Featured retreat
Origin Retreat · Istria, Croatia
istria, croatia
october 07–11, 2026
A sanctuary among olive trees
Five unhurried days, held by landscape, breath, and one another.
The first edition of Zura will be held in the beautiful lands of Istria, Croatia as a starting point for the birth of new energy. We invite you to a space of somatic exploration and intentional connection, guided by Anelise and Tara.
This sanctuary in Villa Gaia, nestled among untouched nature, is designed to embrace all who take part and bring them closer to the essence of their souls. Immerse yourself in daily yoga, pilates, many special excursions exploring the region, workshops and curated local cuisine.
What's included
Five days, considered.
- Accommodation4 nights accommodation at Villa Gaia.
- FoodHealthy seasonal meals, prepared by our local chef (daily prepared brunch, dinner and fully accessible nourishing snacks) excluding two special local culinary excursions.
- Daily movementSomatic Yoga sessions & Intentional Pilates sessions.
- EquipmentMats & other equipment.
- ActivitiesSpecialized workshops and guided activities.
- ExcursionsWine & olive oil tasting, other excursions and activities.
- TransportTo and from locations for daily excursions.
- Villa amenitiesIncluding pool and sauna and surrounding nature.
- Mindful practicesNature walks and meditation.
- TreasuresGifts for you to take home from our favorite brands.
What's not included
For full transparency.
- TransportFlights, transport from/to the location to/from the airport.
- Special mealsTwo special meals during culinary excursions.
- ExtrasPersonal expenses and spa treatments.
- InsuranceTravel/medical insurance (highly recommended).
Move with Zura
Daily practice, somatic, mindful, alive.
Yoga and Pilates at the Origin edition as daily somatic therapy techniques go hand in hand when cultivating a mind and body connection. Yoga serves as a union with the higher self to dissolve the ego that holds us back from our truest selves, and Pilates as a mindful physical practice that activates controlled awareness through presence, cultivating both inner resilience and outer strength. Blending both practices for all levels invites gentle, flexible ways to connect with your body, moving with ease through the strengths and challenges you discover along the way.
Our sanctuary
A quiet kind of luxury.
Set within the rolling landscapes of Istria, Villa Gaia is a tribute to the raw beauty of Croatia. Surrounded by the quiet hum of nature, Gaia serves as a luxurious secluded sanctuary with a private pool and sauna. The villas are only a quick drive away from the coastal charm of Rovinj and Pula. With its olive groves, vineyard-covered hills and timeless stone villages, Istria carries the romance of the Mediterranean countryside and a quiet magic all its own. Our rooms with double beds are shared with another guest on the retreat, intentional spaces designed for rest and authentic connection. (If you are joining the experience with a friend, please inform us so we can put you together.)
Inside Villa Gaia
A closer look.
Wander through the spaces that will hold you, from sun-drenched decks to the cedar sauna and quiet bedrooms.
Nourishment
Food as a soft form of self-care.
At Zura, we believe that food is a vital form of medicine and one of the deepest ways to connect with a culture. In Istria, the culinary heart of Croatia, every meal is an opportunity to honor the earth. This specific retreat menu centers on vibrant, seasonal dishes crafted by a local chef who understands the soul of the region. Together we will explore the richness of Istrian flavors, from hand-pressed olive oils and sun-ripened produce to traditional local pastas, and venture out on curated culinary excursions to enjoy meals in their most authentic settings. For us, eating is a form of fuel as much as it is a mindful ritual of joy, community, and discovery to deepen the traveling experience.
Travel
How to get there.
ORIGIN retreat is located in Villa Gaia in Gajana, Istria, Croatia.
Flight
You can reach the retreat by flying into Pula, Venice, or Zagreb, depending on your preferred route and available connections. We only offer transfer from Pula airport. Please check bus or private transfer (GoOpti) from Venice, Ljubljana and Zagreb port.
Airport transfers
On the arrival day we will offer two pick-ups from Pula Airport with transfer times arranged based on guests' landing schedules. Please check bus or shared/private transfers (GoOpti) from Venice, Ljubljana, or Zagreb and we're happy to assist with information and arrangements.Please note that transfer costs are the responsibility of each guest and are not included in the retreat price.
Rental car
If you prefer flexibility and would like to explore the region at your own pace, renting a car is a wonderful option and we highly recommend it. Driving to the retreat can be a beautiful part of the experience. Once your spot is confirmed, we'll share detailed arrival information and support you in choosing the option that feels best for you.
Our days at Origin
An unhurried rhythm.
- · Welcome & settle in
- · Cozy opening dinner
- · Ritual opening ceremony
- · Moonlight swim & sauna
- · Herbal tea time & journaling
- · Yoga Pilates combo class
- · Yoga & Somatics workshop
- · Rovinj excursion
- · Evening Yin Yoga
- · Power Pilates
- · Pilates Philosophy workshop
- · Cacao Ceremony & sunset at the beach
- · Ecstatic Dance
- · Morning Yogalates
- · Local Pasta dinner
- · Wine & Olive Oil tasting
- · Intuitive Painting workshop
- · Somatic Yoga
- · Last special class
- · Community Farewell Brunch
- · Departure with new energy