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

May 9 - 16, 2026

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, Ashtanga

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

  • Transportation to and from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport

  • Italian Cooking Class

  • Optional: Massage Services

Excursions:

  • Visit to Gubbio

  • Day Tour to Assisi

  • Visit & lunch at Chiesa del Carmine Winery

OPTIONAL (additional fee):'

Accomodations

Single, double, and triple occupancy options available.

Pricing

Triple: *$2625

Double: *$2975

Single: *$3500

*Early Bird Special Prices!!!

Prices increase by $500 after September 1, 2025

What’s not included:

***Optional: Excursion to Perugia ($75/person)

Payment plans available!

Sample Schedule

Saturday, May 9:

Arrival at Locanda del Gallo

6:00 pm - Welcome Circle

7:30 pm - Group Welcome Dinner

Sunday, May 10 & Monday, May 11

7:30 am - Yoga Practice

9:00 am - Breakfast

10:00 - MONDAY: OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO PERUGIA (extra fee, $75/person)

Free Time to Dream, Explore, Rest, Relax, Hike, Write, Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment

1:00 pm - Lunch

5:00 pm - Evening Restorative Yoga/Meditation/Journaling

7:30 pm - Dinner

Tuesday, May 12

7:00 am - Yoga Practice

8:30 am - Breakfast

10:00 am - Depart for Gubbio

1:30 pm - Visit and Lunch at Chiesa Del Carmine Winery

5:00 pm - Evening Restorative Yoga/Meditation/Journaling

7:30 pm - Dinner

Wednesday, May 13

7:30 am - Yoga Practice

9:00 am - Breakfast

Free Time to Dream, Explore, Rest, Relax, Hike, Write, Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment

1:00 pm - Lunch

5:00 pm - Evening Restorative Yoga/Meditation/Journaling

7:30 pm - Dinner

Thursday, May 14

7:00 am - Yoga Practice

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Depart for Assisi

Guided tour of Assisi (including the Basilica of St. Francis)

Lunch on your own in Assisi

3:00 pm - Return to Locanda del Gallo

5:00 pm - Evening Restorative Yoga/Meditation/Journaling

7:30 pm - Dinner

Friday, May 15

7:00 am - Yoga Practice

8:30 am - Breakfast

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

6:00 pm - Closing Circle

7:30 pm - Dinner

Saturday, May 16

Departure day

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!

Sign up by September 1, 2025 and save $500!!!

*Prices shown are without the $500 savings from the Early Bird Discount.

Discount automatically applied at check-out

Single Occupancy

$4000.00*

Join us at the Locanda del Gallo for 7 nights, all-inclusive yoga retreat. May 9 - May 16, 2026. Includes: 7 nights accomodation, 3 meals per day, daily room cleaning, tea service, morning and afternoon yoga sessions, use of all facilities, transportation to/from airport, excursions to Gubbio, Assisi, winery, cooking class.

Bed Configuration:

1 Queen Bed + Private Bath


Double Occupancy

$3475.00*

Join us at the Locanda del Gallo for 7 nights, all-inclusive yoga retreat. May 9 - May 16, 2026. Includes: 7 nights accomodation, 3 meals per day, daily room cleaning, tea service, morning and afternoon yoga sessions, use of all facilities, transportation to/from airport, excursions to Gubbio, Assisi, winery, cooking class.

Bed Configurations:

1 King Bed or 2 Twins

Various double rooms are available and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.


Triple Occupancy

$3125.00*

Join us at the Locanda del Gallo for 7 nights, all-inclusive yoga retreat. May 9 - May 16, 2026. Includes: 7 nights accomodation, 3 meals per day, daily room cleaning, tea service, morning and afternoon yoga sessions, use of all facilities, transportation to/from airport, excursions to Gubbio, Assisi, winery, cooking class.

Bed Configurations:

2 Twins + 1 Day Bed

2 Twin Beds + 1 Queen Bed in a Loft

Various triple rooms are available and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.


Meet your retreat leader

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.

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 ticket into and out of Fiumicino International Airport in Rome (airport code: FCO). There will be a shuttle to take us to Locanda del Gallo on May 9, 2026. 

You’re also welcome to arrange your own transportation if you decide to arrive earlier than May 9.

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.

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. 

Our General Manager is an ambassador with 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 3:30 pm. 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 10:00 am. Exact details will be provided after registration.

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.

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.

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 9, 2026. We’ll work with you to create a personalized payment plan based on your room selection and preferred payment schedule.

Questions?