La Dolce Vita: Italy's Sunflower Retreats

There are still corners of the world where time seems to stretch out; where life’s frantic pace slows down. Casperia, Italy is one of these places. Located in the Lazio region about an hour outside of Rome, medieval Casperia sits perched on top of a hill, seemingly above the stresses of daily life. There are no stores or cars inside the old city walls… just old cobblestone streets that seem to breathe with life, stone staircases that lead to more stone staircases, and the quiet pitter patter of Casperia’s many cats running past.

It is this beautiful setting that Sunflower Retreats calls home. Founded in 1998 by Lucy Bremner and Alan Scheda, Sunflower Retreats offers its participants a daily yoga practice in spectacular surroundings. In the mornings, you may find yourself practicing in the open air, surrounded by trees and listening to the sounds of nature. Afternoon classes are often held inside the old stables of a 15^th century palace, or in a beautifully appointed yoga room complete with an ancient cave. Retreat participants are housed in various houses throughout the village – many of which have sweeping views of the bucolic countryside.

Sunflower offers a variety of day trips – but also allows each participant the freedom to choose how their own holiday should go. Whether you’d like to laze about in the sun all day, get a massage (or two), take a siesta, visit a local restaurant, or cook in your self-catering apartment – it is up to you. What is encouraged is that you take a step back, enjoy a rest, and allow the beautiful setting to heal you both inside and out.

To learn more about Sunflower Retreats, please visit www.sunflowerretreats.com.