Destination yoga in Puglia may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this magnificent region of Southern Italy, but in fact, yoga and Eastern thought has a deep-rooted tradition in the Heel of the Boot. Just about an hour north of Nardò, in the Itrian Valley, nestled between traditional conical-shaped houses known as Trulli, Indian guru Mahavatar Babaji created his first ashram in the Western world in 1979. The ashram was built in Cisternino by the Babaji and his followers because it was known as a place of salvation.

Driving down south from the Bari or Brindisi airport between the two seas of the Adriatic and the Ionian with the golden light reflecting off the vast olive trees and perfectly-aligned vineyards, one could imagine why Puglia is a place of salvation. It’s a place to relax, breathe in the Mediterranean aromas, eat delicious food and take care of your well-being. This is why if you’re looking to do a yoga retreat in Europe, destination yoga in Puglia is such a great idea.

Yoga At the Aia

At the Aia, located in the beautiful Salento province of Puglia, offers yoga and wellness retreats, and can even be booked as a location for yoga teachers to do their own destination retreats. Acupuncture, massage therapy and experiences are weaved together to create the perfect combination of wellness, relaxation and local culture.

A typical day at a wellness retreat at the Aia starts off with yoga in the den, tucked away amidst acres and acres of walnut, olive and fruit trees. After a rejuvenating yoga morning practice, brunch is served. With native New Yorker Giulia Stasi in charge, it’s no wonder the brunches are one of the highlights, with marmalades made from the Aia’s fruit trees and other local breakfast treats. The afternoon is usually spent doing a fun activity from cooking classes, to sailing, to a city tour of Lecce. Then it’s back to the AIa for a farm to table dinner with a local, healthy flair. If nature is on your side, you may even be able to indulge in fresh zucchini, eggplants or greens from the garden.

The Aia offers both customized experience weeks or you can work with Giulia to create your own retreat package to bring your students on a one-of-a-kind experience in Puglia. Are you a yoga teacher looking for the perfect place for your retreat?

Then contact us to create your own destination yoga retreat in Puglia!