Datu Wellness - Italy
Castellabate, SALERNO, ITALY
A restorative, truly caring retreat offering a gentle introduction to ayurveda and yoga overlooking the Amalfi coast
For those wanting to delve deeper into ayurveda and yoga but daunted by a long-haul journey east, Datu Wellness is the answer. This blissfully serene retreat near Castellabate offers a carefully curated one-week ayurvedic programmes, as well as a week-long, in-depth yoga retreat. Datu’s dual USP is its convenience-factor and authenticity. For time-poor Westerners, founder Constantin Bjerke has handpicked doctors and practitioners from India’s best institutions and brought them together in a magical palazzo overlooking Capri.
our Reviewer lucy gillmore says:
‘Datu was so much more than an ayurvedic retreat. Each day was topped and tailed with light sadhana and the sleep ritual, but in between there was a changing programme of meditation, chanting, sun salutations by the pool and breathwork, interspersed with spa treatments’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Be prepared for results! People experience improvements such as reduced blood pressure, better sleep, weight loss and increased vitality after a Datu retreat. In your wardrobe you’ll find a poncho, scarf and robe, as well as beautifully designed cotton Kurta pyjamas, which are worn at group sessions and meals’
Experiences
The signature programme – A Return to Balance – covers everything from sadhana to therapeutic arts. Expect oil-based therapies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, subtle bodywork and breathwork practices and try lesser-known practices, like raag therapy. The Essence of Yoga retreat is a deep dive into the practice, focusing on asanas, workshops and meditation.
On all retreats, learn from experts from renowned retreats such as Vaidyagrama Ayurveda and the Isha Foundation in India. Many have learnt ayurveda from previous generations of their families. Look out for eminent visiting teachers like high Buddhist master and teacherTulku Lobsang.
Look at the enticing treatments menu and try a new remedial therapy, such as Tibetian Ku-Nye Oil Massage, or an ayurvedic treatment like Abhyangam or Pichu. Enjoy the spa and pool and relax on the private beach. Learn more about ayurvedic cuisine with a cookery lesson and cosy up for evening satsangs, inspirational talks on the history and practices of ayurveda and yoga.
Spaces
Datu is based on the sun-soaked Cilento coast, at Castellabate, just south of Salerno and the archaeological gem of Paestum.
Your base will be a 17th century palazzo, set in five acres of lush private gardens, where the only sound is the hush of the tide and the scent of salt and citrus fills the air. There’s also a private beach.
Accommodation is in the historic heart of the palazzo or in two charming Mediterranean villas in the private gardens. Rooms are refined yet unpretentious, with whitewashed walls and tiled, ensuite bathrooms. Expansive windows look out to the island of Capri.
Sustenance
The food is prepared on the sattvic principles of ayurveda but with earthy local, seasonal produce. Breakfast, after light sadhana, is seed-sprinkled porridge or mung bean pancakes with coconut and cilantro chutney.
The main meal is at lunchtime, as the digestive fire is at its strongest between 10am and 2pm. Three-course lunches feature dishes such as mung bean hummus with vegetable biryani followed by coconut cake. Supper is light, a choice of two hearty soups – with refills for those who want seconds.
Afternoon tea is served each day with homemade snacks – no refined sugar - such as moreish sticky date and coconut balls and satsumas, washed down with unending pots of delicious freshly made herbal tisanes. At night a flask of hot ‘golden milk’ is left beside the bed to aid sleep; almond milk warmed in a pan with herbs and spices including ginger, cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and chamomile flowers. There is no caffeine or alcohol served - guests are encouraged to abstain.
