Pause & Renew: A Journey Back to You — in the Heart of Italy

May 8 - 15, 2027

Nestled in the rolling hills near Gubbio, this intimate yoga retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and savor the beauty of Italian simplicity and self-care.

Breathe Deep. Stretch Out. Start Fresh.

Step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Italy. This intimate retreat offers space to breathe, move, and reconnect — through daily yoga, nourishing stillness, and meaningful connection with like-minded souls. You'll explore not only the hills of Umbria (known as the green heart of Italy), but also the deeper landscape of your inner self. Come for relaxation, adventure, and the chance to feel truly present — in your body, your breath, and your life.

Beautiful sunsets, nourishing meals, and soulful movement — this is your space to slow down and savor.

This Retreat Is For You If...

  • You’re constantly rushing from one task to the next, craving a moment to simply breathe.

  • Stress or burnout are your new normals—and you're ready for a reset.

  • It feels almost impossible to make time for yourself without guilt or interruption.

  • You've been dreaming of Italy, but don't want to travel alone—or deal with the stress of planning every detail.

  • You long for meaningful connection—with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.

  • You're seeking not just a vacation, but a true experience that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit.

What’s included?

  • 7 nights’ accommodation at Locanda del Gallo

  • 3 meals per day (Meals include fresh, local, seasonal dishes)

  • Daily room cleaning (towel change every 3 days)

  • Tea Service

  • Use of all facilities, including the wellness center with Jacuzzi spa, and steam bath 

  • Yoga mat & props

  • Morning yoga sessions: Vinyasa Flows

  • Late afternoon yoga: restorative, yoga nidra, journaling, meditation

  • Transportation to and from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport

  • Italian Cooking Class

  • Optional: Massage Services

Excursions:

  • Two excursions to local Umbrian towns: TBD

  • Visit, wine tasting & lunch at Chiesa del Carmine Winery

Accomodations

Single, double, and triple occupancy options available.

***Contact us for availability.

Pricing

Double in a Room: TBD

Double in a Suite: TBD

Triple in a Suite: TBD

Single: TBD

What’s not included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel Insurance (optional)

  • Spa Services

  • Wine at meals

  • Lunch on excursions

  • Gratuities

  • Italy Tourism Tax: approx. €8 for the week

  • Items purchased at the honor bar (water, soda, coffee, etc.)

  • Lunch on excursion days

Payment plans available!

Sample Schedule

Saturday, May 8:

12:00 pm - Bus departs from Fiumicino Airport to take us to the Locanda

3:00 pm - Arrival at Locanda del Gallo

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

6:00 pm - Welcome Circle

7:30 pm - Group Welcome Dinner

Sunday, May 9

8:15 am - Vinyasa Yoga Practice (Slow Flow, Power, Somatic, or Ashtanga)

9:30 am - Breakfast

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

1:15 pm - Lunch

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

4:00 pm - Optional Workshop

6:00 pm - Evening Yoga (Restorative, Meditation, and/or Journaling)

7:30 pm - Dinner

Monday, May 10

7:15 am - Vinyasa Yoga Practice (Slow Flow, Power, Somatic, or Ashtanga)

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - 5:00 pm - Excursion TBD

6:00 pm - Evening Gentle Yoga (Restorative, Meditation, and/or Journaling)

7:30 pm - Dinner

Tuesday, May 11

8:15 am - Vinyasa Yoga Practice (Slow Flow, Power, Somatic, or Ashtanga)

9:30 am - Breakfast

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Wine Tasting & Lunch at Chiesa Del Carmine Winery

6:00 pm - Evening Gentle Yoga (Restorative, Meditation, and/or Journaling)

7:30 pm - Dinner

Wednesday, May 12

8:15 am - Vinyasa Yoga Practice (Slow Flow, Power, Somatic, or Ashtanga)

9:30 am - Breakfast

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

11 am - Optional Workshop

1:15 pm - Lunch

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

4:00 pm - Optional Workshop

6:00 pm - Evening Gentle Yoga (Restorative, Meditation, and/or Journaling)

7:30 pm - Dinner

Thursday, May 13

7:15 am - Vinyasa Yoga Practice (Slow Flow, Power, Somatic, or Ashtanga)

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - 5:00 pm - Excursion TBD

6:00 pm - Evening Gentle Yoga (Restorative, Meditation, and/or Journaling)

7:30 pm - Dinner

Friday, May 14

7:00 am - Yoga Practice

8:30 am - Breakfast

10:30 am - 1:00 pm - Regional Cooking Class (Preparing & Eating Lunch)

Free Time (relax, hike, read, massage, journal, jacuzzi, steam room)

6:00 pm - Closing Circle

7:30 pm - Dinner

Saturday, May 15

8:00 am - Departure

Don't Miss Out on the Experience of a Lifetime!

Secure your spot today, and let the transformative magic of Pause & Renew in Italy sweep you off your feet!

Single Occupancy*

$ TBD

Configuration: 1 Queen Bed + Private Bath

*Parties of two may share this room (i.e. couples) for an additional $ TBD

TWO AVAILABLE

Double Occupancy in a Room

$ TBD per person

Configuration: 1 Bedroom with 2 Twins + Shared Bath

FIVE AVAILABLE

Double Occupancy in a Suite

$ TBD per person

Configuration: 2 Bedrooms + Shared Bath

THREE AVAILABLE (as either double or triple occupancy)

Triple Occupancy in a Suite

$ TBD per person

Bed Configurations: 2 Bedrooms + Shared Bath

THREE AVAILABLE (as either double or triple occupancy)

Meet your retreat leaders

With over 24 years of yoga practice and a decade of teaching experience, Shelby Makowsy, E-RYT 500, brings a deep knowledge and presence to her classes. Trained in both Ashtanga and Vinyasa traditions, her journey with yoga began during pregnancy—a moment of transformation that sparked a lifelong devotion. Today, her daily practice is as essential as brushing her teeth: a rhythm of grounding, clarity, and connection.

In addition to her love for yoga, she is passionate about Italy—the language, the culture, and the art of savoring life. Hosting a retreat in Italy is a natural expression of these two great loves: the inner stillness of yoga and the outer beauty of the Italian lifestyle.

This retreat offers guests the rare chance to pause, breathe, and come home to themselves. Through intentional movement, breath, and stillness, her classes support reconnection, reflection, and the kind of rest that runs deep. Accessible yet strong, grounding yet light, her teaching meets each student where they are—and gently guides them toward where they want to be.

Carrie Howard is a yoga teacher, somatic life coach, and health coach who works with people navigating stress, overwhelm, and life transitions.

My path into this work came from a moment of feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward — not because I wasn’t capable, but because I knew I needed something different for myself. I had been practicing yoga for years, but it wasn’t until that season that I began to experience what yoga truly offered beyond the physical shapes.

Through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, I started to slow down, listen more closely, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. Over time, somatic practices helped me understand how much of our stress, patterns, and decision-making live in the body — and how real change becomes possible when we learn to work with the body instead of trying to think our way through everything.

Today, I blend somatic life coaching, traditional yoga, meditation, and nervous-system support to help clients reconnect with themselves, regulate stress, and move forward with more clarity and steadiness. I’m less interested in quick fixes and more interested in supporting people in finding their own clarity, strength, and capacity along the way.

I believe change happens through awareness, practice, and trust — not force or fixing. My role is to offer structure, guidance, and a steady presence while supporting people in finding their own clarity and capacity along the way.

Credentials (for those who want them):
500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) • ACE Certified Health Coach • Embodied (Somatic) Yoga Life Coach • Mom of two

Retreat Cancellation Policy

A non-refundable administrative fee equal to 10% of the total retreat cost applies to all bookings. This fee is retained in the event of cancellation, regardless of how much has been paid at the time of cancellation.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a refund of all payments made minus the 10% administrative fee.


Cancellations made within 60 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable, as all reservations and vendor commitments will have been finalized.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected changes or emergencies.


FAQ

Where and when do I fly in?

You will book your international tickets to and from Fiumicino International Airport in Rome (airport code: FCO).

Please arrive well before NOON (allow time for Customs and luggage retrieval) on Saturday, May 8, 2027.

The shuttle bus will depart at NOON to take us from the airport in Rome to Locanda del Gallo. 

You’re also welcome to arrange your own transportation if you decide to arrive earlier than May 8.

Check-in at Locandao del Gallo is at 3pm.

What are the accommodations like?

Tucked away in the lush Umbrian countryside, Locanda del Gallo is a charming boutique retreat that invites you to unwind in nature. The property features ten thoughtfully curated rooms and suites, each with its own private bathroom and cozy, inviting beds. Every room is uniquely styled with furniture and decor collected from the owners’ travels around the world, reflecting a rich tapestry of global inspiration.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and tranquil gardens, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge. Guests can enjoy the peaceful ambiance, indulge in the saltwater pool, jacuzzi, and onsite wellness center, or simply savor the serenity. A private chef prepares delicious, healthy meals made with organic ingredients and paired with local wines.

The Locanda is ideally situated for exploring the treasures of Umbria and Tuscany—just a short drive from Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, and Cortona, with Siena, Florence, and even Rome within reach.

My partner doesn't do yoga. Can they still come?

Yes! Our retreats are about more than yoga. They're an opportunity to slow down, connect, enjoy the beauty of Italy, and experience local culture. Non-yoga partners are welcome to join us and participate in meals, excursions, and community gatherings while choosing how much or how little yoga they attend.

I need a roommate, how do I arrange that?

If you’d like a roommate, no problem! We have double and triple-occupancy rooms available with different bed configurations. Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you sign up, the more options you’ll have. If you're coming solo and want to be paired with someone, just let us know—we’ll do our best to match you with a compatible roommate.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. A personal, political, environmental, health, or weather-related incident may arise that can prevent or interrupt your travels. If you do not purchase travel insurance, you will be assuming 100% of any costs associated with the cancellation/interruption of your retreat. 

One option is Safety Wing, which covers health costs, lost luggage, delayed flights, and more. Note that to guarantee maximum coverage, most travel insurance providers require that you obtain a policy within 10 - 15 days of placing your initial deposit.

Are airport transfers included?

One group airport transfer from Rome will be provided on the first day of the retreat around NOON.

Additionally, one group departure transfer will be provided from the retreat center back to the airport in Rome on the last day of the retreat around 8:00 am. Exact details will be provided after registration.

Be sure to book your air travel accordingly.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are not included in the trip price. Tips are shared among staff, housekeeping, and others who support you during your stay. While tipping is entirely optional, it’s always appreciated. We recommend budgeting around $10 per guest, per day. You may also wish to tip the drivers, a few euros per trip per person.

What’s the weather like?

Expect mild spring temperatures with daytime highs around 66°F (19°C) and cooler evenings near 48°F (9°C). May can be one of the wetter months, so we recommend packing layers and a light rain jacket. Sunshine is still plentiful, making it a beautiful time to explore the Umbrian countryside.

What do I pack?

Pack comfortable layers for mild spring weather—think light sweaters, a jacket for cooler evenings, and breathable clothing for daytime. A light raincoat or umbrella is a good idea, as May can bring occasional showers. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit for the pool and spa, and anything you’d like for yoga or wellness activities.

The path from the Locanda to the Yoga Shala is gravel a bit steep. Bring comfortable shoes.

What are we doing each day?

Click here for a sample itinerary. 

How many people are expected on this retreat?

We anticipate between 15-20 people.

Will I have access to the Internet?

Yes, Locanda del Gallo offers Wi-Fi. However, as the property is a centuries-old palazzo nestled in the countryside, the signal may be spotty in some areas.


What’s the food like?

We’ll have a private chef dedicated to our group throughout the week, preparing fresh, nourishing meals with ingredients sourced right from the kitchen garden—think sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp salad greens, and seasonal vegetables. The menu features authentic Italian and Mediterranean flavors, with house-made yogurt, breads, cakes, and olive oil pressed from the Locanda’s own olive grove.

Breakfast includes a generous spread: homemade yogurt, muesli, cereals, seeds, preserves, local cheeses, sliced meats (on request), boiled eggs, fresh-baked bread, fruit juices, tea, coffee, and milk.

Lunch is light and wholesome, often featuring grains, plant-based proteins, a variety of vegetables, fresh fruit, and house-made pizzas or focaccia.

Dinner is a multi-course experience, typically starting with a pasta or soup, followed by a main dish (vegetarian or meat-based), sides, a selection of raw veggies with dips, and a sweet finish with dessert.

Dietary restrictions?

No problem—just let us know in advance, and the chef will be happy to accommodate your needs.

What if I want to stay longer than seven nights?

While it's not possible to extend your stay at Locanda del Gallo due to other groups before us and arriving after we leave, you're more than welcome to arrive in Italy earlier or stay longer afterward. If you arrive early, you can still meet up with the group at the airport in Rome on May 9 to take the group shuttle to the retreat. Likewise, you're welcome to join us on the return shuttle to the airport on May 16 and continue your vacation from there. Many guests choose to rent a car and explore nearby cities like Siena, Florence, or even Rome at their own pace. We’re happy to share ideas or recommendations if you’d like to extend your adventure!

Will there be other guests at the Locanda while we’re there?

No, we will have the palazzo all to ourselves.

What’s the payment policy?

A $500 deposit secures your spot on the retreat. The remaining balance is due by March 8, 2027. We’ll work with you to create a personalized payment plan based on your room selection and preferred payment schedule.

Questions?