Happiness Retreat: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience
July 9 - 13, 2025
Your mind and your senses will open up to joy in ways you couldn’t have even imagined.
Welcome to Happiness Retreat: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience.
This retreat will reach all your senses, your intellect, your emotions, and your heart. You’ll immerse in meditation, compassion practice, gratitude practice, and awareness practice with ample time for cultural experiences, enjoyment, and getting to know a wonderful group of people.
A Healing Experience Through:
Connection
Compassion
Beauty
Gratitude
Fresh Food Grown in Ischia
Poetry
Greek Mythology
Meditation
Thermal Hot Springs
Dipping in the Sea
Italy is a celebration of LIFE. Let’s celebrate together next summer, integrating Eastern and Western practice, Renaissance wisdom with Buddhist wisdom, and listening to your own heart and mind every step of the way.
The goal of Happiness Retreat is to create an oasis for you: an oasis of beauty, an oasis of joy, of the carefree, of the profound, of lightness, and of your own freedom.
Host:
Happiness Sangha
Created and Facilitated by Elizabeth Pyjov
Testimonials: Happiness Retreat in 2024
You’ll feel rejuvenated, connected, and like you have gone on a magical adventure.
WHAT
An all-inclusive experience in an Italian paradise for 5 days with:
Opportunity to deepen your meditation practice
3 healthy, farm-to-table, delicious meals a day
Relaxation for the body and mind
Ancient Greek myths
Daily heart-opening and self-compassion
Italian poetry and introduction to Italian history and culture
WHERE
Southern Italy is paradise in the summer.
Everyone knows the famous island of Capri. Lesser known is the next island over called Ischia. It is just as beautiful, if not more so, and for the most part, tourists haven't discovered it yet.
On the island of Ischia you can get the authentic Italian experience.
Ischia is amazing because it combines a deep history– Homer included it as part of Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, W. H. Auden composed poetry about it, and it's the first place where the Ancient Greeks landed when they moved to Italy– lovely small towns, beautiful vegetation and nature, the sparkling Mediterranean sea, friendly people, and natural thermal hot springs that relax the body and mind.
EXPERIENCE CURATED BY:
ELIZABETH PYJOV, J.D. MTS
B.A. Harvard College, Romance Languages and Literatures
Certification Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion
J.D. Harvard Law School
MTS Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree
New York City Bar Well-Being Committee Member
Experience working with the teams at Baker McKenzie, Carlyle Group, Columbia Medical School, Deutsche Bank, Library of Congress, the New York State Supreme Court, Novartis, Ropes & Gray LLP, & Warby Parker
WHY ELIZABETH PYJOV
Elizabeth Pyjov is fluent in Italian and spent a part of her life living in Italy, including a significant amount of time in Ischia.
Her undergraduate academic background includes Ancient Greek, Latin, and a Romance Language and Literatures concentration. After college she worked as the translator of Nobel Prize-winning Italian playwright Dario Fo and then for the biggest Italian television station in Rome.
She has been meditating since age 16 and has been teaching compassion and self-compassion practice for over 12 years to over 10,000 people.
Elizabeth combines what she learned about ritual and meaning at Harvard Divinity School, her literature degree from Harvard College, the rigor of Harvard Law School, and her time studying with the Dalai Lama, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kristin Neff, and Thich Nhat Hanh to deliver this unique Happiness Retreat experience.
She can't wait to share her love of meditation, compassion practice, Greek mythology, as well as Italian poetry, food, and culture with you!
HEALING AND CHANGING PATTERNS
In a new environment, it is easier to release our patterns.
When trying new foods, experiencing beauty with the senses, and connecting to the warmth and friendliness of others – we gather energy and heal.
Ischia is a place that feels healing to me, so I want to share it with you.
“I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.”
L’amore si misura in piatti cucinati – Love is measured in cooked dishes (Italian Proverb)
Wine has been produced in Ischia for almost 3000 years. It was introduced by the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, and Ischia is still famous all over the world for its wines.
All the food for the duration of your stay is included. We will eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, and salads as well as meat, seafood, and fish, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, allergies and sensitivities are happily accommodated.
A lot of the food we will be eating is grown in the garden at the villa.
LOCATION
We'll be staying at a beautiful Italian villa with pools of healing mineral hot springs on the ground floor, as well as a sauna, Turkish bath, and spa, with a gorgeous view of the island on the rooftop terrace, which will be all ours.
You can lounge in the jacuzzi on the terrace, enjoy an Aperol spritz in the courtyard, and have traditional Italian multi-course meals in the dining room.
There are daily maid and touch-up services.
You can have your own room and bathroom, or share a room and bathroom with one other person (either of your choosing or we’ll pair you).
WHAT’S UNIQUE
Authentic Italian experience.
Like living in a warm Italian family.
Daily meditation that will help you feel alive, connected, and relaxed.
Culture will meet contemplative practices here, as we'll be using Greek mythology and Italian poetry as a way of reaching understanding and opening the heart.
It will be a mind-body experience.
We'll connect to pleasure and the senses.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Swimming in the Mediterranean
Walking through charming Italian downtowns
Visiting beautiful Italian gardens
Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners
Thermal springs each morning and night that will relax your whole body and soften your skin
MEDITATION
We'll do a morning meditation and an evening meditation each day, and our practice will span mindfulness, compassion, self-compassion, connecting to the senses, and finding joy.
GREEK GODS AND GODDESSES
The culture of Ischia is interconnected with an Ancient Greek influence.
The Greek gods and goddesses have a lot to teach us, and we'll explore that mythology and its meaning together.
“According to Ancient Greek legend, the island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples was created when Zeus and the Titan monster Tifeo clashed.”
Local Experience
The owner of the villa where we will be staying owns an organic fruit and vegetable farm, and the food we'll be eating is sourced from there.
ITINERARY
Arrive on the island of Ischia on a one-hour boat ride from Naples
Aperol spritz or mineral water to refresh you
Welcome lunch
Soak in the jacuzzi on the rooftop, enjoying the view of Mount Epomeo
Italian poetry to welcome you to this experience
Mindfulness and Arriving Fully meditation practice
Introduction to the history and mythology of the island
Learn some key Italian words
5-course dinner with wine
Night soak in the thermal hot springs for relaxation – the spa is open for you to use 24/7
DAY 1
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace in front of the villa with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Sitting and walking meditation practice
Introduction to understanding love in Italian poetry
Walk through the town of Lacco Ameno
Visit to Villa Arbusto Archeological Museum
Lunch at the best pizzeria on the island
Trip to the beautiful San Montano beach
Visit to the famous Negombo Park
Return to the villa, free time
Ancient Greek myths introduction
Evening self-compassion meditation practice
5-course dinner with wine
DAY 2
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Walking meditation and sitting meditation practice
Visit the beautiful Giardini La Mortella gardens
Lunch in the gardens
Visit to the Spiaggia di San Francesco beach nearby
Free time back at the villa to siesta or sunbathe on the rooftop, soak in the thermal waters, or sip a limoncello on the terrace
Italian poetry series and Ancient Greek myths immersion
Evening compassion practice
5-course dinner with wine
Option to explore a local town at night
DAY 3
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Walking and sitting meditation
Centering practice with joy meditation
Visit to the local winery and lunch at the winery
Visit to the Castello Arogonese (Castle Arogonese) built 500 BC, a former abbey of Basilian monks with Eastern Orthodox art
Optional time to go shopping in the main downtown of Ischia
Free time back at the villa
Italian poetry series
5-course dinner with wine and special desserts
Night of music and dancing on the rooftop of the villa to celebrate our last evening together
DAY 4
DAY 5
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Closing session: reflecting and closing the circle
Soaking in thermal hot springs at the villa one more time
Boat to Naples (or, if you like, it’s an easy boat ride to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi)
Transfer to airport or train station in Naples
Value
5-day meditation retreat - $1,380
Italian poetry immersion series - $450
Ancient Greek myths psychologically explained - $450
Restorative yoga on the roof, walking meditation, and mindful movement daily - $450
Therapeutic compassion exercises - $450
Excursions around the island organized by Elizabeth Pyjov - $1,000
Short and enjoyable daily Italian lessons with Elizabeth Pyjov - $100
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport - $100
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways - $100
Transportation all over the island during your stay - $150
Room - $850
Breakfast, lunch, five-course dinner each day - $1200
Opportunity to ask Elizabeth Pyjov questions informally for 5 days - $250
Book of Italian poetry from 50 different poets, handpicked by Elizabeth Pyjov - $70
Not thinking about anything and not planning - $500
Pleasant surprises and extras - $250
Returning home with greater well-being - Priceless
Joy and energy for months to come - Priceless
A new community of friends - Priceless
Total: $7,750
The event fee is $3,350 if you share a room (two beds and a private bathroom for two), or $3,850 for your own private room and bathroom
INCLUDED
All activities during the retreat
All meals with delicious, fresh food
Private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa
Unique local wines
Excursions around the island
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways
Transportation all over the island during your stay
Everything is planned for you and everything is included
All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day
This Team Will Welcome You
CURRICULUM
The curriculum has four parts:
1) Self-compassion, awareness and joy practice.
2) Compassionate connection to others.
3) A unit on the best of Italian poetry throughout history and the philosophy behind Italian poetry.
4) Healing effects of Ancient Greek mythology and how myths transform our subconscious.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Everything in the Value section above is included from the time we pick you up at the airport, to the time you leave Ischia. Plus 5-course dinner each day, a scrumptious breakfast buffet, lunch daily, wine at dinner, Aperol spritz upon arrival, opportunity to deepen your meditation practice, daily mindful movement and the ability to not plan or think about anything for your entire stay.
*To do this trip, you'll need to be able to climb stairs.
Single Registration: Private Room and Bathroom - $3,850
$1,000 to Register
$1,425 due by December 1
$1,425 by June 1
Single Registration: Shared Room & Bathroom with One Roommate - $3,350
$1,000 to Register
$1,175 due by December 1
$1,175 by June 1
Registration for Two People: Private Room for Two - $6,700
$1,000 to Register
$2,850 due by December 1
$2,850 due by June 1
Dates: July 9 - 13, 2025
Place: Ischia in Italy, one of the most beautiful, radiant places you'll ever visit
Directions: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly to Rome and take a one hour train to Naples.
Why: Health, happiness, connection, relaxing, shift in patterns, strengthening of meditation practice, opening the senses, joy and energy that will last for months
Facilitator: Elizabeth Pyjov
Prerequisite: In order to attend, you need to have taken at least 10 weeks of Elizabeth Pyjov’s in person or virtual classes. You can register if you haven’t, as long as you commit to completing 10 weeks of the Happiness Programs that speak to you most. You will get access to them at a discounted rate. As you complete the classes, your life will start changing even before the retreat.
DETAILS
“We’re planning a program with amazing food, exciting excursions, and time to connect, rest, and enjoy the summer – in a way that will give you energy all year long!”
HOW TO REGISTER
The information about the event fee is above.
Complete the $1,000 deposit to register.
The payment includes everything except the flight to Naples, Italy (or the flight to Rome and 1-hour train ride to Naples).
You can Zelle (650) 922-4262; Venmo Elizabeth-Pyjov; or use this link (includes 3% platform fee).
Once you register, you'll be paired with a "Happiness Retreat Buddy" who attended the retreat last year, and they'll welcome you and answer questions.
See You Soon
