*Postponed* Sky Above Earth Below: Positano Italy Aug 2020

I get so delighted at the thought of taking another group to one of the most breathtaking and beautiful places on this planet. You've seen it, that iconic, picturesque image of Positano and the Amalfi Coast?  Its magnificent, my loves!  I hope you decide to join us in August as we explore the coast, soak in the sun, swim in the Mediterranean, indulge in local farm-to-table Italian cuisine (and maybe a little wine), practice yoga and meditation daily on a platform that overlooks the sea, hike, spend a day at sea on a boat and so much more!  

Surely, that has piqued your interest!  Let me tell you more!

About Positano: 

Positano is a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy.  It is located about 75 minutes from Naples and is close to Sorrento, Pompeii, the island of Capri and many other sea side towns.  Positano is an exquisite little beach town famous for its colorful buildings that paint the hillside, cute local shops, delishish restaurants and, of course, gelato and limoncello!!  I recommend that you spend some time either before or after the retreat to explore other areas and experience 'la dolce vita' in Italy!

Accomodations: 

We will be staying on the beautiful cliff side on Positano at an eco-friendly Italian Villa called La Selva.  La Selva is mounted in the  wild nature between olive trees, citrus trees, hiking trails and cozy grassy terraces and they promote a healthy, environmentally sustainable lifestyle.  The space is truly magical and our gracious hosts, Martha and Cristiano, are amazing!  The meals are prepared with ingredients that they grow:  olives, lemons, garden vegetables and fruits! Their villa and grounds are absolutely stunning and you will feel right at home (away from home)!  There are a variety of sleeping accomodations: there are 2 family style rooms that have a mix of double beds and bunk beds.  La Selva can only be reached by foot, there is NO road access. Upon arrival, the driver will place your luggage on a lift and we will hike to get to La Selva.  It is aproximately a 20-25 minute hike uphill or you can choose to hike downhill for 10-15 minutes from the town of Montepertuso (which is above Positano).  That said, this retreat will be very active considering each time we go out as a group, we will hike back and forth along the most beautiful scenery and landscape you could ever imagine! If you have any injuries, this may not be the retreat for you! If you have any concerns, let's talk so we can ensure your satisfaction! La Selva has a terrace that overlooks the seaside and the view of the sunsets on the horizon are phenomenal-and you will have a front row view every night! Each day we will practice yoga and meditation either on on outdoor yoga platform that overlooks Positano or an indoor yoga shala with floor to ceiling windows (weather permitting)-I can't wait for you to see our practice space!  

Food: 

3 meals per day will be provided:  a light breakfast before yoga practice of tea, coffee or fruit, brunch and dinner.  And, let me tell you, our last guests went 'on and on' about Martha's meals!  All of the fresh, vegetarian meals come from ingredients from their garden!  I look forward to sharing meals together at their long table, while the soft breeze blows through the windows that give us a view of the Mediteranean.  

What's Included: 

6 nights accommodations 

Transportation to/from airport (as long as you book flight according to instructions)

All meals (vegan/vegetarian)

Yoga, Meditation and Workshops

One Massage 

All group excursions (Boat Day to Capri, Cooking Class, Day at the beach)  

Taxes and tips 

What's NOT Included: 

Flight to Italy (Naples International Airport)

Additional excursions (taken by choice)

Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Flight Insurance (highly recommended) 

Teachers and Yoga Styles

Tiffany Langdon

Bio:

My passion lies in studying hindu mythology and yoga philosophy.  I tend to teach yoga classes that weave asana and mythology together including fluid movement and carefully chosen postures to strengthen the body and to prepare the body for meditation.  I urge students to practice yoga to develop a deeper understanding of their 'true self'. My classes are challenging but fun, safe, light-hearted and accessible to all levels and I invite every student to be satisfied with their yoga practice as it is today and to enjoy their own journey.  You will find my love of music pours into my teachings and I love to infuse my studies of the chakra system and Tantra yoga philosophy into my classes

Travel with me to a yoga + meditation retreat in one of the most beautiful cities, towns or villages around the world! You will experience a sense of connection with yourself and others in a safe and fun environment that encourages transformation.

Shanna Portman

Bio:

Shanna was Introduced to yoga as a small child; her mother embraced the hippie era and surrounded her world with all sorts of alternative health modalities and spiritual practices. Yoga stuck. Shanna’s yoga practice had been primarily an “at-home” practice for over twenty years with maybe a handful of studio classes. In 2016, Shanna wanted to deepen her practice, and enrolled in the 200 hr teacher training at Eternal Health Yoga. Two months in to her studies Shanna realized that there was no turning back. Fully embracing all that she has learned and looking forward to the constant learning and practice that the future holds for her, Shanna is now a certified yoga instructor and stays busy teaching yin, Hatha Flow, and Restorative yoga classes. She is looking forward to continuing her education in London with Judith Lassiter, the founder of restorative yoga (Shanna’s passion), this spring. 

Yoga Styles:

Most days during the retreat we will practice yoga two times per day.  This retreat is open to all yoga practitioners of all levels.  However, a little experience will be helpful for you.  If you are new to yoga and want to know more about what to expect, let's talk and we will find out if this retreat is a good fit for you.  We want you to feel comfortable, after all!  

The morning practices (usually led by Tiffany) will be similar to a Hatha Flow, Vinyasa Flow or Slow Vinyasa Flow class with meditation.  You can expect a lot of focus on breath (pranayama), alignment, a safe practice and meditation.  There are always modifications available and the use of props such as blocks and straps are recommended (and provided!).  We will explore different meditation techniques that open the channels to connect deeper with your 'inner magic'! 

The night practices (usually led by Shanna) will be Yin, Yoga Nidra occasionally with sound bowls.  Shanna's gentle approach and subtle adjustments encourage you to soften, let-go and find relaxation after a day full of adventure or connection.  You will linger in intentionally selected postures that will signal every cell in your body to truly rest!  A perfect ending to each day and to get you ready for the most dreamy night (pun intended!). 

Language:

Since English is not the native tongue, it would be courteous to try to learn a few greetings and a few basic phrases in Italian. The locals appreciate the attempt!  Although, you will find a lot of locals in town do speak a little English, embrace the opportunity to try something new, even if it’s not perfect! 

How do you get there?

Flight expenses are not covered in the retreat cost.  When you book your flight, you must arrive at Naples International Airport (NAP).  You should arrive by 2pm on Aug 26th 2020.  Upon arrival, there will be a driver (Enzo) waiting to pick you up as you gather your luggage and exit the airport. Keep in mind, transportation cost is ONLY covered if you arrive by 2pm.  If you choose to arrive later than that, you will be responsible for booking your own transportation to La Selva (We can provide tips on alternate transportation).  

Transportation will also be provided back to Naples International Airport (NAP) as we depart.  Departing flights should be booked on Sept 1st 2020 after 4pm.  If you book a flight for an earlier departure you are responsible for booking your own transportation to the airport (We can also provide tips on alternate transportation). Once your flight is booked please email us your flight details so I can arrange the details! 

Travel Insurance and Flight Insurance:

We recommend when you travel, to purchase travel insurance.  Also, check out your coverage with your current health insurance.  Foreign travel is often not covered and you must ensure you are protected in the event of an emergency.  This yoga retreat does not cover expenses associated with any unforeseen circumstances that could arise such as inclement weather, accidents, health troubles and/or need for medical care.  We also recommend paying extra for flight insurance.  Although we never anticipate inclement weather or emergencies to happen, there are circumstances that are out of our hands.  Give yourself the peace of mind when you book!  We will not be responsible for covering flight expenses in the event of a cancellation. 

Payment Information: 

You have the option to Pay In Full or to Pay Installments.  However, if you prefer to pay installments, a $395 deposit will secure your spot and we will arrange monthly payments set to be paid in full by July 15th 2020.  Installment payments will need to be arranged through Tiffany Langdon's personal pay pal account since this website doesn't accept installment payments.  Also, international transactions (outside of the US) will have an additional charge of 4% due to international fees (sorry, these are beyond our control!) 

How to Set Up Installments: 

To set installments, a $395 deposit must be provided to secure your space.  In the registration form, choose 'offline payment' at the VERY bottom of the page.  You will see instructions that will guide you to the next steps.  You will send your $395 deposit to PayPal tiffanylangdon@gmail.com (please use personal account) and make sure you send dollars instead of euros (euros sometimes is the default in PayPal).  Once your deposit is received, an invoice will be provided detailing the breakdown of the remaining balance to be paid in full by July 15th 2020.  If you have any questions before booking feel free to email tiffanylangdon@gmail.com.  

Refund/Cancellation Policy and International Transactions:

Please read the refund/cancellation policy completely!  Although we never anticipate a cancellation, we know that unforeseen circumstances could arise.  If you need to cancel prior to January 1st 2020, you will receive full refund except the deposit ($395). You may, however, transfer your deposit to another person as you wish.  If you need to cancel after January 1st 2020, you will receive a 50% refund.  You may, however, transfer your deposit to another person as you wish.  Due to arrangements made with vacation hosts and reservations for activities etc, there are no exceptions to this policy.  Once you place your deposit, you have a choice to pay the retreat in full or pay installments.  If you choose to pay installments the retreat cost must be paid in full by July 15th, 2020.  

As mentioned above, we HIGHLY recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance. Travel insurance companies like TRAVEL GUARD offer policies that insure your investment in case you need to cancel (including “cancel for any reason” coverages), coverages for expenses incurred due to weather & travel delays, personal property loss and emergency travel medical.  Please review policies carefully to choose the coverage you need.