6 Day Mandali Experience

The 6 Day Mandali Experience is a wellness retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area of Italy, built around yoga, meditation and time in nature. It is the centre's signature in-house programme, made for anyone who wants to step away from the demands of daily life, rest properly and reconnect with themselves. It is led by the Mandali team of teachers and is held in English.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for six days and five nights. It begins with an opening circle, where the group meets the teachers, learns how the programme works and hears about the surroundings. After that, the pace is yours. The teachers encourage each person to find their own natural rhythm, so you can take part in as much or as little of the schedule as you like. You might rise for an early class, or sleep in and have a slow breakfast.

Each day includes guided meditation twice, yoga twice (qigong is offered only on days when the schedule says so), periods of silence, nature walks and open themed sessions shaped by the teachers' specialities. The sample schedule gives a sense of the rhythm:

- Morning meditation from 07:45 to 08:30, followed by breakfast
- A guided walk from 09:30 to 11:30
- Yoga from 11:30 to 12:45, then lunch at 13:00
- A themed workshop from 16:00 to 17:00
- Yoga practice from 17:30 to 18:45
- Dinner at 19:00, then evening meditation from 20:30 to 21:15

On arrival day the programme begins at 15:00 with an opening circle, yoga, dinner and an evening meditation. On the final morning there is yoga, breakfast, a closing circle with meditation and lunch, with departure at 14:00. The schedule you receive on arrival is the one to follow.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center has peaceful practice rooms, scenic hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens. Guests stay in comfortable, cosy rooms, and some people choose to meditate on their veranda. The grounds have lakeside views and a hot tub that overlooks the lake. The front desk can suggest trails and points of interest if you want a gentle walk of your own.

The Body Care Centre, with its pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, is open to all guests. Massages and therapies are available there at an extra cost.

Meals are freshly prepared and vegetarian: breakfast, lunch and dinner, with tea, fruit and snacks through the day.

Before You Go

The programme is curated for everybody, and all levels are welcome. Yoga and meditation props are provided at the centre.

Included are five nights of accommodation, three vegetarian meals a day plus tea time and snacks, four daily classes of meditation and movement, a themed session each day, the welcoming and closing meetings, and use of the Body Care Centre facilities.

Not included are flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the retreat centre, and massage or therapies at the Body Care Centre.

Check-in opens at 14:00, and the programme starts an hour later.