Anchored Self
Thursday, May 22 – Saturday, May 31, 2025
Embark on a transformative journey restore and anchor yourself amidst the serene landscapes of the Northern Adriatic in Croatia. Our exclusive 9-day wellness retreat is not just a voyage; it’s an invitation to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit against the backdrop of the stunning Croatian islands. Every sunrise from our ship is a symbol of renewal and every sunset as an opportunity for reflection. As you sail through crystal-clear waters, engage in rejuvenating activities, savor nourishing cuisine, and cultivate a sense of balance that will fortify you for life’s inevitable challenges. This isn’t merely a cruise; it’s a commitment to your powerful self.
When?
May 22-31, 2025
The best time to visit the coastal regions of Croatia is in late May/early June (or September/Octover). There is plenty of sun, and a low chance of rain. Showers may occur but are often short lived and unlikely to interfere with our travel plans. Temps will range from the mid 60s to mid 70s, though evenings can still get cooler. The best thing about our late May retreat is that it is less crowded!
Where?
Northern Adriatic Croatian Islands
The Olmissum is a first class vessel with 2 decks, an air conditioned restaurant and a shaded lounge area. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower. There is plenty of room on the sundeck for movement practices and taking in the stunning views of the Croatian coastline. Each day will bring new adventures on the many picturesque islands we will visit. Throughout the week we will experience what makes each one special.
What?
From $2937
This 9 day Croatia Wellness Retreat is a dream trip. We begin in the beautiful Istrian city of Rovinj for two nights. On Saturday we will transfer to Opatija to meet our ship the Olmissum at the port. For 7 days we’ll explore the charming islands of the Northern Adriatic which offer a blend of Venetian, and Austrian influence and history. You’ll enjoy most meals, cultural tours, daily movement practices and lots of relaxation all for an affordable trip price.
retreat details
Anchored Self
This incredible 9 day retreat will center you, anchor you and refresh you. From truffle hunting in an Istrian forest, to exploring coastal villages, to making new travel buddies. This retreat is curated to delight you.
While on board we will enjoy movement movement or mindfulness practices. We’ll nourish ourselves with healthy 3 course lunches and swim stops in calm bays. Each day will bring new adventures on the many islands we will visit. You will be amazed at the beauty of the coastline, and the charm of each small port. The kindness and warmth of our Croatian hosts will make you feel safe and welcome as you explore and learn and grow.
Special Features of this Wellness Retreat
Curated Experiences
Opportunities to truly experience this magical place
Fresh Local Cuisine
Wellness from the inside out. Simple ingredients grown locally
Daily Movement Practices
Our practices will support mindful strength and resilience.
Bucket List Item
Sailing Croatian islands on a private cruise is an amazing experience that you will treasure forever.
Fuel Your Resilience
Croatia Wellness Retreat Cruise
This is a rough itinerary meant to give you an idea of how you will spend your 9 days in Croatia. Everything except the arrival and departure dates and location, are subject to change. The sea can be unpredictable, for safety we may have to change plans.
Please read the full itinerary to see the amazing places we will be exploring!
We Arrive!
It is recommended that you fly in to Pula International Airport (PUY).
We will be staying in the beautiful Hotel Lone in Rovinj for the next two nights. Be sure to plan your flights so that you will be refreshed and present for our welcome dinner.
You will transfer to the city of Rovinj*. The drive is about 40 minutes up the gorgeous Istrian coast.
Meals included: Dinner
*The transfer to Rovinj is not included since retreaters will be arriving at many different times. I will provide information about transfer assistance after registration.
If you would like assistance with flights or additional accommodation, please contact our travel pro, Maxine Brown.
A Croatian City That Feels Like Italy
Breakfast is Included
As you acclimate to retreat life you’ll want to take in a leisurely breakfast with your new friends.
Afterward you can enjoy a day in Rovinj on your own or with new retrat friends, or join us for an optional tour. This tour is still being finalized but we are planning a day of truffle hunting, Croatian Culture and cuisine and Istrian wine tasting. Details will be sent to registrants in December 2024.
Rovinj is romantic, historic, and looks and feels more Italian than Croatian. With twisting city streets, a bustling, photogenic harbor, and some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia, this is a town that is not to be missed.
Lunch* and Dinner are on your own. Have fun exploring!
*Lunch is included in the optional tour
Krk
8 -9 am Breakfast
9:30 am Transfer to Opatija Port (about one hour)
Explore the port before we board
12 pm Board the Olmissum
1 pm Lunch
Cruise to Krk
Walking tour in Krk (included)
Overnight in Krk
On our way to Krk we will take our first swim stop to refresh and enjoy the crystal clear seawater, or participate in our first movement practice to loosen up from your travels. Krk has diverse villages of various sizes, stunning promenades, dramatic rock faces with tiny islands and hundreds of hidden bays and beaches. There’s a buzz along the waterfront of Krk Town, have a drink in one of the many bars or choose a restaurant for a tasty dinner
Breakfast and lunch included. Walking tour in Krk included
The Island of Love
8 am Breakfast
Movement Practice
Cruise to Rab, The Island of Love
On arrival, join a guided tour (included) to see imposing stone walls and Romanesque church towers, churches, palaces, stone streets and ancient facades. Many streets and squares are open-air galleries, as artists work outside. If weather permits, walk up to the Kamenjak hill and watch the magnificent sunset. While in Rab, you must try the famous Rab cake and learn about it’s incredible history
Overnight in Rab.
Rab walking tour included. Breakfast and lunch included
Tiny Islands and Ancient Palaces
7-9 am Breakfast
Morning cruise from Rab towards Zadar, travelling by Pag island with its unusual moon-like landscape. Swim stop on the tiny Maun Island where we will take our movement practice. Upon arrival to Zadar, join the optional guided tour. Once the metropolis of Dalmatia, today, Zadar is the centre of the region. The rich cultural heritage is visible at every turn: the Roman Forum dating to the 1st century AD, the church of St. Donatus dating to the 9th century AD – the most famous Medieval Basilica and symbol of the city, the imposing and mighty city walls, numerous palaces and villas of former noble families. Great restaurants line part of the waterfront and the centre of town. Famous, contemporary creations are the Zadar Sea Organ, one of a kind in the world (listen to the sound) and “The Greeting to the Sun” light installation. Overnight in Zadar.
Walking tour included. Breakfast and Lunch Included
Northern Zadar Archipelago
Early departure towards Molat or Olib island (depending on the available harbour space) in the northern part of the Zadar archipelago. Think pure peace and serenity. This will be the location for our day’s movement practice. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s dinner party on board. Overnight in the quaint harbour.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Museum and Gardens
After breakfast and the morning swim or movement practice, cruise towards Ilovik. It may have only a few hundred inhabitants but Ilovik has lovely bays and crystal clear water. A short stop before departure towards Lošinj, known as the “sunshine island” and for its abundance of pines, wildflowers and herbs. Lošinj is one of the most popular islands on the northern Adriatic waters for its hidden coves and cool Mediterranean vibe. On arrival, stroll along the pretty waterfront. We’ll visit the museum of Apoxiomenos and the Lošinj Aromatic Garden full of indigenous herbs and plants (entrance fee and transfers included). The small town of Veli Lošinj is easy to reach if you want to explore on foot.
Overnight in Mali Lošinj.
Tour and entrance fee of museum and gardens included. Breakfast and lunch included
“A Typical Medieval Town”
Departure towards Cres after breakfast and the morning swim or movement practice. This unspoiled island of long and narrow shape is abundant with olive groves, vineyards, forests of oak, beech and remarkable stone walls. Cres and Mali Lošinj were once connected as one island, before the Romans dug a narrow channel to separate them. Spend the night in the port of Cres, a typical medieval town.
Village dinner with music, wine and transfer included. Breakfast and Lunch Included
The Longest Seaside Promenade in Croatia
After breakfast, departure towards Opatija. The famous Opatija Riviera is best seen from the sea. On arrival in the afternoon, join a walking tour of Opatija. Stroll the longest lungomare (seaside promenade) in Croatia or stop in Volosko, a traditional fishing village with some of the best fish restaurants in the country. On the last night on board, we’ll have a farewell party under the stars. This would be a great time to swap contact details with your new friends
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Back on Land…
After an early breakfast, we will gather for our transfer back to Pula or transport to your next destination. The group transfer is not included but we will be arranging one since most, but not all, will be headed back to Pula.
Breakfast included
Fuel Your Resilience
Wellness Practices
What feeds you? How do you nourish the strength that supports you and all who depend on you? Healthy food, a rich variety of movement, connection with community, and nature are not just nice on a vacation, but an essential foundation for true wellness. This retreat features daily movement practices where we will explore strength, mindfulness, compassion and connection. Practices will include Yoga, body weight resistance, somatics and relaxation. Classes will be all levels but geared toward individuals who are active. As always, copious options and adaptations will be provided to ensure that you have a practice experience that supports you.
Book Your Wellness Retreat Today
Treat yourself to an unforgettable wellness retreat in Croatia. Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey. Reserve your spot now and unlock the door to wellness and resilience.
Croatia Wellness Retreat
Instructor/Host
Mandy Ryle, E-RYT 500, CSCS, Pain Care Coach, Certified Nutritionist
Mandy has been a movement professional since 2008 and has led retreats in Costa Rica, Greece (2x), Spain, Colorado, New Mexico, Croatia, Dominican Republic and locally in Nebraska. Her style is unique, nurturing and inspiring. Mandy’s teaching is evidence based and informed by her appetite for scientific research. Her interests revolve around her work as a pain care coach and include movement sciences including strength and conditioning, nutrition, neuroscience and pain science. As a health coach, Mandy provides practical solutions to help her clients overcome pain issues, manage stress, and lose weight. Her work invites you to address all of the facets of self for deep and lasting change.
Croatia Wellness Retreat
Instructor/Host
Megan Hoover, ERYT
While raising 4 children with her husband Meg opened a Yoga and fitness studio in her small Nebraska town. Since 2014 she has shared her love for mindfulness, movement, strength and self development with her devoted fitness community.
Meg continues to teach movement and strength classes in a small boutique style space and has jumped into the real estate world as both a realtor and property owner.
She continues to live out her motto that she’s shared with hundreds of her students over the years: “Always continue to create a healthier and stronger version of you.”
Croatia Wellness Retreat Cruise
Accommodation Options
The Olmissum is a premium superior cruise ship launched in 2012. The ship accommodates up to 34 passengers in 17 cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a double or two single beds, a space for your luggage, clothes wardrobe, nightstand, shelves and drawers, a large mirror, air conditioning for cooling or heating of cabins, and each cabin has its own ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet.
The boat has a sun deck, a covered deck at the back of the restaurant protecting from the sun and wind, a salon and a dining area, as well as a bar with a large selection of drinks. The swimming platform allows us to take a dip during frequent swim stops at stunning beaches.
Single and double occupancy are available, but single occupancy is very limited. Double beds are also very limited. Upper deck cabins will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
First Class Vessel
Ensuite Bathroom
Air Conditioned Cabins
Luggage Space + Wardrobe
Double Cabin
$2,937
When you register for a double room you register for only yourself. Your companion will need to register separately. You will share a private room with one other retreater. If you are traveling with someone, you’ll reply to my confirmation email with their name and your preference for two twin or one double bed.
Single Cabin
$4027
With single registration you will have a cabin all to yourself on the Olmissum and also at our Rovinj hotel. You may have a double bed or your room may have two twin beds depending on the requirements of other retreaters. This option is very limited.
Anchored Self
Croatia Wellness Retreat Cruise
Cultivating the robust health and enduring strength that supports you does not happen by accident. It is the result of a lifetime of choices to surround yourself with supportive peers, protect your health, engage in challenge and adventure. This retreat is curated to help you anchor yourself in the why and how of fierce self care.
A Curated Wellness Experience
Your retreat price includes:
- 2 nights lodging at our hotel in Rovinj
- 2 breakfasts and a welcome dinner in Rovinj
- Group transfer to Opatija
- 7 nights aboard the Olmissum
- Daily breakfast and 3 course lunch on the Olmissum
- Olive oil and wine tasting on board
- Guided walking tours of Opatija, Rab, Krk, Mali Losinj and Zadar
- Village dinner in Cres
- Once or twice daily movement sessions with Mandy and Meg
- Dedicated cruise manager and crew
- Welcome drink at Hotel Lone and on the Olmissum
- Use of Hotel Lone’s wellness and spa zone
- Captain’s Dinner
- WiFi
- Water and tea. Coffee after lunch
Not Included in the Trip Price
- Tips and gratuities. Estimate 100 Euro for crew. 5 Euro for tour guides per tour
- Flights – Please contact Max if you would like assistance with flights and additional accommodation
- Transfers and transportation that is not a part of the included group tours or transfers
- Most dinners and snacks that are not included in our organized meals
- Beverages other than coffee, tea and water on Olmissum and at our Rovinj hotel. Exception: the Cres Village dinner.
- Additional purchases
- Visitors tax and port fees. 60 Euro per person to be paid on the spot by cash.
Travel Insurance Is Highly Recommended
Payment and Cancellation Policy
You have two options to secure your spot and register for this Wellness Retreat in Croatia.
- Pay in Full upon registration
- Use a Payment Plan. If you use a payment plan your payment will be divided into 5 equal installments. Your deposit will be the first installment. Monthly installments will be automatically charged to your card on file on the same date each month. Missed payments must be paid within 14 days or you forfeit your registration and your payments.
We understand that sometimes things happen. For that reason we offer a refund policy.
- If you cancel 180 days before the first day of the retreat, (Friday, November 24) Mandy Ryle Yoga retains $200 of your retreat price
- If you cancel between November 25 and January 1, 2024 Mandy Ryle Yoga Retains 70% of your retreat price
- No refund available after January 2, 2025. Mandy Ryle will retain 100% percent of trip price. Please understand that by this point the vendors have been paid and funds cannot be recovered.
Intent to cancel must be received by email by Mandy at mandy@yoga.mandyryle.com.
The send date of the email will reflect the date of cancellation. Your refund, if due, will be credited to the same credit card you used to register within 10 business days. Funds can take another 5-7 business days to appear on your statement.
It is highly recommended that you purchase trip insurance or check with your credit card company to ensure that you are covered in the event of the unexpected.