“I loved this trip. Eight amazing women shared a blissful week of yoga, eating, exploring and just chillin’ on the beautiful grounds of Laconda. Sue provided the perfect balance of activities and down time; the yoga both challenging and nurturing. The windows in the yoga studio framed the Umbrian countryside – nature’s most magnificent paintings. Blessed with glorious weather, the sights, sounds and fragrances of the surrounding countryside were a sensory feast!”
Carolyn Krol--Bermuda/New York City
“The 2009 trip to Italy was an experience I will always remember. The focus of the trip was, of course, yoga, and our fearless leader Sue took us through a new invigorating, calming, sweaty, and meditative flow each day. Having never been on a yoga retreat before, I was amazed that 1) I could handle the sometimes 4 hours of yoga each day and 2) I could feel myself getting stronger rather than worn out.
Beyond the yoga, the trip was a blast. Each person in our group came alone, each looking for something different, but we easily bonded while site-seeing, sun-bathing, and food-scarfing. The dinners at La Locanda were both decadent and beautiful; we had sunsets over Umbrain hills for a backdrop. I would recommend the trip to anyone looking for the perfect balance of leisurely vacation, awesome yoga, and new friends.”
Julianna Lisi--Boston, MA
“Life can be so sweet when we allow it to be. And the unknown can be even sweeter when we allow ourselves to step forward into the unknown. This is what I encountered when I traveled to Locanda del Gallo for the annual yogaHOPE yoga retreat in Italy. Although, I had never met Sue and didn’t know anyone else who was going on the trip, I could not have imagined a more wonderfully amazing way to spend my only vacation of the year and my first trip to Italy. With a daily practice of morning and evening yoga; homemade Italian style meals fresh from the land; visits to the local countryside towns for sightseeing and shopping; and plenty of laughter, opportunities to try new things (have you ever tried acroyoga or truffle cheese?), and time to read, journal, or just relax by the pool, Sue has managed to create a one of a kind experience for those who enjoy all the benefits of a yoga retreat plus the opportunity to explore and visit one of the most beautiful, peaceful and historic places in the world. Thank you, Sue...you are amazing
Namaste.
Allison Rose, RYT--Washington, DC
“Sue's trip to Italy was by far the best vacation I have ever taken... PURE pleasure. Locanda Del Gallo is so astoundingly beautiful and the balance of yoga/feed/wine/sightseeing is perfect. Something internal shifted for me while I was there. I also made several wonderful friends. I feel like no amount of words or sentences can convey how amazing and life-changing this trip is, so just go. Do it.”
Amber Barke--Boston, MA
“My trip to Italy was the perfect relax and renew vacation! Doing yoga twice a day allowed me to focus more on personal growth than I ever have. Locande del gallo is a gorgeous location to just take in the Italian countryside - and enjoy delicious meals from their awesome chef Jimmy. Between lounging in the sun and taking trips to some local towns, I even made some long lasting friends. A+++ Would (and hopefully will!) take the trip again!”
Emma Doud--Boston, MA
“Words alone cannot come close to describing the beauty of this retreat. The combination of sights, sounds, aromas and tastes, along with establishing lasting friendships lead to a magical and memorable experience of a lifetime ...Sue and Jane’s technical and spiritual skills were superb, but more importantly, it was their passion for yoga that enabled their love and positive energy to flow naturally through to us in such a nourishing way. The small group size was ideal for this type of retreat!”
Frank DeQuattro --Charlestown, RI
“YogaHOPE’s trip to Italy was nothing less than FANTASTIC! Sue Jones is an AWESOME teacher. I had never had the opportunity to take a class with her and she is nothing short of inspirational. We also were blessed with Jane Cargill as a teacher and she too, is heartfelt, and a wonderful teacher. Both these women, gave to us, from their heart & souls, daily as we enjoyed our inspiring hot Yoga practices in the beautiful glassed encased studio with magnificent views over the valley. There were 7 of us, together practicing Yoga, taking cooking lessons, traveling to local towns; Assisi, Gubbio, Cortona (remember Under the Tuscan Sun?, yes, that’s Cortona!), Spoleto and just plain hangin’ out and having fun! This is one FABULOUS retreats so, do not pass this one up! I would HIGHLY recommend you sign up for the next YogaHOPE trip!!”
Dawn McKinnon --Dover, NH
Yoga, delicious food, beautiful countryside and sightseeing - I couldn’t ask for more! It was a life changing experience for me. I don’t think I ever remember myself being happier and feeling so free. With the support and love of terrific teachers and a group of fellow yogis, I met face to face many old fears that were hindering me in my personal growth. I also met many wonderful people who I shared terrific memories with and know that they will be a part of my life from here on ward. It was such a great experience that I have dreamt I’m back there already!
Amanda Richter -- Newton, Ma.
If I were to say “it’s all about the love” everyone who was on this retreat would be immediately brought back to that wonderful week in September. This was a yoga retreat with the emphasis on treat. The location and accommodations were phenomenal, the food was unbelievable; but what really made the trip so unique was the small intimate group, and the love. Both Sue and Jane inspired with their teaching and brought new meaning to savasana, rejuvenating body, mind and spirit. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it was for an amazing cause, yogaHOPE. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Kim Milarski--Boston, Ma.
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