A Space to Create
October 21 - 25, 2020, Puglia Italy
Photo by Salva Lopez
When I first came to Puglia in 2016 with my husband, we immediately fell in love with the endless olive groves, the arid landscapes, and the bright blue sea. We knew we wanted to create something here of beauty to match the surroundings. After meeting architectural designer Andrew Trotter, and putting in a few years of hard work ( and improving my Italian immensely!) Villa Cardo was born.
Puglia is a rich land full of beauty that is not always quite obvious. It is not a wealthy area of Italy, but it is rich in agriculture. Its buildings are often white due to the shockingly large white rocks that are buried in the rich red soil, and they use this to make the “cement” (tufo) with which the homes are built. It is a place full of visual surprises, and even more a place to feel inspired and create beautiful things.
Though I was not a yoga teacher when this house was conjured, I cannot think of anything more fitting than to bring this home to life with the creative and seeking minds that are invoked through the practice of yoga. Having practiced with Jaime Hepburn for years and being constantly inspired by her teaching, her practice, and her retreats, I’m so honoured to have her as my guide to bring this retreat to life. A Space to Create will combine our strengths to bring you a rich and expanding few days on the matt, behind a camera lens, amongst the trees, and under the sun.
What’s Included
4 nights stay at Villa Cardo in Puglia, Italy
Twice daily yoga + meditation with Jaime and Rebecca [2 hours in the morning, 90min in the evening]
2x daily meals + snacks + teas
2x yoga workshops [including how to sequence your own self practice]
1 photography workshop with Michelle Beatty
Day Trip to Ostuni
Day Trip to Torre Guaceto
Photo by Salva Lopez
Daily Schedule
Wednesday 21st October
12pm: Arrival
1pm: Lunch
5pm: 2 hour opening practice led by Jaime Hepburn
7:30pm: Dinner
Thursday 22nd October
8am: 2hour Yoga + Meditation led by Jaime
10:30am: Brunch
12:30pm: Photography Workshop with Michelle Beatty
2:00pm: Free time to lounge and/or shoot
5:00pm: Yoga with Rebecca
7:30pm Dinner
Friday 23rd October
8am: 2hour Yoga + Meditation led by Jaime
10:30am Brunch
12:30pm Trip to Torre Guaceto
4:00pm Arm Balances + Inversions workshop with Jaime
5:30pm: Restorative Yoga with Rebecca
7:30pm Dinner
Saturday 24th October
8am: 2hour Yoga + Meditation led by Rebecca
10:30am: Brunch
12:30pm: Day trip to Ostuni
4:00pm: Self Practice + Sequencing workshop with Jaime
5:15pm: Closing Practice with Jaime
7:30pm: Dinner
Sunday 25th October
7am: Breakfast + Goodbyes
9am: Flights home
Cost
£1150 pp for master bedroom, shared bed, private bath [SOLD OUT]
£1000 pp for shared bed, shared bath [SOLD OUT]
£900 pp for shared space in triple room, private bath [one shared bed, one single, first booking makes first choice] [SOLD OUT]
£1050 pp for single bed in shared room, shared bath [SOLD OUT]
Friends are encouraged to book together otherwise we will pair you, room pairings will be same sex.
Photo by Salva Lopez
Location
Villa Cardo sits within one hectare of land, filled with olive and almond trees, and with views to the sea from the roof terrace. The house, designed by Studio Andrew Trotter, has been built with local materials and using traditional methods of building to ensure the Pugliese vernacular singes through, keeping the building light, airy and cool in the summer. It’s serene setting is the perfect place to let your creative juices flourish. It will undoubtedly leave you feeling inspired.
Villa Cardo only has four bedrooms, so this retreat will be very intimate, maxing at 9 guests. Jaime, Michelle and myself will be staying next door. All rooms are shared. If you’re not comfortable sharing space, this might not be the retreat for you.
Food
The food will be representative of the culture, with an emphasis on sustainability, using seasonal, local ingredients. Think farm - table fresh. Meals will be predominantly veg-centric, with options like eggs, cheese and catch of the day if it’s fresh out of the sea and sustainable. We feel strongly about creating a supportive, judgement-free environment so all food choices will be welcomed and respected. You can let us know more about your dietary requirements when you book.
Yoga
All levels are welcome, but we do recommend having a regular practice for at least a month before embarking on this retreat as we will be spending a lot of time on our mats.
Jaime Hepburn
“I aim to create a welcoming space for students - new and experienced - to find grounding and adventure on their mats. My sequences are challenging yet attainable, and I encourage students to achieve their goals in a safe and supportive learning environment. Inevitably we might stumble and fall, it’s how we pick ourselves back up that matters”
Rebecca Young Riboldi
“ My classes encourage play, creative movement and fun. I like to push comfort zones, challenge the body physically, all while creating environments where we can laugh and connect more deeply to ourselves and to each other”
Adjustments will be offered for injuries and variations for the more experienced practitioner. Everyone should expect to come away learning something new!
Getting There
We recommend you fly to Brindisi Airport as it’s only a 15 minute drive from there. RyanAir is currently flying from STN London for £127. [Flight arrives at 10:10am, and departs at 10:30am]
Other options are to fly to Bari Airport, though travel time to Villa is 1 hour, and you will get in very late.
** Transfers to and from Villa are not included, but we will connect you with other guests to share rides.