New Year Retreat at Mandali: 7 Day Experience

This seven-day New Year retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, Piedmont, Italy, is a wellness retreat for anyone who wants to cross into the new year through meditation, yoga and qigong, community and music rather than the noise of a typical celebration. Workshops are led by Nishta and Evangelos, with drumming sessions led by Italian drummer and musician Mauro. It is open to all levels, and the week is held in English.

This year's theme is the power of community, collective creation, music and rhythm. The week offers time to rest, reflect and move, and to take part in as much or as little of the programme as you wish.

What to Expect

The programme runs for six nights. It combines twice-daily guided meditation, twice-daily yoga or qigong, periods of silence, nature walks and themed sessions curated by the teachers. Workshops cover conscious movement, creative exploration and drumming. The week closes the year with a New Year celebration ceremony, with Mauro's music helping the group cross into 2027.

Arrival day begins with check-in at 2 PM and a welcoming meeting at 3:30 PM, where you meet the other participants and teachers and hear about the programme and the surroundings. The evening continues with yoga, dinner and a meditation.

On the full days the rhythm is steady:

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

On the last day there is early yoga or qigong, breakfast, some free time, and a closing meeting with meditation from 10:30 to 12:00. Lunch follows, and departure is at 2 PM.

Your Hosts and Teachers

Nishta and Evangelos lead the workshops, guiding conscious movement, creative exploration and practices meant to awaken both body and soul. Mauro is a gifted Italian drummer and musician whose work carries both depth and joy. He leads the drumming workshops and helps the group welcome the new year with music, connection and celebration.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center sits in Quarna Sopra, in Piedmont. The grounds include peaceful practice rooms, contemplative outdoor nooks, permaculture gardens and scenic hiking trails. The front desk can suggest trails and points of interest if you would like a gentle walk.

Rooms are described as cosy and welcoming. Meals are freshly prepared and vegetarian, three a day, with tea, fruit and snacks through the day. The Body Care Centre, with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, is open to guests. Yoga and meditation props are provided.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed. You choose the sessions that suit your energy.

Included are six nights of accommodation, all meals with tea time and snacks, four daily classes in meditation and movement, themed sessions each day, the welcoming and closing meetings, and access to the Body Care Centre.

Not included are flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the retreat center, and massage or therapies at the Body Care Centre.