Imagine waking up to the soft golden light of the Italian countryside, a warm breeze carrying the scent of lavender and freshly tilled earth. Last May 2023, State of Salt whisked an intimate group of modern wellness seekers to the heart of Umbria for an unforgettable six-day retreat at the luxurious Locanda del Gallo—and it was nothing short of a dream.
Perched on 28 hectares of olive groves, gardens, and rolling hills, Locanda del Gallo was a masterpiece of understated elegance, adorned with globally sourced decor that mirrored the rich stories of its owners. No televisions, no distractions—just the tranquil hum of nature and space to reconnect.
The Art of Doing It All (or Nothing)
Mornings began with meditation and yoga in a sun-dappled shala, followed by farm-to-table breakfasts featuring fresh produce grown on-site. Afternoons were a playful homage to "la dolce vita"—whether it was hunting for treasures at the Gubbio markets, sipping wine in the shadow of a medieval castle, or learning the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class.
Evenings invited us to slow down again with restorative yoga and exquisite dinners that celebrated Umbria’s culinary heritage and on site winery. For those craving pure relaxation, Locanda’s infinity pool, Turkish bath, and serene spa offered a sanctuary to melt into.
A Modern Take on Wellness
At State of Salt, we honour yoga’s grounding traditions while keeping things refreshingly modern. This wasn’t about rigid schedules or “shoulds”—our retreat embodied the Italian ethos of go with the flow. From sipping wine with new friends to losing track of time in a book by the pool, every moment was about finding what rejuvenated you most.
Savouring the Details
Highlights included a vineyard lunch at the stunning Castello di Ramazzano, where history and good company converged. Meals back at the villa brought the best of Italy to our plates, blending local flavours with a modern wellness twist. And yes, wine was encouraged.
As we wrapped up our stay, it was clear: this wasn’t just a retreat. It was an invitation to rediscover the joy of slow living, the beauty of connection, and the art of savouring life’s simplest pleasures.
If this sounds like the escape you’ve been craving, stay tuned—we’re already dreaming up our next retreat.
Until next time, Umbria. Grazie mille.
