3 Day Mandali Experience

The 3 Day Mandali Experience is a short wellness retreat in Italy for anyone who wants to slow down, rest and reconnect with themselves. It is Mandali's signature in-house programme, held at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area. Yoga, meditation, qigong, silence and time in nature make up the days, led by the centre's own team of teachers. It is open to all levels and held in English.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for three days and two nights, and the idea is that you set your own pace. You can take part in as much or as little of the programme as you wish. Rise for an early class or sleep in and have a quiet breakfast. Sit on your veranda, walk the grounds or soak in the hot tub overlooking the lake.

Arrival is a gentle start. Check-in opens in the early afternoon, and the group gathers for a welcome to meet the other participants and teachers, hear how the programme works and learn about the surroundings. The front desk can suggest trails and points of interest if you would like a walk.

The programme offers guided meditation twice a day and yoga or qigong twice a day. Qigong is offered only when the schedule given on arrival says so. There are periods of silence, nature walks, and an open themed session shaped by a Mandali teacher's speciality.

A typical full day, as sampled in the schedule, looks like this:

- Morning yoga or qigong, followed by breakfast in silence
- A guided nature walk or free time in the morning
- Midday meditation, then lunch
- An afternoon themed workshop or open session
- Evening yoga or qigong, dinner, and a closing meditation at about half past eight

On the last morning there is a practice, breakfast in silence, and a closing circle with meditation before lunch and an early afternoon departure.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center sits in the hills of Quarna Sopra, with scenic hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens close by. Inside you will find peaceful practice rooms, with yoga and meditation props provided, and cosy rooms for resting.

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

Meals are vegetarian and freshly prepared: three a day, with tea, fruit and snacks between them.

Before You Go

The programme is designed for everybody, whether you are new to yoga and meditation or already practise. Nobody is expected to follow the whole schedule.

Included are two nights of accommodation, all meals with tea time and snacks, four daily classes in meditation and movement, the bonus themed session, the 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.

Past guests describe the stay as calming and restful, with comfortable rooms, kind teachers and good food. Several say the silence was what they valued most.