Interview

"Yoga always felt like home to me"

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A yoga teacher since 2012, in an interview with The Hidden Treasures Stefanie Mandl reveals her personal path to yoga.

What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga has always felt like coming home to me – the mat as a place where I am completely welcome as I am. Yoga is an important companion in my personal development: it encourages me to look within, to be present and to recognize what is essential behind experiences and patterns. And of course, yoga is a tool for well-being and balance.

How did you discover yoga?

I started trying different styles of yoga out of curiosity in my 20s. From the beginning I felt that it was totally good for my mind and calmed me down. But it took me a while to find a practice that was also good for my body. Over time I came to Svastha Yoga, which is now my priority.

What is your main focus?

I have specialized in therapeutic yoga and basics for a sustainable yoga and meditation practice. For me, yoga is not only body work, but also consciousness and energy work, and I want to teach simple tools in this area as well. This is also how the combination with sound came about, which I find to be a wonderful enrichment. The most important things I would like people to take away from my classes are grounding and self-love.

What are the yoga retreats that you offer in cooperation with The Hidden Treasures about?

The idea is to combine a vacation with a yoga retreat and to offer the best of both: letting go, relaxation, reflection, learning, good conversations, inspiration, activities and new impressions – all this accompanied by people who are wholeheartedly committed to your well-being. All levels are welcome – no previous experience is necessary. The classes focus on basics and are therefore well suited for beginners. Plus: A vacation in Italy is always a good idea!

Wordrap

  • A new day begins for me… mostly with meditation and movement.
  • I became a yoga teacher because… I love to accompany people on the path to themselves.
  • To a yoga retreat I take with me… a journal.
  • Traveling means to me… inspiration.
  • This is what I associate with Italy… enjoyment and ease.
  • My motto in life is… Om Namah Shivaya.

City of the Month

Asolo

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Located in the north-eastern Italian region of Veneto, Asolo is a hidden gem that has been awarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy (“I Borghi più belli d’Italia”).

A place of refuge

The name Asolo comes from the Latin word “asylum”, meaning refuge. In this context, Asolo offers a retreat for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustly of everyday life and spend some relaxing days in the hills of Venento. This history goes back many centuries: already in Roman times, it has been a town with a theatre and a spa.

A hundred horizons

Characteristic of Asolo, called the “city of a hundred horizons” by Giosuè Carducci, are the gentle hills, magnificent churches, typical squares (like Piazza Garibaldi) and small streets but even more the ancient walls, frescoes and historic villas – a reminder of the town’s millennial history.

Something for every taste

The city of Asolo and its surroundings offer something for all tastes and interests: from history, art and culture in local museums, art galleries and theatres, to cycling in the hills of Veneto, enjoying a coffee in Cafè Centrale watching the town life, immersing into the rich local cuisine or exploring the nearby Street of Prosecco – Asolo offers everything that makes an enjoyable holiday.

Relaxation and "la dolce vita"

Curious to discover Asolo? If you would like to get to know Asolo in a particularly relaxed way, we can highly recommend our Yoga Retreats which also take place in Asolo. Together with the wonderful Austrian yoga teacher Stefanie Mandl we offer a combination of yoga and sound retreats as well as a full immersion in the dolce vita that Asolo has to offer. Find out more here!

Top 10 places to visit in Asolo:

  • Rocca di Asolo
  • Castello della Regina Cornaro
  • Mercatino dell’Antiquariato (antique market, every second Sunday of the month)
  • Piazza Garibaldi
  • Duomo di Asolo
  • Villa Freya Stark (amphitheatre)
  • Museo Civico
  • Teatro Duse
  • Convento Padri Cappuccini
  • Due Mori (restaurant with authentic dishes and fantastic views)