Imagine… waking up to the lake breeze floating through your window, sipping your morning cappuccino while gazing over the water and mountains, joining intentional yoga and pilates classes designed to help you envision your dreams, and gaining the confidence you need to embody those dreams. Enjoying this time to put you first, to cater to your inner desires, and to leave feeling refreshed and renewed.

Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality?

Join us for a 6 day / 5 night trip to the lake and mountains region of northern Italy, to rediscover your passion, and leave feeling equipped with the tools to embody your dreams.

Have you become so used to putting everyone first that finding the time to show up for yourself often ends up at the bottom of the list?

Now’s the time to invest in YOU. In your health, your wellness, and your dreams. This isn’t just a beautiful holiday, and it isn’t just a week of kick butt classes, it’s an opportunity to dive deep, to reflect on your dreams and desires, and to get the support and guidance to actualize them.

The location

Nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy, Villa Porta is a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by lush, centuries-old gardens and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. With its private beach, winding garden paths, beautiful historic architecture and inviting spaces overlooking the water, it feels like a little world of its own.

Our days here will be filled with movement, incredible food, time in nature and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down — whether that means swimming in the lake, relaxing along the water's edge, exploring the surrounding mountains and villages, or lingering over dinner as the sun sets over Lake Maggiore.

Elegant without feeling formal and luxurious without losing its warmth, Villa Porta is exactly what we are searching for: a beautiful place to move, breathe, connect and truly get away from it all.

In addition to twice-daily yoga and Pilates classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian countryside. Spend your days exploring nearby villages, hiking or biking through the mountains, taking to the lake by boat, or discovering the food, culture and natural beauty of Northern Italy.

And if your idea of the perfect retreat involves doing a little less — we fully support that too! Wander through Villa Porta’s beautiful gardens, book a massage, take a dip in the lake from the private beach, lounge by the water with a good book, relax in the hot tub, or simply find a quiet spot overlooking the mountains and soak it all in.

This retreat is yours to enjoy in whatever way feels best. Join every adventure, spend the week relaxing by the lake, or find your own perfect balance of both. The choice is completely yours.

The Food

Meals at Villa Porta are an experience in themselves — fresh, beautifully prepared and inspired by the flavors and traditions of Northern Italy. Using seasonal ingredients and locally sourced products whenever possible, the kitchen celebrates simple Italian cooking at its best, with dishes designed to be enjoyed slowly and shared together.

From leisurely breakfasts overlooking Lake Maggiore to colorful lunches and delicious dinners as the sun sets over the water, food will be an important part of our retreat experience. Expect fresh Mediterranean flavors, homemade Italian specialties, local produce and plenty of opportunities to sit back, pour a glass of wine and enjoy a beautiful meal with new friends.

A Day at Lake Maggiore

7:30 — Breakfast overlooking the lake
9:00 — Energizing morning Yoga + Pilates
11:00 — Brunch
12:00 — Explore, adventure or simply relax
4:30 — Relaxing afternoon practice and journaling
7:00 — Beautiful Italian dinner together

* we will offer a candle light yin yoga class on the evening of our arrival

Your Accommodation

Your home for the week will be one of Villa Porta’s beautiful rooms overlooking the gardens, lake, or surrounding mountains. Each room is individually designed with a warm, elegant Italian style and includes its own private ensuite bathroom, giving you a comfortable and peaceful space to unwind at the end of each day.

You’ll have the option to book a private room all to yourself or a shared room with two separate beds (pricing listed below). If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, simply let us know who you’d like to room with when you book.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll have all of Villa Porta just outside your door — beautiful gardens, Lake Maggiore, mountain views, and plenty of peaceful spaces to relax and make yourself at home.

What’s included

5 nights at Villa Porta
All meals
Twice-daily yoga + Pilates
Mats + props
Private beach, pool, spa + gardens
Arrival snack + welcome dinner
Final morning practice + breakfast/brunch

What’s not included

-Airfare. Once you book your flights, give us your flight details and we will arrange airport pick up for you!

-We’ll coordinate your airport transfer from Milan directly to Villa Porta so your arrival is seamless.The cost will vary between 15euro-95euro each way depending on how many people you are traveling with. You are welcome to arrange your own transport if this is something you are interested in. Villa Porta is about 90 minutes from the Milan airport.

-Extra activities. You will have the option to book boat tours, guided hiking or biking, cooking classes, or indulge in spa services, massage, facial, or sound healing. So many options! We’ve allowed time in the schedule for you to experience any of the above, or, you can simply chill on the beach or relax by the pool for no extra cost! Activities are an additional fee. There will be a sign up form at the hotel once we arrive, and you will have the chance to sign up directly with Villa Porta upon arrival. All activity charges will be added to your bill and paid at check out.

Your teachers

If you don’t know us already, here is a bit about your retreat leaders, Emma and Laura! This will be the fifth retreat we have led together! We will be offering a range of classes to leave you feeling inspired, refreshed, and relaxed, including yoga flow, pilates, and yin yoga. We love mixing both yin and yang styles, so you get the best of both worlds.

Emma

Emma has been teaching yoga since 2012, and loves to share her passion for movement with others so they can feel confident and powerful in their bodies. Emma lived in Asia for 15 years and loves traveling and adventures! She loves melding her passion for yoga and her desire for adventure to bring you the ultimate retreat experience! Emma has attended and taught retreats in Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam while living in Asia, and has led three retreats in Mexico and one in Portugal since moving stateside in 2022. She is so excited to extend her retreat offerings, and can’t wait to share the beauty of Italy with you!

Laura

Laura graduated from the Yoga College of India in 2003. Laura loves teaching yoga and helping students feel better physically and mentally. In 2012 Laura became the yoga studio owner of Sweet Heat! Since then, she has become certified in advanced yoga, Flow Yoga, inferno pilates, and Yin Yoga. She’s added each of these modalities to the sweet heat schedule to bring you an array of classes to challenge and motivate. The Yin classes at Sweet Heat have been an amazing compliment to our yang classes and lifestyle. Laura is excited to have you join us for this fabulous retreat!

Reviews:

What people are saying about our last 4 retreats led in Mexico and Portugal!

Your room and package options

Each of the room prices below is inclusive of 5 nights, and all retreat amenities listed above, and is PER PERSON. There is a limited quantity of each room, and while we will strive to give everyone their preference, it will be first come first serve basis.

-All of the prices listed below show the full price, and the early bird discount!

-Early bird discounts are available until January 31st.

-If you would like to put a $500 deposit down to save your spot, and room of choice, you can pay the remainder anytime before May 1st.

As long as you pay the deposit before January 31st, you are still eligible for the early bird discount*

FAQ

Can I come alone?

Yes! Many of our retreat attendees are solo travelers. Retreats are a great way to get the comfort and support so you don’t actually feel like you’re traveling alone. They’re also a great way to make some new friends!

I'm new to yoga/Pilates—is that okay?

Yes! We have quite a few retreaters join us each retreat who are new to pilates and/or yoga. Emma and Laura have both been teaching for well over a decade, and have loads of experience creating modifications and variations for our students, so everyone feels safe and comfortable yet challenged.

Which airport should I fly into?

Milan, Italy. Which is a direct flight from Boston!

How will I get to Villa Porta?

We will arrange transportation for you, and pick you up directly at the airport! It’s about a 90 minute drive through the scenic countryside to get to Porta Villa.

What are the optional activities and what do they cost?

We have an array of optional activities for you to choose from, including guided hikes and bike rides, cooking classes, and boat tours. There will be a registration sheet with a description of all the activities and times that they are available, where you can sign up! The price ranges from around 50-100 euros depending on the activity.

Can I skip classes/activities?

Yes absolutely. This is your retreat, and we encourage you to make it your own.

What should I pack?

The temps will be mid to high 70s in the day, and 50-60s at night. We suggest plenty of yoga wear and comfortable clothes to move in, as well as a bathing suit, and some light layers. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses! A more detailed list will be emailed closer to the retreat start date!

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes 100%! When you register, you will be asked for any dietary restrictions, we will pass these along to Villa Porta.

Do I need a passport

Yes! Current processing times are 4-6 weeks, or for an extra charge, expedited processing times are 2-3 weeks.

What is the cancelation policy?

In case of cancellation, 3 weeks before the arrival date, 50% of amount paid will be reimbursed. In case of cancellation within less than 3 weeks before the course start date, no refund is possible, and the booking is non-transferable.

When does the early bird discount end?

It will end January 31st, and then the crossed out price you see listed will be enacted, so we suggest you book earlier to get the discount!

What if I’m traveling solo, but I want to do the shared room option?

We will do our best to accommodate everyone’s room choices, and if you are happy to share a room with someone you don’t know, we will do our best to match you accordingly. If you are more comfortable having a room to yourself, this is also a good choice!

Can I extend my stay either before or after the retreat dates?

Yes, we will connect you directly with Villa Porta to book additional nights before or after the retreat. Please note that the same room might not be available, and you might have to change rooms, based on availability.

Maybe this is your year to say yes.

Six days in Italy. Lake mornings, mountain views, movement, incredible food, new friends and time that belongs entirely to you.

Come dream with us.