ESSENZA RETREATS
Connecting hearts
Stepping into my dream
Ever since I joined a life changing retreat where I came home to myself, I dreamt of organizing my own retreats in bella Italia. I wanted to create a safe and nurturing space where you can compassionately explore and embrace yourself through a variety of practices to provide different perspectives and insights to build deeper connections from within - both with yourself and others. This little seed eventually bloomed into Essenza Retreats - retreats to come home to the heart, tomen to yourself.
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After a successful first ESSENZA edition in Tuscany, we expanded to the South of Spain to host two new retreats this year and one in The Netherlands:
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GROUND. - A retreat to (re)connect with (your) nature
SPACE - A retreat to explore and expand from within
SILENZIO - A retreat to move into stillness
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Our programs are based on the energy of the seasons and designed in alignment with each other in order to create a year round journey for those who would like to continue to grow and evolve from the space of the heart, from their essence.
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The Essenza Network
MEET OUR TEACHERS
I'm slowly expanding my network to explore and combine new and interesting perspectives (and people) in order to design unique programs that are always a combination of our combined essences to create a variety of retreats - offering you different journeys and one-of-a-kind experiences.
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For GROUND. I'm collaborating with my magical friend Kim from Unfold your Yoga.
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For SPACE I'm partnering up with my amazing friend Lynn from Ahimsa Wellness Co.
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For SILENZIO I'm working with my 'incredibile' friend Luca from Luca Belluci Yoga.
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Are you interested in working with me?
Locations
MARAVIGLIA, TUSCANY ITALIA
Maravilgia is Italian for marvel. We definitely understand why! Maravilgia is truly a marvelous location. Their mesmerizing yoga shala is surrounded by lush green Tuscan landscapes and the infinity pool is perfectly situated to enjoy the beautiful Italian summer sunsets.
We plan on returning to Maraviglia in the Summer of 2023. Stay tuned!
FINCA SERRATO, MÁLAGA SPAIN
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Finca Serrato is situated on the edge of Montes de Málaga, a vast natural park with an extensive diversity of flora and fauna. The 200 year old finca is surrounded by olive and almond trees, cacti, wild flowers and herbs - the perfect GROUND and SPACE to enjoy high quality, slow living, and endless peace & nature.
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The yoga platform gives spectacular views onto the valley below and the infinity pool feels like a dream where you can dive straight into Malaga’s beautiful essence.
The food
The food at both our locations is absolutely incredible. Maraviglia has a land/farm-to-table philosophy which is definitely recognized in their fresh, simple and perfectly put-together dishes. Of course, each tasty dish includes loads (and loads) of their very own meraviglioso olive oil.
At Finca Serrato our amazing chef Sander keeps surprising us with his Spanish inspired vegetarian dishes. Can we go back to his version of paella please?
Each day of the retreat includes a vegan brunch, a midday aperitivo/tapas-style snack and a heartwarming dinner. Fresh fruit, water and tea will also be available throughout the day. And for those who fancy a glass of wine with dinner, we’ve got you covered! After all, life is all about balance, especially in Italy and Spain!
Gluten-free options are available with advanced notice.
Program
EXAMPLE DAY
08:30- 09:00 Meditation
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9:00 - 10:15 Morning practice
10:30 - 12:00 Brunch
12:00 - 17:00 Free time*
17:00 - 19:00-ish Workshop
19:30 - 21:00 Dinner
Possible evening activity
*Aperitivo/tapas-style snack is served around 15:00
Because we truly believe that life is all about balance, you have the whole afternoon to yourself. You can choose to work on your tan by the infinity pool, go for a walk & immerse yourself in the earthly landscapes or practice dolce far niente or your siesta skills like a pro. We want you to feel free to do whatever it is that you need the most. It’s your time.
Accomodation
Both our locations offer various accommodation types and pricing. Just hit the retreat of your choice in our menu for more information.
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To create an intimate atmosphere we have limited spots available for our retreats so don't wait too long!
Included: Daily meditation, yoga classes and workshop(s). All food and one alcoholic beverage. Transfers from and to the airport (fixed times).
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Excluded: Plane tickets. Other alcoholic beverages.
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Please make sure you have your own travel- and cancellation insurance. Cancellations must be made 90 days prior to the retreat as all sales are final and non-refundable. Cancellations made for proven COVID-19 travel restrictions are fully refundable.
Testimonials
Alex
Kim & Joanne have created and delivered a wonderful retreat! The program was well thought out and they give everyone the loving and wholehearted attention they need. Fortunately, there is also time and space for lightness, delicious food and a (few) glasses of wine in the evening! Kim & Joanne thank you so much! You rock!
The GROUND retreat was magical! During all parts of the program I learned a lot about myself while there was also room for fun, laughter and lightness. Kim and Joanne are great guides in letting you explore in every sense of the word! Also, the group was amazing, I felt so much love and respect! When can we go back?!
What a wonderful journey was this! Hard to describe it in words. Kim and Joanne are such loving, warm and incredible women. The program they made truly felt like a journey towards a much better and self-loving version of myself. It was something I will never forget and hope to do more often. The connection with the entire group was instant and developed during the days also thanks to the guidance of Joanne and Kim. Coming home I felt lighter and so grateful.