Indulge Italy Yoga Retreat

The Indulge Italy Yoga Retreat is an eight-day, seven-night yoga retreat in the hills around Urbino, in Italy's Marche region. It is led by Vikram Hirani and hosted by Create Space Yoga. Daily Iyengar-rooted practice sits alongside time for culture, food, wine and rest. It suits people of all ages and experience levels who want a slow, well-fed week in the Italian countryside rather than a strenuous one.

What to Expect

Each day begins with breakfast overlooking the foothills, and yoga is practised daily with views across the rolling hills. The rest of the schedule is unhurried, with a mix of outings and open time.

The first evening starts with a stroll around the resort, a poolside aperitif, yoga and a group dinner. The following days ease into the rhythm of the region with a two-hour spa and sauna session, a guided walking tour of Urbino's medieval streets, and a hands-on Italian cooking class with an experienced chef. A tour of the resort's organic vineyard, farm and winery ends with a wine tasting.

Two day trips take you further afield. One goes to Pesaro on the Adriatic coast, with free time for shops, the beach or the sights, followed by dinner at Gibas Restaurant overlooking the sea. The other goes to the republic of San Marino, with ancient streets, panoramic views and time for duty-free shopping. One full day is left open for the pool and spa, and the resort can arrange horse riding or e-biking for anyone who wants a more active day. The retreat also includes a visit to Raphael's birthplace in Urbino. The final morning is a last breakfast and departure.

About Vikram Hirani

Vikram Hirani has long been part of the Create Space Yoga retreat team, known for a grounding presence and a gentle, heart-led way of teaching that blends traditional yoga wisdom with an accessible, modern style. He first visited Rishikesh as a child and returned at eighteen, and he began his yoga practice at nineteen with Hatha yoga there. He went on to study Iyengar yoga under senior teachers in Rishikesh, Bombay and Hong Kong. He holds a Master's in Yoga from Sanskrit University in India, is E-RYT 200 certified with Yoga Alliance and Santosh Yoga, and has completed the Yoga Vedanta Course at Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh. His classes follow the B.K.S. Iyengar system and aim at inner work as much as physical practice. In his words, "It's not a workout, it's work within."

The Setting

Urbino is a medieval city at the foothills of the Northern and Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its history and architecture, including the Palazzo Ducale. You stay for seven nights at a four-star countryside resort that combines rustic elegance with modern comfort. It has a pool, a spa and sauna, and an on-site restaurant. Rooms are available as twin share, triple share or single. Evening meals are slow and unhurried, and one is held in the vineyard. Return airport transfers are included.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome, and no prior yoga experience is needed. The price includes:

- seven nights of four-star accommodation
- daily breakfast and dinners
- a curated wine tasting
- an Italian cooking class
- fine dining with wine pairing at Gibas Restaurant and at Palazzo Giusti Bistrot
- a resort tour of the organic vineyard, farm and winery
- a guided walking tour of Urbino
- day trips to Pesaro and San Marino
- two-hour wellness and sauna sessions at Palazzo Giusti Spa and at the resort
- return airport transfers

Horse riding and e-biking are optional extras arranged through the resort. A payment plan is available when booking.