7 Day Mandali Experience

The 7 Day Mandali Experience is a wellness 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, a week of yoga, meditation, qigong, silence and time in nature for anyone who wants to step away from daily demands and rest. Mandali's own teachers lead it, and the retreat is held in English.

The idea is simple: find your own rhythm. You can join as much or as little of the programme as you like.

What to Expect

The week begins with a welcome gathering where participants and teachers meet, the programme is explained, and you hear about the surroundings. After that the design is largely yours. Some people rise for the early class, others sleep in and take a quiet breakfast.

The programme offers:

- Guided meditation twice a day
- Yoga twice a day, with qigong in place of or alongside it when the posted schedule lists it
- Periods of silence
- Nature walks
- Open themed sessions, each drawn from a Mandali teacher's own speciality
- Use of the Body Care Centre

The sample daily schedule runs roughly like this: morning yoga or qigong from 07:15, breakfast in silence, a guided nature walk in the mid-morning, meditation around midday, lunch, a themed workshop at 16:00, a second yoga or qigong session at 17:30, dinner at 19:00, and an evening meditation at 20:30. The schedule you receive on arrival is the one to follow. On the final morning there is an early practice, breakfast, and a closing circle with meditation before lunch and a 2 PM departure.

The Setting

Mandali sits above a lake, and the grounds hold scenic hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens. Guests stay in cosy rooms on the property, many with a veranda that works well for quiet sitting. The front desk can suggest trails and points of interest if you want a gentle walk.

The Body Care Centre has a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and the hot tub looks out over the lake. Massages and therapies are available at extra cost. Practice rooms are equipped with yoga and meditation props.

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

Before You Go

The programme is made for everybody, and no prior experience is needed. Because you choose how much to attend, it suits both newcomers and regular practitioners.

Check-in is at 2 PM on the first day, with the programme starting at 3 PM. The stay covers six nights.

Included:

- Six nights of accommodation
- Three vegetarian meals a day, plus tea time and snacks
- Four daily classes in meditation and movement
- Daily themed sessions
- Welcoming and closing meetings
- Access to the Body Care Centre

Not included:

- Flights to and from Malpensa International Airport
- Transfers to and from the retreat centre
- Massages and therapies

Past guests describe a place that is comfortable, quiet and attentive, where it becomes easier to slow down and hear your own thoughts.