ROVINJ, CROATIA
2025
FILL YOUR CUP IN CROATIA:
A WELLNESS & ADVENTURE RETREAT
Grand Park Hotel
Rovinj, Croatia
October 3-10, 2025
with Melanie Caines & Maggie O’Dea
Experience the beauty of Croatia and the magic of self-care during this incredible retreat week. Refill your cup with daily meditation & yoga, explore the enchanting Old Town of Rovinj, indulge in spa treatments at our luxurious hotel, and nourish yourself with local cuisine. With 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: 12-18 people
Exclusive use? No there will be other guests staying at the hotel.
THE EXPERIENCE
Rovinj sits on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, overlooking a gorgeous archipelago, nestled into the Adriatic Sea.
At the heart of this retreat is the Grand Park Hotel, where every detail is designed for your comfort. “The Grand Park Hotel sees elegant contemporary architecture set against centuries-old woodland and a blissful coastal location. It offers fantastic views of Rovinj’s Old Town across the bay, a spa with spectacular rooftop pools, and seven bars and restaurants.” The Telegraph, UK
Indulge in a rooftop spa boasting six unique saunas, a heated swimming pool, and rejuvenating treatments featuring locally sourced herbs. Wander through the stunning garden adorned with 30,000 artfully selected Mediterranean plants. Culinary delights await at seven restaurants, including the Michelin Star phenomenon, Algi Amici.
Gourmet breakfast is available till noon, after which you can embark on your own journey through seven different restaurants. And, if you want a change of scenery, stroll to Rovinj old town for a local food experience.
When not indulging in the hotel’s pampering amenities, you can reconnect with nature walking by the sea and to the city of Rovinj, known as “the Pearl of Istria.” Famous for its colorful pebble streets, art galleries, and bohemian vibes, Rovinj is also known as the most romantic city on the Adriatic coast.
Our retreat includes:
(1) Wine & food tour in Istria with stops at Lim Bay and Motovun
(2) Discovery tour of Rovinj
(3) Sunset boat tour
Other optional activities include:
Kayak Tour around Red Island (famous for cliff jumping!)
Massage Treatments
accommodations & Fees
Premium Sea View Rooms
The room features a king-sized bed or two connected twin beds (with private bathroom) and is inspired by the understated pleasure of the Mediterranean felt everywhere in the hotel – in its earth tones, natural materials, and Mediterranean plants on the balcony. The balcony overlooks the sea and the old town of Rovinj.
Single Occupancy
€3350
Double Occupancy
€2875pp
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation & 12 yoga classes
- Daily brunch (served until noon)
- Welcome dinner + farewell dinner
- Return ground transportation from Venice airport to Rovinj on arrival & departure days (one group pick up/drop off)
- Food & wine tour of Istria, including stops at Lim Bay & Motovun
- Discovery tour of Rovinj
- Sunset boat tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- 5 dinners
- Optional extra excursions
- Alcohol
OUR ITINERARY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
Welcome to Croatia! Take your time to settle in and unwind before our opening circle, followed by a post-travel stretchy yoga class. Then we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Rovinj Old Town restaurant. Sleep well – more beauty and adventures tomorrow!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
We’ll start the day with some flow yoga to get moving and grooving. Following a nourishing breakfast, embark on a discovery tour of the historical city of Rovinj with Sasha, our host and guide from Fige Yoga. Stroll through charming streets, visit the cathedral, and explore local art galleries, immersing yourself in the city’s beauty and history. We’ll return to the hotel for a late afternoon yoga class and then the evening is yours to enjoy!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
A day to chill out or explore! We’ll yoga in the morning, followed by a delicious brunch. You can venture out or spend the afternoon at the hotel and enjoy one of the six saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, steam baths, signature massages, beauty treatments, or in the fully-equipped gym. We’ll enjoy another yoga class late afternoon and the evening is all yours.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
Start your day with yoga and take time to enjoy a long delicious breakfast in the amazing dining hall overlooking the sea and Rovinj’s Old Town. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. If you’re seeking more adventure, we suggest a kayak tour around Rovinj’s Old Town with a stop at St. Catherine Island. Experience the untouched nature and the turquoise Adriatic Sea, perhaps seeing some dolphins. We’ll meet for yoga in the late afternoon and dinner can be anywhere you please. Maybe you spend the evening under the stars, sipping excellent Croatian wine for a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Yoga + breakfast – the best way to start the day! Today we will explore the picturesque Istrian countryside and enjoy some local delicacies. The first stop is a family owned winery, where we will tour through cellars, learn about producing, and taste several Istrian wines. We continue to Motovun, an artistic old town, set high on a hill in the Mirna River Valley and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Motovun is known as home to Istria’s famous truffles. We’ll find a table in one of the restaurants on the city walls which serves up homemade pasta with truffles. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of Malvasia wine and enjoy a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. Cheers!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
After morning flow and brunch you will have time to relax or explore, whatever you are in the mood for! We’ll enjoy yoga late afternoon and a free evening to wander and enjoy.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
Start your morning with yoga and then breakfast awaits you. Enjoy a last bit of shopping in Rovinj or stay onsite and enjoy the pool or the spa. In the afternoon we’ll have our final class plus a closing circle. For the end of the week, we have a special treat for you—a sunset boat tour around the bay. Conclude this enchanting day with a farewell dinner in a local tavern, creating lasting memories of our journey.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before the group transfer to Venice (or wherever you’re off to next), feeling rejuvenated and recharged.
TRAVEL
FLIGHTS
The arrival day is Friday, October 3 and the departure day is Friday, October 10. The closest international airport is Venice (VCE), approximately a 3hr drive. There is also a 3hr ferry from Venice to Rovinj. Pula Airport (PUY) is a 30min drive away.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
There will be one complimentary group transfer from Venice Airport to our retreat hotel on the arrival day (October 3) and one complimentary group transfer from the retreat hotel to Venice Airport on the departure day (October 10).
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 April 3, 2025
• Remaining balance is due June 3, 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
MAGGIE O’DEA
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!