6 Day Mandali Experience

The 6 Day Mandali Experience is a wellness retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, Italy. Built around yoga, meditation, qigong, silence and time in nature, it is Mandali's signature in-house programme for anyone who wants to step away from daily demands, rest, and reconnect with themselves. It is led by the centre's own team of teachers and held in English.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for six days and five nights. On arrival, the group gathers for an opening circle to meet the other participants and teachers, hear how the programme works, and learn about the surroundings. From there, the shape of your stay is largely yours. You can join as much or as little of the schedule as you like, rise for an early class or sleep in and take a slow breakfast.

A typical full day begins with morning meditation at 07:45, followed by breakfast taken in silence. Mid-morning brings a guided nature walk, then a yoga or qigong class before lunch. The afternoon holds a themed workshop led by one of the Mandali teachers, a second yoga or qigong session in the early evening, dinner, and an evening meditation at 20:30. Qigong is offered only where the schedule, given on arrival, says so.

The final morning starts with yoga or qigong practice, then breakfast, a closing circle with meditation, and lunch, with departure at 14:00. Across the week there are periods of silence, which gives it the feel of a gentle silent meditation retreat, though it is not a fully silent one.

The Setting

Mandali's grounds include permaculture gardens, contemplative outdoor nooks and hiking trails, and the hot tub looks out over the lake. The front desk can suggest walks and points of interest nearby. Inside are peaceful practice rooms, with yoga and meditation props provided, and cosy guest rooms where you can sit and meditate on your veranda.

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

Meals are freshly prepared and vegetarian, three a day, with tea and fruit throughout the day.

Before You Go

The programme is open to all levels. Nobody is expected to follow every session, and you set your own pace.

- Included: five nights of accommodation, three vegetarian meals a day plus tea time and snacks, four daily meditation and movement classes, a themed session each day, welcoming and closing meetings, and use of the Body Care Centre facilities.
- Not included: flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the retreat centre, and massages or therapies at the Body Care Centre.
- Arrival: check-in opens at 2 PM on the first day, and the programme begins at 3 PM.
- Language: English.

Past guests describe the rooms as comfortable, the food as delicious and the teachers as lovely, and some say the silence helped them hear their own inner voice.