Italy Retreats

At the tranquil Locanda Della Quercia Calante, Umbria

Locanda Della Quercia Calante, Orvieto

26th June to 2nd July 2027

A retreat for yoga enthusiasts set in the quiet, unspoilt countryside of Umbria, at the beautiful Locanda della Quercia Calante. Rachel has been returning here for over ten years, drawn by the peaceful rural setting, the fully equipped Iyengar Yoga studio, the expansive landscape, and the warm, nourishing hospitality.

Surrounded by rolling hills, oak trees, and open skies, this is a place to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself fully in yoga practice. All bedrooms have air-conditioning and the studio floor has a cooling system plus over head fans. Check out our Gallery page for photos of previous retreats.

Food from the Locanda Kitchen

Meals are lovingly prepared using fresh, organic produce from the Locanda’s own farm. The cuisine reflects traditional Umbrian and Tuscan cooking, with a focus on seasonal, home-cooked food.

The menu is mainly vegetarian and vegan, with some fish options available. Gluten-free and other dietary requirements can be catered for with care.

A much-loved highlight of the week is Maria’s pizza night, freshly made on site in the authentic wood-fired oven, with delicious gluten-free and vegan options also provided.

The Locanda’s thoughtfully curated wine list features quality natural wines that honour local traditions and sustainable practices.

Accommodation & Grounds

All rooms are en-suite and feature air conditioning, private outdoor seating areas, and a simple yet elegant Umbrian style with terracotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and stone walls. The Locanda uses solar energy throughout and has an advanced climate control system. Rooms are free from electromagnetic fields, supporting deep rest and relaxation.

The gardens are a sanctuary in themselves, home to a rare spring-water swimming pool set among volcanic rock. Shaped like a natural lake and divided into three cascading levels, the pool includes gentle waterfalls and a central whirlpool bath — a truly special place to unwind after practice.

Exploring Umbria

The final afternoon offers time to explore nearby treasures such as Orvieto, the dramatic hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio, or natural thermal spas including San Casciano dei Bagni and the romantic stone pools of Bagno Vignoni.

Yoga & Practice

The retreat offers two fully equipped indoor yoga studios and an outdoor practice pavilion, all overlooking the gardens. One indoor studio includes a rope wall, supporting precise alignment-based and therapeutic work. The studios are light-filled, calm, and inviting, with ceiling fans and sensitive lighting to support both dynamic and restorative practice.

Daily yoga sessions are carefully structured to suit your level of experience. This particular retreat is aimed at students with a regular yoga practice, ready for an immersion into Iyengar yoga.

Morning classes are more active and energising, while afternoon sessions focus on quieter, reflective sequences and guided practices to draw the attention inward.

On the final day, there is an optional early morning guided practice before breakfast, followed by an extended asana class before lunch. The final afternoon is left free for rest or exploration.