YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO EMBRACE YOUR WILD SOUL

It’s time to breathe, soften and receive sister….are you ready to take your place at the table of your own wild, wondrous life?

Join me for a transformative 5 day journey in sun-drenched Ticino, Switzerland, to nourish and nurture your wild soul and reclaim your radiance.

If 2025 is already running away from you, goddess, and you’re wondering how to make it through the rest of the year—pause. Take a deep breath. You are not alone.

In a year that feels dominated by man-babies and bromances, it’s time to look after YOU, to cultivate your wild soul or your anima selvaggia as they say in Italian. To unearth your innate feminine wisdom and to pour into yourself. It’s time to be held, to be nourished, to reconnect and to simply be.

This is your space. Your sanctuary. Your time to come home to your wild soul.

Join me in the sun-drenched landscape of Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost canton, for a yoga retreat designed to feed your body, mind, and soul. More than a getaway, this is an invitation to soften, reconnect, and remember what truly nourishes you.

Held at the lovingly restored Villa Oleandro in the ancient village of Casima Paese, this retreat is homegrown and heart-led. Wake up to breathtaking views across the Valle di Muggio, sip your morning coffee on the grand terrace, and let the sun warm your skin as the sounds of nature ease you into your day. From soulful yoga to profoundly restorative practices held deep in Mother Nature, every moment is curated to help you slow down, tune in, and fill your own cup first.

If you’re ready to relax and receive nourishment and nurturing then join me in Ticino, southern Switzerland from 28 May - 1 June, 2025.

A recipe for nourishment

Yoga is connection

We know the word yoga literally means ‘to be yoked together’ but yoga is too often thought of as just postures and movement and yet it is so so much more than that. This retreat encompasses a full and holistic yoga experience which translates as time slowing down, space to notice how you feel, opportunities to connect deeply with your breath, your body, your mind, your heart and each other. Yoga for wild souls also means gentle, loving healing of old patterns and letting go of what no longer serves you so you can rediscover your truest self. Because when we connect to who we really are, we no longer use energy to be someone else and life feels in flow just like a beautiful vinyasa.

Think eight luscious, full spectrum, holistic yoga classes full of anima selvaggia to have you feeling blissed out at the end of our time together.

Nature is awe

We all know that we feel better when we wrap ourselves in the arms of Mother Nature, and science tells us that time spent in ancient forests, listening to the sound of the river running, feeling the expansiveness of a wide blue sky over our heads and the breeze on our skin, truly does make us healthier and happier. In fact it regulates our often very dis-regulated nervous system and takes us out of fight or flight mode and shifts us into a more rested, calmer and relaxed state of being. Spending time in places of natural beauty creates a state of awe where we gain perspective on our lives and feel tuned into source.

Think guided hiking to take in the stunning views of Lake Como, forest bathing deep, down in the valley, meditating to the calming sounds of flowing water. Mother Nature is intentionally included so you can benefit from all the wild and natural medicine she offers.

Food is love

Whilst we are most definitely in Switzerland, Casima is Italian speaking and Lake Como is just 17km away and you know what that means - food is love and food is life! And the Valle di Muggio does not disappoint. You know what a total foodie I am and Sandra and André, owners of Villa Oleandro are just as passionate about sourcing local and traditional products, full of prana. Think slow food at it’s best including Sandra’s home made sour dough bread.

And in case you’re wondering how and why food in this region tastes so damn good? You’ll have a chance to experience first hand what it takes to create prana filled local dishes with experienced culinary artists. Plus you’ll visit (and practice yoga) at the beautiful Bruzella mill, nestled into the wild forest by a cool stream. It’s walking distance from the Villa and famous for transforming the region’s rare red corn into delicious polenta.

But this retreat isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about how you nourish yourself in every aspect of life.

The tiny hamlet of Casima is one you are called to rather than arriving by chance. At 620m above sea level it hovers high above the Breggia river and was settled over 500 years ago. Villa Oleandro, our retreat location is the home of dear friends Sandra and André who have a long held passion for gathering, for food and for art. A charming and meticulously preserved period building dating back to 1874, Villa Oleandro provides a warm and inviting retreat for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Our time together in Ticino is not a typical retreat. Every aspect of this anima salveggia, this gathering of wild souls has been crafted with love and attention. From the location and view, to the local produce used to prepare the meals we will share, to our pop up yoga studio in the centre of the village, to our hiking guide Igor who we’ve known for years. This is a collaboration from our hearts to yours and we can’t wait to welcome you!

What’s included

This is an inclusive retreat where once you arrive there’s nothing for you to worry about or buy, you’re fully taken care of with our open hearts and open arms. So be ready to receive:

🌿 Daily yoga, meditation and breath work to reconnect with your body and breath and quiet the mind - 8 holistic yoga classes throughout the retreat

🎵 Sound healing sessions to lull you into deep rest and relaxation (at least 2!)

🍎 Soul-nourishing meals inspired by seasonal, local ingredients - a delicious brunch and dinner are served each day (mostly vegetarian and gluten free, one meal on arrival and departure days)

📝 Creative experiences to help you develop your own rituals and recipes for soul-care including a visit to the Bruzella mill

🌳 Nature immersion including a guided hike, forest bathing, and quiet time by the water to reset your nervous system

🛍️ A gorgeous gift box of treats full of anima selvaggia

💛 Sacred sisterhood and a safe and inclusive feminist space to share, reflect, and grow

🏡 Four nights of gorgeous accommodation with ensuite bathroom

What’s not included

Travel to and from the retreat location

Travel, health and medical evacuation insurance which is a condition of the retreat

Alcohol

Any additional trips or excursions not detailed above

Room availability

Please note that shared rooms can only be booked between friends as agreed in advance.

Donna Williams / Retreat Doula / Ayurveda Yoga Goddess / Sound Healer / Transformational Mentor

Donna has been leading and hosting retreats for over a decade, born out of a deep commitment to create a more peaceful world, knowing that peace always starts within ourselves as individuals. Originally trained as a Sports Scientist and having spent decades working as a humanitarian in some of the toughest places on earth, Donna is passionate about holding safe spaces for women to re-become the truest most connected version of themselves so that they can go out and share their unique magic with the world.

As a child of the earth, having grown up running bare foot through the bush in Australia, Donna’s retreats are deeply inspired by Mother Nature and intentionally weave together the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and yoga to help you return to your most natural, blissful state of being. Got questions? Get in touch and let’s chat!