© Yoga Spirit Circle 2025
Alchemy
Intermediate ✺ 2- 8 August 2026 ✺ Olea, Rieti, Italy
The term “alchemy” is often used metaphorically to describe processes of transformation and creation, a process that results in a profound shift from a fragmented state towards a newly integrated state of being. Just as ancient alchemists sought to transmute base metals into gold, this metaphorical alchemy represents the pursuit of inner refinement and expansion.
During this week, beyond the hustle culture of daily life, you’ll be invited to take the introspective space required for the delicate process of inner transformation. Yogic practices provide us with very tools needed for turning inwards.
The asana practice will be Jivamukti, a dynamic vinyasa designed to bring a deep sense of connection and awareness to our body and mind. Each morning will start with chanting, meditation & pranayama, followed by a deep & purposeful asana practice. The afternoons will be dedicated to going deeper into our understanding and exploration of meditation, pranayama and asana.
Rowena Johnson
Rowena is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher, and a 200hr & 300hr teacher trainer, who has been practicing yoga since 2008.
With a personal practice of Ashtanga and Jivamukti, Rowena’s classes are strong, purposeful and interspersed with personal insights, spoken word and uplifting music. The alchemy created is inspiring and potent, far beyond the mat.
Whilst based in Berlin, Rowena teaches internationally on yoga teacher trainings, workshops and retreats.
If you want to take a class with Rowena you can find her at Three Boons Yoga in Berlin (also online classes) or try the yoga video we’ve recorded with her last year.
A living body is not a fixed thing but a flowing event. — Alan Watts
retreat offerings
○ 6 nights in a countryside house in Torri In Sabina
○ 9 yoga sessions
○ welcome gift
○ jivamukti yoga in the morning
○ meditation, poetry & yogic philosophy in the afternoons
○ asana workshops in the afternoons
○ inspiring vegan food 3 times/day
○ hike with local guide
○ water, tea & coffee
not included
○ flight or train to Rome
○ airport transfer to OLEA
○ ceramics workshop & massages
○ dinner on friday at the local pizzeria
○ travel insurance (recommended)
group size
16
investment
from 1.320€
Additional information
a typical day
07.30 tea, coffee, fruit
08.30 yoga & meditation
10.30 breakfast
reading 
ceramics pool massage
15.00 lunch or snack
17.30 yoga
19.30 dinner
arrival day:
no yoga class,
16.00 snack
19.30 dinner
21.00 welcome circle
departure day:
no yoga class,
8.30 breakfast
check out until 10.00
Whats there?
– yoga & pilates equipment
– towels & bed linen
– pool/beach towel
what to bring?
– sturdy shoes or sneakers with a good grip sole for the hike
we’ll let you know again what’s good to bring, a few days before your retreat.
check- in on Sunday from 16:00, fruit snack waiting for you and dinner at 19.30 // check- out on Saturday until 10:00 after breakfast
arrival & departure: group pick ups & drop offs will be organized (only) from Rome Fiumicino airport & drop offs to Fiumicino & Ciampino airport and Termini train station. costs: 40-60€/person/way
about the place
It doesn’t seem possible that OLEA is less than an hour’s drive from the crowded streets of Rome. With lush, abundant grounds of its own, along with a natural spring and a magnificent wooden yoga platform which overlooks the valley below, this is a truly magical place that’s ideal for spiritual practice, slowing down, and plunging oneself into nature. More