Italian Yoga Retreat: A Love Letter to Puglia

Are you ready for a retreat of a lifetime?

Let the culture, food and charm of Puglia enliven your being in this spectacular yoga retreat. Brought to you by Donna Buchanan and Melinda Fisher.

15 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025

Imagine waking up to the gentle whispers of the Italian countryside, sunlight filtering through ancient olive trees, and the aroma of fresh, local cuisine. This is your invitation to join us for an enchanting 6-night, 7-day yoga retreat in the heart of Puglia—a retreat that feels like coming home to yourself.
This isn’t just a yoga retreat—it’s a heartfelt journey. It’s about savoring life’s simplest pleasures: the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin, the joy of moving your body with purpose, the laughter shared over handmade pasta, and relaxing soundly within the reverence of centuries-old stone walls.
Set at the exquisite La Rosa dei 4 Venti, a lovingly restored Carmelite Monastery from 1689, you’ll find yourself embraced by the serenity of a space steeped in history and charm. Here, amidst Puglia’s rolling hills and rustic beauty, you’ll reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Say yes to this soulful escape, and join us in Puglia to rest, rediscover, and rejuvenate. We can’t wait to welcome you to this extraordinary retreat in the heart of Italy.
Secure Spot with a Deposit

You will fall in love…

This retreat is about more than yoga—it’s about embracing life, Italian style. It’s about slowing down, savoring each moment, and finding joy in the small things. From the historic charm of La Rosa dei 4 Venti to the heartfelt connections you’ll make, this is a journey you’ll carry with you long after it ends.

How retreat week will look

  • Two beautiful yoga classes each day, one designed to immerse you in movement, the other to restore and renew
  • Relish daily meals crafted with fresh, local ingredients, designed to nourish your body and celebrate Puglia’s sustainable food traditions.
  • Yoga workshop to unpack some of the more challenging aspects of yoga
  • An authentic culinary experience with daily meals focusing on food sustainability and revitalising your health
  • Learn the art of Italian cooking in a hands-on class with a local chef, and take home more than just memories.
  • Wander the charming streets of Martina Franca on a guided walking tour, followed by dinner at a local gem. Or, lose yourself in its magic during free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Hike the nearby hills, breathe in the tranquility of forest bathing, and feel deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.
  • Discover the ancient city of Matera on a day trip that will leave you in awe of its timeless beauty.
  • Time for you: Whether it’s massage, relaxing with a book, journaling in the gardens, or sharing a quiet moment with newfound friends, you’ll have space to just be.

What’s included

  • 6 nights accommodation in a room of your choice
  • Italian style full board – hearty brunch and dinner each day at La Rosa Dei 4 Venti, plus two additional meals out
  • 2 x yoga classes per day
  • Daily meditation
  • Cooking class with local Chef
  • Guided walking tour of historic town of Martina Franca with guide followed by meal in local restaurant
  • 1 full day trip to the historic town of Matera with lunch at local restaurant
  • 1 x 60 minute relaxing massage
  • Transfers upon arrival and departure from Brindisi or Bari airports or railway stations to La Rosa dei 4 Venti (please note you will need to arrange your own travel to and from Brindisi or Bari)
  • Free wifi
  • Infusions, fruit, still water, espresso coffee pods and homemade pastry available all day each day on site

The food philosphy

La Rosa Dei 4 Venti has a unique food philosophy. The food is focused on vegetables from the local surrounds, strongly inspired by traditional Italian dishes, making them contemporary, lighter and healthier taking inspiration from the most innovative processing methods in the culinary system respecting and emphasizing the traditional taste.

Around the vegetable will orbit homemade fresh pasta, bread, focaccia and pastries made with Senatore Cappelli flour, an antique Apulian grain also good for intolerance; fresh dairy products from local farms, fresh fish or meat on request.

Add on’s

  • Additional tours such as visit to a ceramics factory, Olive Oil tour, Wine tour, tour to Lecce on the Ionic Seaside and many more tour options. These tours can be arranged when at retreat and will be at your own expense
  • Additional spa treatments (pay venue direct)

 

Pricing

  •  Solo Room AU$5567pp – 3 rooms left
  •  Twin Share Room AU$4997pp – 4 rooms left

Secure your spot with a $550 deposit.

Payment plans: Payment plans are available. Register your palce with your deposit, then pay it off in two or three instalments.

All prices are in Australian Dollars and include GST.

What’s not included

  • Flights to and from Italy
  • transport to/from Bari or Brindisim Puglia, besides what is stipulated in inclusions above
  • the Italy Tourist Accommodation tax of €8 per person (approx A$15.00)
  • Alcohol
  • Personal shopping
  • Travel insurance. All participants must have travel insurance to attend an overseas Myu Retreat. Please read the Myu Retreats travel insurance policy below.

Travelling to Puglia

All participants are responsible for getting themselves to Puglia, Italy. The towns of Bari and Brindisi are closest to the retreat venue.  Flights are available from major Italian & European cities to these towns.  The train from Rome to Bari takes approximately 5 hours.

Transfers from your arrival town to the retreat will be provided by Myu Retreats. Should you need any further information on travel, please feel free to contact Melinda at Myu Retreats.

 

 

Retreat Facilitators

Donna Buchanan

Donna has been teaching and facilitating yoga classes, trainings and retreats for 13 years and her own practice of the 8 limbs spans for over 2 decades. With thousands of teaching hours under her belt, and years of training yoga teachers, Donna believes in yoga as an antidote for a fulfilling and invigorating life, using yoga to ground, re-center and to feel home in our bodies no matter who you are and what you do.

Donna's yoga style is warm, inviting and connected. The way in which Donna teaches is the way she lives life - energetically, purposefully and joyfully.

Melinda Fisher

Melinda’s love for travel and exploring new places combined with many years of logistical, administrative and customer service work means that she is the best gosh-darn Retreats and Logistic Manager or “Retreats Mother” out there. She knows her stuff when it comes to quality travel and keeping the back end of the business schmick.

Next Steps:

Register your place and pay your deposit.

Myu Retreats will get back to you within 7 days of registration to finalise your arrangements.

FAQs

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, we can cater to all dietary requirements. We organize the menu in advance. Please ensure you let us know your dietary requirements so they can be included in the menu preparations.

Alcohol is not included in the retreat outside of any organised activities where it is stipulated alcohol is included. You are welcome to purchase alcohol to enjoy at your leisure. Some participants may have a drink or two in the evening.

Meal times will be shared. However if you wish, you can take your meal back to your room for some quiet time as well.

Our facilitators are experts in providing modifications for all people and all levels. Sometimes there are things in our bodies we have to be mindful of when we do any form of exercise. As long as you have all clear from your doctor you are welcome to take part in this retreat. We will work within your limits.

We have people attend who have never done yoga before, as well as more advanced yogis. We also keep the group size small so that you get the attention you need.

For those new to yoga we will offer beginners modifications to enhance your experience.

The facilitator will speak to participants (privately) at the start of the retreat to discuss any concerns or injuries that may concern you.

It's such a gift to yourself to take on this special experience. Don't you worry about a thing. Our retreat is a small group of people. All the yoga classes are completely modifiable. We will take good care of you and your body.

This is about giving yourself the opportunity this year to get out of your crazy rat race, and take some time to unwind deeper then you ever have before. The question is, are you willing to invest in yourself?

No, this is your retreat.  You will choose how you want to spend each day and what activities you choose to embrace. We of course encourage you to join in as many of the scheduled activities as possible as we have such a great time, but it is all at your own choice and pace.

Yes.  You can look at the La Rosa Dei 4 Venti website and choose your room if you like.  We cannot guarantee that room will be available when you register as its first-in-best-dressed. However we will do our best to accommodate your request.  You can certainly choose your roommate. Simply let us know their name on your registration form or by sending us an email at melinda@myuretreats.com.au

We can become very attached to our yoga mat, like a dear friend.  Please feel free to bring it on this journey with you.  If you do not want to carry it, mats and props will be available for your use in the shala.

It is a requirement of Myu Retreats that participants have international travel insurance cover prior to attending a Myu Retreat. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to ensure that travel insurance is taken out prior to the commencement of the retreat. Myu Retreats is not responsible or liable for any theft, loss or damage to any personal property or persons wellbeing. While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you select, as a general rule your cover must insure you for overseas medical and trip delay/cancellation.Please ensure you understand what your travel insurance policy will cover you for.

Upom registration you agree to provide a copy of a valid travel insurance certificate to Myu Retreats prior to the retreat start date.

Myu Retreats will not make travel bookings on your behalf, however more than happy to provide assistance and advice on transport options to and from the retreat venue.

La Rosa de 4 Venti is located 100 kilometres from the Bari Airport  International Airport Karol Wojtyla.  Approximately 1h30 min driving to Retreat Center. Google directions link: https://goo.gl/maps/kmy3odfqZ1H2
There is a direct train departing from Roma Termini and arriving at Bari Centrale. Services depart every two hours and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
Please take a look at the website to see the rooms.  The rooms are traditional Puglia style Trulli which has been transformed into modern and comfortable accommodation.  Each room includes the following:
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Rooms are cleaned with organic cleaning detergents, steam cleaning machines and sanitized with Sanity Ozonetor that purify and sterilize all is in the room. Housekeeping and changing towels are twice a week in the morning from 8 am to 12 am. Days depend on the retreat period.
Bed and Bathroom Linen
Double bed linen in 100% percalle cotton or 100 % linen, made in Italy.
Single bed in cotton Oak Tek.
Bath towels 100% organic cotton, 600 gr. , made in Italy,  Pool towels 100 % organic cotton.
Mattress and pillow
The mattress is orthopedic, indipendent pocketed springs with Memory Gel Breeze topper lined with silver care and Aloe Vera (anti-mite and antibacterial). The pillow is made of Memory Polar Air Gel ideal for both summer and winter. Bed sizes: Queen size for double bed, Standard size for single bed.
Heating
The heating system is heated floor, a modern plant powerd with ecological fuel as pomace stone. Each room is equipped with and indipendent thermostat. In case you need to change the temperature for a better comfort, please ask the staff.
Equipment
  • Aveda Shampoo and Aveda Body wash refill dispenser
  • Rain shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Tea set
Amenities
  • Dental kit
  • Room slippers
  • Pool towel
  • Light comfort blanket

After filling out this form you will receive an invoice from Myu Retreats. About one month prior to retreat you will receive another email with start time, travel information, packing list and other details. You will receive another email approximately one week prior to retreat with any final details.

Average daily temperature is 18-20 degrees Celsius.  November is the typical autumn month. Temperatures can still rise to quite comfortable levels, especially in the afternoon, but there is a clear increase in rainfall as well. That said, Puglia makes for a nice destination all-year round. Its location in the southeastern corner of the boot of Italy results in a pleasant climate, even in November and through the coming winter. Outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, however, are popular in November.
This is very important please read. The participant will read and understand the refund policy for this retreat.
Cancellation by the registrant or participant
If participants register for a retreat and they wish to cancel, Myu Retreats does not offer refunds. In the instance of cancellation by the registrant, Myu Retreats will offer a credits as determined by the following schedule:
  • If you cancel 45 – 60 days before your retreat start date, we will put your credit towards a future Myu Retreat up to the same value.
  • If you cancel 45 days or less before your retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire Retreat payment credit.
Cancellation by Myu Retreats
Myu Retreats reserve the right to cancel any retreat or event up to 61 days prior to the scheduled trip start date. In this case, Myu Retreats will honor a full refund to all participants. In addition, we reserve the right to cancel any trip at any time if, due to natural disaster, political unrest, or other disruptions and/or events beyond our control (“Force Majeure events”), the operation of the trip would be unsafe or otherwise unviable.

Six weeks prior to the retreat Myu Retreats will email you a suggested packing list.

You will be required to pay the AU$15 Tourist Tax on arrival at the retreat. This is an Italian government requirement.  All meals are provided.  Mineral water will served with each meal.  You will need to pay for any additional drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic).  Any excursions you may wish to do (other than those stipulated in the inclusions) will be at your own expense.  Any additional spa treatments  will be at your expense.

We seek to carefully tailor the  balance of scheduled activities and free time on our retreats.  You will have time to relax at the retreat venue or go off to explore local towns and country side should you wish. We have structured our Italian retreat on the basis that participants may want to go and explore the local region.

Food plays a big role in our retreats.  Part of our retreat ethos is to feed our body with fresh, healthy & nutritious meals.  Comprising around vegetables the meals in our Italy retreat will orbit homemade fresh pasta, bread, focaccia and pastries made with Senatore Cappelli flour, an antique Apulian grain also good for intolerance; fresh dairy products from local farms, fresh fish or meat will make up our meals.   Dietary requirements will be catered for. Please notify us in advance.

Please note that the meals at La Rosa Dei 4 Venti are served as a hearty brunch and hearty dinner each day. There will be two additional meals out provided.

Check in on day one is 2.30pm.  The retreat will officially commence at 5pm on the 15th of November 2025.  Check out on the 21st of November 2025 is 10.30am.  We will close the retreat at 9.30am for a departure by 10.30am.   The shuttle will transport participants to their airport or railway station of departure.

It is so important that every aspect of this retreat is top notch. This includes having a suitable sized group - not too big, not too small. We expect a maximum of 12 participants.

Terms & Conditions

Refund Policy

This is very important please read:

The participant will read and understand the refund policy for this retreat.

Myu Retreats does not offer refunds.

Cancellation fee credits are determined by the following schedule:

If you cancel 45 – 60 days before your retreat start date, we will put your credit towards a future Myu Retreat up to the same value.

If you cancel 45 days or less before your retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire Retreat payment credit.

We reserve the right to cancel any retreats up to 61 days prior to the scheduled trip start date. In this case, Myu Retreats will honor a full refund to all participants. In addition, we reserve the right to cancel any trip at any time if, due to natural disaster, political unrest, or other disruptions and/or events beyond our control (“Force Majeure events”), the operation of the trip would be unsafe or otherwise unviable.

Payment plans may be available  if the details of the retreat state payment plans are available. Payment plans are not available for events.

By electing to a payment plan, you are agreeing to pay the account balance  prior to the retreat start date and honour the terms of that payment plan. Payment Plans will incur an additional 2.2% charge. Payments that are not made prior to the retreat start date may incur interest and related charges and may be referred to debt collection services.

Payment Plans may not available for shorter retreats or event unless stated they will be available in the retreat or event details.

It is a requirement of Myu Retreats that participants have international travel insurance cover prior to attending a Myu Retreat. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to ensure that travel insurance is taken out prior to the commencement of the retreat. Myu Retreats is not responsible or liable for any theft, loss or damage to any personal property or persons wellbeing. While the coverage provided by travel insurance varies based on the policy you select, as a general rule your cover must insure you for overseas medical and trip delay/cancellation.

Please ensure you understand what your travel insurance policy will cover you for.

The registrant agrees to provide a copy of a valid travel insurance certificate to Myu Retreats prior to the retreat start date.

In the event the retreat cannot take place due to restrictions imposed by the Commonwealth Government or any state or territory government, the retreat will be rescheduled, and you will be offered a place on the rescheduled retreat.

Refunds will not be issued because of any Covid-19 interference or restrictions.

By agreeing to these terms and conditions and registering my place, I confirm that I am fit to undertake the activities of this retreat and have consulted with my doctor or health professional provider prior to registration. I have disclosed any relevant injuries or conditions to the retreat organiser prior to registration. I understand that I participate in this retreat at my own risk, and agree to waive any liability by the event organiser for any injuries or conditions and I will not perform any postures to the extent of strain or pain. I accept that neither the instructors, nor the hosting facility, nor retreat organiser is liable for any injury or damages to the person or property, resulting from participating in this retreat.

Got a question? Get in touch on 0439 498 985 or via email melinda@myuretreats.com.au

Got any Questions?

Get in touch with us and one of our team will get back to you with an answer shortly