Gates of the Heart
September 6th - 12th, 2026 | Italy
A week of practice, rest & Italian countryside living.
This retreat is an invitation to slow down and step out of everyday momentum, embracing ‘dolce far niente’ - the sweetness of unhurried time.
The heart is often called the one place we all share, however differently we arrive there. Like the old saying that ‘every road leads to Rome’, many roads lead home to the heart: yoga, movement, food, rest, community, animals, land, silence and meditation. Gates of the Heart is a week spent exploring a few of those roads - on and off the mat - noticing which one you find yourself walking through, and why, rather than being handed a single path to follow.
The week will leave its mark quietly: in how you practice, how you rest, and how you meet everyday life.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for you if you’re curious about your own way in - the particular road that brings you close to what’s steady and true in you, whether that’s through yoga, food, rest, conversation, or simply quiet. There’s no single gate here. Just a week to notice which ones are yours, and to walk through a few you might not normally choose.
Meet Your Teacher
Hey, my name is Silas.
For me Yoga is a practice of exploration - a way to stay curious, adaptable, and open to change. My aim is not to provide answers but to offer tools and practices that empower you to listen deeply, move with awareness, and cultivate equanimity in both body and mind.
In my classes, I encourage you to challenge your limits while remaining receptive to the subtleties of practice. Strength and effort exist alongside softness and surrender. I create spaces where you can not only build physical and mental bandwidth but also develop the capacity to navigate life with a sense of clarity, playfulness, and connection to your own heart, the hearts of others, and everything in-between.
Previous Retreat Experiences
“Stunning location, carefully curated classes, wonderful food, and the best part was the amazing group of people - it felt like we were old friends coming together for a getaway. Many months afterwards, I still find myself using the guidance and pointers in my yoga practice.”
— Annika N.“It was an amazing experience, from the yoga, to the impeccable food, to a group of people I now consider my kin, to the fun spontaneous moments! It’s a experience that brings infinite smiles to me. From this retreat, my love of yoga is stronger than ever, I have won a wonderful community of friends, and I can't wait to do it again sometime soon!”
— Phoebe B.“This retreat brought me closer to understanding what yoga really is - connecting practice, mindset, and philosophy in a way that’s had a lasting impact. I was able to disconnect from the daily hustle and reconnect with myself, my practice, and everyone in the group, in large part because of the safe, calm, genuine space Silas created.”
— Caroline T.
Retreat Location
The retreat takes place at Ca’ Cecchino, nestled in the rolling hills of the Montefeltro area located in the Italian region called Marche. Surrounded by open landscapes, wide skies, and a saltwater infinity pool overlooking it all. The setting naturally supports a slower rhythm of living, one shaped by light, weather, and space rather than schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged across four spacious flats within a historic farmhouse on the land, offering both comfort and a sense of personal space. All flats feature their own bathroom and living room, creating space to settle in and unwind throughout the week.
You’re welcome to book together with a friend or partner. If you’re coming alone, room arrangements will be handled thoughtfully.
If you have specific questions or needs around accommodation or room sharing, feel free to reach out before booking.
Yoga Shala
Practice happens in a shala built directly into the hillside, walled almost entirely in glass. Wherever you’re facing — into a pose or out the window — the hills are still there; the room keeps the view going rather than closing it out. Sliding doors open it straight onto the land, and the plain, grounded materials — concrete floors, timber, little else — keep the space quiet rather than asking for attention.
Nourishment
Food is an integral part of the retreat experience, supporting both the body and the rhythm of practice.
Each day includes a generous brunch and evening dinner, as well as coffee, tea, and a light morning snack before practice. Meals are prepared using locally sourced and farm-grown ingredients whenever possible, reflecting the agricultural roots of the land. The approach to food is simple, fresh, and nourishing.
All meals are vegetarian, with vegan options available. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance, and we will try our best to accommodate them.
For more impressions of the place and surroundings, you can visit:
www.cacecchino.it
Getting There
Fly to Rimini (direct flights available from Berlin, Basel and other cities)
Rental car or coordinated airport pickup
Train to Pesaro, with pickup arranged
If you’re unsure how to get there, just get in touch - arrivals will be coordinated together.
Timing & Flow
The retreat begins with arrival on September 5th from 14:00 onwards, allowing time to settle in, arrive and slowly transition into the quieter rhythm.
We will gather for a shared dinner that evening. Depending on arrival times, there may be an optional gentle evening practice.
Our first full day of practice begins the following morning.
The retreat concludes on September 12th with a morning practice followed by brunch. Departure is planned for late morning, allowing for an unhurried closing to the week.
Program Overview (Sample Day)
07:30 – Silent Meditation
We begin the day in stillness, allowing the nervous system to settle and the mind to clear before movement and speech.
08:00 – Morning Yoga Practice
A practice designed to awaken the body.
10:00 – Brunch
Slow, nourishing meals prepared with local, farm-grown ingredients, enjoyed together.
Late Morning & Afternoon – Integration & Spacious Time
This part of the day is intentionally unstructured, offering space to integrate the morning practice and follow what your body and nervous system need most.
You may choose to:
Rest by the pool or in nature
Journal or sit quietly
Take a gentle walk through the countryside
Join optional activities offered on site
Nothing is required. This time is about listening inward rather than following a schedule.
16:30 / 17:00 – Evening Practice
Slower, deeper, and more reflective.
18:30 – Dinner
A shared evening meal as the light softens over the hills, inviting connection and ease.
Optional Activities (Available During Free Time)
Depending on group energy and interest, optional activities may be available, such as:
Pottery workshop
Mountain biking
Castle visits
Day trip to Urbino
Massage treatments
All optional activities are booked on site and paid separately.
Pricing
Accommodation is arranged across four flats, each offering quiet, comfort, and personal space to settle in.
One Shared Flat - 4 guests, two bedrooms
€ 1.650
Three Private Flat - 2 guests each
€ 1.850
Booking
To secure your spot, choose one of two payment options at checkout: pay in full (which includes the non-refundable €500 deposit), or pay a non-refundable €500 deposit now, with the remaining balance due closer to the retreat.
Use code EARLYGATE27 at checkout to get €100 off your order till 31.12.2026