Join us in Puglia, Italy! We'll be staying in a unique eco-conscious "masseria" (traditional Italian farmhouse), surrounded by 50 acres of private land, bordering the enchanting shores of the Ionian Sea.

Throughout the 6-night retreat you will experience the luxuries of yoga, nature, community, exploration, incredible food, and pink sunsets over the ocean:

+ Enjoy the dramatic coastline views, with turquoise water and limestone cliffs.

+ Connect to the natural beauty on hikes, including a unique salt lake that is home to flamingos within walking distance from the masseria, as well as a hike at the Porto Selvaggio National Park.

+ Immerse into Italian culture on excursions to local towns. 

+ Of course, to connect more deeply to your yoga practice through daily classes led by Caitlyn/Sandy (intermediate vinyasa), with near 360 degree landscape views. 

+ You will also have time to yourself to relax, savor the quietude, lounge at the beach, explore the expansive property & local seaside villages, sip a glass of wine, watch the sun set over the ocean from a terrace, or socialize with new & old friends.

The area of Puglia has amongst the highest variety of organically gown vegetables in Europe, so be ready to experience food from seed to fork and the best of Italian cuisine! With five Puglian women who cook the authentic Italian recipes that their mothers taught them you can trust your body & soul will be nourished. In alignment with eco-conscious values of the property, all meals are vegetarian & organic. 

Masseria Specula has single, double, triple and quadruple guest rooms, a sea-view dining room, various gardens, and the beach (within view & on-property, a 10-15 min walk), with a mission to contribute positively towards humanity and the environment through actions including land conservation, bee keeping, clean energy, and eco-conscious/sustainable products.

We expect temps to be very mild, but not hot. The average highs in Puglia in May are mid-70s, with average lows around 60 degrees F. It's early in the season, but locals say swimming at the beach in May is lovely (and we'll beat the crowds!).

Enjoy browsing visuals in the photo gallery at the bottom of the page. Please also review the FAQs/Notes below.

Hope to see you in Puglia!

xo

Sandy & Caitlyn

Are there single/private rooms?

Unfortunately there are no private rooms on this trip given the boutique nature of this venue.

Entry to Italy:

You will be responsible for ensuring that you meet entry requirements to Italy. In brief, Italy requires that US citizens have a valid passport, credit card, and email address. 

What to pack?

We expect temps to be mild, but not hot. The average highs in Puglia in May are mid-70s, with average lows around 60 degrees F. It's early in the season but locals say swimming at the beach in May is lovely. Casual comfortable clothing is great. Clothes for yoga. A bathing suit. Sunglasses. Layers for cooler evenings. Your yoga mat (there will be cork mats available, but we strongly recommend that you bring your own mat). Sneakers for walking/hiking. Your personal toiletries, medications, SPF (maybe a hat?). Light rain jacket. Things to read, if you like. 

What is the nearest airport?

Brindisi Airport (BDS), which is a 50-min drive from the masseria. We will coordinate airport transfers to/from Brindisi at a designated time (TBD, but pick up will be early afternoon on May 11th; and drop off will be mid-day on May 17th). If you need to need transport outside of the determined times or to utilize another airport (Bari Airport is about a 2 hour drive) we can put you in touch with the venue to arrange your own transportation independently. Once you get the go ahead from us that it's ok to book your flights, please pay close attention to arrival dates/times when booking tickets. 

Payments & cancellation Policy:

Please understand that these payment policies are necessary in order for us to offer the experiences that we do. The $500 registration deposit serves to reserve your place on this trip and is non-refundable for any reason. The remaining balance is due by February 27th, 2025, and you're welcome to log-in to WeTravel to make full or partial payments at anytime prior to that date. If you need to cancel before February 27th, 2025 then any additional payments towards the balance will be refunded (the deposit remains non-refundable). After February 27th, 2025 full payment for the trip is due and is non-refundable for any reason (including illness, etc).

NOTE: When you make a payment you'll see two options to pay, either by checking account (ACH bank transfer) or by credit/debit card. If you pay by checking account there is no fee; if you pay with a card there is a service fee (we have no control over that).

What will the food be like?

The area of Puglia has amongst the highest variety of naturally gown vegetables in Europe, so be ready to experience food from seed to fork and the best of Italian cuisine! With five Puglian women who cook the authentic Italian recipes that their mothers taught them you can trust your body & soul will be nourished. Why are the meals vegetarian? In alignment with yogic living and the strict eco-conscious values of the property, all meals are vegetarian & organic. Please note, the masseria is unable to guarantee food to be allergen-free. Wine and cocktails are available for purchase. 

Drug policy

There is strictly no use of illegal substances. As a matter of safety, if we become aware of drug use or any other unsafe behavior, you will be asked to leave the retreat immediately at your own expense.

Over nearly 20 years Sandy has experienced a variety of yoga traditions that have uniquely shaped her course as a student and teacher. She is an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher, a certified Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), a meditation teacher, and holds a 500-hr academic certificate from the Yogic Studies school.

Bhakti, sometimes referred to as the yoga of love & devotion, has become the heart of her personal practice and perspective. She is humbled by guidance on the Bhakti path by Raghunath and by the footsteps of Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba. Sandy returns to India annually to deepen her commitment to yogic life and to learn from those living the path. With gratitude to Eastern traditions and her teachers, Sandy shares these teachings through her heart, mind, and the experience of being a dedicated practitioner. 

In addition to teaching vinyasa classes, Sandy teaches yoga philosophy, and is on the staff of several yoga teacher trainings. She sees asana (the postural practice) as an opportunity to illuminate and nurture elements of insight, compassion and awareness - to ultimately act in the world with more love. Once exposed to the greater context & spirit of yoga, she trusts this wisdom will continue to unfold for students, inspire a deepening of their practice, and transform their life. 

Website: www.sandraklemmer.com
IG: @sandyklemmeryoga