backtothebody@gmail.com or 415-308-0435
SCHEDULE
(depending on what time the sun is rising and setting)
- 7:30am – morning yoga practice
- 9:00am – breakfast 1:00pm – lunch
- 6:00pm – evening yoga practice and pranayama 7:30pm – Dinner
INSTRUCTORS
Marisa Toriggino
Marisa Toriggino, E-RYT & PRYT, has been studying and teaching yoga since 1987. She is a certified and nationally-registered yoga teacher who has taught hundreds of yoga students per year for the past decade. She has studied extensively and has been influenced by her experiences in India, her own spiritual practice and the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, Yogi Bhajan and Geeta Iyengar. This journey has helped to inform her personal life and yoga practice with Western innovation and Eastern sensibility. Marisa has a B.A. from UC Berkeley, a Certificate from the Rudolf Steiner College in Administration for spiritually based organizations and an active member of the Association of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health. She is married to David Nelson (together they have co-own YGSF for 12 years) and they enjoy family life with their two young children.
Gabby Yates
Gabbriella Yates is a certified yoga instructor and holds a master’s degree in Conflict Transformation. Previous to moving to San Francisco and becoming a mother she worked in the post-conflict field in Kosovo and Afghanistan as a dialogue consultant, facilitating conflict resolution workshops that integrated yoga as a healing tool. She often spent her R&R time on the island of Ischia soaking in the healing thermal waters and the sea with her husband, Marco Ambron. Before their daughter Camilla was born they hosted the first annual yoga retreat at Casa Lora which was a great success and are delighted to continue this tradition. Gabbriella teaches prenatal, Iyengar and mom & baby yoga at the Yoga Garden of San Francisco and is known for her warm and precise teaching style. Marco Ambron Marco is a San Francisco transplant from Naples, Italy. Previous to his daughter Camilla’s birth, he worked as a personal chef in San Francisco. Once Camilla joined the family, he decided to return to his former life as an attorney and shortly after passed the CA bar and now practices immigration law. His culinary talents continue to delight his family.
