Yoga, Exploration and Relaxation
Dates:
October 27 - November 2, 2008
Price:
$1,980
Program Coordinator:
Lucia Reardon
Address:
314 Blanchard Road, Cumberland, ME 04021
Telephone:
207-829-4626
Fax:
207-829-4626
E-mail:
luciareardon@hotmail.com
Preferred method of contact:
email, then phone
Yoga Instructor:
Donna Davidge
Brochure: PDF (172k)
For details and application: PDF (200k)
Description:
La Tenuta di Spannocchia sits on a hilltop in the middle of 1200 wooded acres, surrounded by the medieval remains of the Monestero di Santa Lucia, the fortess of Castiglione che Dio Sol Sa, the Etruscan and Roman ruins of the Via Massetana and the medieval bridge, Ponte della Pia. Spannocchia, a sustainable agricultural estate, will be the backdrop for our yoga classes and walks. We have chosen this area so we may base ourselves at this unique farming estate while at the same time offering a comfortable pace to enjoy a week of wonderful walking, sight seeing, and yoga while appreciating a real sense of history spanning the ancient Etruscan and roman eras through the medieval, Renaissance periods and beyond. Our goal is NOT to “do” Tuscany, but to relax and explore some of the much less known treasures of this area.
The yoga classes will take place on the estate in the Sala d”Accoglienza which is a large, airy building with a vaulted veiling located near the Villa, our accommodations for the duration of the trip. Donna will develop classes according to the level and needs of the participants. Donna will modify the moves to meet the challenges of each individual. She is an experienced teacher of students from age 20 to 75. (We are requesting each person bring a yoga sticky mat, available online or department stores for approximately $15 to $30 dollars.)
Most days will include a 3 to 6 mile walk usually leaving from the Estate or returning to the Estate on foot. Lucia will lead us through trails of old hunting roads, some recently blazed trails, fields, gardens, and little known hill towns. We will enjoy a picnic lunch along our daily adventure, and return to the Castle in the afternoon for a daily 2 hour yoga class, with the remainder of the day being spent in the way that best suits each individual’s desire on the vast Spannocchia grounds. The day will end with local wine and dinner of organic locally grown food served family style.
Coordinator Biography:
Lucia Reardon has a 24 year history with this area and the Tenuta di Spannocchia. She became a member of the board of the Spannocchia Foundation in 2006. Lucia happened upon this area in 1984 through participation on an Etruscan excavation sponsored by the Etruscan Foundation. It was love at first site. She went on to live at Spannocchia as an intern, enrolled at the University of Bologna completing a year of study. The love affair did not end when she returned to New York to complete a B.A. in Psychology and Italian, but rather caused her to make frequent trips back to visit friends and lead hikes for another touring outfit. Currently, Lucia is a Speech-Language Pathologist, specializing in the communication therapy with individuals with Asperger Syndrome. Lucia speaks Italian and her knowledge of the area and friendship with the locals will ensure a memorable trip.
Yoga Instructor Biography:
Donna Davidge has been teaching Yoga in New York City since 1985. She has produced two videos and two DVDs and owns and operates Sewall House Yoga Retreat in Maine from June to October. Her background in yoga ranges from Hatha to Ashtanga to Kundalini. She works with people at all levels and ages to share with them the tools of yoga as a method for health, self-growth, and inner happiness. She has been featured on radio, television, in print as well as writing articles on Yoga.
“Every memory is a highlight. This has been one of the best trips I have taken.”
“A pleasure to meet all of you and learn of your mission
to keep sustainability in the forefront of your running of the estate.”
“This place is beautiful and the people here are so friendly, which is the best part.”