Mandali: a meditation and yoga retreat on Lake Orta, born from electronic music festival organizers
Located at an elevation of 1,000 meters above Lake Orta in Quarna Sopra (VB), Italy, Mandali is a newly established meditation and yoga retreat center. This facility, created by Dutch entrepreneurs Wouter Tavecchio and Wildrik Timmerman, repurposes a former hotel to provide a silent retreat atmosphere. It is constructed with local materials and operates on renewable energy. Mandali includes a wellness center, meditation hall, vegetarian dining, and accommodations. The term 'Mandali,' derived from Sanskrit, signifies 'circle' and 'center.' According to marketing director Sophie Ludmann, the retreat aims to help visitors unwind, alleviate stress, and boost creativity. The founders also intend to host a festival in summer 2020 while fostering connections with the local community to promote tourism and sustainability.
Key facts
- Mandali is a meditation and yoga retreat in Quarna Sopra, Italy, on Lake Orta.
- Founded by Dutch entrepreneurs Wouter Tavecchio and Wildrik Timmerman, former electronic music festival organizers.
- Opened in a former hotel at 1,000 meters altitude.
- Architecture uses local materials: recovered stones, ancient lime plaster, restored wooden doors.
- Sustainable energy: photovoltaic panels, solar thermal, wood chip heating.
- Facilities include wellness center, meditation/yoga hall, vegetarian restaurant, guest rooms.
- Name from Sanskrit 'mandala' meaning 'circle' and 'center'.
- Marketing director Sophie Ludmann describes it as a place to disconnect and find oneself.
- Founders see spirituality and art as connected channels for self-expression.
- A festival combining spirituality, healing, growth, fun, and music is planned for summer 2020.
- Mandali engages with local community: communication with mayor, staff housing, teacher accommodation.
- Nearby Quarna Sotto known for saxophone production; Quarna Sopra has a Festival of the Painted Wall.
Entities
Institutions
- Mandali
- Artribune
Locations
- Quarna Sopra
- Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
- Italy
- Lake Orta
- Quarna Sotto