| I received a gift from my sister to attend Maria's yoga retreat after a series of chemo and radiation from breast cancer. The retreat was so Healing and cleansing. It was a spiritual awakening. I cant wait to go to Italy with Maria again! I recommend it to anyone that needs to be awakened. Thank you Maria!!Linda Jacque, Northfield, MA: jacque2@comcast.net |
| Adventure is indeed the right description for what Maria provides. I "bumped up" my experience with Italy and yoga quite a bit. When I described what I was doing to others, they couldn't quite imagine 4 hours of yoga a day but the timing of the classes (8 AM & 6 PM) was perfect, as was the mix of poses and breathing - it was energizing. I loved the way Maria incorporated the various skill levels into one cohesive class. (My sister was just starting and I was building on six months of weekly classes. Others had years of experience.) It allowed me to really gain an understanding of where my yoga practice was, accept it, appreciate it, and focus. The feeling left me grounded & present for our forays (more "adventures") into the little towns & markets. The blend of free time and group time was perfect, as was the setting. Il Portico is magically special, as is its staff. Grazie a mille! Prego, prego Barbara Jacque, San Jose, CA: bjacque@comcast.net |
| The yoga I experienced at ll Portico boosted my practice to a new level...With Maria's guidance the week in southern Italy taught me that I can relax while in more difficult postures. Maria's yogadventure week is truly remarkable......a combination of great work, and the novel life of southern Italy.... Henry Godlewski, Audubon, PA: herky241@yahoo.com |
| The combination of Maria, Yoga, and Puglia is unbeatable: all natural, all beautiful, all charming! The peaceful, yet scintillating, Maria assembles hilltowns, Baroque architecture and Down Dogs for and unforgettable and tantalizing repeatable escape. Second timers, Deanne Wilson & Larry Orloff, Mendham, NJ: radarmom@patmedia.net |
| A week at Il Portico with Maria has taken my practice to an unbelievable level. Her spirit, guidance and support is unmatched. Italy is beautiful, and the perfect backdrop to a life enhancing experience. I will be back! Allyson Pickard, Campbell, CA: allysonpickard@hotmail.com |
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My experience at Il Portico with Maria was a deepening of my practice, and an opening of my heart as well as my hips... I thank you for it all, the good times, the laughs, the nurturing, the heart to hearts...and introducing me to a deeper part of my breath.--oh, and how could I forget the FOOD! I have actually changed my diet pretty dramatically since...lots more cooked veggies...
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Il Portico! Sharon Healy: shabike@pacbell.net |
| As a yoga teacher and student for thirty years, I have attended at least ten international yoga retreats but this adventure was truly an outstanding experience! Maria combines her yogic expertise and enchanting sense of humor in an atmosphere of trust and compassion. She offers lots of personal attention which results in tremendous personal growth. Add to this mix, fabulous all vegetarian meals and unique, yet comfortable accommodations and you have a fun-filled week which is truly unforgettable. Kalyani Baral: carolekalyani@aol.com |
| This retreat is a complete escape to a magical place of wonderful people, fantastic food, odd buildings, disparate history, and vigorous yoga. Like Ulysses, I became enraptured. I bought a house there my second trip. Eric Buhr: ericbuhr@ericbuhr.com |
| Maria's yoga retreat at Il Portico was an experience that I will reflect on for the rest of my life. The accomodations are lovely and storybook-like. The food was so delicious and varied that you had to try everything. And yet none of us gained weight! Amazing! Yoga twice a day while gazing at a beautiful, peaceful landscape and the scent of incense, flowers and fresh fruit was like a dream. The day trips to explore nearby villages and beaches were always fun and worthy of many rolls of film. You just wanted to capture every moment. I left feeling very invigorated, inspired and with much more clarity about life and what I wanted from it. I hope to return to Il Portico again. Sherry Tolman: sherrytolman@earthlink.net |
| I did have a great time on the yoga retreat last year. The experience was everything I'd hoped for and more. I don't know what I favored most, the serene setting, the fabulous food, the wonderful people or the gratifying and fulfilling yoga sessions. I hope that you will continue to offer this retreat because I definetely intend to return. Gordon Waters: gsights@aol.com |
| Our yoga adventure with Maria was one of the most memorable vacations we have had. Maria is an excellent yoga teacher and fun to be with. Everyone at il Portico was warm and welcoming and it was delightful to explore that part of Italy. The accommodations were very comfortable and the food was wonderful. It was a magical experience for us! Nancy & Ed Spencer: spencer.nancy@comcast.net |
| If you want to see beautiful countrysides, if you want to eat delicious Italian food, if you want to laugh and enjoy yourself during a Yoga class.....then Il Portico with Maria is the place to go. Ellie Kochek and Whit Adams: ekocheck@aol.com |
| I went to the retreat in 2003 with my sister, Joanne. I went again in 2004 with my friend, Kristin. The retreat center is beautiful, the staff are so endearing, the countryside is lovely, and the yoga is fantastic ! I will go every year if I am able! Candy Soles: candysoles@allvantage.com |
| If you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful experience in mind, body and spirit, then you must experience a yoga retreat at Il Portico in Italy with Maria. I've been twice and it was fantastic each time. Kristin Stiles: stilesk@netzero.com |
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