Cefalù Monastery

STANDARD

During this yoga retreat, you will practice standing, sitting, inverted, and restorative poses daily. Typical Iyengar method aids such as blocks, straps, cushions, weights, or chairs enable students of different abilities to practice safely and correctly. Each student will work according to their own abilities under precise instructions. You can establish a solid foundation for your own practice. The courses are suitable for both beginners and advanced students. The yoga sessions take place either in a spacious hall with a sea view or on the rooftop terrace, offering a spectacular 360° view.

Your Yoga Accommodation

The Collegio di Maria, an ancient monastery, is a unique place to stay in Cefalù. Dating back to the 15th century, it is prominently located in the historic centre, directly opposite a small beach and a pier. The monastery was founded by the Suore Collegine, dedicated to helping the poor and educating women. Today, the monastery is renovated and offers comfortable rooms with terraces and balconies overlooking the sea and the town.

Cefalù is a charming town on the north coast of Sicily, about an hour from Palermo and Capo d'Orlando. The town is renowned for its Arab-Norman cathedral, adorned with impressive mosaics and a wooden cross attributed to Guglielmo da Pesaro. Cefalù also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, a picturesque fishing harbour, and a medieval quarter with narrow, cobbled streets. Dominated by a 270m high rocky promontory, the town is home to the remnants of a megalithic temple and a Norman castle. Cefalù is one of Italy's most beautiful locations and a popular tourist destination in the summer.

After morning classes, you will enjoy brunch four times near the monastery together, and you will also have two group dinners; one in a restaurant on 28 December and the other as part of the New Year's Eve party on 31 December. Other dinners will be organised spontaneously as a group or you can choose to go out alone or in smaller groups. The food is vegetarian, seasonal, and authentically prepared. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies.

Karin Montali, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, was awarded her Iyengar Yoga teacher certificate in 2001 by the British Iyengar Yoga Association (IYA UK). Since 2002, she has been teaching yoga in Italy and across Europe, with students from around the world. In 2004, Karin had the unique opportunity to practice directly with the Iyengar family in Pune, India. She regularly qualifies herself further by attending workshops with renowned senior Iyengar yoga teachers.

The beach of Cefalù is right on your doorstep. Outside of siesta times, it's delightful to stroll through the lanes of Cefalù.