Exploring Dubrovnik During a Yoga Retreat

During my Yoga retreats, I deliberately allow plenty of time to discover our new surroundings. After all, isn’t exploring both on and off the mat part of the joy of travelling to a new continent?

With Green Yogi Traveler (http://www.greenyogitraveler.com), we got to experience several hidden treasures in the Dubrovnik region.

Day 1: A pristine Adriatic beach

After our morning yoga practice and a well-deserved breakfast, we travelled to a beach only a 15-minute drive from our Villa.

We had absolutely no idea what awaited us. A winding track from the car park opened out onto the most spotless, unspoilt stretch of coast. Words simply don’t do it justice.

We were told how fortunate we were: the water temperature was ideal. Although the short walk into the sea was slightly rocky, once in the water, we could swim well out and enjoy the salty Adriatic seas.

Usually, I am not someone who likes spending much time at the beach. It is either too hot, the water is too cold, or the beach is overcrowded. This beach was honestly near perfect.

Day 2: Walking to Cavtat

A few of us chose to follow the footpath from our Villa into the town and harbour of Cavtat. Walking offers so much more to see and take in than driving, as well as the chance to glimpse local homes, gardens and suburbs.

We did, admittedly, miss our turning, so the walk was a little longer than planned … but it was completely worthwhile, don’t you think?

Cavtat is a town on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, southeast of Dubrovnik. Known for its beaches, charming harbour and wooded peninsula, it is one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful and distinctive towns.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing on deckchairs in the shallow water, enjoying packed picnic lunches, and even having a beer and coffee at a restaurant by the local harbour.

Before our evening Yoga practice, we decided that driving back home would be the better choice.

Day 3: Konavle Valley and Vodopic Wine

After morning Yoga practice and breakfast, rain clouds rolled in, so we returned to our rooms for some mid-morning downtime. Following lunch, we headed to the Vodopic Wine farm in the Konavle Valley. Konavle is a small, historic agricultural area of Dubrovnik in Croatia’s southernmost region, on the border with Montenegro.

Vodopic Vina is the family farm of Ivo Vodopic, set on the gentle slopes of Konavle. We enjoyed a wine tasting in the family cottage. The vineyard makes a Merlot, a Mastrina and a Malvasia blend.

We then drove to the southern most tip of Croatia, where we visited an abandoned military fort and helicopter landing site. The view stretched across the bay towards Bosnia. Amid such striking architecture and scenery, it is impossible to ignore the rich history and triumph of a country marked by war.

A perfect end to an adventurous day: this spectacular sunset shot.

Thank-you again to everybody who joined this year’s Yoga retreat in the Dubrovnik region, and to Green Yogi Traveler for arranging the perfect day activities!