Self-Empowering Journey Retreat in Istria
„Refresh… Recharge… Restart…“
These are the words we use describing our technological gadgets. But what if we reverse the high-powered growth from outer to inner? What if we use these words instead:
„Interaction… Introspection… Inception…“
Self-Empowering Journey Retreat, which takes place this September, from 20th till 25th, could be the perfect break to get back in touch with your body and to reset your mind. This healing holiday aims to help you find inner peace and calm by putting aside the stresses and strains of today's life.
The retreat encompasses therapeutic education to enrich our inner gifts and unique souls and to meet our full potential in finding the individual path. Also it involves a higher focus on mental state in addition to the physical movements and breathing.
We work together and learn together through a holistic approach of nature-based soul-versation set within a rich personalized environment.
We invite you to become a part of this Self-Empowering Journey. Join us!
Highlights
- Morning breathwork
- Yoga classes twice a day
- Meditation / Yoga nidra
- 'Creative happenings for Body, Heart and Soul' workshop conducted by psychologist Sanja Horvat
- Floating therapy in the pool
- Private concert
- 4 nights accommodation in countryside luxury villas, in the quiet and remote village of Grožnjan
- 2 fresh seasonal meals made by the in-house chef Annamaria daily
- Discover Motovun and traditional truffle dishes
Skill Level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga Styles
- Hatha yoga
- Yoga Nidra
- Kundalini yoga
Instructors
Tihana Čurović
Founder & teacher
Tihana is the founder of "Metta Float Yoga & SUP" center and the pioneer of SUP YOGA in Croatia. She is a certified conditional trainer.
In 2001 she went to India for the first time where she discovered the traditional yoga philosophy and has embraced it as her spiritual lifestyle.
Heading off to Puttaparthi and staying at the "ashram" left a major mark in her spiritual growth as did her meeting with Sathya Sai Baba who became her Guru. During all of her following visits to India she would spend at least 2 months in Sathya Sai Baba's ashram devoting herself to Karma Yoga through which she had very intense spiritual experiences and transformations that would affect her personal growth.
On her way back from India she met GianChitam who became her teacher and passed on her knowledge of integral yoga of the Satyananda Bihar School of Yoga tradition.
In 2009, on her 5th trip to India she settled at Satyananda's Ashram in Bihar to finish a 4-month "Yogic Studies" course where she received her Jignasa Diksha, her 2nd initiation from Swami Niranjananande.
Ever since she has become an insatiable seeker, thankful for discovering her new way of life which constantly reveals the endless possibilities within us, and deepens her personal development.
The very same year she started her 3-year college education and received a degree as a fitness trainer.
In 2011 she went to Dharamsala (India), where she successfully finished a 14-week course to become a certified yoga teacher in the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Center under the guidance of Sharat Arora (Anand Sagar), a long-time student of B.K.S. Iyengar. Later on, her practice growth will be influenced by croatian Iyengar Yoga teacher Nataša Stršen and indian teachers Uday Bhosal and HS Arun during numerous workshops and educations.
The same year, influenced by the Buddhist philosophy she had embraced during her stay in Dharamsala, she also completed a 10-day course of Vipassana meditation in Dehradun, India.
Between her trips to India, Tihana used to spend her summer months in the Croatian coastal city of Umag where she worked in a hotel resort as a sports coach giving classes in English exclusively.
The turning point in her career happened in 2013, when she decided to open the first SUP Yoga Studio in Croatia and the region, which became her first solo project. It took only a few months from the inception of the idea to its realization. Everything just fell into place. There isn't anything better than spending time in a yoga studio created by Mother Nature itself.
Just before the beginning of the first Metta Float season she headed off to Portugal's beautiful Baleal Beach where she finished a Stand Up Paddleboard course for paddling on calm seas, rivers, and waves in accordance with ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) standards.
During 2017 Tihana underwent the pranayama education with master Sri O.P.Tiwaryji and the Jivamukti Teacher Training course 300hr in India.
In 2018 she started taking ongoing classes with praised traditional Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher Reinhard Gammenthaler in Bern, Switzerland.
In 2019 she organised her first SUP clinic in cooperation with one of the worlds best SUP racers, the italian Paolo Marconi. The success of the event encouraged her and Paolo to make plans again for this (ili next) season.
Besides giving SUP Yoga classes during summertime, Tihana also teaches Hatha Flow Yoga during winter.
Program
PROGRAMME
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or expert, Self-Empowering Journey Retreat is especially created for those who want a short break from the stresses of the world and reconnect with their inner self.
Retreat encompasses therapeutic education to enrich our inner gifts and unique souls and to meet our full potential in finding the individual path.
Our approach to meaningful life is through enlivening practice, such as hatha yoga practice, pranayama techniques, yoga nidra and restorative sunset sessions.
Improve your health & de-stress. Experience rejuvenation. Revive your health & well-being.
Check out our program!
Wednesday 20th September - Day 1: Arrival - Introduction circle
Upon your arrival day in blissful Istria, you will accomodate in your room in stunning Villa's and have time to relax by the pool till dinner. Our private chef of the retreat, Annamaria, will make an amazing vegan and vegetarian welcome dinner, using only fresh and seasonal ingredients from local farmers. After dinner, you will have time to reflect and set intentions for the next days.
Thursday 21st September - Day 2: Introspection day
06:30 – 07:30h: Good morning Sunshine! We will start our day with cup of freshly brewed organic coffee, herbal tea, juice or power smoothies.
08:00 – 10:00h: As we are awake, we will head to the sun deck next to the pool, for our first Hatha yoga practice and meditation cycle. The emphasis is put on asanas, pranayama breathing, bandhas and kriyas.
10:00h: After our practice, you will enjoy an amazing organic breakfast, served outside on the garden terrace with the view of the breathtaking nature. Tihana will introduce 'journaling sessions', of which you will learn more on spot. You will have free time to relax and explore till 12 o'clock.
12:00 – 16:00h: Workshop 'Creative happenings for body, heart and soul' with Sanja Horvat
On the workshop you will work on understanding and opening your heart chakra. Anahata, the heart chakra, is our center of love, balance and connection, and Sanja is the perfect guide for taking down defenses in order to experience the love, that is the natural state of our being.
16:00h: Following the workshop, you will have lunch and leisure time to relax and reflect.
18:00 – 20:00h – At the end of the day, Tihana will guide you in relaxation and visualisations with restorative yoga, breathwork and yoga nidra. Enjoying sunset from our yoga deck in a beautiful setting, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to 'go quiet'. This practice is a great way to release the day.
Friday 22nd September - Day 3: Interaction day
06:30 – 07:30h: Hello Beautiful! As the day before, we will start our day with cup of freshly brewed organic coffee, herbal tea, juice or power smoothies.
08:00 – 10:00h: After morning beverage, we will head to sun deck next to the pool, for our second Hatha yoga practice and meditation cycle. The emphasis is put on asanas, pranayama breathing, bandhas and kriyas.
10:00h: Following our practice, you will enjoy an amazing organic breakfast, served outside on the garden terrace with the view of the breathtaking nature. Here you will have free time to explore surroundings, or just relax in outdoor area with a big hydromassage swiming pool.
13:30 – 14:30h: Interactive Session with Tihana
15:00h: After session, you will have lunch and leisure time to relax and reflect, and also interact with yogis from the retreat group.
17:00 – 19:00h: Next, you will start your second restorative yoga, breathwork and yoga nidra class with Tihana, where she will guide you in relaxsation and visualisations.
20:00h: Surprise live private concert! We will leave details to us and not say more, it wouldn't be a suprise if we tell, wouldn't it?
Saturday 23rd September - Day 4: Inception day
06:30 – 07:30h: Good morning Gorgeous yogi! Like other mornings, you will start your day with cup of freshly brewed organic coffee, herbal tea, juice or power smoothies.
07:30 – 09:30: As we are awake, we will head to the sun deck next to the pool, for our first Hatha yoga practice and meditation cycle. The emphasis is put on asanas, pranayama breathing, bandhas and kriyas.
10:00h: Breakfast in the garden
11:00h: Soulversation time - leisure time to relax and reflect, and also interact with yogis from the retreat group.
15:00h: You will have lunch
17:00 – 19:00h: Next, you will start your restorative yoga, breathwork and yoga nidra class with Tihana, where she will guide you in relaxsation and visualisations.
20:30h: Fire Ceremony
Sunday 24th September - Day 4: Departure
06:30 – 07:30h: Good morning Gorgeous yogi! Like other mornings, you will start your day with cup of freshly brewed organic coffee, herbal tea, juice or power smoothies.
07:30 – 09:30: You will jump in our swiming pool for floating therapy. In this zero – gravity environment you will learn how to allow our body and mind to completely let go, relax and reset.
10:00h: Breakfast in the garden and checking out from our Villas.
11:00h: Your healing holiday will end with visitation and exploration of the small town of Motovun. Motovun is one of Istria’s most beautiful and best-preserved medieval hilltop settlements. Surrounded by truffle-rich forest, which provides the key ingredient for top local restaurants here and in nearby Livade, Motovun stands atop a 277-metre hill overlooking the Mirna Valley.
After the tour, we will enjoy truffle dishes in one of the most famous restaurant in Motovun, and reflect on our days spent together.
Motovun is our last stop of Self-Empowering Journey Retreat. Hoping to see you again on our next Retreat, in SUMMER 2021.
PROGRAMME CREATOR
Tihana Čurović
Yoga teacher with 15 years of experiece. Founder of the Metta Float – SUP tours and yoga centers and pioneer of SUP yoga in Croatia. She was living in Satyananda's ashram in Bihar, India to finish a „Yogic Studies“ course. Her highlights in teaching are emphasizing the importance of self-awareness through breathwork, body awareness, and meditation in order to meet our full potential.
Health & Hygiene
The group size is limited to a maximum of 13 people.
All participants will be required to follow COVID-19 protocol and best practice during the retreat.
The instructor, chef and organiser will get tested for COVID-19 a day before the beginning of the retreat to assure guests of their status.
The houses Villa Vista and Villa Zamask are following strict hygiene, sanitization and distancing guidelines in keeping with Croatia government policy on COViD-19. The houses are located in a remote village with no next door neighbours.
The low density of population in Istria, amongst other things, resulted in minimal COVID-19 cases over 2020/2021.
Metta Retreats will arrange COVID-19 testing for those who need it before the retreat ends so they can safely board their flights home.
CLEANING
- House maintenance uses cleaning chemicals effective against coronavirus.
- Linens, towels and laundry are washed in line with local authority guidelines.
- Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays.
- Equipment for activities is disinfected before and/or after use.
SAFETY FEATURES
- Staff follows all safety protocols as directed by the local government.
- Hand sanitizers available in guest rooms and key areas.
- Process in place to check the health of guests.
- First aid kit available.
- A room is available to isolate suspected or infected COVID-19 patients.
- Protective masks are available for all staff.
- Protective masks available for clients.
Accomodation
Imagine your retreat in a magical place, and Villa Vista and Villa Zamask will match that picture.
Designer Villa Vista has an amazing view of the surroundings and nature.
This award winning house can accommodate up to 7 guests. At your disposal there are 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room and fully equipped kitchen with a dining area for your amazing experience. From the bedroom to the kitchen, everything was furnished and decorated with care and great attention to detail, so that you can feel comfortable and relaxed. You will love the outdoor area with a big hydromassage swimming pool where you can relax and enjoy the amazing view.
Our chef Anamarija, from Culinary Institute of America, will prepare delicious meals and you will dine outside with the view of the breathtaking nature.
Villa Vista is air conditioned, has WiFi, private parking for 4 cars and provides everything for an enjoyable holiday in a perfect location.
The Villa Zamask is a recently rebuilt house from the 18th century. The holiday house consists of a ground floor where there is 1 double room, bathroom with shower, kitchen with a fireplace, dining table and a huge terrace with BBQ. From the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Butoniga. On the first floor there are 2 double rooms, one single room and one bathroom with a bathtub. There is also a basement consisting of a wine bar and bathroom with shower. In the wine bar you can try homemade wine, brandy and olive oil.
Spacious garden with swimming pool and hot tub for after practice.
SELF EMPOWERING JOURNEY RETREAT PROGRAMME IS BEING HELD IN VILLA VISTA.
Food
ANNAMARIA KOLIĆ – will be our chef for the retreat. With a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Annamaria will be making delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes for you to enjoy. Menu will be based on the current availability of groceries, which she makes sure are seasonal and from local manufacturers.
The following meals are included:
- Brunch
- Dinner
* Food will be available throughout the day
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Fresh juice
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Organic food
- Lactose free
* If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Yoga classes
- Meditation
- 'Creative happenings for Body, Heart and Soul' workshop conducted by psychologist Sanja Horvat
- Floating therapy in the pool
- Private concert
- Visit to Motovun
- 3 nights accommodation in a luxury designed villas
- 2 meals a day (brunch and dinner) and coffee, tea, and water
- All excursions transfers and entrance tickets
What's not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
PUY
Pula Airport
Transfer to retreat provided by request
ZAG
Franjo Tuđman Airport
Transfer not provided
VCE
Venice Marco Polo Airport
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to Pula airport (PUY). From Pula airport (PUY), private airport transfer is possible for an additional charge. For any questions, help with organizing the transfer or renting a car, feel free to contact Anja who will gladly help you.
Prices
20.09.2023. - 24.09.2023.
Double occupancy / 570.00 EUR
20.09.2021. - 24.09.2021.
Single occupancy / 570.00 EUR
Cancellation
- A reservation requires a 30% deposit of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The remaining amount is paid 7 days prior to arrival.
