ESSENZA RETREATS
CONNECTING HEARTS
About
STEPPING INTO MY DREAM
Ever since I joined a life changing retreat where I came home to myself, I dreamt of organizing my own retreats in bella Italia. I wanted to create a safe and nurturing space where you can compassionately explore and embrace yourself through a variety of practices to provide different perspectives and insights to build deeper connections from within - both with yourself and others. This little seed eventually bloomed into Essenza Retreats - retreats to come home to the heart, tomen to yourself.
After a successful first ESSENZA edition in Tuscany, we expanded to the South of Spain for our GROUND. and S P A C E retreat.
This year we have a brand new experience for you to free your mind in Bella Italia. Join us in the mesmerizing cliffs of the Amalfi Coast for an epic journey to find your own way.
Peaceful Warrior Journey - A unique experience to find your own way.
Our programs are based on the energy of the seasons and designed in alignment with each other in order to create a year round journey for those who would like to continue to grow and evolve from the space of the heart, from their essence.
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The Essenza Network
meet our teachers
I'm slowly expanding my network to explore and combine new and interesting perspectives (and people) in order to design unique programs that are always a combination of our combined essences to create a variety of retreats - offering you different journeys and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Are you interested in working with me? Let's connect!
Locations
maraviglia, Tuscany Italia
Maravilgia is Italian for marvel. We definitely understand why! Maravilgia is truly a marvelous location. Their mesmerizing yoga shala is surrounded by lush green Tuscan landscapes and the infinity pool is perfectly situated to enjoy the beautiful Italian summer sunsets.
We plan on returning to Maraviglia in the Summer of 2023. Stay tuned!
Finca Serrato, málaga Spain
Finca Serrato is situated on the edge of Montes de Málaga, a vast natural park with an extensive diversity of flora and fauna. The 200 year old finca is surrounded by olive and almond trees, cacti, wild flowers and herbs - the perfect GROUND and SPACE to enjoy high quality, slow living, and endless peace & nature.
The yoga platform gives spectacular views onto the valley below and the infinity pool feels like a dream where you can dive straight into Malaga’s beautiful essence.
the food
The food at both our locations is absolutely incredible. Maraviglia has a land/farm-to-table philosophy which is definitely recognized in their fresh, simple and perfectly put-together dishes. Of course, each tasty dish includes loads (and loads) of their very own meraviglioso olive oil.
At Finca Serrato our amazing chef Sander keeps surprising us with his Spanish inspired vegetarian dishes. Can we go back to his version of paella please?
Each day of the retreat includes a vegan brunch, a midday aperitivo/tapas-style snack and a heartwarming dinner. Fresh fruit, water and tea will also be available throughout the day. And for those who fancy a glass of wine with dinner, we’ve got you covered! After all, life is all about balance, especially in Italy and Spain!
Gluten-free options are available with advanced notice.
Program
example day
08:30- 09:00 Meditation
9:00 - 10:15 Morning practice
10:30 - 12:00 Brunch
12:00 - 17:00 Free time*
17:00 - 19:00-ish Workshop
19:30 - 21:00 Dinner
Possible evening activity
*Aperitivo/tapas-style snack is served around 15:00
Because we truly believe that life is all about balance, you have the whole afternoon to yourself. You can choose to work on your tan by the infinity pool, go for a walk & immerse yourself in the earthly landscapes or practice dolce far niente or your siesta skills like a pro. We want you to feel free to do whatever it is that you need the most. It’s your time.
Accomodation
Both our locations offer various accommodation types and pricing. Just hit the retreat of your choice in our menu for more information.
To create an intimate atmosphere we have limited spots available for our retreats so don't wait too long!
Included: Daily meditation, yoga classes and workshop(s). All food and one alcoholic beverage. Transfers from and to the airport (fixed times).
Excluded: Plane tickets. Other alcoholic beverages.
Please make sure you have your own travel- and cancellation insurance. Cancellations must be made 90 days prior to the retreat as all sales are final and non-refundable. Cancellations made for proven COVID-19 travel restrictions are fully refundable.
REVIEWS
‘I had an amazing retreat in the mountains of Malaga. There was a good balance between the program (yoga, workshops, etc) and free time (tanning, swimming, reading). The connection with the group was really good and special. The atmosphere in nature really helped to ground and be mindful. Kim and Joanne are amazing teachers!’
‘Everything we did gave me the opportunity to get to know and feel myself better. Now there is so much more love for myself! Every day it became more complete. One day I was embracing my difficulties and the other day my sunny side was more prominent. I partly left the restless feeling I had prior to the retreat in the mountains and went home radiating with happiness which I can feel in my belly and heart. I also found it very special to feel a deep connection with strangers who became beloved acquaintances after spending these days together!’
‘Kim & Joanne have created and delivered a wonderful retreat! The program was well thought out and they give everyone the loving and wholehearted attention they need. Fortunately, there is also time and space for lightness, delicious food and a (few) glasses of wine in the evening! Kim & Joanne thank you so much! You rock!’
‘The GROUND. Retreat was a very special experience for me. I didn't really have any expectations beforehand because this was my first retreat, but I did have a feeling that it was going to be special. And it certainly was! For me, the weekend was perfectly balanced between the yoga classes, meditations and workshops. The things I've learned I will take with me for the rest of my life, and the people I've met will forever have a special place in my heart!’
‘The GROUND retreat was magical! During all parts of the program I learned a lot about myself while there was also room for fun, laughter and lightness. Kim and Joanne are great guides in letting you explore in every sense of the word! Also, the group was amazing, I felt so much love and respect! When can we go back?!'
‘What a wonderful journey was this! Hard to describe it in words. Kim and Joanne are such loving, warm and incredible women. The program they made truly felt like a journey towards a much better and self-loving version of myself. It was something I will never forget and hope to do more often. The connection with the entire group was instant and developed during the days also thanks to the guidance of Joanne and Kim. Coming home I felt lighter and so grateful.’
‘Joanne and Kim are very good in what they do, because they do it with full dedication and love - really helping other people from their passion. This is also exactly what I feel during Joanne's yoga classes in the Netherlands and why I love practicing with her. Together they also bring great energy that they can convey to the group. It is not just a yoga retreat, but an entire experience that they give.’
‘It was a very special retreat. It was my first one and joining the retreat together with my boyfriend made it an even more special experience. The theme GROUND is very well incorporated in the sessions and I really felt much more grounded afterwards. Joanne and Kim were very helpful in supporting me in my journey. I am very grateful for being there together with them and the group of lovely ladies.’
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