Mother Nature is our healer. She is our greatest teacher.
In its richness Nature mirrors our human experience and offers the highest teachings on how to live, how to love, how to grow and how to relate to the world around us.
This retreat is an invitation to soften into stillness and return to what’s real. We’ll spend four days held by the quiet beauty of Istria—surrounded by forest, stone, and fresh December air—as we remember the simple joy of being alive. Together, we’ll slow down, clear the mental clutter, and reconnect with the rhythm of breath, the pulse of the earth, and the nourishment of simple living. The intention is to leave behind the noise of city life and drop into something deeper: a space where we can unplug, exhale, and be revitalized by nature, practice, and presence.
Our days begin with grounding yogic practices. We share wholesome, family-style meals, hike the winding trails of the Ćićarija mountains, and breathe with the winter elements. There’s spaciousness woven into the schedule—time to rest, connect, or explore optional wellness offerings. For those called to adventure, there’s even the opportunity to try a beginner’s climbing class on the stunning limestone rocks just behind the lodge.
This retreat is open to all levels of yoga practitioners—as long as you carry a love for nature and a longing to return to yourself.
“When sorrow knocks, or my soul grows restless,
I heal in the embrace of the Earth. In her quiet, I hear the truth again.
In her vastness, I find my way home.”
— Dee
YOGA
Our program is packed with daily Yogic practices of asana, pranayama, philosophy, meditation, and mantra.
Days are inspired by our nature hikes- a mindful walk, a meditation in nature on one of the elements, a poetry reading on a mountain top. Every practice is offered to complement and enrich the experience of connecting with the self, nature and one another. Evenings are for cozy community gatherings, connection and sharing.
Example of daily program:
7.30 am - 9.30am: Morning meditation & Vinyasa Yoga
10am: Breakfast
11am: Nature Hikes
Afternoons: Massages, SPA, wellness
7pm: Dinner
OUTDOOR PROGRAM
(Schedule is subject to slight changes due to weather conditions)
**Thursday:** We kick off our retreat with a sunset hike to Kompanj Rock, soaking in the magic of the Istrian landscape, arriving into our community and intention. (2 hours welcome and intention setting sunset hike)
**Friday:** We trek to Korita Spring in Ćićarija, to enjoy the fresh mountain water springs and a glimpse into their significance throughout ancient Istrian history. (2-2.5 hours)
**Saturday:** We head on the Žbevnica walk, featuring breathtaking views of the valley, the Slovenian mountains, and even the Italian Dolomites. We reach the peak at 1014m via some thrilling climbs. (3 hours)
**Sunday:** For the adventurous, an optional rock-climbing class is offered by our hosts- who are professional mountaineers. This is a super opportunity to experience the thrill of rock climbing in a supportive and fun environment. Price €40, including all equipment and guides. (3 hours). Alternatively, we visit Hum- “the smallest town in the world”, a beautiful ancient Istrian town packed with history.
STAY
Our home is the brand-new ecologically built boutique Mountain Lodge, nestled in the stunning Cicarija mountains. This lodge is thoughtfully designed, drawing inspiration from the owners' extensive mountaineering adventures around the world, seamlessly blending the spirit of exploration with the rich traditions of Istria.
Our cozy rooms are styled in classic mountain lodge fashion, providing a simple yet inviting atmosphere.
Enjoy meals lovingly prepared by local chefs, with a focus on vegetarian offerings that celebrate the flavors of Istria.
PACKAGE
€500 regular shared room.
Included
3 night accommodation in the Boutique Istria Mountain Lodge
3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunchboxes and 3 Dinners.
3 yoga masterclasses
3 breath-taking guided treks
Not Included
Travel
Use of SPA at Hotel Vela Vrata, Buzet (price €45/105min)
Rock-Climbing class (price €30)
Massages
“At the Holy Hike retreat, the harmony between the intention of Dee’s work and the healing power of nature was nothing short of perfect. Each yoga session felt aligned with the surroundings, creating a space for reflection and renewal.
The natural beauty of Istria added a unique uplifting and healing energy to every moment. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, creating a home-like feeling.
This was a truly special experience, a place to connect with oneself and with nature. Thank you Dee for doing what you do..magic! ”
RB
Important
Here is the fine print for your booking:
Check-in: December 11 meeting with the group at 2.30 pm
Check-out: December 14, by 12pm
Food is vegetarian
Weather at this time can be very cold, sunny, as well as rainy and wet. Please bring adequate clothes and shoes for hiking through wet conditions as well.
