Our September/October 2025 Sardinian Retreat

Where can I begin to describe our September/October 2025 Luxury Yoga&Pilates Retreat in Sardinia?

It is hard to do justice to something that feels just perfect.

Fifteen kind souls set off on an island adventure, many of whom only knew one person, or no one.

This time, we also had male energy amongst us: Denis not only survived the trip, but thrived, having a laugh at our no-filter comments and stories, without a trace of a blush!

It was so lovely to meet Yvonne and her mum Rosarie again. They had been on the very first retreat in 2024 and everyone had loved their beautiful, kind energy. Rosarie is becoming a Pilates pro...

From the moment we arrived, the Galanias Hotel embraced us with its stunning sea view, turquoise swimming pools, flowers, birds, lizards, lovely food and warm welcome.

Christine, Christina and Joanne had joined this holiday at the last minute due to the hotel getting some cancellations: I feel so lucky now that this happened and that I got to spend time with them.

Every time I stepped on the balcony facing my stunning bedroom, I felt incredibly present, happy, fortunate.

We arrived at dinner time, and, instead of having to withstand a boring queue at reception, we went straight to dinner. From our two round tables, we could see and smell the sea as we were served a 4-course dinner. I loved seeing Debra jumping up and down from happiness at seeing the place – the enthusiastic little girl in her is never far from the surface, which is lovely. We celebrated Lia´s birthday with cake and candles, not really believing how old she says she is...

Everything was made as easy as possible for us.

A ritual took shape in the mornings: a group of us would meet on the steps to reception at 7am and walk down to the beach (only 8 minutes walk away) to admire the dawn and swim in the warm seawater while the sun emerged from the water. These were magical moments, punctuated by laughter and giggles as the sky around the tower blushed to pink and the cormorants flew around searching for fish.

We would then practise a wake up flow or a morning Yoga Nidra before breakfast.

Ahhh, breakfast, my favourite part! Everything you could ask for was there: savoury food such as eggs, ham, grilled vegetables, bacon and sandwiches, as well as delicious cakes, bread of all types, yoghurt, cereal, granola, seeds, waffles, pancakes, fruit, cheese, jam, juices, hot drinks... the list goes on. We took our time for breakfast and had many, many delicious courses!

After this treat, we all did our own thing, alone or in pairs/groups: recharging massage treatments by the talented Tomaso, swims, rest, chats... I went snorkelling around the tower many times, following fish and spying on sea urchins and hermit crabs. My favourite occupation.

In the afternoon, we would often meet in the Shala for an energising Pilates class or a flow before dinner.

After dinner, only gentle activities, due to our full bellies! We enjoyed Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra in the stillness of those balmy evenings, listening to the wavesong and letting go of what we no longer needed.

Some of us attended a pasta-making workshop on the Tuesday, and we all had the delicious fruits of their labour with tomato sauce that same evening, on “Sardinian night”. I walked to the village of Bari Sardo, where I met Denis and Carmel exploring the place, and purchased the delicious Italian biscuits I bring back home so they let me back in on my return...

On the second night, we had a little celebration for Christina´s 40^th birthday, which had been a few weeks before, so she did not expect any of it and kept saying it was not her birthday! We were served her delicious vegan cake – chocolate and raspberry – yum!

On Wednesday, we were off on our first magical excursion. We were taken by bus to Santa Maria Navarrese, and from there we boarded a boat that took us on a tour around the Gulf of Orosei, to the stunning Mariolu, Gabbiani and Biriola coves. We were so lucky with the weather! The sea was unbelievably turquoise and we swam with the fish, rested, laughed and got to know one another better. By now, everyone had learned all the names and was chatting happily.

We were served an aperitif, then a yummy lunch including dessert, and, later, a Sardinian biscuit with ice tea. That´s the life!

On the beach, Kathleen, who was a little worried about the step that lead to the water (or was she faking it??) was helped into the sea by a handsome Sardinian man, and ended up proposing to him! I turn the other way for a moment, and look what happens!

I had such a laugh on the top deck of the boat when we were rocked by a huge wave on the way back and Mary Jo grabbed Lia for fear she would fall into the sea!

Our second excursion was on the Friday, and we were off with guide Gianfranco and driver Giuseppe to a farm where goats are raised in the traditional Sardinian way, as well as to Perdalonga, the “centenary village” (Ogliastra is a Blue Zone, where people live longer).

Gianfranco took us along unspoiled country trails, showing us ancient trees and letting us smell the berries that make part of the famous Mediterranean vegetation.

In the farm, we were welcomed and spoiled by the sweetest people: the Coili-Orru´ family, with their playful dog Baroneddu!

Our own chef Lia courageously undertook the task of making casu axedu, the unpasteurised cheese that goes into the longevity soup we had for lunch.

Lovely Francischedda set out an amazing spread that, incredibly, she made entirely from scratch: beside the longevity soup, there were cheeses, cured meats, roast vegetables, coccoi prenas, bread, fritters, and absolutely delicious traditional Sardinian sweets (ciambelline, pardulas, amaretti and more). The warm ricotta cheese with local honey was a great hit. We all bought cheese, honey and candles made by the same lovely lady, and she even gifted us with a sachet of the scented herbs eaten by the goats, as well as with a fragrant soap made with wild strawberries.

On the walk around Perdasdefogu, Francischedda and Massimo showed the group the beautiful wall art they painted around the village, and told the story of how the village came to be inland.

Edel, Angela and Ann stayed at the hotel to chill, and on that evening filled us in with their activities, which seem to have been thoroughly relaxing – as it should be!

We were tired, but happy! There was some definite snoring during our Yoga Nidra, which is always a pleasure for me to hear.

On Saturday, we could not believe it was our last full day. The time had just flown by. We all busied ourselves doing our favourite things. I went for a swim with one of my best friends in the World, Rita, who is a talented photographer and kindly comes over at the end of my retreats to take pictures of everyone. Some family members came to see me, so we had dessert with them on the seafront (a chocolate cake with a melted heart, my favourite!).

On the Sunday, after our morning class and packing, we gathered outside the Shala for a tearful goodbye. A group of strangers had become a group of friends. There was so much emotion, and so much kindness in everyone´s words. I did not know how to communicate just how much their presence had meant to me. The fact that they had trusted me to organise their holiday was such a big thing. I had not felt like I was working: it was a holiday for me, too, and I did not want to leave!

Joanne appears in the pictures with her blue Felix Hotels umbrella which she brought everywhere (I thought she was being pessimistic about the weather, until she explained it was for the sun...) She gave us such laughter during the holiday and got us all a thoughtful gift.

I received a very generous present and some of the kindest words that have ever been addressed to me. Rita took some photos of us and we had a laugh as Mary Jo just picked me up as if I were a baby! (Photos to follow as soon as they are ready.)

My goodbye to the Shala was emotional. This is a place where a big dream came true, not once but three times. Where I looked, incredulous, at the people who had followed me from Ireland all the way to my native place because they trust me. I could not have asked for more, or for better people. I feel truly grateful and blessed.

After that, I had to have one more dip before the trip!

It was really, really hard to go. To leave this beautiful place of sea and light, the slower pace to which we were all getting used, the delicious food, the lovely rooms ... and the people. Because it is they who make it.

I cannot thank them enough for doing me the honour of coming along with me and being so open to adventure, to laughter, to others around them. I will never, never forget.