About this gathering
In an ancient Puglian olive grove stands a tree that has lived more than a thousand years. Its trunk divides into two forms, each reaching its own way, both sustained by one root — the living teacher of this seven-day retreat.
Sacred Union is the capacity to remain fully yourself while entering fully into relationship: intimacy without erasure, devotion without possession, love without self-abandonment. It begins within — the meeting of the masculine and feminine currents in us, the return of the mind to the heart — before it is ever about another person.
From 19–25 November 2026 we gather in the olive landscape of Puglia to explore the inner, relational and Divine dimensions of union through Kundalini Yoga, meditation, mantra, Sat Nam Rasayan, sacred dialogue and ceremony beneath the ancient tree.
Open to individuals and couples; you do not need to attend with a partner. All partner practices are invitational, fully clothed and consent-based, with an individual alternative always offered. No previous experience is required. This is a spiritual and educational retreat — not psychotherapy or couples counselling.
The evening
This is for you if…
A day here
The rhythm the days settle into, once the practice takes hold.
Prakash Chegu
✓ VerifiedBorn and raised in a deeply spiritual family in a small town in Southern India, the spiritual practice at the core of the life-style is ingrained in all aspects of life. Prakash's journey into Kundalini Yoga began at a very young age. Growing up in a family…
The days
1Day 1
Crossing the Threshold · Arrival, belonging and the first vow (Thursday 19 Nov). You arrive in Puglia and enter the slower rhythm of the land. The first day is spacious — time to settle into your room, walk among the olive trees, and let the nervous system arrive. At sunset we gather for the opening circle and our first meeting with the ancient tree, beginning with one question: what has brought me to the threshold of Sacred Union? The First Vow — I am willing to arrive.
2Day 2
One Root · The inner marriage (Friday 20 Nov). Before we can create conscious union with another, we meet what has become divided within us — the inner masculine and feminine currents: strength and receptivity, direction and surrender. Through Kundalini Yoga, Sat Nam Rasayan and inquiry beneath the olive trees, we return these apparently opposite forces to their common root. The Second Vow — I will no longer abandon one part of myself to protect another.
3Day 3
Two Branches · Sovereignty, difference and the mystery of attraction (Saturday 21 Nov). The tree's two branches were shaped differently by wind and time; their difference is its beauty. We explore how two sovereign beings can meet without collapsing into sameness — attraction versus projection, boundaries as a form of intimacy, polarity without performance. The Third Vow — I will not ask love to erase our differences.
4Day 4
The Wound in the Wood · Relationship imprints, protection and repair (Sunday 22 Nov). An ancient olive carries its hollows and fractures as the record of what it has survived. We meet our own protections with compassion — nervous-system regulation, attachment and family patterns, the art of rupture and repair, and a fire ritual for releasing inherited vows. The Fourth Vow — I will meet my wounds without making them the author of my future.
5Day 5
The Sacred Between · Presence, communication and conscious intimacy (Monday 23 Nov). Union is held in the living field between people. We practise listening as a form of love, speaking truth without punishment, consent as an ongoing conversation, eye-gazing and bounded conscious-touch practices, and sacred dialogue for couples and individuals alike. The Fifth Vow — I will listen for the truth beneath the words.
6Day 6
The Thousand-Year Vow · Devotion, fruitfulness and the union ceremony (Tuesday 24 Nov). A mature olive gives shade, fruit and oil — love as service. Each participant writes a personal Thousand-Year Vow (couples may also write one for their relationship), and at sunset we gather beneath the ancient tree for the central ceremony — olive-oil anointing, mantra and a celebration dinner. The Sixth Vow — May the love I embody become nourishment for life.
7Day 7
Carrying the Flame Home · Integration, blessing and departure (Wednesday 25 Nov). A quiet, spacious final morning: one last practice, a closing circle and blessing, and a look at how the vow continues in everyday choices. Each participant leaves with a simple integration practice and a symbolic reminder of the vow they have chosen. The Final Vow — I will carry what I have remembered into the way I live.
Where we stay
Puglia is a land of sun, limestone, sea winds and olive trees — some of them standing for a thousand years, rooted in dry rocky soil, turning silver in the wind, finding another direction to grow after injury. November is the season of the olive harvest, when a whole season's fruit becomes oil. We gather in a retreat home set within this ancient olive landscape, with practice spaces indoors and beneath the trees, and nourishing vegetarian meals shared together at a long table. (The specific property is being finalised; the name, room details and photographs will be added here before booking opens.)
What's included
- ✓Six nights' accommodation
- ✓Daily vegetarian meals
- ✓All retreat teachings and practices
- ✓Opening and closing ceremonies
- ✓Retreat materials and journal
- ✓Olive-grove experiences and the Thousand-Year Vow ceremony
- –Flights and travel to Puglia (nearest airports: Bari or Brindisi)
- –Travel insurance (recommended)
- –Airport transfers and private transportation, unless stated at booking
Where
A few things about this place
Hosts can keep a small pool of places to give away to whoever can't quite reach the price.
Gift a place to someone who needs it — quietly, with no fuss.
Hold a whole weekend as one arc — separate days, one journey, one price for both.
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Common questions
Do I need to attend with a romantic partner?
No. The retreat is designed for individuals and couples alike. Sacred Union begins as an inner and spiritual experience; it does not depend on your relationship status.
Is this a couples' therapy retreat?
No. It is a spiritual and educational immersion. It can support greater awareness within a relationship, but it does not replace professional couples counselling or psychotherapy.
Will there be sexual practices?
No explicit sexual activity is part of the retreat. We may explore intimacy, life-force and sacred sexuality through teaching, meditation, breath, awareness and carefully bounded, non-sexual exercises.
Will I be required to touch another participant?
No. Consent is central. Every partnered practice is explained in advance, and an individual alternative is always available.
Is previous yoga experience required?
No. Practices are guided with appropriate variations. Please tell the retreat team in advance about injuries, pregnancy or health conditions that may affect participation.
What kind of food will be served?
Nourishing vegetarian food. Final meal details, including allergies and dietary requirements, are confirmed before registration.
What should I bring?
A complete packing guide will be provided. Comfortable practice clothing, layers for November weather, walking shoes, a journal, and something for the closing ceremony are likely.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
We hope to offer recommendations for exploring Puglia before or after the retreat. Additional accommodation depends on venue availability and is confirmed separately.
What is the Thousand-Year Vow ceremony?
The culminating ceremony of the week. Each participant creates a conscious vow rooted in what they discovered; couples may also make a shared vow. It is not a legal or religious marriage, and no one is asked to promise anything they are not ready to carry.
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