Cooking retreat Istria, Croatia
Relax and awaken all of your senses in the magical Croatian peninsula of Istria.
8th - 14th of October 2023
Cooking retreat Croatia:
Lately you have been tirelessly running around and juggling the demands of your busy life? You are seeking a break from your daily routine and a chance to relax, but in a meaningful way? If you are passionate about cooking and love exploring different cuisines, then this retreat is for you. Learn to cook Mediterranean food along with top local chefs, explore local farms and wineries, get a taste of life in authentic Istrian villages, and most of all, enjoy slowing down.
RETREAT DETAILS:
Date and location: 8th – 14th of October 2023, Croatia, Istria.
Group size: small, minimum 9 or maximum 14 people
Accommodation: An authentic Istrian estate with original stone villas
Ideal for those eager for new fragrances, new tastes, new culinary experiences and slowing down their busy lifestyle.
Reserve your spot: Contact us and find out more about the whole experience!
Why Cooking retreat and why
in Istria, “Terra Magica”?
When we gather around food and dive into the art of cooking - something magical happens. We become fully present in the moment. As we focus entirely on the flavors and techniques in front of us, past worries and future anxieties fade away, leaving us present in the now.
Istria, Croatian western region is a true culinary gem! Its vineyards and family-run wineries, olive groves and olive oil, forests laden with black and white truffles, fish, meat and pasta, as well as region’s captivating landscapes, forests and charming towns on hills, they all want to participate in amplifying our connection with ourselves, but also with nature, with earth, with people and life.
In the heart of this mesmerising land is where our Cooking retreat Croatia is taking place. It is an all inclusive six days of learning, tasting and exploring the original flavours of this territory. From cooking classes in the morning, to farm to table experiences, restaurants, and wineries in the afternoon, we believe this cooking retreat will represent and justify why the region of Istria is known as "Terra Magica” (magical land) and will make you want to come back for more!
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for Wellness Seekers: individuals seeking a break from their daily routine and a chance to relax in a serene and picturesque environment, adding some meaning to it.
It is definitely for Food Enthusiasts: those passionate about cooking, exploring different cuisines and enhancing their culinary skills.
It is for Travel and Culture Lovers. Those who enjoy traveling and experiencing diverse cultures now have the opportunity to meet Istria in a unique way: through the eyes of food.
Finally, it is for those interested in connecting with like-minded people, sharing their culinary experiences and building new relationship.
But most of all, it is for those seeking to slow down their day to day lifestyle.
What can you expect from
this retreat?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE:
TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN
This retreat allows you to slow down and connect with yourself through food, while exploring Croatian food heritage and culture through the eyes of food. It is a mixture of new and old, modern and traditional - visible in every touch point of a retreat, from villas where we are staying, to typical breakfasts, visits to farms and wineries, visits to hedonistic restaurants and taverns, to cooking workshops with our excellent chefs who will share with you traditional recipes, some of them prepared in a modern way!
EDUCATION
On the cooking classes you will be learning tips & tricks from top Croatian chefs on how to easily prepare delicious seafood and pasta dishes rich in flavour, authentic to Croatian territory. On the farm to table experiences, you will learn about the culture and enjoy nature. There is olive harvesting and tasting the olive oil from the worlds’ best olive oil region. Then there is hunting for one of the most expensive ingredients in the world - white truffles. And then there is walk with the goats and learning why goat cheese never tastes exactly the same, as goats eat more than two hundred different plants in the forest.
HEDONISM
Autumn in Istria - golden time to be there. Green grass, yellow and red coloured leafs, blue sky above and crispy air around. Best conditions to enjoy time with yourself and others. When not eating the food you personally made throughout four cooking classes with top Croatian chef, we are taking you to authentic culinary experiences, best wineries and top-ranked restaurants for the ultimate hedonistic experience.
RELAXATION
Food, sleep, long walks and time in nature. Restore your mind during slow activities and reward your body with plenty of ripe seasonal ingredients to cook and taste. Before cooking classes - prepare your senses on what is awaiting for you on special yoga classes.
Croatia retreat sample itinerary - day by day
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DAY 1 | October 8th in Prašćari: Taste and Toast Croatia
After checking in at 1pm, hosts will meet you and greet you: Taste & Toast Croatia! | Free time to walk around the village | Welcome early dinner | Food & Wine class with a private sommelier! -
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DAY 2 | October 9th in the countryside
Breakfast in our villas | Yoga class: grounding and preparing your senses for the cooking class! (either in a yoga room or in the yard) | Cooking class no.1 is ZERO WASTE, learning tips & tricks on how to prepare delicious seafood dish using all the parts of a fish for different courses. | Free time. | Farm to table experience: becoming a shepherd for a day - going for a walk with goats in beautiful Istrian forest, learning about goat cheese production and why cheese can never taste the same! | Sunset dinner at the goat farm -
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DAY 3 | October 10th | Farm to table!
Breakfast in our villas | Farm to table experience no 2: forest hunting for one of the most expensive world ingredients - white truffles | Cooking class no. 2: traditional homemade gnocchi with truffles | Farm to table experience no. 3: Introduction to best olive oil region in the world: learning about family tradition, going olives harvesting and olive oil tasting | Finishing the day on the olives estate with the host making local fish dinner -
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DAY 4 | October 11th | Cooking class & Winery
Breakfast in our villas | Yoga class, grounding & preparing your senses for the cooking class | Cooking class no.3: Typical Croatian seafood dish | Wine tour in one of the best wineries in the region | Dinner in hedonistic atmosphere of top ranked Istrian restaurant -
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DAY 5 | October 12th | Cooking class & Winery
Breakfast in our villas | Cooking class no. 4: learn how to make home made pasta | Free time in on of the charming towns on hills | Visit to winery: exploring authentic quality wines of Istria at one of the best Istrian family-owned wineries | Finishing our day in a renowned restaurant -
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DAY 6 | October 13th | Free time & Goodbye private party
This is our last day and we have reserved it for your free time! After breakfast you will have options what to explore in Istria on your own. | Goodbye dinner party at our villas with another top Croatian chef! Dinner making is demonstrative - come and learn more tips and trick! -
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DAY 7 | October 14th | Farewell
I’m not crying, you are (:
After breakfast, we are hugging and saying goodbye until the next time!
Departures to the airport.
Where are we staying?
An authentic Istrian estate with original stone villas. A luxurious blend of old and new provides a genuine experience of tranquillity and relaxation.
Rustic beams on the ceiling, walls made of original Istrian stone, and natural flooring materials are just a few features of its interior decoration that set an amazing atmosphere of luxury. Yet the location is welcoming, inviting, and comfortable for the cooking & relaxing retreat experience.
The estate consists of four villas one next to each other and three of our cooking classes with the local chefs are taking their place in a beautiful big kitchen within the main villa. Each room sleeps up to two people (king size bed) and has private bathroom.
Villas are surrounded by vast green fields, vineyards and olive groves. The moment you get there you will feel its peaceful and hedonistic energy.
ROOM OPTIONS:
Option 1: Double occupancy
Fee for Cooking retreat Croatia 2023 - Double occupancy is 5.200 euros per person, paid in two instalments:
Deposit / First instalment: due right away in order for you to secure your spot: 1.400 eur
Final payment / Second instalment: due by August 6th 2023.
About the rooms:
Shared room with king size bed and private bathroom overlooking the yard is the best for a couple or friends.
To book your spot, contact us and we will provide you with bank information or add to cart on top of the page.
Option 2: Single occupancy
Fee for Cooking retreat Croatia 2023 - Single occupancy is 5.800 eur per person, paid in two instalments:
Deposit / First instalment: due right away in order for you to secure your spot: 1.800 eur
Final payment / Second instalment: due by 6th of August.
About the rooms:
You will have a private room with your own bathroom for the duration of the trip.
To book your spot, contact us and we will provide you with bank information or add to cart on top of the page.
What’s included?
6 nights in a luxury villa in the heart of Istria
four cooking classes with top local chefs
two private yoga classes before cooking classes – preparing your senses for the upcoming experience of cooking!
three private farm-to-table experiences: hunting for one of the most expensive worlds’ ingredients: white truffles, making a dish with it; walk with goats and introduction to cheese making process; olive harvesting
wine tasting at the region’s top notch winery
six dinners: at the local farms, highly-ranked restaurants and at our villas with top Croatian chefs!
six breakfasts and four lunches
transport during all activities (including from the airport and back to it)
Note: The trip itinerary starts at 1 PM local time on October 8th so we recommend you arrive a night before to acclimate. The trip fee does not include a hotel for the night of October 7th; however, we can help you book accommodation within your budget.
Important notes & details:
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This trip is for those who want to push a reset button, spend some time in nature and recharge their batteries while enjoying delicious food and improving their cooking skills (bragging to their friend about a new cooking level is a bonus). This is an immersive and active retreat style, best suited for those who prefer doing things in a small group rather than on their own.
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The trip starts and finishes in Istria, Prašćari village. Pula airport is the closest one in Istria and is 60 km away our village. Zagreb airport, Croatia’s capital might be better connected to global destinations and is 247 km away from our accommodation. Ride from both airports is included in the price. For detailed information regarding the transportation, please reach out to us once when you have your flights booked.
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30 days before your trip we will email you with an itinerary of the trip, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, and more. Do reach out if you have any questions up head!
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International roundtrip airfare; Required Personal travel insurance that at least covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Meals not listed in the itinerary; Alcoholic drinks; Any extra excursions or events you plan with or without our help; excursions while free time, laundry services; tips for trip hosts of the program.
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Do have in mind that this retreat does not include only laying around and doing nothing. We are taking you on truffle huntings and walking with goats to name a few, meaning you will be walking on uneven grounds, on your feet for several hours or biking. Make sure you have comfy clothes, sneakers and hiking shoes. For evening dinners at the restaurant, a comfortable dress-up style is the best option.
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No supplies are needed for the cooking classes. Only a notebook and a pen, so that you can write down all the tips and tricks from cooking classes!
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Cooking retreat Croatia is hosted by Purple Aura’s founder who is part of this retreat, looking out for your safety & comfort. Together with her, there are two local coordinators here to serve and resolve any issues whatsoever and make sure you get the best out of this stay. They are not local guides, but a great coordinator working with all local partners and providers to ensure the right combo of pace, information and duration.
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Reserve your spot by paying non refundable deposit today. The remaining payment is due 60 days before the trip – by the August 6th. Up until August 6th you can give up your spot any time.
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As Istria used to be a part of Italy, it has a lot of Italian influence – hence a lot of gluten involved too. If you prefer vegan, gluten-free or dairy/egg free, this trip is probably not the best option for you. We can try to accommodate you, but cannot guarantee. Please contact us in advance of registering if you have any dietary questions.
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Oh, aren't we delighted to tell you September and October are THE BEST times to be in Istria! Even more peaceful, with the sun, and crisp air, not too hot, not too cold. It’s just the beginning of autumn and the colours are starting to be beautiful. Days are mostly golden. At this time of the year, days are usually warm – for long sleeves and a light jacket, with fresh evenings. The average temperature is around 15°C, with a range from low -1 °C during the night and a high of 28°C during the day. That means it's best to pack layered clothes for your stay + light jacket and umbrella for the chance of rain, and hiking shoes for the farm visits. Even though we slowly entering fall, we would still recommend bringing swimming suits. It might be warm enough to enjoy the crystal clear Adriatic sea. Small backpack and water bottle recommended!
*Please note that if the weather causes any challenges, some activities might be switched to another day.
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