Women’s Wellness Retreat Fall 2026
October 23-31, 2026
The Abruzzo Mountains
With Bea Spadacini, YTT 200 HRS Grace alumni. In partnership with Grace Studio, Silver Spring, MD
Tentative itinerary
“The Way Out is In,” said Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
The goal of this retreat is to bring you back home to yourself, while exploring a beautiful part of Italy. We promote slow, mindful, and sustainable travel. The fall retreat is hosted in a renovated palace that dates back to the year 1600, in one of the most breathtaking medieval towns of Italy, also knows as “borgos.”. The space, which has a rustic feel and a minimalist decor, offers an opportunity to unplug from the frenzy of daily life. This is NOT a luxury resort, rather a simple but comfortable space surrounded by nature to unwind and relax.
This wellness retreat takes you on an inward as well as an outward journey. It is an opportunity to reconnect to yourself, while connecting to others. We will practice being in the body through a variety of nourishing experiences that tap into our senses: mindful walking, saffron harvesting, nature hikes, donkey riding, herbal walks , cooking classes and enjoying freshly made food. Every day will integrate mindful movements (Vinyasa yoga and some pilates exercises). In the evenings, there will be optional guided meditations to ease into a restful and relaxed sleep.
The breath, or Prana, will carry us through all of these experiences. We invite our guests to “be in curiosity” with the landscape and the people of this stunning, magical, and deeply spiritual region of Italy. Please note that the itinerary might change slightly, depending on weather conditions.
TOTAL COST (excluding air fare) is US$ 3,900 for a double room or US$ 4,150 for a single room. Maximum capacity is 7 guests! Scroll below for price details!
Oct. 23: Ease into it … the beach
Guests arrive in Pescara by mid afternoon. We will pick you up at the bus or train station and take you to your hotel. Dinner together in a restaurant by the beach and mindful walk on the Adriatic seaside. Savoring a delicious gelato in “Living Room” square!
Oct. 24: Let’s head up to the mountains
Morning walk on the beach, followed by a healthy brunch. Hotel checkout and 1.5 hour drive up the mountains to one of the most iconic Medieval villages or “borgos” of Italy. Check in your historic Palazzo, enjoy some relaxation time, and later explore the serpentine roads of this ancient village.
Oct. 25: Harvesting the golden spice: saffron
Indulge in a morning that brings you closer to nature by immersing yourself in a traditional Abruzzo ritual. Harvesting saffron means picking up the bright indigo flowers of this precious spice, drying it and gently pulling out its golden threads. Learn the history behind this ritual and its culinary magic.
Oct. 26: L’Aquila, 2026 capital city of Italian culture
L’Aquila is the capital city of the Abruzzo region, flanked by the towering Apennine Mountain range of central Italy and the majestic Gran Sasso d”Italia, home to the highest peak of the Apennines. Built in the 13th century, l’Aquila represented a counter-weight to Rome and the power of the papacy. It is a resilient city with a long history of seismic events, the most recent one being in 2009.
Oct. 27: Trekking and knitting along sheep trails
Start your day with mindful movements. After breakfast, we will enjoy the experience of knitting and trekking on an ancient route used by shepherds. Abruzzo’s textile heritage is deeply rooted in sheep-farming and the ancient tradition of seasonal herd migration, also known as “Transumanza.” Immerse yourself in the history of this ritual and its impact on local culture.
Oct. 28: Spend the day cooking traditional dishes from Abruzzo
The day starts with a mindful walk in this ancient Borgo. After breakfast, we will dive into a cooking class with Chef Andrea and learn about the traditional cuisine of Abruzzo: Anellini alla pecorara, ferratelle, and pallotte cacio e ova. After enjoying the fruits of our labor at lunch, we will have some relaxation time. Vinyasa yoga class will be offered before dinner.
Oct. 29: Hike to Rocca Calascio Castle
The hike to Rocca Calascio is one of the most suggestive hikes in Abruzzo. The fortress, built in the year 1000 and situated on a massive rock, offers a stunning view of the Gran Sasso mountain. Though it was badly damaged in a powerful earthquake, it remains a major tourist attraction. Fun fact: The castle was the location for several scenes in Richard Donner’s film Ladyhawke. Sequences for The Name of the Rose and The American were also filmed here.
Oct. 30: Donkeys and lentils
Walking alongside donkeys enables you to slow down and travel light, since your animal companion will gladly carry some of your gear. We will take scenic routes through the rural Abruzzo landscape, meander through its national parks, and stop to savor traditional lentil-based dishes, a yummy staple indigenous to central Italy. Part of Abruzzo’s authentic peasant cuisine, lentils are cooked in a variety of ways, and are often accompanied by aromatic vegetables, cured ham or bacon, and small pasta. Vegetarian options can be easily arranged.
Oct. 31: Sulmona: Poetry and almonds
Sulmona is the birthplace of the great Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso, known as “Ovid,” who lived at the height of the Roman empire. The city’s main monument-lined road, Corso Ovidio, is named after him. Surrounded by the Majella National Park, Sulmona’s enchanting beauty stands out as one of Abruzzo’s true gems. The town is also where you can find the most delicious sugar-coated almonds, Italy’s classic wedding and first communion celebratory sweet.
Pricing
Women’s Wellness Fall Retreat 2026
The cost for the Fall 2026 wellness retreat ranges from US$ 3,900 to US$ 4,150 per person, depending on the type of accommodation a guest chooses (double or single room). Prices include accommodations, meals and drinks, restorative and immersive experiences, and transport to/from locations. This experience is designed for a maximum of 7 guests. We keep our groups intentionally small.
This package does NOT include airfare to/from Italy and round trip bus travel from Rome airport to Pescara. Depending on the bus one takes, that is usually a maximum of US$ 50 round trip. It is advisable for guests to purchase travel insurance on their own as Prana Tours will not be responsible for last minute cancellations.
Reservations are first come, first serve. A US$ 700 deposit is required to reserve your spot by July 20. Deposit is fully refundable before August 15. Fifty percent refundable until March 15, and not refundable after March 15th.
Half payment is due February 15 and full payment is due by March 15th. We look forward to hosting you!
