italy: Umbria 2026
INDULGE IN ITALY RETREAT
Locanda del Gallo
Umbria, Italy
June 6-13, 2026
with Melanie Caines
Italy is calling! Join Melanie for a glorious week of yoga, food, and adventures in Umbria! You’ll take up residence at the stunning Locanda del Gallo in the Italian countryside for 7 days of la dolce vita: stay connected with yoga twice a day, indulge in local culinary delights, taste wines from the region, enjoy afternoon hikes around the property, and savor a soak in the saltwater pool and jacuzzi. Treat yourself to this delicious week of self-care: you deserve it.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-18 people
Exclusive use? Yes we will be the only guests at the property.
locanda del gallo
“Welcome to Locanda del Gallo, our country house bed and breakfast located in the peaceful Umbria hills between Gubbio and Perugia. Our luxury, boutique hotel accommodation is immersed in nature. Enjoy our green hills, our gardens, our silence, extreme relaxation in our wellness centre with salt water swimming pool, jacuzzi spa and massage facilities. Let our chef spoil you with healthy and organic cuisine. Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi and Cortona are all within easy reach of the Locanda del Gallo and even Siena, Florence and Rome are not too far.”
In 1995 the present owners took over the property, formerly belonging to the Marquis Capranica del Grillo. They commenced on a project of dedicated restoration of the long neglected mansion and village re-creating its original splendour, and resulting in the Locanda we see today.
the garden & Spa
Prominently situated on a ridge which stretches into the centre of the valley, The Locanda del Gallo commands fine views over its 28 hectares of gardens, terraced lawns and woodland. Stroll at leisure through the olive grove, inhale the scent of roses and herbs, or simply curl up with a book under the shade of the old elm tree. The gardens hold many hidden gems and secret corners for you to discover. In one, an ecological chlorine-free swimming pool, encircled by comfortable sun loungers and close by the sybaritic delight of an outdoor Jacuzzi whirlpool spa.
Or descend a few steps and enter the small Moorish style spa, let your tensions slip away in the Turkish bath and then immerse yourself in a cloud of cool, refreshing, mint scented water, before heading for the peace of the salon overlooking the verdant landscape to sip a tisane, or read a book, or revive yourself under the hands of our masseuse.
the kitchen
In the finest traditions of Mediterranean cuisine everything is natural, everything is genuine. Organic vegetables from the garden, olive oil from the olive grove, aromatic herbs from the garden, home made yogurt, cakes and breads. Mediterranean tradition, fresh and healthful.
La Locanda uses mostly organic produce. At breakfast they offer muesli, corn flakes, various seeds, prunes, homemade yoghurt, sliced meats on request, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, jams/preserves, home baked bread, fruit juices, coffee, tea, milk. At lunchtime there are grains, vegetable proteins, a choice of vegetables, fruit, homemade pizzas/focaccias and more. At dinnertime there will be a first course (pasta or soups), main course with side dish, raw vegetables + dips and a dessert.
the rooms
The Locanda del Gallo has 9 rooms all with private bathroom, each equally fresh and silent, each different from one another. The furnishings adorning every room were all hand-picked and brought back one by one from many distant journeys made by Paola and Irish, the owners of the Locanda del Gallo. There is no television, nothing to disturb the peace and tranquillity.
ROOMS
Rooms have one, two, or three beds plus a private bathroom
Single Occupancy €3325
Double Occupancy €2875 per person
Triple Occupancy €2675 per person
SUITES
Suites have two separate bedrooms with two twin beds (or one double bed in each bedroom) plus one private bathroom
Double Occupancy €2975 per person
Triple Occupancy €2775 per person
Quadruple Occupancy €2575 per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Daily meditation
- Yoga twice a day
- 7 nights accommodation
- 3 healthy fresh meals per day
- Italian cooking class with villa chef
- Assisi 1/2 day excursion (free time to explore)
- One group pickup at Perugia train station 3pm on arrival day & one group drop off at Perugia train station at check out on departure day
- All taxes and HST
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation other than Perugia train station group pickup/drop off on arrival & departure days
- Alcohol
- Massage treatments
- Winery excursion
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Local Area Hike
Explore the nature trails surrounding Locanda, including the nearby waterfalls. Paola and Irish, the owners, will be happy to point the way.
Wine Tasting + Perugia Excursion
Enjoy an afternoon at a local winery followed up a short visit to Perugia to explore.
Massage Treatments
Enjoy a delicious massage treatment in Locanda del Gallo’s beautiful spa
How we spend our days
Morning Yoga
Breakfast
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Lunch
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Evening Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A €500 non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due December 6, 2025
• Remaining balance is due February 6, 2026
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
TRAVEL
FLIGHTS
Once you have your spot reserved you can search for your flight: the arrival day is Saturday, June 6 and the departure day is Saturday, June 13.
TRAIN
Trains connect many major cities in Italy to the nearby city of Perugia.
From Rome: 2.5 hours
From Siena: 1.5 hours
From Florence: 2.5 hours
From Perugia: 45 minutes
TRAVEL QUESTIONS?
Check out our FAQ section by scrolling down the page or you can reach Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR retreat leader
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your expected departure date.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded..
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!