Apulia Yoga Escape 2021

YogApulia is a boutique retreat centre exclusively for yoga and meditation practice, set up and run by dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioners Mark & Nicola, their intention is to create an intimate space in tune with the natural rhythm of nature where guests can escape from the demands of the modern world to deepen their practice in the beautiful, peaceful setting of the Valle d’Itria in Apulia, Southern Italy. The retreat centre is set in 2.5 acres of grounds in a valley filled with olive and almond groves.

Accommodation consists of six twin rooms and one double room all with a private ensuite bathroom. All rooms have been renovated to a high standard using locally sourced materials, to create a luxurious yet simple and understated feel. A large outdoor courtyard provides the main communal eating space, and several outdoor terraces offer a place to relax in the sun or the shade.

Situated at the heart of the complex, the swimming pool acts like a colourful meeting point – with the blue water combining with the green olive trees and the red soil.

Yoga has been in Emiliana’s life since her childhood, when her mother took her along to yoga practice with her Sivananda teacher. Ever since, yoga was a powerful sacred place where she could nourish and resource herself. After growing up in Venezuela, she moved to Paris, France, where she studied and worked in the film industry, keeping always a yoga practice, trying different styles from Bikram, to Ashtanga Vinyasa, to Hatha. Feeling more and more attracted to this tradition, she finally started her training as a Hatha yoga teacher with the FFHY, and went on training with a 200 hour YTT in 2016, a 300 hour YTT in 2017, Prenatal and Afterbirth Yoga with De Gasquet method, and in January 2020 she was back in India training with one of her teachers, Yogi Trupta. 

Very attached to the tradition and history behind yoga, she studies Sanskrit and regularly takes courses on yoga philosophy. She likes being a student as much as she likes to transmit what she has experienced and learnt. Established since 2016 in south-west France, she teaches both in-person and online classes and workshops, as well as retreats. Emiliana’s blog is also a way to share further with her students.

After 20 years in the Luxury Hotels business, Yoga came into my life and changed it completely. I have a 200hours YTT certificate from Ayuryoga Echo Ashram in India and realized that my strength is connecting people, organizing, sharing my love for travels and for yoga through Amorescapes. I love to create unique yoga retreat experiences, journeys to inspire other travelers in their quest of finding joy, balance and well-being while discovering the world! Each retreat is different and tailor made with the insight and expertise of the yoga teacher who will lead the retreat. All the yoga teachers working with us have a unique and authentic voice and message to share and I know them all personally and have practiced with them. Our yoga retreats take place in carefully selected locations that we have visited first. So, you can be reassured that the retreat locations will feel like a home away from home featuring breathtaking scenery, warmth, authenticity as well as a touch of luxury.