Project Description
Retreat at Don Totu:
earth in Salento’s hidden oasis
5th-12nd April 2025
Why We Chose Don Totu Boutique Hotel for Our Yoga Retreat in Salento
At Don Totu, nestled in the heart of Salento’s ancient San Cassiano historical center, we found the perfect setting for a transformative yoga retreat.
Retreats are one of the most profound gifts we can offer ourselves—a time for deep reflection, rest, and renewal. They take us beyond the daily rush and help us reconnect with our inner selves. Whether you’re just beginning or have already started your yoga and meditation journey, retreats open up new layers of understanding, compassion, and inner peace.
The delightful hidden garden at Don Totu, with its peaceful unparalleld intimate atmosphere, provides an ideal environment to retreat from the noise of the world. Nestled in the beauty of Salento, with its charming medieval towns, ancient castles, and breathtaking coastlines, crystal clear sea, yet tucked away in a private oasis where silence and nature foster deep inner transformation.
Silence is something that many people worry about, but after a few days, it becomes one of the most cherished parts of the experience. Here, every corner of garden invites you into that quiet—where you can finally slow down, reflect, and be fully present. The tranquility of the surroundings supports the practice of mindful awareness, holding all emotions, thoughts, and memories with kindness and wisdom. It’s an opportunity to open up to new perspectives, experience a deep sense of joy, and return to your daily life with clarity and a more peaceful heart.
For more details, please visit https://be.booking-reservations.com/index.html?idstr=d45573b1-4576-4957-b95d-97275a5fe633&pacch
Bio Francesca Maniglio
Francesca Maniglio, is founder og YIS (Yoga in Salento), the leading yoga school in Salento. Each year she hosts and organizes workshops, corse for yoga teachers and intensive corse with highly qualified International teachers. The association YIS, active in the area since 2007, has distinguished itself over the years as an important International yoga center, a meeting point of the International yoga community. With a genuine love for teaching and for yoga, she teaches with enthusiasm, commutment and devotion. She is grateful to the masters with whom she had the privilege to study (John Scott, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, BNS Iyengar, Manju Jois, Mark Darby, David Swenson, David Williams, Lino Miele, Luoise Ellis, Tina Pizzimenti, Sharon Gannon and David Life), and she is joyful for the practice’s sublime benefits.
A Typical Day at the Retreat
At Don Totu, our retreat schedule is designed to nourish both body and mind, balancing structured yoga practice with restful, reflective time. You can choose between a week-long retreat (Saturday to Saturday) or a shorter four-day option, perfect for those who are new to this type of experience and might be unsure about committing to a full week.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
• Morning Practice (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
We begin the day with two hours of morning yoga, designed to help you center yourself for the day ahead. It’s an invigorating and mindful practice that awakens both body and mind.
• Brunch (10:30 AM):
After the morning session, enjoy a nourishing brunch in the serene garden of Don Totu. Fresh, local ingredients and a mindful dining experience will fuel your day in Salento.
• Relaxation & Exploration (11:30 AM – 4:00 PM):
The midday hours are free for journaling, a key aspect of this retreat, or simply relaxing in the hidden garden. For those who feel inspired, the beauty of Salento awaits—whether it’s a peaceful trek through national reserves, a visit to nearby medieval towns like Otranto, Gallipoli, or Castro, or discovering the ancient castles and coastline. This free time is perfect for quiet reflection or adventurous exploration.
• Afternoon Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM):
In the afternoon, we invite you to unwind and release physical tension with an hour and a half of restorative yoga, followed by Yoga Nidra—a deep, guided relaxation practice. Yoga Nidra offers the equivalent of four hours of restful sleep and is especially beneficial for those with sleep difficulties. It allows your body and mind to deeply relax and restore.
Retreat Pricing
We offer two intimate and luxurious retreat options, both starting with arrival on Saturday evening and practices beginning Sunday morning. These options are perfect for small groups, making it a personalized and exclusive experience in the serene setting of Don Toto.
*1. Full Week Retreat (Saturday to Friday)* from 5th to 12nd April
Included:
• 6 morning yoga sessions (Sunday to Friday)
• 3 afternoon sessions of restorative yoga & Yoga Nidra (Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday)
• Time for relaxation, journaling, and exploring the beauty of Salento
• Price: total price for the whole place € 16835 (7 nights)
n.1 standard room € 345 per night
n.1 Superior room € 380 per night
n.3 suite rooms € 435 per night
n.1 quad/family room (2PAX) € 375 per night
• Minimum of 6 participants required
• Maximum of 12 participants (due to the boutique nature of Don Totu, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience)
*2. Shorter Retreat (Saturday to Wednesday)* from 5th to 9th April
Included:
• 3 morning yoga sessions (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday)
• 2 afternoon sessions of restorative yoga & Yoga Nidra (Sunday and Tuesday)
• Time for relaxation, journaling, and exploring the beauty of Salento
• Price: total price for the whole place € 9620 (4 nights)
n.1 standard room € 345 per night
n.1 Superior room € 380 per night
n.3 suite rooms € 435 per night
n.1 quad/family room (2PAX) € 375 per night
• Minimum of 6 participants required
• Maximum of 12 participants
Both retreats offer an intimate experience, with the limited number of participants (maximum 12) ensuring personal attention in your yoga journey. The limited spaces make it an ideal opportunity for close-knit groups—friends or family members—to share a truly exclusive and luxurious experience together.
