The Location:

Your home castle and studio for the week will be one of nine (each is different) efficiency apartments in La valle delle Najadi, a private resort situated in a peaceful location, about halfway between Marina di Vietri, near the beaches, and the centre of Vietri, a charming town widely regarded as the seat of ancient pottery. The apartments are surrounded by greenery and located at different heights on a rocky slope. They are one floor buildings, accessible by ancient staircases, surrounded by bougainvillea and hydrangeas. Each apartment consists of an entrance-living room-dining room, one or more bedrooms, kitchen or equipped kitchenette, an en suite bathroom and has its own terrace access (with table, chairs, umbrella and armchairs) that enjoys the view of the Amalfi Coast. In each room there is a color TV, free wireless internet, air conditioning (except for the Silene accommodation). Additional amenities include bed linens and towels, on site laundry facilities and barbecue grill. And unique indoor and outdoor spaces for both quiet contemplation and for our on-site Yoga and Art classes such as a grotto, a commom area under a pergola of lemon trees, and an outdoor chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pompei.

A Journey Through the Chakras Retreat Program:

The seven Chakras are the energy centers of the body, each associated with a different color, element and stone/crystal. Your journey, with daily Yoga, Meditation and Breath Practice with Angela and local Italian guest practitioners, will help unlock and open the Chakras, freeing your creative energy in support of the Painting and Drawing instruction with Bill. We will work each day in different locations, both on site at La valle delle Najadi, and on day trips along the beautiful land and seascapes of the Amalfi Coast. The Yoga practices and Art instruction, will compliment each other and on this journey through the Chakras, you will be introduced to the fundamental elements of increasing individual perception focusing on the practice of presence. The pleasant paradox of focus on being present while following the basic lines, light, shadow and mass of nature, is employed to help you find the inner voice - the key to improving your painting and drawing skills while exploring your own creative edge. (In addition to the group workshops, students with more experience or a lack of experience will be able to schedule individual one-to-one instruction sessions with Bill based on your individuals needs.)

Tuition for the week ranges from $3950 for single occupancy to $2550 per person for double occupancy and as low as $1950 for a limited number of triple/quad occupancy accommodations. (previous Key to the Castle Workshop participants, and/or Angela's Yoga students / Bill’s art students are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tuition.)

Itinerary:

Saturday, September 21st:

• Arrival Day, settling in to accommodations 

• 7:00pm Welcome Dinner at La Valle delle Najadi

Sunday, September 22nd:

• Morning: Yoga & Orientation at La Valle delle Najadi; Breakfast, Walking Tour and Orientation in Town 

• Group Lunch in town following by free time

• Afternoon: Art Session at La Valle delle Najadi

• Evening: Light Supper & Opening Ceremony / Sound Healing Session with Isabella Caliendo  

Mon 9/23, Tue 9/24, Wed 9/25

• Morning: Yoga & Art Session (may be on site or on a field trip)

• Breakfast & Lunch on your own free time

• Afternoon: Art Session (May be onsite or on a field trip)

• Evening: Group Dinner at local Restaurant

• Late evening: Yoga Nidra at La Valle delle Najadi

Thursday, September 26th:

• Morning: Yoga & Art Session (may be on site or on a field trip)

• Breakfast & Lunch on your own free time

• Afternoon: Art Session (May be onsite or on a field trip)

• Evening: Group Dinner at local Restaurant

• Late evening: Special Guests: Satsang and Kirtan with Nitya & Ninad 

Friday, September 27th:

• Early Morning: Leisurely morning / free time Breakfast on your own

• Mid-morning transport to Le Vigne de Raito  where we will spend the day for Yoga, Art Sessions, Meals, Wine Tastings and Closing ceremony / Kirtan with Nitya & Ninad 

Saturday, September 28th:

• Departures by 11am 

What’s Included with your Tuition:

• Seven nights single or double occupancy in a fully equipped apartment - check-in on Sat. 9/21 and check-out on Sat 9/28.

• View Accommodation Options at bottom of page.

• Seven (7) Group Dinners***

• Field trips transportation and admission to field trip locations throughout the week - including a ceramics studio and class.

• Six (6) Days - Sun. 9/22 -Fri. 9/27 Artist Workshops with Bill to include watercolor kit and pastels**** with a block of the famous Amatruda (Amalfi paper) produced in Amalfi using the same sustainable methods today as were used back in the 1600’s.

• Two (2) Yoga classes daily Sun. 9/22 through Fri. 9/27 with Angela and participation in special guest presentations (for example Sound healing, Kirtan, Reike) throughout the week.

Please note: Airfare and/or Trainfare are not included in tuition. Ground transportation can be arranged, please inquire.

***Breakfasts & Lunches are on your own. Advance provisioning / refrigerator stocking in your accommodations available for an additional fee.

****More experienced artists may bring (or request Bill to provide at an additional fee) other materials if they choose to work in oils or a larger selection of water colors/ pastels.

Payment Schedule:

• Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable and deducted from final tuition)

• 50% deposit due upon acceptance to secure your spot.

• Payment schedules available for balance.

Applications are now open:

Registration is capped at (15) workshop participants. We will accept applications on a rolling basis until the workshop is full and will then begin a wait list. Due to the anticipated volume of applications we encourage you to apply early.