Our Yoga Retreats: From Amboli to Europe
Whether in the quiet hills of Amboli or our seasonal retreats in Italy, our locations are chosen to support deep practice, discipline, and a return to the Self.
The spacious wooden deck at our Italy retreat location in Sardinia, surrounded by trees with a view of the sea. This is where we practice our morning asanas and evening meditation.
The spacious wooden deck at our Italy retreat location in Sardinia, surrounded by trees with a view of the sea. This is where we practice our morning asanas and evening meditation.
The spacious wooden deck at our Italy retreat location in Sardinia, surrounded by trees with a view of the sea. This is where we practice our morning asanas and evening meditation.
The simple, rustic interior of our accommodation in Sardinia. The natural wood and tranquil setting provide a peaceful space for rest and reflection after a day of yoga practice.
A view of one of the wooden cabins nestled amongst the trees at our Italy retreat. The location is designed to help you feel completely immersed in nature.
The entrance to our retreat location in Sardinia, Italy. The rustic gate opens onto a path that leads you away from the world and into a space of peace and spiritual practice.
A quiet corner for meditation and kirtan inside one of our retreat spaces in Italy. We create a spiritual atmosphere with traditional instruments like the tabla and harmonium.
The stunning natural landscape of Sardinia, Italy, with its unique rock formations. Even the local wildlife, like this friendly cat, adds to the charm and tranquility of the retreat.
The stunning natural landscape of Sardinia, Italy, with its unique rock formations. Even the local wildlife, like this friendly cat, adds to the charm and tranquility of the retreat.
Another view of the yoga deck built amongst the trees in Sardinia. Practicing here allows for a deep connection with the surrounding forest and fresh air.
About Sanctuaries for the Soul: Our Retreat Locations
Whether you choose the quiet hills of Amboli or our seasonal retreats in Italy, these spaces are designed to strip away the noise. In our Amboli ashram, you live the rhythm of traditional ashram life, which includes early morning starts, mandatory karma yoga, and simple, sattvic meals. In our international retreats, we bring that same depth into nature-based settings, ensuring the focus remains entirely on your sadhana (spiritual practice) rather than tourism.
Living the Ashram Life in Amboli
Our base in Amboli, Maharashtra, is not a luxury resort. It is a place for disciplined study and spiritual reflection. Life here follows a strict schedule: we wake at 5:20 AM and lights go out at 10:00 PM. Expect to participate in daily karma yoga, where you contribute to the running of the ashram—whether that is gardening or helping in the kitchen. Meals are simple, spice-free, and vegetarian, served twice a day at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The accommodation is rustic, with wooden cots, mosquito nets, and no air conditioning. This simplicity is intentional, helping you move past physical comforts to focus on your inner state.
International Nature Retreats
Our international retreats, such as those in Italy, follow the same core philosophy but are set in stunning natural environments like forests or near the sea. We keep these groups intentionally small—capped at 14 participants—to ensure Swami Govindananda can provide personal guidance. These retreats are intensive, typically involving four hours of asana practice and two hours of philosophy and meditation study every day.
What to Expect
Regardless of the location, you are coming here to learn. Our retreats are grounded in the five points of yoga: asana (proper exercise), pranayama (proper breathing), savasana (proper relaxation), sattvic diet, and meditation. You should come prepared for:
- Discipline: A structured daily routine is the foundation of our teaching.
- Study: Expect rigorous sessions on Vedanta philosophy and the Yoga Sutras.
- Community: You will be living alongside like-minded seekers, fostering a supportive sangha.
If you are looking for a yoga holiday with leisure time and modern amenities, this is likely not the right fit. However, if you are seeking a traditional, authentic environment to deepen your knowledge of yoga, we welcome you.
Govindananda Saraswati
We are Sivananda Yoga Vidya Peetham, founded by Swami Govindananda. We don't just run retreats; we hold space for genuine self-discovery rooted in the traditional teachings of our Guru. We are here for those who want to move past simple stretching and touch the essence of their own inner spark.
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