5 Day Mandali Experience

The 5 Day Mandali Experience is a yoga and meditation retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area of Italy. It is the centre's signature in-house programme, made for anyone who wants to step away from the demands of daily life, rest properly and reconnect with themselves. Teachers from the Mandali team lead the days, and the retreat is held in English.

The focus is simplicity. Yoga, meditation, time in nature and quiet self-care make up the programme, and you decide how much of it to take part in.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for five days and four nights. It begins with check-in at 2 PM and a welcome at 3 PM on the first day. The group meets in an opening circle, where you get to know the other participants and the teachers, hear how the programme works and learn about the surroundings. At the front desk you can ask about trails and points of interest if you would like to plan a gentle walk.

The daily rhythm is steady. A sample day looks like this:

- 07:45 to 08:30, morning meditation
- 08:30 to 09:30, breakfast in silence
- 09:30 to 10:45, guided nature walk
- 11:30 to 12:45, yoga or qigong
- 13:00 to 14:00, lunch
- 16:00 to 17:00, themed workshop
- 17:30 to 18:45, yoga or qigong
- 19:00 to 20:00, dinner
- 20:30 to 21:15, evening meditation

Qigong is offered only when the schedule, given on arrival, says so. The themed sessions draw on the speciality of each Mandali teacher. On the last morning there is an early yoga or qigong practice, then breakfast, a closing circle with meditation, and lunch. Departure is at 14:00.

Participation is optional. You can rise for an early class or sleep in and have a quiet, unhurried breakfast. You might soak in the hot tub overlooking the lake, rest in your room, meditate on your veranda or walk the grounds. Periods of silence are part of the programme.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center sits in Quarna Sopra, with hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens nearby. The centre has peaceful practice rooms, and yoga and meditation props are provided. Rooms are described as comfortable and cosy, with space to rest between sessions.

The Body Care Centre has a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, all open to guests during the retreat. Massages and therapies are available there at an extra cost.

Meals are freshly prepared and vegetarian: breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tea and fruit through the day.

Before You Go

The programme is open to all levels, and you are encouraged to find your own pace, joining as many or as few sessions as you like.

Included in the retreat:

- four nights of accommodation
- three vegetarian meals a day, plus tea time and snacks
- four daily classes in meditation and movement
- a bonus themed session each day
- welcoming and closing meetings
- access to the Body Care Centre

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.