Brač, CROATIA
2025
FILL YOUR CUP IN CROATIA:
A WELLNESS & ADVENTURE RETREAT
Brač, Croatia
September 14-21, 2025
with Melanie Caines
Experience the beauty of Croatia and the magic of self-care during this incredible retreat week. Refill your cup with daily meditation & yoga on the terrace, soak up the sweetness of sunsets & swims in the Adriatic Sea, and nourish yourself with local cuisine. With breathtaking beaches, exquisite views, and magical cultural experiences, this Croatian adventure is a gorgeous balance of “doing” and “being” and will leave you feeling refreshed and full of life.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-13 people
Exclusive use? Yes we will be the only guests at the property.
THE EXPERIENCE
Our glorious home for the week will be Villa Gumonca, a luxury beachfront villa in the peaceful village of Mirca on the island of Brač (an hour ferry ride from Split).
Our retreat base is located outside of the tourist rush – the perfect place to slow down, tune in, & enjoy. Villa Gumonča’s surroundings offer a breathtaking view of the sea and of mainland Croatia. The direct path from the villa to the small pebble beach passes through a small vineyard and a fragrant garden of organic fruits, vegetables, and various Mediterranean herbs.
Brač is a Mediterranean island famous for its cultural heritage, deeply indented coves, smooth stone pebble beaches, crystal clear sea, and rustic Mediterranean villages. This unique Adriatic island is bestowed with Croatian symbols such as Vidova Gora — one of the most beautiful viewpoints and the highest peak on the Adriatic coast. Another treasure is the Golden Cape — a natural white pebbled beach formation that sticks out of the sea like a tongue; Lonely Planet listed it as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
Our retreat includes:
(1) Day Trip to Vidova Gora, Golden Cape, & Bol
(2) Olive Oil Tasting & the Village of Skrip
Other optional activities include:
Island Hopping Boat Tour (weather permitting)
Massage Treatments
The villa has 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, with a spacious living room. The outdoor area features a heated infinity pool, sun deck with lounge chairs, a jacuzzi, and a large terrace with a dining area where we will enjoy our meals.
Yoga classes will take place outside on the shaded terrace and yoga mats are provided.
Our retreat food is prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients purchased from local farmers because we love to support the local economy.
Enjoy daily brunch and dinner, made by the local in-house chef. Brunches and dinners are vegetarian and vegan.
Coffee, tea, fruits, and snacks will be available through the day.
accommodations & Fees
Single Occupancy
(1 bed + private bathroom)
€2375
Double Occupancy Room
(2 single beds + private bathroom)
€2075pp
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation and yoga twice a day
- Daily brunch & dinner (except dinner in Bol)
- Daily snacks before afternoon yoga
- Return ground transportation from Supetar Port to Villa Gumonca on arrival & departure day
- Excursion to Vidova Gora, Golden Cape, & Bol
- Olive Oil Museum excursion with tasting
- Use of yoga mats
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Return ferry from Split to Brac
- Dinner in Bol
- Optional Island Hopping Boat Trip
- Alcohol
OUR ITINERARY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Welcome to Croatia! We will meet at the Supetar Port on Brac Island at 4:00pm for our group shuttle to Villa Gumonca. Arrive, unpack, & settle in! We’ll enjoy a short and sweet post-travel flow and a welcome circle, followed by a delicious dinner.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Start your day with tea, coffee, and fresh juices and awaken with morning yoga. Following class our in-house chef will serve a delicious brunch. The afternoon is reserved for leisure activities, like massage, relaxing by the pool, swimming, or simply reading a book and enjoying the villa; your choice! We’ll enjoy a second yoga class in the late afternoon followed by dinner and watching the sunset.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Start the morning with yoga class and nourish your soul with an amazing brunch made from veggies picked directly from our garden. Now it’s time to explore! We’ll enjoy a visit to Mt Vidova Gora, the highest peak of all Croatian islands. From here you will enjoy an incredible view of the Golden Cape and the islands of Hvar and Vis. Then we’ll arrive at the Golden Cape, the most beautiful beach in Croatia and a protected natural area of the Adriatic coastline. Take a swim, relax, & enjoy. We will conclude the day’s adventure with a dinner in the nearby town of Bol.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
After morning yoga and brunch you’ll have free time to explore the local village, relax in the villa, or enjoy the beach. Or, if you prefer something more active there’s an option to try kayaking or SUP. We’ll wind down with another yoga class and dinner on the terrace.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
After morning yoga and brunch, if the weather is in our favor, we will embark on a boat trip towards majestic Hvar and the Pakleni islands. We’ll start with Hvar, a location with charming Venetian architecture, numerous monasteries, the famous fortress ‘Spanjola’, and excellent bars and restaurants. The second stop will be the Pakleni islands: here we will swim, snorkel, and enjoy a snack at the beach bar. Dinner will be served in the villa once we return.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
After morning flow and brunch you will have time to relax or explore, whatever you are in the mood for! We’ll enjoy a workshop in the afternoon, followed by our yoga class, dinner, and sunset.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Morning yoga and brunch will be followed by a visit to Skrip, the oldest village on the island of Brac, and the Museum of Olive Oil for a delicious tasting. We’ll return to the villa for our closing class and final dinner.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before the group transfer to Supetar port where you can catch the ferry back to Split, feeling rejuvenated, recharged, and ready for whatever is next!
TRAVEL
FLIGHTS
The arrival day is Sunday, September 14 and the departure day is Sunday, September 21. The closest airport is Split (SPU).
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
There is a shuttle that runs from Split Airport to the town of Split (30min drive and €8 shuttle). From there, you will take the Jadrolinja ferry from Split to Supetar, Brac (1hr ferry ride and €6 ticket). We recommend taking the ferry that will arrive at 3:05pm at the Supetar port and we will meet you 4:00pm for your included shuttle to Villa Gumonca.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS?
Contact Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
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 March 14, 2025
• Remaining balance is due May 14, 2025
• 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.
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 LEADERS
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
MARIA HILLIER
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
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 1/2 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.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
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!
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!