Life As An Offering: Jivamukti Yoga Retreat

May 23rd - May 29th, 2026 • Valenza, Italy

The Sanskrit term 'sādhana' means a dedicated, disciplined, and consistent practice. It is a means of achieving a deeper connection with the Self and the universe. It’s essentially the process of moving toward our highest potential. Having a yogic sādhana is an ongoing practice that helps us to embody presence, discipline, and awareness in everything we do.

During this retreat with Gunnhildur and Sheila, you will dive deeply into yogic practices such as asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation, chanting and mindful living.

Sādhana is a daily commitment, a way of cultivating mindfulness, inner strength, and spiritual awareness

"The real yoga is what you do with your life, how you conduct yourself in your relationships. It’s not just about being able to stand on your head; it’s about being able to stand on your own two feet and walk through the world with integrity, compassion, and grace."

- David Life

Together you will explore how to translate the principles of Yoga into every aspect of our lives

You’ll explore how the discipline, mindfulness, and strength cultivated on the mat through sādhana can become tools for navigating the complexities of daily living.

What your days will look like

In the mornings, Sheila and Gunny will guide you through an extended morning practice, including talks about yogic philosophy and how it applies to everyday life, mantra chanting, pranayama and meditation combined with an intense Jivamukti Yoga based asana practice.

The afternoons are dedicated to workshop-style formats where we dive deep into certain asana groups such as backbends or inversions, explore individual challenges in asana labs, but also turn towards more gentle practices such as grounding Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra. On some evenings we gather to chant in a kirtan and hold rituals of togetherness.

Through discussions and personal reflection, we’ll explore how Yoga can become a way of life. You’ll gain insights on how to integrate the benefits of your practice into your relationships, work, and mindset, allowing Yoga to support you in every aspect of your journey.

Sample Schedule

08.00 — Tea, coffee, fruit
08.30 — Meditation, Pranayama
09.00 — Extended Morning Practice
11:00 — Brunch
Mid-day — Free time, optional workshops, massages, excursions
15.00 — Light snack
16.00 — Afternoon Practice
19.30 — Dinner

Retreat location

Villa Pravernara • Str. Pratovernara, 12, 15048 Valenza AL, Italy

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Piemonte, Villa Pravernara provides the perfect setting to bask in the late-spring Italian sun. Surrounded by nature and the beauty of the Italian countryside, you’ll have the space to unwind, reflect, and connect deeply with yourself and your practice.

The retreat chef, Caro Gante, is offering nourishing, vegan meals, pouring all her creativity onto each and every plate. Connect with like-minded people, treat yourself to a massage or enjoy a walk through the little village of Valenza while enjoying vegan ice cream.

Join this retreat to explore the ways in which your Yoga practice can help you make gentle adjustments in your life that align you with your true purpose and values.

What’s included:

6 nights at Villa Pravernara
2 nourishing, homemade vegan meals a day, 1 snack
water, tea, coffee (mornings)
extended morning yoga classes, meditation, pranayama, chanting
afternoon workshops
opening + closing ceremonies
evening kirtan, sharing circles, ritual
1 excursion

What’s not included:

train or flights to Milan / Genoa
transfer to Villa Pravernara
optional workshops (i.e. creative workshops)
massages
travel insurance (recommended)

What to bring

Yoga equipment is available at our retreat location, however, if you prefer on to practice on your own mat, bring it with you
Towels and bed linen are available
Bring a beach/pool towel
Comfortable clothes suitable for movement and yoga and for the seasonal weather. In the summer it is usually hot and dry, but it can be a bit chilly from March to June and occasionally in October. You can check the weather report beforehand.
Shoes suitable for country walks
Personal toiletries, eg shampoo, shower gel etc.
Insect repellent
Cash in Euros for excursions, snacks, treatments and meals out

Pricing

€1,650.00
Newly renovated rooms where Italian 16th century elements meet modern minimalist design. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and soft sheets. The rooms have a private bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub.
€1,450.00
Newly renovated rooms where Italian 16th century elements meet modern minimalist design. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and soft sheets. The rooms have a private bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub. Option to sleep together or seperately.
€1,450.00
Newly renovated rooms where Italian 16th century elements meet modern minimalist design. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and soft sheets. The rooms have a private bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub. Option to sleep together or separately.
€1,350.00
Newly renovated room with original stone floors and minimalist, modern interior. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and soft sheets. Shared bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub.
€1,300.00
Newly renovated rooms where Italian 16th century elements meet modern minimalist design. All rooms are equipped with comfortable single beds and soft sheets. The rooms have a private bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub.
€1,250.00
Newly renovated rooms where Italian 16th century elements meet modern minimalist design. All rooms are equipped with comfortable single beds and soft sheets. Shared bathroom with toilet and shower or bathtub.

Deposit Payment

€500.00 is required as an installment payment for this retreat.

The remaining amount is due 14 days prior to the retreat via bank transfer.

Arrival day: Check-in from 16.00.
Departure day: Usually no yoga class;' 9.00 breakfast; Check out until 11.00

Arrival & Departure

Meet your hosts

Sheila is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher and founder of Villa Pravernara. Sheila always teaches from what she experiences in her own daily practice. For her, the physical asana practice is a gateway to explore the depths of having a human experience. On the mat we can meet our fears, look them in the eye without running away. She strongly believes the practices of yoga to be a transformative tool to cultivate awareness and compassion towards ourselves, others and our planet.
Expect a dynamic and invigorating practice, intelligent sequencing paired with a carefully selected soundtrack, combined with chanting, pranayama and meditation. In Sheila's classes, a steady rhythm prevails as she guides students through breath, movement, and their interconnectedness.
Continuing to be a dedicated student herself, Sheila passionately studies and practices all facets of yoga.

Gunnhildur is a dedicated yoga student as well a student of feminine mysticism and nature herself. She is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Teacher and Advanced Certified Yoga Nidra Teacher and a practitioner of the Ashtanga Yoga method. She feels deeply that through practice and the study of scriptures with a deep longing in one’s heart, the great mystery starts to reveal herself to us, uniquely to each one.
By practicing daily she has tremendous trust in the healing power and transformational potential the practices of Yoga have. Her classes are demanding, with a fierce and gentle touch in equal parts. Gunni loves sharing the benefits of yoga practices with her students in that, by focusing on conscious breathing, we can actively take charge over our own energy; in turn, healing can happen, further strengthening who we are.
She is very grateful for all the teachers who have supported her and guided her along the way.