Corsica Retreat
Oletta | 3 - 7 June 2024
Discover the picturesque seaside village of Oletta for a creative, summertime gathering
Many of us crave a retreat from daily life to spark the first creative impulse of a project we’ve been dying to start. You are invited to Corsica this June to replenish your inner reserves so you can breathe life into your creative dreams. Be inspired by exclusive workshops in creative writing and free thinking with typographer, designer, artist and entrepreneur, Kathy Miller. Cultivate calm focus through daily yoga and meditation sessions with Nina. Indulge in time to journal, relax, and daydream in our palatial boutique hotel, or on a crystal blue, sandy beach in the bay of Saint-Florent.
Anticipate a journey with…
Restored historic villa
Our palatial, charming boutique hotel was originally built as a nobleman’s palace in the 17th century. It has been restored with clean lines, and modern, stylish decor, giving it a tranquil atmosphere, and retaining the original splendour. Enjoy sweeping views of Mediterranean blue seas and steep cliffs.
Mindful movement & Meditation
Yoga originates (some 4000 years ago!) out of the desire to prepare the mind and body for meditation, which is a focused free-flow mind-state. On this retreat, we’ll be exploring the ways our movement and breath can enhance creativity and soothe the nervous system; a relaxed mind is a creative mind!
Sailing yacht day trip
Explore the bay of Saint Florent and anchor at some divine hidden coves and beaches on an exclusive wooden sailing boat day trip! This is a private charter for our retreat group and an opportunity to dive into the azure Mediterranean, to loll in the sun, to recharge and dream away…
Explore Oletta on foot
Explore the lush green mountainside and dramatic cliffs around Oletta. Nina will guide the group on a 2-3 hour hike, and will match the pace and route to the group’s energy levels and conditions on the day. We’ll stroll through quaint alleyways, through indigenous forests, and stop for a surprise visit!
Creative expression
Over two workshop days designer, artist and entrepreneur, Kathy Miller, will guide us through a creative discovery in water and light. Using paint, pen and brush, we will explore the landscapes of Corsica in confluence with our inner landscapes of memory, longing, stillness and silence.
‘Conscious’ living
Aethos Corsica originates out of the intention to provide freedom from the stresses and anxieties of modern life. Our boutique hotel is a sanctuary of well-being and connection to nature. At every level, there is a commitment to sustainability and the benefits of the environment. There is also an onsite spa.
Location
Corsica, Oletta
Oletta is a picturesque town in Haute-Corse, 20km south-west of Bastia, Corsica’s second largest city after Ajaccio. Oletta covers a verdant, mountainous territory, stretching from Saint-Florent in the west to the outskirts of Bastia in the east. The village of Olleta includes several hamlets which were historically prosperous and geopolitically important. There are churches and private villas with colourful stories embedded in the ancient walls. Today, Oletta has a small local population of 1,700 who choose the quiet life, yet remain conveniently close to Bastia. Below Oletta is a famous wine region and sheep farming. The views from Oletta over the vineyards and plains stretching to the bay of Saint-Florent are breathtaking. Temperatures in spring range from min. 15 ℃ / 59 ℉ to max. 27 ℃/ 81 ℉.
Accomodation
Aethos Hotel
The palatial, charming boutique hotel that is Aethos Corsica was originally built as a nobleman’s palace in the 17th century. It has been restored with clean lines and modern, stylish decor, giving it a tranquil atmosphere, and retaining the original splendour. Relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean’s finest blue seas and soaring cliffs from one of the nine unique suites. The re-imagined historic palace sits on a hillside in Oletta, one of the most beautiful villages on the island, and offers sweeping views of the bay of Saint-Florent, with its aquamarine water and sandy coast. Each of the nine suites has its own character and story to be discovered. We’ll have the villa exclusively for our intimate group.
This retreat is for you if you:
Enjoy discovering unspoilt travel destinations
Are craving a mix of rest, inspiration and luxury
Value authentic cultural encounters and contexts
Enjoy and are interested in yoga and meditation
Like exploring coastal waters on a boat
Adore stylish decor and unique character buildings
What you can expect:
A totally unspoilt village and quaint island experience
An itinerary that balances alone time and creative activities together
A historic villa set amidst an authentic Corsican village
Daily yoga and meditation sessions with Nina
An exclusive wooden yacht charter in the bay of Saint Florent
Luxurious, stylish boutique accommodation (9 suites only)
Your InRetreat guides
Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence.
Using ink, watercolour, collage and camera, Kathy abstracts natural and imagined landscapes, exploring and communicating the substance of the immaterial, of experience, and of transformation.
This Retreat in Review
All the retreat details
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4 nights luxury accommodation at Aethos Corsica
All meals - breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner
Yoga and meditation daily with Nina
Exclusive 2-day creative workshop with Kathy Miller
Exclusive guided hike in Oletta hills with surprise visit!
Exclusive wooden sailing yacht charter and yacht day trip from Saint Florent
All tourist taxes
Gift bag
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Flights and travel to/from Aethos Corsica
Visas
Alcoholic and other beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
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Arrival 3 June
The closest airport is Aéroport de Bastia Poretta (BIA). Flights to Bastia are via many European centres, including Paris, Nice or Lyon in mainland France. From Bastia airport, it is a 30-minute taxi (€80 for 4 pax) to Aethos Corsica, our hotel. Taxis can be arranged with Nina, and co-ordinated with other guests wherever possible.
The other airport in Corsica is Aéroport Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte (AJA), which is the southwest of the island. There are many flights to AJA from other European airports. Ajaccio airport is a 3-hour train journey away from Bastia. From Bastia train station, it is a 30-minute taxi (€80 for 4 pax) to Aethos Corsica, our hotel. Taxis can be arranged with Nina, and co-ordinated with other guests.
A third GREAT alternative is to use the ferry from Livorno, Italy. There are 3x daily ferries to/from Livorno - Bastia. They are comfortable and reliable. The ticket fares are ±40-80 Euro. The ferry is about 3hours. In this case, you could fly into Pisa airport, or Florence airport, and then catch a taxi or train to Livorno. Here are the ferry operators:
Check-in is from 15:00 on 3 June 2024. We meet for a welcome dinner at 19:00.
Departure 7 June
We say farewell to new and old friends after yoga and brunch on 7 June. Check out is from 11:00. Nina will help you arrange taxis and taxi sharing options to get to Bastia airport, or the train station (€80 for 4 pax).
If you require advice on additional travel within Corsica, please don’t hesitate to ask us :-)
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3 - 7 June 2024
All inclusive Rates
Sharing suite p/p: €1999
Single suite p/p: €2699
BOOKING
30% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Balance payment is due 60 days prior to start date.
TERMS
The deposit payment is non-refundable.
If the retreat has to be postponed, new dates in the future will be set, and 100% of payments made by guests will be put forward to new dates. If the new retreat dates do not suit guests, vouchers/ refunds can be arranged.
It is advised you take out travel insurance.
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
