A hidden escape in the Istrian hills
Experience Istrian Peninsula is a week-long retreat set on a quiet countryside estate of stone villas, tucked between vineyards, olive groves and rolling green fields — just minutes from the Adriatic coast. This is Istria at its most authentic: red-soil hills, winding river valleys and hilltop towns that feel unchanged for centuries.
Your days are built around daily yoga and Pilates with Sophia Wilson, meals from a private chef using fresh local ingredients, and three curated excursions into the surrounding countryside — truffle hunting, hilltop towns, and the harbour town of Rovinj. Between sessions, there's a heated pool, a covered garden pergola, and an evening fire pit for slow, unhurried conversation.
At a glance
Days of movement, stillness and Istrian countryside
Each day pairs a grounding morning practice with time to rest, explore, or simply enjoy the estate — no rigid schedule, just a gentle rhythm built around yoga, Pilates and good food.
A typical day
- Morning yoga or Pilates session with Sophia
- Breakfast prepared by the villa's private chef
- Excursions or free time — the pool, the gardens or simply resting
- Long, unhurried lunches at the villa
- Evening practice or quiet time by the fire pit
- Communal dinner with local, seasonal ingredients
Meals & food
- Private chef on-site throughout your stay
- Fresh, local Istrian ingredients — the region is famous for its produce
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily at the villa
- Coffee, tea and fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice
Three included excursions
Truffle hunting near Motovun
Head into the forests that made this region famous, with a local guide and their trained dogs, to search for Istria's prized truffles.
Hilltop towns — Motovun & Oprtalj
Wander the stone streets of two of Istria's best-loved hilltop towns, with sweeping views over the Mirna river valley and surrounding vineyards.
Rovinj old town & harbour
A trip to the coast to explore Rovinj's cobbled old town, colourful harbour and hilltop church — one of the most photographed towns in Croatia.
Optional extra excursions
Wine tasting at a family winery
Taste Istrian Malvazija and Teran at a local family-run winery, surrounded by the vineyards that give the region its character.
Sea kayaking
Paddle the clear waters of the Istrian coastline as the sun goes down over the Adriatic.
Cycling the Brijuni Islands
Explore the car-free Brijuni Islands National Park by bicycle, past Roman ruins and open parkland.
Pula Arena visit
Visit one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, still standing in the heart of Pula.
Red Island day trip
A boat trip to Crveni otok ("Red Island") near Rovinj — pine forests, quiet coves and clear swimming water.
None of these extras are included in the package — they can be arranged during your stay; just ask us for details.
Choose your week
Two identical departure weeks run the same program at the same villa — pick whichever suits your travel plans. The price includes everything listed below.
4 – 11 September 2027
7 nights · double occupancy
Contact us for single occupancy pricing
Book Now11 – 18 September 2027
7 nights · double occupancy
Contact us for single occupancy pricing
Book NowPayments are non-refundable, but you may transfer your booking to another person at any time.
Contact us for the deposit and payment schedule, and to confirm your chosen week.
What's included
- 7 nights' accommodation at the villa
- All meals — breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
- Daily yoga & Pilates sessions with Sophia Wilson
- Yoga & Pilates equipment
- 3 guided excursions (see Program)
- Private chef on-site throughout
- Pool and garden access at the villa
- WiFi, A/C, daily cleaning & all linens
Excluded
- Flights to Croatia
- Additional excursions beyond the 3 included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pool heating supplement (available on request)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Four private villas among vineyards and olive groves
Your retreat takes place across four private stone villas on the same countryside estate, set among vineyards, olive groves and open fields — the kind of place where the biggest sound is birdsong. Together the villas share a fully equipped kitchen, a heated pool, and gardens looking out over the Istrian hills.
What makes the villa special
- Four private stone villas sharing the same pool, gardens and grounds
- Heated outdoor pool with sun terrace and loungers
- Dedicated yoga & Pilates studio with exposed wood-beam ceiling
- Covered garden pergola with long communal dining table
- Outdoor fire pit for evenings under the stars
- Fully equipped kitchen and open-plan living & dining rooms
- Set among vineyards, olive groves and open countryside
- Daily housekeeping, WiFi, A/C, all linens & toiletries
Getting there
Fly into Pula Airport (PUY) — the closest option, about 30–45 minutes from the villa. Rijeka Airport (RJK) and Trieste Airport (TRS) in Italy are both around an hour away and often have more international connections. Just send us your arrival details and we'll help you plan the transfer.
Life at the retreat
Real moments from past retreats and the Istrian countryside that surrounds this one.
The people behind your retreat
Sophia Wilson
Yoga & Pilates Host · Founder, Wellness Fitness Retreats · Certified Fitness Trainer
For Sophia, traveling has always been about more than getting from one place to another — it's a chance to discover, to immerse herself in another culture, and to embrace this beautiful planet and all the corners of it we're fortunate enough to see.
She founded Wellness Fitness Retreats in 2009, bringing together her love of travel with her professional fitness training to gather like-minded people for unforgettable experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and spirit through mindfulness and movement.
The Green Yogi Traveler team
Gorana & Davor
Co-founders · Green Yogi Traveler
Your hosts from the Green Yogi Traveler team are Gorana and Davor. As a licensed Croatian travel agency and Travelife Partner, they handle every practical detail of your stay in Istria — accommodation, transfers, excursions and all the logistics — so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment.
The Villa's Private Chef
Private Chef
Throughout your stay, the villa's private chef prepares fresh, seasonal meals using local Istrian ingredients — from the region's renowned truffles and olive oil to produce grown just outside the kitchen door.
Experience Istrian Peninsula — frequently asked questions
Which dates can I choose?
There are two identical departure weeks in September 2027: 4–11 September and 11–18 September. Both run the same program at the same villa — pick whichever week suits your travel plans.
Which airport should I fly into?
Pula Airport (PUY) is closest, about 30–45 minutes from the villa. Rijeka Airport (RJK) and Trieste Airport (TRS) in Italy are both around an hour away and often have more international connections.
Do I need yoga or Pilates experience to join?
No — all levels are welcome. Sophia leads daily yoga and Pilates sessions designed to meet you where you are, whether it's your first class or your thousandth.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. The villa's private chef prepares fresh, local meals for the whole group and can accommodate most dietary needs — just let us know when you book.
Is the retreat suitable for solo travelers?
Yes — many guests join solo. You'll be warmly welcomed into a small, intimate group from the moment you arrive.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments are non-refundable. However, you may transfer your booking and all payments to another person at any time. Contact us to arrange the transfer.
Ready to join Experience Istrian Peninsula?
Send a quick message to check availability, choose your week, or ask anything — we'll get back to you soon.
See All Retreats