News & Updates

Coronavirus update

UK holidays and also holidays to Europe are all going ahead as scheduled

Please follow this link for a full update      Covid 19 update

Please be patient when contacting us,  we are a small company of only two staff

Kind regards

Jilly & Debbie

Booking Your Flight

Please always try to book your flight through a website or agent who are ABTA and ATOL members and pay with a credit card..Book a flight with a COVID guarantee who will refund you if the holiday does not go ahead. (such as Easyjet)

See our flight button

Brexit - travel rules have changed.

Click here for information on travel to EU countries

Travel Insurance

Always make certain that you have insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday or flight. If you do not have an annual travel insurance policy you can take out cover just for the dates of your holiday at any point prior to the holiday taking place. The Post Office Travel Insurance includes cover fro Covid.

Taking out cover straight away ensures that should anything unexpected happen that is covered by the insurance policy  you can make a claim . Travel insurance policies vary enormously ALWAYS read the small print

Brexit and how it affects your travel

Passport You will now need at least three months validity left on your passport when travelling to an EU country and probably 6 months for further afield. Be especially careful if you renewed your passport early last time you renewed as this does not include the extra time on your passport between the actual renewal date and the date it was due for renewal. Follow this link, click on the country you are travelling to and then click on Entry Requirements http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)  which gave free, or reduced rate, healthcare when visiting the EU has been replaced with the UK Global Healthcare Insurance Card (GHIC).

This is free of charge, visit nhs.uk.ghic to obtain yours. You can continue to use your old EHIC until it expires. Neither of these cards covers Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Do not forget to take out additional travel insurance as these cards do not cover all costs should you become sick or injured when in an EU country.
Remember that the GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property.

Updates - flight delays

My flight has been delayed. Can I get compensation?

Check the Citizens advice website for detailed information by following this link

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/if-your-flights-delayed-or-cancelled/

Also read the following

Airlines don't have to pay out for delays caused by snow because weather is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance" – though some airlines may issue a refund at their discretion. For those of you flying to India you are almost certainly on a non EU airline so contact them direct to see exactly what you are entitled to.

According to Which magazine you can challenge your airline if you don't agree there were extraordinary circumstances – for example, if you are told you can't fly due to the snow, but other flights are departing. "Airlines may stretch the definition of extraordinary circumstances further than they should."

Which Magazine  states:-

If the delay is not caused by extraordinary circumstances you will be entitled to compensation under EU rules, but only if you are flying with an airline based in the EU or with a non-EU-based airline flying from an EU airport, and only if the delay is for two hours or more. If you are flying somewhere else or with a non-EU-based airline not flying from the EU you'll have to check that carrier's terms and conditions.

If you are delayed for two hours or more you are entitled to: two free phone calls, faxes or e-mails; free food and drinks; and free hotel accommodation if you need to stay overnight.

If your flight arrives at its destination three hours or more late you will receive compensation of between €250 and €600, depending on how far your flight takes you. So you'll get €250 if your three hour-delayed flight travels 1,500km or less (ie, London to Amsterdam), but €600 if your plane is delayed by four hours or more and travels at least 3,500km (ie, London to Sydney).

My flight has been cancelled. Will I get my money back?

If your flight is cancelled you should be offered either a refund or an alternative flight to your original destination.

For compensation you will have to look to the EU rules again, though if the delay is caused by snow – and thus an extraordinary circumstance – you might not get anything. If you are covered by EU regulations you will be entitled to travel assistance (such as help with rebooking for a later date) as well as meals and accommodation etc. Check the official EU website for more on your rights.

Call to book: 01273 564230

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Welcome to Free Spirit Travel, UK's leading provider of yoga holidays

Calabria Yoga, Southern Italy

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  • Old Fashioned Charm

    A charming hotel with its own private beach, ecological/organic grounds and two yoga shalas.

The wonderful hotel has a magical old world charm combined with fun staff.

This is an eco  hotel with 47 acres of pesticide free land, containing a farm, vineyards, woods and countryside,  its own golf course and its own beach - reached by a lift which goes down the face of the cliff.

The small private beach has sun terraces with loungers, there is also a beach bar where lunch can be served.

At hotel level there is a swimming pool with sun loungers and sea views.

Please note that this venue is not suited to those with mobility issues as there are many steps

 

This hotel is also an organic farm and a vineyard. 

Fresh organic food: fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, eggs, homemade jams and preserves are all produced for the hotels own use. Overall they produce about 75% of the organic food served at the hotel.

The vineyards produce an excellent red, white and rosé wine.

Food here is delicious and we are on half board

 

 

On sunny summer days we will enjoy a buffet breakfast and also dinner on one of the two beautiful terraces overlooking the sea, the indoor restaurant can be used if you prefer.

Lunch can be purchased at the hotel, or at the beach bar/restaurant, for 15 euros.

Enjoy walks on the farm, or through the wood within the grounds surrounding the hotel, feel free to explore.

 

 

The hotel also has its own organic golf course (9 holes, par 70), nicely landscaped among vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees, with a small Club House.

There are breath-taking views.

Excursions can be arranged, Ornella will talk to you about the different options when she takes you on a tour of the venue on the first morning.

   Click here for a you tube video of this venue 

 

 

 

some of the hotel staff with variations on tree pose

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

Yoga

Our yoga will take place in the purpose built outdoor yoga space close, or in the indoor yoga space. Yoga mats and equipment is provided.

There will be one class prior to breakfast and another in the late afternoon. 10 yoga clases are included. We usually have one day without yoga so that people can explore further afield if they wish to.

The indoor yoga space - designated only for the groups use - has a kettle and herbal teas. Use it to relax in and to make hot drinks before your yoga class.

Massages are available from 40 euros per hour.

 

 

Accommodation
We will be staying in the newly built annexe  which is just below the main terrace of the hotel..

There are two rows of rooms, the upper row has a terrace, the lower row has little individual patios. 

Both face on to a wooded area. Here we can be together as a group.

All rooms are en-suite (with hairdryer) and air conditioning.

 

Please note that this venue is not suited to those with mobility issues as there are many steps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting There: you can fly to Naples or Lamezia or take a train

IMPORTANT: For some groups we will be arranging a transfer bus from Naples airport - please check with the Free Spirit office if this applies to your group as we will be specifying the time of the group transfer. .

Please note that transfers are arranged by the hotel and are nothing to do with Free Spirit Travel.

 

Group Transfers from Naples Airport - for groups of three or more, cost to be divided amongst the passengers

NB:  this is a discounted rate and only available on the arrival and departure dates (Saturday - Saturday)  and there will be a maximum of one transfer in each direction . 

For arrivals the transfer will be around lunchtime (there are many cafes in Naples airport should you have to wait around)

For return flights please book a flight late afternoon/early evening  becasue of the long transfer distance. .

Naples Airport to Gran Michele - approx 2.5 to 3 hours
3 seater car - 180 euros each way
8 seater minibus - 234 euros each way

If this does not apply to your group, or you live close to Stansted airport,  then we have several choices

Fly to Lamezia airport, (Ryan Air from Stansted, usually at 06.30 or 08.30 )  From here we can arrange taxis to the venue.  115 euros for a three person taxi and 140 euros for an eight person taxi. The transfer is one and half hours along the coast .

Or if flying to Naples, take a taxi to the train station and an intercity train to Paola Station (2.5 hours). From here we can arrange taxi transfers - about 20 minutes from the venue. A taxi from here is 60 euros for three persons and 90 euros for eight persons. You can also take an onward train to Cetraro Station which is closer to the venue a taxi from here is 5 euros per person or if more than 8 people it is 3 euros per person.
NB We thought we should mention that this is the train line from Rome, just in case you are combining this holiday with an exploration of Italy.

 

Includes - Accommodation,  half board (wonderful vegetarian or non vegetarian Calabrian menu, please let us know of any specific dietary requirement) with breakfast on the terrace, and dinner under the stars.

Full access to the hotel facilities (swimming pool, the estate, piano bar in the evening, private beach). 10 yoga classes.

 

Not Included - Insurance, travel, transfers, access to golf (20 euros p/d), all drinks, lunch, treatments and massages.

 

2025

   All accommodation is half board   Shared Single
May 10 May 17 Vinyasa Flow Yoga Jill Amison £760 £900
May 17 May 24 Iyengar Yoga Margaret Rawlinson £815 £955
May 24 May 31 Scaravelli Inspired Hatha Yoga Jane Manze £780 £920
May 31 Jun 7 PRIVATE GROUP Karen Calder £760 £900
Jun 7 Jun 14 Hatha Flow & Yin Yoga Bella Somerville £790 £930
Jun 14 Jun 21 Hatha Flow Yoga Lorna Chapman £750 £890
Jul 5 Jul 12 Hatha Yoga Suzanna Brander £860 £1000
Sep 6 Sep 13 Scaravelli Inspired Hatha Yoga Jane Manze £880 £1020
Sep 13 Sep 20 PRIVATE GROUP Janaki & Davy £800 £940
Sep 20 Sep 27 Hatha Yoga PRIVATE GROUP Lisa Hemmings £760 £900

All accommodation is half board.

Hi Jilly & Debbie.  Just like to thank you both and Veronica.  For an amazing yoga holiday. Location was fab. Shala was amazing. The views breath taking.

The hotel was fab too. Food was good most days. And what can I say about the yoga. Veronica is my teacher. And is amazing. But don't take my word for it.  Experience it for yourselves.

Namaste Jan T   September 2023 - Veronica Winters

 

Dear Debbie and Jilly, I had a fabulous holiday with Lorna in Calabria. Her yoga was great, she had a very varied group in terms of ability and tailored the classes to suit us all. It was challenging in the right ways for those of us who wanted a challenge, while you could take it easy if you needed to and the yoga on the beach at the end was perfect.

The yoga spaces were really good. The outside covered area at the hotel had wonderful views! We were inside for a couple of classes and that was a good space too.
The food at the hotel was delicious and plentiful. The rooms were comfortable and spotless, the cleaners were in every day while we did our morning yoga which was such a treat.

IWe travelled down there independently on the train which was very easy.we took the transfer back to the airport but that was not easy for the hotel as people were wanting transfers at different times. I think it is miles easier to do your own transfer and would recommend people do that, much much cheaper too.

Thank you for a fabulous holiday.. Best wishes Catherine  - June 2023 Lorna Chapman

 

Hi Jilly, the venue in Calabria was amazing! Completely surpassed all my expectations! It was wonderful - and the weather was great, too

Shamita Ray  Yoga Teacher May 2023

 

Hi Jilly, just to say I don’t know if you found San Michele but if you did, THANK YOU and well done. Loved the hotel and staff and the beating heart of the whole place, that is Ornella, the owner’s wife. What a find.

Many thanks. Sue (and Andy) - May 2021 with Margaret Rawlinson
 

 

Hello, I'm just back from Calabria, in south Italy, teaching a week of Mindful Yoga and Meditation. The venue was simply jaw-dropping, from the hotel terraces and their outlook on incredible coastline and private beaches, to the amazing gardens with diverse flowers in bloom, orchards and fields of green and vegetable goodness and an idyllic outdoor yoga deck perched high among trees with views of the ocean and abundant nature.

The hotel's staff, from owner to tea-boy, were warm, genuine and became like family. My guests on this yoga and meditation retreat were a diverse bunch and we were a small group. The dynamic all round proved beautiful. Feedback I've already received includes: "I've not just had a shift, I've been deeply impacted more than I could have imagined and in positive sustaining ways by the teachings of this week and the retreat." Another wrote to say, "this week will stay with me forever."

What the guests got from the week, the amazing views, the glorious peacefulness of having beaches to ourselves and evening walks through mind-blowing sunset-filled skies, the heart-touching hospitality... this is all welcome, of course

Extract from newsletter sent out by Divya who taught at this venue July 2019