Handstand Retreat in Southern Italy
Join Virgile Peyramaure and David Johnson for a handstand retreat set in the heart of southern Puglia, Italy. Hosted at the historic Relais Histò San Pietro sul Mar Piccolo, this retreat blends focused daily training with the beauty, stillness, and ease of Italian countryside living. Practice takes place in an 11th-century frescoed basilica, offering a rare and inspiring setting for intensive training, while the surrounding region, from olive groves to the Ionian coast, provides the perfect backdrop for restoration and connection.
This 5-night retreat, will be held from June 20 - 25, 2026 with limited space available.
Meet Your Retreat Leaders
Virgile Peyramaure, Retreat Host & Leading Coach
Over the past 10 years Virgile has been traveling around the globe teaching workshops and hosting handstand retreats, sharing his 30+ years of knowledge and experience within the acrobatic art of handstand. Currently, Virgile teaches private and master classes in his New York City Handstand Studio. For More information on Virgile click here.
David Johnson, Host and Assistant Coach
David, owner of SWEAT Yoga Studio in Albuquerque, NM has devoted a decade to the practice of hand balancing, approaching it with both discipline and inquiry. As a dedicated student of Virgile for the past seven years, he is honored to serve as assistant coach, supporting the work and helping carry forward Virgile’s technique, style, and refined approach to handstand training. For more information on David click here.
About the Hotel
Relais Histò San Pietro sul Mar Piccolo is a refined five-star historic estate set amidst ancient olive groves in southern Puglia. Originally a Roman villa and later a monastery, the property has been carefully restored to preserve its architectural heritage while offering understated luxury and modern comfort. The atmosphere is serene and spacious, with beautiful guest rooms, peaceful outdoor areas, a full-service spa, and thoughtfully designed common spaces that invite rest and restoration between training sessions. We are most excited about training in the 11th-Century Basilica on property.
All training sessions take place in a frescoed basilica dating back to the 11th century A.D., located on the estate grounds. With its ancient stone walls, preserved frescoes, and serene natural light, this rare space offers a powerful and inspiring environment for practice — elevating each session through history, beauty, and stillness.
About the Training
This retreat focuses on building a strong, sustainable handstand practice through proper form, technique, and the fundamentals of spotting. Students will work on endurance, conditioning, and handstand-specific warm-up and stretching routines, gaining a clear understanding of how to structure training and confidently integrate handstands into daily practice. Training takes place twice daily, with progressive sessions designed to meet each student where they are.
Morning sessions emphasize foundational skills such as entries, balance, alignment, safe falling, strength progressions, and partner spotting—ideal for beginners or those refining fundamentals. Afternoon sessions are geared toward intermediate and advanced practitioners, focusing on advanced shapes, longer holds, head movement, props, and press handstand strength. Over six days, this immersive experience is designed to challenge limits, refine technique, and elevate your practice in an inspiring coastal setting.
Deluxe Room: A bright and spacious room with an elegant, minimalist design. Soft stone hues and clean, refined lines create a calm and exclusive atmosphere.
Exclusive Rooms: Warm natural wood accents and contemporary design. Some rooms open onto a lovely terrace with views and scents of the Mediterranean.
NOTES: Since this is a historic property each room maybe slightly different in shape and size. Option for 1 or 2 beds
Package Includes
5 Nights Accommodations at Relais Histo
Full Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily (dinners include wine)
Arrival & Departure Transfers*
Twice Daily Handstand Training (beginner & intermediate)
Excursion to Cannato Beach with sunbeds & lunch
All taxes & fees
Not Included
International flights
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Additional Excursions
*Guests arriving outside of set group arrival times may incur a transportation fee
TERMS: In order to confirm your spot we require a $1500 non-refundable deposit. Your balance will be invoiced and due May 1st. Please keep in mind all payments are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is highly suggested. More information of recommended travel insurance companies can be found below.
About The Region
Located in Puglia, this retreat takes place in a quieter, less-traveled area of the region, near the Ionian coast and surrounded by open countryside and ancient olive groves. Puglia is known for its distinctive character — white stone architecture, historic towns, fertile farmland, and a deep connection to tradition, food, and landscape. While northern Puglia is more widely known, the southern part of the region offers a greater sense of privacy and calm, with unspoiled beaches, authentic local culture, and a slower pace of life. Warm light, expansive views, and proximity to both sea and countryside make this area an ideal setting for an immersive retreat that balances focused training with restoration and ease.
Canneto Beach Club
On Tuesday, after a couple of full training days, we will take the afternoon off and spend the afternoon at Canneto Beach Club. Canneto Beach Club is a relaxed beach club on the stunning Ionian coast, known for its clear water and calm, local atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to swim, unwind, and enjoy arelaxing afternoon by the sea, complete with sunbeds and lunch.
Gallery
Travel Insurance
All payments are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is highly recommended. This is the only way to protect your investment. We recommend getting a quote from reputable providers like Generali, Roam Right or Allianz. These companies offer comprehensive coverage and have proven to be reliable options for our clients seeking peace of mind during adventures. We recommend generating a quote from multiple companies as travel insurance is based on age, state and other factors and pricing will vary. If you have questions please email dawn@wellxplored.com
PLEASE NOTE: Most travel insurance companies require you to purchase coverage within 14 days of your first deposit in order to include pre-existing conditions and additional benefits. If you miss this window but still need coverage for pre-existing conditions, we can help recommend the best policy for your needs, but you will likely pay more.
Contact
If you would like to contact our Retreat Hosts, you can reach them via email - Virgile or David
For travel & logistics contact: dawn@wellxplored.com