Croatia
September 21 – 28, 2024
Sept 21 – 28, 2024
The Other Retreat
Personal Practice Retreat
Come with Steffi Grube und Dani Augenstein to stunning Croatia!
We are so excited to host you in Croatia's most beautiful Yoga retreat!
Our stunning home is a beautiful farm estate- located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, northern Croatia, not too far from the Slovenian and Italian borders. This part of Croatia is known for its gentle and mysterious ancient energy, felt through the story and history of the picturesque local towns, delicious food, nourishing supporting lands, and crystal clear Adriatic sea.
As far back as ancient times, Romans recognized the magic of this area as an ideal site for their summer residences and villae rusticae with olive oil processing facilities, surrounded by natural beauties and mild climate.
A land rich in fruits of the earth, diligent people and geographically located at the intersection of many roads. Coastal Istria is the most developed part of the Croatian Adriatic in terms of tourism, offering high tourist standards and always ranked as the leading tourist destination.
However, inland Istria is the place for true bon-vivants. People seeking peace and tranquility, who want to wake up in a charming, peaceful place made just for them.
So close to the swarming summer crowds, yet so far away from it all, in the very heart of the primeval beauty of this small peninsula. Secluded and surrounded by greenery, the privacy and splendor of our retreat is an oasis waiting for you. The proximity of the sea and city crowds, yet tucked away on an idyllic country estate of peace and tranquility will make this retreat an unforgettable experience.
The Property
Set on an idyllic Istrian estate surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, our home for the week is a collection of 2 restored traditional stone villas, offering a gorgeous blend of the old and new.
Our home is inspired by tradition and nature, creating an atmosphere of stillness and vibrancy of life. All villas have their own kitchen and swimming pool, are very spacious, beautifully furnished, and have a standard double bed (to share or book solo) or twin options.
Most rooms have ensuite bathrooms, are modernly equipped and tastefully decorated, and include Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Villa Cipresso stands separately, with its private swimming pool & 4 bedrooms. The new Villa Catalpa has 6 bedrooms and a large private swimming pool.
The Practice
On the first 2 days you will receive a 60 min personal private yoga lesson with either Steffi or Dani. The Private is a space for you to discuss your body and practice, your wishes and obstacles.
Based on the private you will get a personal practice plan - this series of asanas you will practice in the following retreat days every day. You decide when do you wanna practice. The Shala is all yours.
DAILY WORKSHOPS:
From Day 3 on you will have every morning a 2 hours workshop with input and a mixture of Kundalini Yoga, Meditation & Journaling.
The afternoon is free or set for your personal practice.
We, Steffi Grube & Dani Augenstein, have an experience of teaching yoga and meditation for over 15 years. Our retreats stand out not only because of our choice of the most stunning and quiet retreat places - but also because of our experience as yoga teachers and holistic advisers. We love to get to know you - or if we already do: to work with you again!
The Food
Every morning after practice we all will come together for a hearty, healthy & delicious brunch. You will get everything you need to feel nourished after the yoga session.
Every evening we will sit together and end the day with an exclusive dinner, made with a lot of love and soul.
We are convinced that a nourishing nutrition is key to a mindful and holistic healthy life. So we will do our best to create an outstanding experience whenever we come together to eat.
The Gardens
A glorious landscaped garden surrounds the villas, blending harmoniously into the bucolic rolling countryside, creating a calming atmosphere all around. There is an incredibly inviting covered outside terrace in front of the main house of Villa Catalpa with a dining area and a traditional open fireplace, as well as a very comfortable lounge.
They lead onto the fabulous heated swimming pool with stylish sun loungers and daybeds thoughtfully placed to enjoy both sun and shade.
A choice of outdoor lounge and dining areas offer plenty of options for quiet moments, this is a very unique retreat home in a very unique place for your very unique experience.
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Croatia is very well connected to the European railway network. From Germany you can reach Croatian or Italian cities easily by train.
The quiet village of Prascari is just a 40 minute drive from Pula airport.
Zagreb airport to Prascari is a 2.5hr drive, and the airport is directly connected to many European capitals.
Trieste airport to Prascari is a 90 min drive. Venice airport is 2.5 hours away. (Arriving in Croatia from Italy).
We recommend renting a car if you plan to explore the nearby lands during your stay, as the retreat takes place in a quiet area surrounded by nature.
We will connect everyone to share rental cars if wished.
Please don’t hesitate to write us any question concerning your itinerary: hello@thisisholy.de
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This will be your villa if you book a double or single room.
For retreaters who are in search of an authentic experience of traditional Istria in comfort and in style will find an absolute gem in the magnificent Villa Catalpa.
The large stone farmhouse was exquisitely restored with tremendous attention to detail, using locally sourced materials and traditional techniques, preserving the enormous charm of this amazing home.
With its two self-sufficient cottages within meters from the main house, it is a perfect accommodation for retreats who appreciate the opportunity for their own space.
Dominating the ground floor of the main house is an impressive, elongated room divided into intimate cooking, dining and living areas.
Each villa has its own pool.
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This will be your villa if you book a twin room:
The most distinctive and detached Villa Cipresso is set amidst lush greenery and flowers so that you can spend your time outside on the terrace, relaxing and enjoying yourself on the balconies or sun beds by the large pool. On the ground floor there is a spacious dining room with kitchen.
Upstairs there are 4 spacious and tastefully decorated twin bedrooms with modernly equipped en-suite bathrooms.
Each piece of furniture and decoration detail has been carefully chosen, using natural materials and modern, artfully balanced colors giving the villa an air of elegance and refinement.
Wherever you are seated or whatever view you may choose, there will always be an image of a pleasant and unforgettable vision of Istrian landscapes, the sweet smell of Mediterranean plants and view of the sun soaked meadows.
Both villas have its own pool.
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In each villa there is a seperate kitchen you can use - additional to your brunch and dinner.
• Fully equipped kitchen with 2 dishwashers
• 90 cm Oven and induction cooking field
• Toaster
• Juicepress
• Smoothie blender
• Miele Coffee machine
• American 2-door Fridge
• Icemaker
• Wine cooler
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There are different options:
Single, double (shared one big bed), twin (two separate beds).
Please note: Prices are per person, not per room. Prices include: accommodation, food (brunch & dinner) & yoga and meditation classes for the whole week.
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We highly suggest a travel insurance that covers your costs in case of unpredictable circumstances.
Should you need to cancel with more than 4 weeks before the start of the retreat you will have the option to search for a participant that takes your spot.
Should you not find a substitute or need to cancel within 4 weeks of the retreat starting date, under no circumstance will there be any refunds given for cancellation requests.
Due to non-recoverable payments that we must make in advance to secure the retreat, exceptions to our policies cannot be made for any reason, including (but not limited to) natural disasters, bad weather, acts of terrorism, illness, pandemics, health conditions, medical or personal or family or work emergencies, or change of mind.
If you cannot reach the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances such as (but not limited to) strikes, weather circumstances, and missed, delayed or canceled flights, fees remain nonrefundable. If you arrive late or need to leave early, you will not receive any refund on the remaining time of your scheduled stay.
WHAT TO DO IN CROATIA
A stay in Istria offers countless possibilities and activities. From the opportunity to become one with nature while enjoying peace and retreating, to numerous activities in the surrounding areas.
History and culture lovers will discover the magnificence of Byzantine mosaic, medieval frescoes, prehistoric archaeological sites and UNESCO's monuments, as well as those from Roman times.
Within an hour you can visit Pula’s Arena, or stroll the ancient streets of Rovinj, Motovun, Groznjan or Porec. Istria's rich and eventful history, peoples and civilizations who left their imprint are an inspiration for exploring the artistic towns and tales of their past. This region is rightfully often referred to as "magical Istria". Please contact us for further information about activities you might like to do and we can support in designing an itinerary.
Room Options & Investment
1890 €
Single Room
You will stay in Villa Catalpa.
you will have your room just for you
180x200 cm King-Size Boxspring bed
Armchair and relax area
Table and chair
En-suite bathroom with shower or bathtub
each villa has it’s own living room, kitchen and pool free to use
1490 €
Twin Room without balcony
You will stay in Villa Cipresso.
you share the room with another person but you will have your own bed
Chair and desk
shared bathroom (with another twin room) with shower
shared living room
each villa has it’s own living room, kitchen and pool
Please note: Price is per person- not per room
1590 €
Twin Room with balcony
You will stay in Villa Cipresso.
you share the room with another person but you will have your own bed
Chair and desk
private access to balcony
en-suite or shared bathroom (with another twin room) with shower
shared living room
each villa has it’s own living room, kitchen and pool
Please note: Price is per person- not per room
1590 €
Luxurious Double Room
You will stay in Villa Catalpa.
you will share this room and your bed with one other person (partner or friend)
180x200 cm King-Size Boxspring bed
Sofa in seating area
Table and chair
En-suite bathroom with shower or bathtub and towel heater
some have access to the balcony (first come)
each villa has it’s own living room, kitchen and pool
Please note: Price is per person- not per room
1690 €
Studio
You will stay in an Annex of Villa Catalpa and share this large & luxurious space with another person.
A beautiful inner courtyard hides this charming guest house just behind Villa Catalpa
a complete STUDIO with kitchenette
Pantry kitchen with fridge, cooking field, grill oven, coffee machine and dishwasher
180x200 cm King-Size Boxspring bed (shared)
Sofa
En-suite bathroom with shower
private Garden
Please note: Price is per person- not per room