Step into the heart of Ashtanga Yoga
Join Joey Paz for a weekend of deep relaxation, self-exploration, and authentic connection in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany!
Valle Benedetta is a small Tuscan hamlet, overlooking the sea and immersed in the unspoiled nature of the hills above Livorno. In this hidden corner of the Mediterranean lies a refuge of stillness and beauty: the Valle Benedetta Retreat Center. A place born from the heart, created for those who long to slow down, to listen, and to rediscover their natural harmony — far from the chaos and well-worn tourist paths.
Here, among trails winding through forests and hills, with the fragrant air of ancient holm oaks and enchanted views opening toward the sea, every element invites you to slow your step and return home — within.
This is not just a location: it is the living embodiment of a dream nurtured ove a lifetime by Eraldo and Komal, life partners and inner seekers for over thirty years.
United by the desire to share a new way of living — rooted in Presence, Connection, and Community — they founded the Center to offer a space where one can truly breathe again, rediscover oneself, and allow their natural wisdom to emerge.
Valle Benedetta Retreat Center is set within a natural park, where the Tuscan landscape reveals itself in all its beauty: rolling hills dotted with holm oaks and ancient trees, paths that disappear into greenery, and vistas that stretch all the way to the sea, opening onto the Tyrrhenian coast.
The trails that cross the area are ideal for gentle walks, for finding a space to practice outdoors, or simply for breathing in a silence that restores and renews.
Just a short distance away, you can explore cities of art and culture such as Pisa and Florence, or visit ancient monasteries, historic aqueducts, and sacred places that tell stories spanning centuries.
An invitation to nourish body, mind, and spirit—through contemplation and discovery.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
All meals and accommodation are included! All you have to do is show up with the intention for deep self-care in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.
During the retreat, we will stay in the welcoming spaces of Villa Sambuca, a jewel of bio-architecture finely restored with natural and sustainable materials. Each space celebrates the elegance of simplicity and the comfort of modern living. The large windows in the rooms and the practice hall open onto magical views, offering a deep sense of immersion in the surrounding nature. Rooms are equipped with every comfort, including private bathrooms, showers, and air conditioning.
Outdoor practices take place on the Pedana, a spacious terrace immersed in greenery, where the gaze meets the horizon of the sea.
Meals are nourishing and prepared with love, accompanying our days with flavor and presence. The cuisine is vegan and seasonal, made with ingredients grown directly on the Center’s regenerative farm using sustainable and respectful methods.
During this very special weekend retreat, we will explore the practice of Ashtanga Yoga – including Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra, and Philosophy – in the tradition of Sri BNS Iyengar, the world’s oldest Ashtanga master at age 99 and a direct disciple of Krishnamacharya.
It is a traditional, profound, and transformative system that Joey shares with authentic passion.
The retreat will be held in English with Italian translation.
This retreat is open to all levels of practitioners.
Total beginners, as well as advanced practitioners, are equally welcome!
This “alternative” tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, everyone is welcomed and modifications are introduced for beginners.
It is a more accessible approach to what is often seen as a difficult practice.
Joey has been traveling and teaching all over the world over the last decade, and he will meet you wherever you are in your practice in order to help you evolve towards the next step.
In this approach, all asanas can be modified to suit the needs of the individual.
Breathing is the most important factor, and we examine the breath first and foremost as a tool for purification and healing.
Through storytelling, humor, and warmth, Joey will guide the group gently from the external, physical practice of Asana, into the more subtle, energetic, and internal practices of pranayama, mudra, and meditation- the higher limbs of Ashtanga leading to deep inner reflection and transformation.
Workshop Program
FRIDAY, June 19
5-7pm- Therapeutic Fundamentals/Myofascial release + Intro to Ashtanga practice
We begin with an introduction to the alternative lineage of Ashtanga Yoga, followed by an introduction to therapeutic exercises, and self massage to release tension as well as activate and strengthen the weaker muscle groups in our bodies.
This session covers the basic theory, movements & practices to set yourself up for a sustainable life long yoga practice. Here, we cover the necessary practices to undo the negative side effects of all strengthening routines.
8.30-9.30 – Pranayama: The Divine Breath of Yoga | Part 1
A powerful overview of the traditional pranayama system of Sri BNS Iyengar. This pranayama lineage is a powerful and meticulous system designed specifically to bring balance to the nervous systems, purify the Nadis in preparation for the rising of Kundalini with the more advanced practices of Shakti Chalana Pranayama, which will be introduced. Participants will also receive PDF instruction guides with step-by-step instructions for a lifelong continued pranayama practice.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
9am-12pm – Led Ashtanga Practice
Includes Therapeutic techniques, Asana, Mudra, Bandha & Pranayama. Starting from wherever your practice is currently, we will assist you in taking the next steps to deepen, understand and evolve your yoga practice.
Then we will lead a traditional Ashtanga practice in the lineage of our teacher, Sri BNS Iyengar of Mysore, who is the world’s senior living Ashtanga teacher and the last living student of Krishnamacharya still living and teaching today in Mysore at age 99. There is the possibility to explore Primary Series, Intermediate and Advanced series, as well as Mysore style practice during the morning practice session.
4pm-6pm : Mudra, Mantra, & Meditation
We take a deep dive into the system of traditional Hatha Yoga Mudras, Bandhas, and Mantra Yoga. These practices consolidate our asana practice and provide a direct pathway to the higher limbs of Yoga- Contemplation, Meditation, and Superconsciousness.
8:30-9:30 pm – Pranayama: The Divine Breath of Yoga |Part 2
A powerful overview of the traditional pranayama system of Sri BNS Iyengar. This pranayama lineage is a powerful and meticulous system designed specifically to bring balance to the nervous systems, purify the Nadis in preparation for the rising of Kundalini with the more advanced practices of Shakti Chalana Pranayama, which will be introduced. Participants will also receive PDF instruction guides with step-by-step instructions for a lifelong continued pranayama practice.
SUNDAY, June 21
9am-12pm – Led Practice
(See description above)
This workshop is registered as a Continuing Education Series with Yoga Alliance, and yoga teachers may claim 12 CEU (Continuing Education Units) with Yoga Alliance upon completion.
A Living and Authentic Transmission
This is a a rare and precious opportunity to immerse yourself in a direct transmission of the lineage of Sri BNS Iyengar.
If you wish to encounter the depth of Ashtanga in its therapeutic and spiritual dimension, this retreat is for you. You will leave this weekend feeling stronger and more confident in your practice, more alive in your body, and connected to your breath as a tool for lifelong healing.
Program Fee (Accommodation not included)
To allow everyone to participate according to their own possibilities, at Valle Benedetta we adopt a conscious participation model, conceived as a contribution to the cost of the retreat program.
We invite you to select the fee that best aligns with your current resources.
SUSTAINABLE LEVEL: This rate covers the actual costs of the retreat – €230
SUPPORTER LEVEL: For those who are able to contribute also on behalf of others – €280
SUPPORTED LEVEL: For those who need financial support – €180
PLEASE NOTE: On the booking page, the Sustainable Level will be preselected by default. You may freely change it after selecting your room type.
The program cost refers exclusively to the activities, practices, and facilitation of the experience.
INCLUDED:
Full Board (Vegan Cuisine)
Practices and Teachings
Practice handouts
12 CEUs for yoga teachers (claimable through Yoga Alliance)
FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION COST
The cost of full board accommodation varies depending on the room type:
Quadruple room: €90 (per person, per night)
Double room: from €115 (per person, per night)
Single room: from €180 (per person, per night)
All details and room availability can be consulted directly on the booking page.
Please click here to book directly through the retreat venue. See you in Italy!