RETREAT to the hills of Tuscany in Italy for a 7-day Iyengar Yoga immersion with Helen Willoughby

Where:  The beautiful medieval village of San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany.

When:   Monday 16 to Sunday 22 September 2024 inclusive (arrive Sunday 15 September).

San Quirico d’Orcia is one of the jewels of the picturesque Orcia Valley in southern Tuscany, close to the ancient spa hamlet of Bagno Vignoni and other popular destinations including Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino. 

On retreat there will be a mix of daily meditation, asana, pranayama and restorative yoga, and organised cultural and wellness activities.

The retreat is being organised in conjunction with local hosts, Antonio and Valentina, who run an idyllic bookstore/cafe in the town’s historic centre. San Quirico d’Orcia is known for its arts and culture, and its sense of community. 

There is accommodation in the town within walking distance of the yoga venue. Helen and her partner Paul, who is assisting with logistics, can assist with bookings if required, and also provide travel information.

The retreat cost is $1350.00 inclusive of all yoga, some meals and transport to local activities.

For further information contact Helen at info@ballinayoga.com or on 0439 023 389.

2024 Workshops, retreats and intensives

Sunday, 7 April, 8-10.30am – Yoga in the Ropes (Kurunta Yoga) – join Helen Willoughby in learning how to use the ropes to achieve more opening, balance and alignment in a wide variety of asana (postures). This method of yoga has been integral to the Iyengar method since introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar in the early 1980s. Yoga in the ropes is known as Kurunta Yoga, which in Sanskrit means puppet.

Joint School Iyengar Yoga Intensive with Peta Keaney (Redfern Yoga Space) and Helen Willoughby – Friday 26 to Monday 29 April – Booked out – Six sessions of yoga classes across four days with a group lunch on Saturday included. Indicative class times as follows:

Friday 26 April – 4-6pm; Saturday 27 April – 8-10.30am and 3-5pm; Sunday 28 April 8-10.30am and 3-5pm; Monday 8-10.30am.

Full intensive price is $300, including group lunch at Shelley Beach Cafe on Saturday. A $50 deposit is required to secure a place as spaces are limited. Please email info@ballinayoga.com if you would like to attend or contact Helen on 0439 023 389. 

Sunday, 23 June, 9-10am  – Kids Yoga Workshop with Helen Willoughby. Suitable for ages 5 to 13 years.

Iyengar Yoga Intensive with Senior teacher James Bahuth – Friday 9 August to Sunday 11 August. Go to https://ballinayoga.com/product/james-bahuth-yoga-intensive-9-11-august-2024/ to book and for more details.

Iyengar Yoga Retreat in Tuscany, Italy, with Helen Willoughby – Monday 16 to Sunday 22 September. Refer details above. 

Sunday, 27 October, 8-10.30am – Backbend workshop with Helen Willoughby

Sunday, 1 December, 8-10am – Annual Restorative and Pranayama workshop with Helen Willoughby. Followed by End of Year Gathering in the studio.

Bookings will be available through this website closer to the date of the workshop/intensiv