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Secrets of Sardinia: A Blue Zone Mindful Retreat

June 14 - 21, 2027

Sardegna, Italy

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Hosted By

Lisa Marie Staab

32 followers

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7 nights, 8 days

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10 person retreat

Highlights

  • Blue Zones Experience

  • Mindful living immersion

  • Soulful cooking experiences

  • Ancient and mysterious site visits

  • Unique locations

  • Private villa

  • Daily meditations

Details

Whispers of longevity, ancient ritual, and untamed beauty echo through Sardinia’s hills. On this Mediterranean island, people don’t just live longer — they live well. But the real secrets aren’t found in guidebooks. Join us for Secrets of Sardinia — a 7-night immersive retreat exploring one of the world’s Blue Zones, where community, simple food, daily movement, and deep presence shape a longer, richer life. We’ll wander sacred sites and wild coastlines. Share slow meals made from local produce. Learn from tradition. Rest. Walk. Breathe. This is not a tour. It’s a small, intimate experience designed for genuine connection — with place, with others, and with yourself. Come for the longevity. Stay for the aliveness.

Location

Sardegna, Italy

Sardegna (Sardinia), Italy is a sun-soaked Mediterranean island celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic rocky coastlines, and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Beyond the shore, the landscape shifts to rolling hills, rugged mountains, and quiet countryside dotted with ancient nuraghi (stone tower ruins) that hint at a deep, distinctive history. Its towns blend Italian charm with a strong local identity, shaped by unique traditions, music, and a cuisine known for seafood, pecorino cheese, and hearty regional pastas. Whether you’re exploring hidden coves, hiking inland trails, or wandering historic villages, Sardegna offers a captivating mix of nature, culture, and laid-back island life.

Venue

Villa Ulivo at Residenze di Campagna San Giuliano

Reviews

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Situated 200 meters away from the buildings at the lower end of the farm, reception, and restaurant area, surrounded by a 12-hectare olive grove, is a wonderful example of the restoration of an existing farmhouse, and the architectural feel of the original building has been successfully retained.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Pool

Garden

Garden

Laundry

Laundry

Towels

Towels

Housekeeping

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Kitchen

Kitchen

Free Parking

Free Parking

Accommodation

Sardinia Single Room

3 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$4,679.10 USD total

Sardinia Twin/Double Accommodation

2-person shared room

$4,049.10 USD / person

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Experience Authentic Sardinian Living at Villa Ulivo Set within a 12-hectare working olive grove just outside the beautiful coastal town of Alghero, Villa Ulivo offers a deeply grounding and quietly luxurious retreat experience. This private villa, nestled within a family-run olive estate, is surrounded by centuries-old trees, open space, and birdsong — the kind of place that invites you to slow down the moment you arrive. And yes… the estate produces its own exceptional extra virgin olive oil — fresh EVOO straight from the land, anyone!? Villa Ulivo boasts its own private swimming pool, offering ample space to relax, soak up the Sardinian sun, or enjoy a quiet afternoon with a book. Shaded terraces, outdoor dining areas and a BBQ make it easy to unwind while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the grove. Inside, Villa Ulivo offers spacious and comfortable accommodation designed for ease and connection. A fully equipped kitchen allows us to cook, gather, and enjoy our nourishing gourmet meals together — one of the simple pleasures of retreat life. While the villa itself is completely private, being part of the wider estate allows us access to beautiful walking paths throughout the property, olive oil tastings, and a fantastic on-site restaurant serving traditional Sardinian dishes — giving you an authentic taste of local life and a rhythm that naturally aligns with Blue Zones living. Villa Ulivo is perfectly positioned for both relaxation and exploration, just 13km from Alghero Marina and approx. 9km from the historic Nuraghe di Palmavera archaeological site — offering an unexpected step into Sardinia’s ancient past. The nearest airport, Alghero–Fertilia Airport, is approximately 8 km away, keeping travel logistics simple.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegetarian

Food is simple, seasonal, and deeply nourishing — inspired by Sardinia’s Blue Zone way of eating. Fresh local produce, estate-grown olive oil, legumes, whole grains, vibrant vegetables and thoughtfully sourced proteins form the heart of our shared meals. We gather around long tables, eat well, and take our time. And one very special day, we head into the mountains of Montresta for an unforgettable hands-on cooking experience and long lunch — a true taste of rural Sardinian life. Vegetarian options can be catered for with prior notice.

Schedule

A Gentle Rhythm for the Week Each day we blend culture, nature, food, and mindful practice — bringing Sardinia’s longevity traditions to life in a way that feels immersive, not rushed. Here’s a glimpse of what’s woven into our week: Culinary Immersion A hands-on cooking experience in the mountain village of Montresta, learning traditional recipes alongside a local family and sharing a long rural lunch together. Time with a shepherd family in Barbagia, exploring the art of traditional cheese-making followed by a simple, fresh meal. Wine tasting at a family-run vineyard, sampling Sardinia’s robust, flavonoid-rich wines paired with local produce. Relaxed cooking sessions and shared meals at our villa. Ancient Sardinia Visits to Nuragic complexes and a Giant’s Tomb, exploring the island’s extraordinary prehistoric heritage. A journey to Monte d’Accoddi — a remarkable pre-Nuragic monument that speaks to Sardinia’s deep spiritual past. Nature & Coast Easy scenic walks through rugged landscapes with sweeping coastal views. Time at hidden beaches for swimming, resting, and unhurried seaside lunches. There is space in each day to pause, reflect, and simply be — whether that’s by the pool, beneath olive trees, or gathered around the table. This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about experiencing Sardinia slowly — through movement, food, story, and connection.

Testimonials

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"With absolute gratitude, I’d like to say Lisa put so much thought into this retreat, collaborating with amazing connections to create a truly magical and relaxing experience. ​ What a magnificent time we had—completely immersing in the Blue Zones lifestyle. Lisa curated an incredible balance of mindfulness principles, guided meditations, and gratitude practices, while also allowing us time to soak in the stunning surroundings. ​ She even ensured we explored the beauty of the region, making the experience even more enriching. Thank you, Lisa—I’m so grateful to have been part of this retreat! Highly recommended for anyone open to new experiences and fresh perspectives."

Jessica, Australia

“Travel with Lisa is a great adventure - I would jump in on any trip she was facilitating. Terrific experience. X”

Kelley, United States of America

Lisa is a wonderful guide who took everyone’s needs into account. The accommodations were beautiful and varied and the food was interesting delicious and authentic.

Robin, United States of America

The retreat that was promised was totally delivered ie nature, culture, delicious healthy foods, mindfulness & meditation, relaxation, blue zone’s & history. Lisa’s attention to detail, fun & generous personality makes for a wonderful experience. Her connection to local people brings such authenticity and joy. Thank-you Lisa !!

Anne Marie, Australia

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Host

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Lisa Marie Staab

Queensland, Australia

Lisa Marie Staab is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, wellness mentor, retreat leader, and trained chef known for helping people feel more alive, more connected, and more at ease in thei...

1 language

English

Teaching for 2 years

Joined Insight Timer in Aug 2023

What's Included

7 nights accommodation in our stunning Private Villa

All delicious local meals each day (Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner)

Blue Zones/Longevity workshops

Local Sardinian Cooking Class

Local Winery Visit, including an alfresco twilight dinner as the sun sets in over the vineyard

All day Trips and Activities (remote beaches, mountain villages and mysterious ruins)

Limited local wine with selected meals

All Mindfulness and Meditation Activities

Pre-Retreat Q&A session (details to be shared further after booking)

Not Included

Airfares

Visa (if applicable)

Extra beverages (e.g., alcohol)

Travel Insurance (mandatory for unexpected cancellations and mishaps)

Miscellaneous spending money

Airport transfers (it's an easy taxi ride from the airport or downtown Alghero to our Villa)

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Travel Insurance - you just never know what might happen. The airlines could cancel flights, you could get sick, etc. This protects you from any unforeseen (however unlikely) circumstances.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 90 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 90 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 90 days before the retreat begins.