4 Day Easter Mandali Experience

The 4 Day Easter Mandali Experience is a wellness retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, Piedmont, Italy. It is the centre's signature in-house programme, built for anyone who wants to step away from daily demands, rest, and reconnect with themselves through meditation, yoga, qigong, time in nature and periods of silence. This Easter edition adds an evening of dance and a guided breathwork journey. The programme is taught in English and is curated for everybody, so no previous experience is needed.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for four days and three nights, guided by the Mandali team of teachers. On arrival you are welcomed as a group to meet the other participants and teachers, hear how the programme works and learn about the surroundings. From there, the shape of your stay is yours. You can join as much or as little as you like, rising for an early class or sleeping in and taking a quiet breakfast.

The programme offers:

- Guided meditation twice daily
- Yoga, and on some days qigong, twice daily (qigong is offered only when the schedule given on arrival says so)
- Periods of silence, including breakfast in silence
- Nature walks
- A guided Breathwork Journey
- An evening of dance, with a gong bath as another evening option
- Open themed sessions that draw on each teacher's speciality

The sample daily rhythm begins with yoga or qigong in the early morning, followed by breakfast, then a late-morning meditation. A themed workshop comes in the afternoon, then another yoga or qigong class before dinner. Evenings close with a gong bath or dance, or with a seated meditation. Arrival day opens with a circle in the late afternoon, and departure day finishes with a closing circle and meditation, lunch, and departure in the afternoon. Between sessions there is open time to rest, walk or soak.

The Setting

Mandali sits in the hills above the lake in Quarna Sopra. The grounds include scenic hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens, and the front desk can point you to trails and points of interest nearby. Rooms are cosy and welcoming, and several have verandas that suit quiet meditation. Peaceful practice rooms host the classes, and yoga and meditation props are provided.

The Body Care Centre, with its pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, is open to all participants. Meals are freshly prepared vegetarian dishes, three a day, with tea and fruit offered throughout the day.

Before You Go

Check-in begins in the early afternoon on the first day, and the programme starts at 3 PM. The retreat is open to all levels, and you decide how much of the schedule to join.

Included are three nights of accommodation, three vegetarian meals a day plus tea time and snacks, four daily classes of meditation and movement, bonus themed sessions, welcoming and closing meetings, and use of the Body Care Centre facilities.

Not included are flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the retreat centre, and massages or therapies at the Body Care Centre, which carry an extra cost.