Essence of Stillness – Yoga Retreat in the Heart of Italy
Essence of Stillness – Yoga Retreat in the Heart of Italy
Via Piramide, 5, 48032 Casola Valsenio RA, Italy
Up to 12 in group
Sep 10 - 15, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Daily morning Vinyasa, meditation, and breathwork
- Evening restorative yoga and deep Yoga Nidra
- Initiation into a 21 day Kriya Sadhana practice
- Five nights in a spacious, authentic Italian farmhouse
- Guided exploration of the UNESCO Vena del Gesso National Park
- Wholesome vegetarian farm to table meals
- Private tour and tasting at a local artisanal winery
- Traditional Italian dining experience at a local restaurant
- Hilltop pool with panoramic views of the Apennine mountains
- Integration time for journaling, reading, and stillness
About this Retreat
Your Guides
I create spaces for people to pause, breathe, and reconnect, through mindful movement, meditation, and retreats that blend nature, culture, and self-discovery.
I've been practicing yoga since 2011, and my love for it was reignited while living in New York City in 2014. I’ve been teaching since completing my first training in 2018 and have continued to deepen my practice through advanced studies in pre- and postnatal yoga, as well as mantra, meditation, and pranayama. In 2023, I completed a transformative 300-hour Himalayan Kundalini Yoga training in Rishikesh, which profoundly shaped my approach to teaching and living .
Beyond regular classes, I offer seasonal retreats and workshops that allow for deeper exploration. Past workshops have focused on the chakras, the subtle energy centres within the body, and Himalayan Kundalini kriyā yoga, a path of disciplined practice that integrates movement, breath, and meditation to support transformation.
Since 2023, I’ve hosted seasonal yoga retreats, guiding over 100 participants through moments of rest, reflection, and connection. I’m excited to expand internationally to Italy and Bali in 2026!
Outside of yoga, I work with a humanitarian organization and am deeply passionate about human rights and social justice. The principle of seva, or selfless service, is central to my teaching. I run annual charity yoga classes and strive to create spaces that feel peaceful, inclusive, and heart-led.
My teaching is warm, inclusive, and rooted in presence. Whether you're joining me on the beach, in the studio, or on retreat, you are so welcome here..
I am a 650hr Yoga Alliance approved, Experienced - Registered Yoga Teacher. E-RYT 500.
Details of this retreat
Essence of Stillness
September 10th–15th, 2026 | 5 Nights | Italian Countryside
We built this retreat around one idea: stillness isn’t something you add to a schedule. It’s what happens when enough is taken away. So the days here are intentionally spacious, with fewer interventions and more room between them. Silence and unstructured time aren’t gaps. They’re part of what you came for.
Essence of Stillness unfolds in the hills outside Bologna, in a landscape shaped by centuries of slow agricultural rhythm, the same rhythm we’ve tried to bring into the retreat itself. Mornings open with meditation and yoga as the sun rises, not as the first item on a checklist but as the way each day begins to settle. You’ll also be introduced to a 21-day Sadhana practice, a thread you can carry home long after the retreat ends.
Beyond the mat, the days are left open on purpose. A guided hike through the valley, meals built around what local farmers are growing that week, an award-winning family-run vineyard’s tour. Each one chosen because it comes from the people who work this land, not because it belongs on a retreat itinerary. You won’t find this exact combination of land, food, and quiet anywhere else.
September 10th–15th, 2026 | 5 Nights | Italian Countryside
We built this retreat around one idea: stillness isn’t something you add to a schedule. It’s what happens when enough is taken away. So the days here are intentionally spacious, with fewer interventions and more room between them. Silence and unstructured time aren’t gaps. They’re part of what you came for.
Essence of Stillness unfolds in the hills outside Bologna, in a landscape shaped by centuries of slow agricultural rhythm, the same rhythm we’ve tried to bring into the retreat itself. Mornings open with meditation and yoga as the sun rises, not as the first item on a checklist but as the way each day begins to settle. You’ll also be introduced to a 21-day Sadhana practice, a thread you can carry home long after the retreat ends.
Beyond the mat, the days are left open on purpose. A guided hike through the valley, meals built around what local farmers are growing that week, an award-winning family-run vineyard’s tour. Each one chosen because it comes from the people who work this land, not because it belongs on a retreat itinerary. You won’t find this exact combination of land, food, and quiet anywhere else.
Schedule
Essence of Stillness: A Journey Inward
While our flow shifts to accommodate our local winery visit and guided explorations of the National Park, here is a glimpse into the daily rhythm at our hilltop sanctuary.
08:00 AM | Morning Sadhana
Greet the Italian sun with a complete practice of Meditation, Breathwork, and an energizing Vinyasa flow. We conclude with guided journaling to ground our intentions in the quiet of the morning.
10:30 AM | Farm to Table Brunch
A nourishing communal meal featuring fresh flavors from the Emilia Romagna region, shared overlooking the rolling valley.
11:30 AM | Spacious Free Time
The afternoon is yours to claim. Retreat to the airy high ceilinged farmhouse with a book, or find a peaceful nook in the gardens to soak in the silence.
02:00 PM | Afternoon Refresh & Exploration
Gather for light snacks followed by an optional journey into the Vena del Gesso National Park. This protected landscape offers direct access to ancient trails and the unique ridges of Casola Valsenio.
04:00 PM | Poolside Integration
Enjoy the afternoon sun by our hilltop pool. Whether you choose a refreshing swim or a quiet moment on a sun lounger, this is your time to simply be.
06:00 PM | The Lunar Path
As the light fades over the Apennines, we move into Restorative Yoga and the deep yogic sleep of Yoga Nidra, resetting the nervous system for profound rest.
08:00 PM | Family Style Italian Dinner
A wholesome vegetarian meal celebrating local seasonal produce, shared together in our spacious farmhouse dining hall.
09:30 PM | Evening Stillness
A gentle close to the day, an invitation for quiet reflection, stargazing from the hilltop, or a restful transition into sleep.
While our flow shifts to accommodate our local winery visit and guided explorations of the National Park, here is a glimpse into the daily rhythm at our hilltop sanctuary.
08:00 AM | Morning Sadhana
Greet the Italian sun with a complete practice of Meditation, Breathwork, and an energizing Vinyasa flow. We conclude with guided journaling to ground our intentions in the quiet of the morning.
10:30 AM | Farm to Table Brunch
A nourishing communal meal featuring fresh flavors from the Emilia Romagna region, shared overlooking the rolling valley.
11:30 AM | Spacious Free Time
The afternoon is yours to claim. Retreat to the airy high ceilinged farmhouse with a book, or find a peaceful nook in the gardens to soak in the silence.
02:00 PM | Afternoon Refresh & Exploration
Gather for light snacks followed by an optional journey into the Vena del Gesso National Park. This protected landscape offers direct access to ancient trails and the unique ridges of Casola Valsenio.
04:00 PM | Poolside Integration
Enjoy the afternoon sun by our hilltop pool. Whether you choose a refreshing swim or a quiet moment on a sun lounger, this is your time to simply be.
06:00 PM | The Lunar Path
As the light fades over the Apennines, we move into Restorative Yoga and the deep yogic sleep of Yoga Nidra, resetting the nervous system for profound rest.
08:00 PM | Family Style Italian Dinner
A wholesome vegetarian meal celebrating local seasonal produce, shared together in our spacious farmhouse dining hall.
09:30 PM | Evening Stillness
A gentle close to the day, an invitation for quiet reflection, stargazing from the hilltop, or a restful transition into sleep.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Niamh Pollins Yoga, Via Piramide, 5, 48032 Casola Valsenio RA, Italy
Directions
To make your journey to our hilltop sanctuary as seamless as possible, I will be organizing one group transfer from Bologna International Airport (BLQ) at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 10th.
For our return journey, one group transfer will depart the farmhouse at 7AM or 8AM on Sunday, September 15th.
Please note that I am only able to organize these two specific group transfers. If your flight times do not align with these scheduled times, you will need to arrange and fund your own private transport to and from the retreat venue.
For our return journey, one group transfer will depart the farmhouse at 7AM or 8AM on Sunday, September 15th.
Please note that I am only able to organize these two specific group transfers. If your flight times do not align with these scheduled times, you will need to arrange and fund your own private transport to and from the retreat venue.
Accommodation
Rustic 19th-Century Stone Farmhouse: Restored with high ceilings and airy interiors for a sense of spaciousness and peace. Shared Guest Rooms: Minimalist, restful rooms featuring traditional wood beams, terracotta floors, and large windows with valley views. Natural Serenity: Thick stone walls and hilltop breezes keep the sleeping quarters cool and comfortable for deep rest. Communal Living Spaces: Large, light-filled lounges and a central farmhouse kitchen that foster community and connection. Connection to Nature: Every room offers views of the forest or the surrounding UNESCO National Park ridges.
Triple Room
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
19th-Century Farmhouse: An authentic, airy sanctuary with high ceilings and natural breezes.
Hilltop Pool: Panoramic swimming pool with 360° views of the rolling Apennine valleys.
Lush Gardens: Peaceful Mediterranean grounds with quiet nooks for reflection.
Yoga Space: A light-filled, tranquil studio designed for deep focus and stillness.
Communal Dining: A rustic farmhouse kitchen for shared farm-to-table vegetarian meals.
UNESCO Access: Located on the doorstep of the Vena del Gesso
Hilltop Pool: Panoramic swimming pool with 360° views of the rolling Apennine valleys.
Lush Gardens: Peaceful Mediterranean grounds with quiet nooks for reflection.
Yoga Space: A light-filled, tranquil studio designed for deep focus and stillness.
Communal Dining: A rustic farmhouse kitchen for shared farm-to-table vegetarian meals.
UNESCO Access: Located on the doorstep of the Vena del Gesso
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Enjoy heart-led, vegetarian farm-to-table meals celebrating Emilia-Romagna’s produce. Includes a local restaurant dinner. Please share allergies at booking; we will do our best to accommodate.
What's Included
- 5 nights of shared accommodation in an authentic airy hilltop farmhouse
- Daily morning Vinyasa, Meditation, and Breathwork sessions
- Daily evening Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra practices
- Full initiation into a 21 day Kriya Sadhana practice to take home
- Nourishing daily vegetarian brunch and afternoon snacks
- Wholesome vegetarian family style dinners at the farmhouse
- One traditional dinner at a local Italian restaurant
- Guided hiking and exploration in the Vena del Gesso National Park
- Private tour and curated tasting at an artisanal winery
- Group transfer from Bologna Airport at 11:00 AM on September 10th
- Group transfer to Bologna Airport at 8:00 AM on September 15th
- Unlimited use of the hilltop swimming pool and garden sanctuary
- All yoga mats and props provided for use during the retreat
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Alcohol
- Transfers outside of group transfer time
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