About Malta and Gozo

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, an island country with an interesting history and rich culture. The country’s largest inhabited island is also called Malta and the smaller island is Gozo. The islands lie in the heart of the Mediterranean between Europe and Africa, so it is not surprising that each of the many conquerors – the Phoenix, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, Knights of the Order of Malta of St. John – have left their mark here.
Everyone knows about the Knights of the Order of Malta. Indeed, most of their Maltese sights – cathedrals, fortresses, palaces, cultural monuments were created by the Order in the Middle Ages.
But only few know that in Malta and Gozo islands there are structures older than Stonehenge. These are the megalithic temples of the Neolithic era, some of which have been partially preserved and reached the present day. Three of them are listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 1988 as the oldest detached buildings on Earth.

Retreat program:

• Lectures and talks about yoga, nutrition and lifestyle that leads to harmony and health
• Shatkarmas (cleansing techniques): jala-neti, kapalabhati, nauli, trataka, agni-sara dhauti kriya
• Sukshma-vyayama – exercises for joints and spine mobility, preparation of the body for performing asanas – yoga poses
• Prana-vyayama – respiratory techniques for the health of the respiratory system and the whole body
• Intensive static hatha yoga practice
• Dynamic vinyasa – sequences based on Surya Namaskar
• Therapeutic yoga sequences for spinal health and posture improvement
• Pranayama – the art of breathing
• Meditation (dhyana)
• Yoga-nidra – deep relaxation technique
• Day of Noble Silence (6th Day of retreat)

The Day of Noble Silence is a vow of silence for one day. It’s a day without talking, any verbal and non-verbal contact with other people, no phones or even books. It is a day to fully immerse in your inner world, and concentrate your awareness within yourself, contemplate your mind, the present moment, your breath and mental state. It is a special experience helping you on the way to discover your true nature.
We will arrive to Gozo Island as a small group where each participant will benefit from my support, attention and expert recommendations on their practice. Both simplified and more advanced versions of asanas and breathing techniques will be provided to ensure that everyone can work to the level of intensity which best suits them. This yoga retreat is ideal for those who are at the beginning stages of their practice, as well as those who have been practicing for a long time and everyone in between.

ABOUT THE COZY VILLA

The antique villa is located on one of the hills of Gozo Island and offers beautiful sea views. Completely renovated in 2020 using locally sourced stone from old buildings, the villa echoes a sense of special comfort and authenticity. The villa was modeled on traditional Gozitian architecture which combines a village atmosphere and modern comfort. Each room boasts its own modernly fitted bathroom, new furniture as well as stunning views from the window.
Throughout the yoga retreat the group will have soul access to the villa with a beautiful large pool and outdoor terrace at your disposal: the perfect spot for rest, yoga and talks under the starry sky. The house is equipped with central heating and a fireplace in the living room, so it is ideal even for stay during the winter months.

ABOUT FOOD

The villa has a fully equipped kitchen where a private chef will prepare healthy vegetarian food especially for us. A balanced meal plan will include many fresh and delicious vegetables and fruits both local and brought from neighboring Sicily, as well as legumes, nuts, local cheeses, olives and much more. While walking around the island you will be able to try traditional Gozitan pastries: pastizzi and ftira.

WALKS IN PICTURESQUE PLACES

We will be swimming and sunbathing on the main beach of the island with its golden sand, as well as on small, secluded beaches nearby, walking on picturesque paths and meditating on the cliffs with a sunset.