Our yoga instructor, Lucy Bremner, set up her yoga retreat in Italy in 1998 and hasn’t looked back.

This unique yoga retreat, nestled in the beautiful Italian village of Casperia, hosts many special guest yoga teachers. On weeks where there are no guest teachers, you will be taught by Lucy herself.

We caught up with Lucy to find out more about her and the members of her team, why Casperia stole her heart and what her teachings can bring to your yoga practice.

Meet Lucy: co-founder & head instructor

Lucy was born in London and is the co-founder of this yoga retreat in Casperia, Italy, as well as one based on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Lucy has been a holistic practitioner in the UK and worldwide since 1988.

What makes Casperia an ideal location for a yoga holiday?

Casperia is a picture-perfect place. It is located in the heart of the Sabina mountains just north of Rome so there are amazing panoramic views from every angle.

The village itself is walled, totally car-free and has fewer than 350 inhabitants. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle that most of our guests encounter in their day to day lives on a stunning yoga holiday.

What was it that originally drew you to yoga?

After first working as a model at Select in London and Why Not in Milan, I was drawn to the practice of Hatha Yoga and yoga philosophy while studying holistic therapies professionally in London in 1989.

Since then, I’ve travelled to various countries, where I broadened my studies of yoga, Eastern philosophy and the healing arts, including the American Indian tradition and philosophy.

Where did you gain your instructor qualification?

After being qualified as a Holistic Therapist for years, I trained to become a yoga teacher and was accredited with a distinction in my final exams with Friends of Yoga, an international yoga school recognised by Yoga Alliance.

As well as yoga, I specialise in other bodywork and therapies plus balancing treatments such as Chakra Balancing and Reiki.

I also have two children (my greatest teachers!) born by natural childbirth methods. Thish has led me to teach pregnancy yoga including preparation for a natural birth.

What type of yoga do you practice at the retreat?

It’s important to remember that our yoga lessons cater for all levels. Even those who have no prior experience of yoga are more than welcome to join.

We teach a variety of yoga methods such as Iyengar, Kundalini, Satyananda, Sivananda, Vinyasa Flow, Anusara, Astanga, Yin Yoga and Divine Feminine Yoga. There really is something to suit everyone.

And don’t forget there is also the yoga and meditation workshops in the afternoon as well as a special two-hour workshop on Saturday.

What do you personally hope to bring to the guests’ practice?

I like to think of myself as a gentle teacher, who is also encouraging and supportive.

My aim is for my classes to be holistic and grounding, fusing the elements of Ying and Yang, yoga asanas and practices to bring balance to the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

I also love sharing the ancient knowledge of Western and Eastern traditions through the healing power of yoga and meditation that I have learnt from my experience travelling.

What can guests expect from the rest of the team?

Our friendly guest instructors come from all over the world. I lead the team but some weeks you’ll join specific instructors who will lead your sessions.

Each teacher has no less than two years of training. Whoever your teacher may be, the style is guaranteed to take a down-to-earth approach and will be taught in English.

Join Lucy and her team in the quaint village on Casperia to deepen your practice. And if you need something more to your holiday, why not add horse riding, cooking or painting?

Click here to full their full range of yoga holidays in Italy.