Mandali Retreat Center in Northern Italy, for peace, yoga and meditation (also for non-spiritual people)
We all sometimes - or more often - feel that we are too busy, feel empty, overworked or recovering from a difficult period. Or simply feel that something can be improved in our lives. All we have to do then is press the pause button. You can leave the laptop off, go out into nature, not have too many to-do's, etc. And that always turns out to be easier said than done. A retreat is an excellent place to do what you need. Stand still, pay attention to yourself, eat healthy and exercise. Bee Mandali Retreat Center This is possible in Northern Italy. Rest, yoga and meditation in a beautiful place in the Italian Alps with the sparkling lakes at your feet. Also a perfect place for "non spiri" people.
The story about the origins of Mandali is special. Despite their great, more than profitable successes in the dance world, Wouter Tavecchio and Wildrik Timmerman from Q-Dance - including from the hardstyle parties of Defqon - were missing something in their lives. They started searching and came across the path of meditation, silent retreats, breathing sessions and more healing sessions. It brought more peace, less haste and more balance. They decided to build a silent retreat in the Italian Alps and this eventually grew into the wider retreat center – what Mandali is today. You can hear Wouter's beautiful story in the podcast show Kukuru by Giel Beelen. Due to the influence of these two typical Dutch men, Mandali is a spiritual center that is extremely accessible to down-to-earth people.
Mandali is located high in the mountains - with an amazing view over Lago d'Orta, next to Lake Maggiore. It seems like an old village with small houses, winding paths, a beautiful garden and a wonderfully chill vibe. In reality, the houses are the beautiful rooms of the retreat center, the terrace at the dining room has a spectacular view over the valley and the swimming pool - with ditto view - is a dream. You can participate in various retreats at Mandali. It starts with an accessible three-day Mandali Experience that can be extended to six days. And for people who want to go a little deeper, there are theme retreats organized by external parties teachers. The themes are diverse: from seven-day silent retreats to 'quests for a meaningful life'to'enlightenment intensives'. You choose the level of depth yourself. Do you want to rest for three days or one? deep dives to turn your life around. At Mandali it's all possible and you can participate in the sessions, nothing is mandatory. If you decide you want to sleep in or go swimming or walking, that's okay too. You can take a digital detox or keep your phone with you. The choice is yours.
Less than a day after returning home, I am writing this article. Mandali has made a very nice impression. During the three-day Mandali Experience I ended up in a nice group of very diverse people. From the sweet young, hardworking woman who was looking for peace and quiet to the funny Brabant man who - despite his teasing friends - has embarked on the adventure of self-development to the pleasant 70+ couple who - like they used to do - would like to meditate more again. . And another twenty friends, couples, singles and other people from the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and America who were ready for peace and connection (and found this in a short 48 hours). One by one, the participants went home more radiant, rested and more connected to themselves. The combination of yoga, meditation, the beautiful center, the view over the mountains, the energy and the delicious food quickly deliver positive results. Now I take the wise lesson with me to reset twice a year. At home, somewhere in the Netherlands or - hopefully - back to this piece of heaven in the Alps.
- Going alone is best (although you can also go with someone)
- You book a three- to seven-day retreat via the Mandali website
- Three days is a good entry point (although everyone wants to stay longer afterwards)
- Some retreats are organized from Mandali, others by teachers from outside
- You drive from Utrecht to Mandali in about twelve hours
- You can easily fly to Milan Malpensa
- From Mandali you can arrange a transfer from the airport from €30 pp
- The food is delicious and there is a choice of vegetarian or vegan
- There are some small cute villages within walking distance
- The area is beautiful: if you have the time, renting a car and road tripping along the lakes is recommended
