Mini Urban Retreat

Calling all fellow NYC'ers, or even those thinking of visiting the Big Apple...I'm excited to announce that  there are now mini EAT.PRAY.MOVE urban retreats right here in the city.

The NY-based company SideTour recently contacted me about teaming up with them with a health&wellness tour. I love their concept of offering experiential tours around the city with local experts. It's such a great way for residents to learn more about specific subjects or locales around the town, as well as a wonderful opportunity for visitors to dig deeper than the typical tourists sites.

I'm hoping that these ongoing mini urban tours will be a great way to introduce city-dwellers to a more peaceful way of living, as well as giving guests a way to indulge in some eating, praying, and moving during their visit.

Join me on the first tour where we'll start with a walking meditation through one of the city's hidden gems of a park, then on to a yoga class, followed by a meal at one of the top vegan restaurants including a small presentation on the benefits of a healthy diet.

Read more about the details & sign up HERE!

NEW 2012 Retreat Dates

Have you heard? We've announced several new 2012 retreat dates on the site! Now you have more opportunities to join us on an EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreat holiday this next year.

2011 was an amazing year in Italy and Morocco with some of the best groups ever. I'm so excited to see who we get to meet next year. There have already been some sign-ups and even some repeat guests coming again.

Here is the line-up! Don't miss out.

UPCOMING 2012 RETREATS: 

MARRAKESH, MOROCCO :: March 4-10 & September 23-29, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!

TUSCANY, ITALY :: May 20-26, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!

VENICE, ITALY :: May 27-June 2, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!

ISCHIA, ITALY :: September 16-22, 2012 • Click HERE for more info!

Yoga in Marrakesh :: part 2

I hope to have whet your appetite for more about the Marrakesh yoga retreat from the last post. Oh but how much there is to say about our lovely time there.

So what did we do during the week (well besides a couple yoga classes and some meditation each day)?

PLENTY!

 The first day was a magical guide through the exotic Marrakesh Medina. Through palaces, rihads, and souks.

We explored the streets, bargained at the stalls, found just the right rugs and slippers, and of course enjoyed a few mint tea breaks throughout the day.

The main square in the old part of the city is indescribable in words or photos...you just have to be there to experience it first-hand!

One day we enjoyed a pool-side cocktail party at Peacock Pavilions while getting painted up with beautiful henna designs! (Even the guys joined in on the party!)

Then we all took a trip to the seaside town of Essoauria with its lovely laid-back vibe. After a yoga session on the beach we explored the markets and the quaint streets, (ate a gelato...shhh don't tell!), and then geared up for one of the highlights...

...Camel rides on the beach! Passing old fortress ruins, watching the sunset as we lazily rode through the sand, "fantasizing being like Lawrence of Arabia" as one guest put it!

But wait...there's more! Stay tuned for thoughts on the food, flavors, and spices of Morocco!

and we're baaaacckk!!!

Wow. Has it really been six weeks already? Finally just a few days ago I arrived back to NYC and am finally getting over the jet lag!

The last time we spoke I was just about to board a transatlantic flight - and boy has the time flown! Well now I'm back after some unforgettable weeks in both Marrakesh and Ischia. For now I thought I'd just give you a nice recap of the Marrakesh retreat and the amazingly fun time we had at Peacock Pavilions in September. ...Of course, stay tuned for even more updates about the Ischia retreat - and news on the upcoming 2012 calendar announcements.

---

OUR EXPERIENCE AT PEACOCK PAVILIONS

I thought I'd break up the posts on the Marrakesh retreat into several categories. The first being about the amazing location and hosts of Peacock Pavilions. Words won't do it justice so I'm only going to give some snippets of how beautiful it really was.

As soon as we arrived we were given a tour of the grounds and just oooh'd and aaaahh'd at all the details that had gone into every single space. The rooms are magnificent and each piece of paint, artwork, or fabric seems to have some story behind it.

Many an afternoon was spend lounging by the beautiful pool area while mint teas were sipped continuously. We even had a henna & cocktail party as well as a wine-tasting event around the pool throughout the week...but more to come on that in another post!

Morning and evening yoga classes were held in the lovely yoga tent in the olive grove. Spacious and always nice views, the tent has most recently been painted even more awaiting our next retreat in March! Meditation class, including a walking meditation around the grounds, was always a nice wake-up routine with just the warm breezes and occasional bird caw filtering in through the tent.

Meals here are another story that will require its own post - as there's just too much to say about it. I think that between all of the guests, the plates were the spotlight of the most photos all week! Each meal, including breakfast, was served in courses, each one more beautiful than the next. And don't get me started on the mouth-watering tastes. Plus, we enjoyed dinner in the dining tent which made us all feel like kings and queens each evening!

Maryam with me and some of our lovely guests

Then there are the hosts Chris and Maryam (plus their adorable kids, interns, and staff) who all welcomed us with open arms. Their hospitality makes you feel at home - ok, well maybe a bit more pampered than at home - but a beautiful home nonetheless!

...More to come on the rest of the Marrakesh experience!

GIVEAWAY :: Tiny Devotion Mala

So the anticipated GIVEAWAY is here! (A week after the first announcement - sorry again for the delay those who saw the original post that we removed) We're SO happy to announce that we're working with the amazing team at Tiny Devotions to offer one of their lovely malas to one lucky EAT.PRAY.MOVE fan and to help promote our upcoming yoga retreat on the beautiful island of Ischia!

As the name EAT.PRAY.MOVE suggests, PRAYing and meditating is one of the fundamental aspects of the yogic experience we want to promote on our retreats, and throughout life in general. Mala beads are a great tool for helping one focus, meditate, be still, and stay present.

Here's a little snippet from the Tiny Devotions site:

"Our Tiny Devotions mala beads are perfect for beginnings and endings - goals, struggles, worries, dreams, intentions and prayers. 

Mala beads transcend cultures and religions and can be found in some form in nearly every tradition around the world. The word bead, historically coming from the word "prayer" or "to pray". 

These sacred and beautiful beads help us live in the moment - staying present to the beauty of life. 

We combine rudraksha seeds with semi precious crystals and pearls to create beautiful designer malas that each have their own specific intention. Rudraksha seeds are known as the eyes or tears of Shiva - and are worn for their protective and sacred qualities."

So...are you ready to get a set of these designer Mala Beads for yourself?
Then enter our GIVEAWAY!

Here's what you have to do:
1. COMMENT on this post (include an email if it isn't included in your comment profile) and ANSWER the question: What Mediterranean location would you like to retreat to and use your mala? 

2. EXTRA ENTRY: TWEET this exact phrase "win a @TinyDevotions mala from @eatpraymoveyoga http://bit.ly/npy9n3 (& join a #yoga retreat in Italy http://eatpraymove.com)" 

3. That's all! One entry + one extra Twitter entry per person. US and Canada shipping addresses only allowed for winner. Contest ends SATURDAY, AUG 20th.

That's all! We would also ♥♥♥ it if you would join our Facebook page - that way you can find out about new retreats, news, and fun other events from EAT.PRAY.MOVE.


...plus watch this lovely lifestyle video from TD, and STAY TUNED for more posts about Ischia, malas, and Diana, the beautiful founder of Tiny Devotions!

Ischia, oh Ischia!

I just got back to the States after an amazing month in Italy. Two Tuscany retreats and lots of research for the next EAT.PRAY.MOVE adventures.

 Not only did we have two amazing groups of guests at each retreat at the villa in Tuscany (which by the way, check out the summary of week one...week two coming soon!), but we also met the truly lovely people of the villa in Ischia where the October retreat will be held.

 That island never ceases to amaze me. It's a one-of-a-kind gem sitting in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the shore of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

 We visited ancient castles in the sea... 

...lounged on the sandy beaches

...enjoyed magical views from our lunch table

...exploring new "rooms with a view" for retreat day trips

...swimming in the clear waters

And, we also had the opportunity to stay at the Ischia villa where the retreat will be held, which sits on the cliffs of a seaside mountain. Yes, it's quite a magical place itself...

Won't you join us in the bubbling thermal pools...

 ...relaxing on the deck at sunset

...practicing yoga

...and watching the sun disappear into the sea every night

Here's a video to tempt you...

We have a great group signed up so far, and there are still spaces available for YOU! Don't miss out.

http://www.eatpraymove.com/events/ischia-italy-2011-october

June '11 Tuscany Retreat :: summary

Wow! Just said 'arrivederci' yesterday to all the wonderful guests at the June retreat in Tuscany. It was an amazing time with a great group of people. However fabulous a place may be, the dynamic of a group is one of the most important pieces of a retreat - and we couldn't have asked for a better one! Friendships were made, plenty of laughs shared, growth made in the yoga studio, and lots of delicious food was enjoyed.

We started the week out with an amazing dinner on the terrace overlooking the picturesque hills. Most of us were commenting that everyone knows that stereotypical Tuscan landscape in your mind...but it's still a bit surprising to see that it is actually exactly like that.

We'd missed the fields of red poppies in bloom just by a couple weeks, but were greeted by plenty of lavender and the bursts of yellow sunflowers beginning to bloom. One field we found was so abundant that we decided to do some group shots in the flowers.

Amazing dish by amazing dish was provided throughout the week by Amanda (villa owner / interior decorator / Tuscan cook extraordinaire) and each meal was met by mmmmm's and ahhhhh's around the table. I think by the last day we were all glad to have practiced daily yoga as well as walked as much as we had in order to enjoy all the dishes provided.

Thanks to Julian, Amanda's husband and who usually runs the art retreats at this location, we were entertained with lots of interesting anecdotes about the region, sites, and chauffeured around for the day trips...including stops in Arezzo, Chiusi, Florence, and the beautiful tiny hilltop town of Panicale. I think one of the favorite times of relaxation came during a trip to a thermal spa where we all lounged by the thermal pools and took in some of the warm rays.

Here's a video from the experience:

Overall it was an amazing week, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. Today I'm writing from Florence and am heading tomorrow to Ischia to work out some details for the October retreat there...then it's back to the villa next week for the second Tuscan retreat this summer! Can't wait to meet the next group!

Pose Series #10 :: Parivrtta Trikonasana

Parivrtta Trikonasana :: Revolved Triangle 

Feet grounding and spaced.

One foot forward, one foot back.

Heels pressing.

 Toes light.

 Legs fully engaged.

 Hips squared to front.

 Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).

 Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).

 Torso lengthened, strong, and twisting.

 Arms extended and reaching.

 Bottom hand pressing and grounding on outside of front foot.

 Top fingers reaching skyward.

 Top of head reaching out.

 Neck lengthening.

 Gaze (dristhi) upwards.

 B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).

 smile.

balancing act :: paddleboard yoga

instructor demoing

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to try my hand (and feet, and core, and entire body) at paddleboard yoga! This new craze is definitely catching fire in coastal towns (or any town for that matter with a bit of water). 

As stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been steadily growing as a sport in the past few years, some yogis have been getting in on the action. A friend in town who owns the Bikram studio recently started taking groups out in an inlet area of the island and invited a group of us to try it out! 

I'd never been on a paddleboard, although I've surfed and felt that the balance issue was similar. So first things first, we headed out from Lighthouse Park to an area around the floating boats...

 ...tied our boards up to a line between some buoys so we wouldn't float away or bump into each other. Then took a deep breath and began... 

A few sun salutations started us off, and a lot of concentration and precise intention of movements was needed to maintain balance during the flow. It was really amazing being out in the quiet of the water, so close to this beautiful setting while doing the class. Yes, there was some splashing, some falling in, some laughing, but those times where we could be still, stay concentrated, reconnect with the breath, allowed for some pretty amazing moments.

friends trying headstands

 Then of course, there was some free-style time where we pushed the limits of balance and tried out some inversions and arm-balances.

attempting flying pigeon

I loved how being on a moving board allowed for a deeper awareness of every small part of your body. During a few arm balances, my fingers and breath were the main things keeping me upright. I actually made it through without falling in, but it took a lot of core work. The next morning I woke up with the sorest quads I can remember in a long time - plus a deep soreness in my midsection core. All those little muscles were working to keep me on the board and what work they did.

The class was amazingly fun and I can't wait to go again after I'm back in town from Italy next month. If you have an opportunity to go to a paddleboard yoga class, definitely try it out! (and bring a towel!)

Pose Series #9 :: Vasisthasana

Vasisthasana :: Side Plank 

Bottom hand spread, fingers pressing. 

 Arm strong. 

 Wrist directly under shoulder. 

 Torso open to side. 

 Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha). 

 Hips lifting. 

 Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha). 

 Bottom leg strong. 

 Side/bottom of foot pressing into the mat. 

 Extension (optional): Top leg lifting. 

 Pressing away with heel. 

 Grabbing toe with fingers. 

 Gaze (dristhi) upwards. 

 B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath). 

 smile.

so where is Ischia anyway?

After announcing the upcoming yoga retreat in Ischia, Italy, I've already had a few people ask me, "So where exactly is this place?". I know it's not as well-known of a destination (at least not for American tourists) as some of its more famous neighbors, but that's one of the reasons it's so special. So for those of you wondering a bit more about this magical place called Ischia - keep reading!

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples on the mid-southeastern coast of Italy. Located 30km from Naples mainland, it measures just 34km in diameter and is profiled by Mount Epomeo peaking at 788 meters above the sea. Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it's not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over!

Nicknamed the "Green Island", Ischia was one of the world's first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. I've had the opportunity to try out various types of springs on Ischia — from the famous "thermal parks" which are planned areas of various pools, gardens and baths — to the naturally-occurring, free and open spring mouths on the edge of a cliff by the sea.

Island Activities: 

• Thermal Spas (parks, natural springs, mineral baths, health spas)

• Mountain hikes

• Artisanal shopping

• Beaches 

• Gardens 

Famous Neighbors:

• Isle of Capri 

• Pompeii 

• Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, etc)

Besides all of the lovely things about Ischia and it's landscapes and beauty, one of the most appealing things to be about it is the hospitality of the people themselves. I've enjoyed interacting with almost everyone I met on the island, and it's something that draws me back...

As you can probably easily tell, Ischia is a place I really love and that's why I'm very much looking forward to sharing with with the guests who join us on the EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreat. Want to reserve a spot? SIGN UP TODAY (and take advantage of the $100 early sign-up discount for the first 4 guests).

Yogamix 1 :: May Mix

I've had several people at the studio ask me about my playlist. I tend to make new ones each month to keep it fresh, and thought I'd share this month's May mix! 


Music and yoga are a fun topic to talk about, and there's been some good "twitter-sations" about it this past week too. Do you think music has a place in a yoga class, and if so, what music do you prefer? These questions will spark quite varied views for sure. I definitely enjoy the variety of both silence - enjoying the ujjayi breath as the metronome, and also enjoy some beats as well, especially during the days when my mind is hard to settle and it might be easier to get in a rhythm with music in the background. I even attended a DJ Yoga party power class a few months back, which was so much fun!


I do love the classic Ashtanga series to be practiced in silence, but I also teach the "rocket" series at our studio (founded by Larry Schultz a student of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois), which incorporates the Ashtanga series from primary through third series.  This exposes the student to a powerful flow through all levels of ashtanga, as the Rocket focuses on core work, balances, inversions....and "flying and floating"...safe to say some periodic music tends to balance well with it. 


Definitely a bit more upbeat that a lot of my mixes, here is a small sample of this month's tunes that should easily take you through a 75 min or so practice. Starting slower and building through the surya namaskara (sun salutation) series, building during standing and seated postures, then grounding during the closing, finally calming and restorative at the end for savasana.


Enjoy! And let me know what you think...

right click HERE to download

I'm God (Instrumental) :: Clams Casino

Eyes Be Closed :: Washed Out

Hawaii (Niva Remix) :: Blackbird Blackbird

Young Blood (White Sea Remix) :: The Nakes and Famous

The Walking Dead :: Weird Tapes

Colourful Day (Seams Remix) :: Alan Pownall

Beat #6 Vs. The World At Large :: Modest Mouse Vs. Ratatat

Dream Analysis :: Jesse Ruins

Houdini RAC Remix :: RAC

R.I.P. (Grimes Remix) :: Bikini

Ready For The World (Star Slinger Refix) :: How To Dress Well

Pretty Poly :: Teebs

Ghost In My Head :: Niva

Loftcries :: Purity Ring

Ungirthed :: Purity Ring

Dream Valley (Young Montana Rework) :: Solar Bears

Bathsalts :: SLEEP ∞ OVER

Lady Daydream (Blackbird Blackbird Remix) :: Twin Sister

Lord Knows Best :: Dirty Beaches

For the Other Self Who is Far Away That I Can Not Reach :: Susumu Yokota

Islands (Nosaj Things Remix) :: The xx

Obsessions (oOoOO Remix) :: Marina & The Diamonds

Calling Rainbows :: Sofiah and AJ

New Retreat! Italian Island of Ischia

Castello Aragonese, Ischia Ponte

Well, I think I've narrowed down one of my most favorite places ever - to a small(ish) island in the Bay of Naples. Ischia had always enticed me, (yes yes, I will say that my obsession with the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley" initially had a little bit to do with that), but after getting to visit this amazing island I can say that it now entices me even more since experiencing it firsthand. One day when my husband and I were vacationing and exploring the various villages, I found a partially abandoned building overlooking the ocean and tucked it away in the "maybe-one-day-I-can-make-that-a-yoga-studio-and-live-here-part-time" file in my mind. Who knows....maybe, just maybe...

 view back over island from the Castello

There's something magical about this place for me - not only for the pre-Roman history, lush landscapes, natural thermal spas, small castles in the sea, or the dormant volcano which the whole of Ischia rests - but it largely has to do with the pure kindness of so many people there with whom we've come in contact. Plus, since it's a bit more off the grid than at least the main stops like Rome, Florence, and Venice, it feels a bit more authentic Italian and less touristy. Patience towards visitors is something we observed as well. This combined with the amazing hospitality we encountered and the breath-taking beauty of the island, it's easy to see why it's a place I've wanted to return.

Between the two upcoming EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga retreats this summer in Tuscany, I had one week completely free to travel, so during that time I'm headed back to Ischia to explore even more of the island - plus scout out some locations and details for the retreat I just announced today, taking place in, none other than ISCHIA!


The retreat will be at Villa Lina which overlooks the Mediterranean from the western coast of the island, I'm so excited to share all the things I love about this place with the guests. We'll be taking day trips to thermal spas, hiking up to Mount Epomeo for views over the entire bay, visiting famous gardens, and lounging at the beach. Plus enjoying daily yoga classes at the yoga space overlooking the sea. I can't wait! 

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS OF THE ISCHIA RETREAT HERE

SIGN UP TODAY. 

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