How a wellness retreat in Italy reset my nervous system

There is something special about traveling to a new destination for the sole purpose of relaxation. It's easy to get caught up in a list of must-see attractions and restaurants you want to tick off, but when you're able to take a step back, in a brand-new place, and not have to plan a single thing, you can truly focus on yourself and appreciate the world around you.

When you hear the word "wellness," what comes to mind? The definition that resonates most with me is the absence of infirmity – and focusing on your well-being encompasses both the mental and physical dimensions of your life.

I live in New York City, and, at times, living here can be the antithesis of relaxing. Loud noises, extreme weather, stressful commutes and professional pressures. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love living here, but I've always lacked a way to bring genuine peace to my mind. I may seem calm on the outside, but on the inside, I'm overtaken by a tornado of nonstop thoughts and constant planning. My body was on the verge of collapse when I attended an ayurvedic wellness retreat in Italy, and everything changed.

The retreat

Growing up in an Indian household in the US, my mother incorporated ayurvedic practices here and there, but I had never explored the deeper traditions in which they are rooted until this retreat.

That's where Datu Wellness comes in. They offer ayurvedic retreats across different locations around the world each "season," with various focuses like "A Return to Balance" and "The Essence of Yoga." I attended the latter with a group of around 22 participants, hosted in Santa Maria di Castellabate, Italy, inside the stunning 17th-century Palazzo Belmonte. This is where my healing began.

What drew me to Datu Wellness was their team of more than 20 respected practitioners who genuinely live the philosophy they share, from meditation to yog (traditional, Indian yoga practice), ayurvedic body treatments and food. Every person I spoke with moved me; I could feel their passion and their absence of ego, both qualities I've been cultivating in myself ever since. Every decision – from treatment times to what you're eating for breakfast – is made for you, allowing for full relaxation.

What is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing practices, originating in India, and is rooted in holistic, preventative care. Remedies can include anything from dietary changes and herbal mixtures to detoxification and meditation, all tailored to your body's internal balance, or doshas. A doctor takes your pulse to diagnose which imbalances you may have – vata (space or air), pitta (fire or water) and kapaha (water or earth) all live within your body, and when one is out of balance, specific practices are "prescribed" to restore equilibrium. It’s all about fixing the body from within naturally, which, if you know me, is right up my alley.

What was the schedule?

The days begin with no technology, and, while surrendering your devices to the staff is optional, I'd strongly recommend it to get the full experience. Detaching from the thing you reflexively check and scroll through is the first step toward presence.

Mornings start with a stunning sunrise on the Italian coastline, a yog practice, followed by guided meditation, additional yog sessions (including Yoga Nidra, which focuses on calming the nervous system), art therapies and body treatments tailored to your personal needs, such as abhyangam (an ayurvedic oil massage), cupping, myotherapy and more. Everything moves at your own pace. You learn to slow down and genuinely process your inner conflicts, worries and even long-held perceptions.

My experience

My days were filled with introspection and perspective, and a must-read book provided by the Datu Wellness team, Inner Realities by Dr. J.M. Sampath, which I have yet to find anywhere in the US. By the fourth day, I felt genuinely connected to our yog instructors, hearing their stories of how they grew into their practice, each one a talented guide who explained every movement and its intention with clarity. The team was present at every step, and I was deeply moved by their care, humility and grounded outlook on life.

Having the Tyrrhenian Sea right in the Palazzo's backyard, listening to the waves as I read and journaled, reminded me of how small my worries and stresses actually are. And also that it's okay not to be at peace all of the time. We're all just human, and we live on a breathtakingly beautiful earth.

Getting distance from my everyday New York life, what once felt like urgent priorities and pressures no longer clouded my head. I learned about detaching from my ego (the “I”), which is a hard mental shift, and how this sharpens my mental health. I’ve been working on this every day, and while it is tough, it is also rewarding.

I won't tell you what to expect from the experience; that is entirely your own journey. But mine was transformative. It felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and weeks later, I still won’t stop talking about my stay. If you have the time and means, take a week (or two) to reset, learn and embrace a new side of yourself.

How to find a retreat that is right for you

There are thousands of retreats around the globe to choose from. My advice: research thoroughly and seek out a team that is genuinely rooted in the traditions they offer. If a retreat brands itself as Ayurvedic, make sure every aspect of the experience actually aligns with those principles. 

Are you looking for a simple digital detox? One based in the US? Perhaps a silent retreat, or a spa weekend at a hotel? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But as my first wellness retreat experience, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Datu Wellness if you're interested in diving into Ayurvedic practices, are open to getting a little uncomfortable and want every detail taken care of from start to finish. Their traveling residencies also offer a variety of experiences across different destinations around the world.

Datu Wellness’ next retreats for 2026 are heading to:

• Goa, India: August 22 to September 13

• Eremito, Italy: October 9 to 15

• Amalfi Coast, Italy: October 19 to November 23

Serina visited Italy on the invitation of Datu Wellness. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in return for positive coverage.