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Seven-Day Retreat at Mandali, 11–18 April 2026

calendar

Apr 11 - 18, 2026

Organiser: Neil O'Sullivan

Contact: neil@rupertspira.com

Description Accommodation Transport Meals and Refreshments Schedule Discussion Board Cancellations Registration Livestream

Description

TICKETS COMING SOON – Subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page to be notified of ticket launch dates and more.

This will be the first of two back-to-back week long retreats at the beautiful Mandali Retreat Centre in Italy. There will be one day between the retreats to allow for a change over; guests are welcome to book into both retreats, if they wish. For those booking both weeks residentially at Mandali and wishing to stay on-site for the night between the two retreats, this can be arranged. Please email Neil for further information.

For those who love to dive deeply into the heart of the non-dual understanding, retreats offer an unprecedented opportunity: seven days with Rupert and friends, nestled in a beautiful location in nature, where we steep together in the peace of our true nature. Retreats gather us in the heart of being, where we spend our days in self-abidance, friendship and creativity.

Each day features guided meditation in which we rest in being, as being, as well as dialogue in which we discuss the non-dual understanding. Between gatherings, we enjoy three delicious vegetarian meals, where the love and understanding effortlessly transmits itself through friendship. In the evenings, we might relax with friends, watch a film together or celebrate through poetry and music.

Whether you seek peace, happiness, truth, love or freedom – or if you would simply like to reunite with old friends – retreats provide the priceless opportunity to taste your true nature in an atmosphere of kindness and beauty. The people you meet on retreat will quickly become your non-dual family, so please join us as we gather in the spirit of friendship to celebrate the unity of being.

Perched on a hilltop just over an hour from Milan, this welcoming retreat centre offers stunning views of Lake Orta and the Swiss Alps beyond – an environment perfectly suited for our gathering. During your stay, enjoy access to the venue's spa and pool facilities, along with opportunities to explore the rich natural landscape surrounding the centre. Learn more about Mandali.

Covid rules & regulations: Since 1 June 2022, the green pass is no longer required to enter Italy from EU member states and other foreign countries. This is subject to constant change. Please visit the website of the Italian Health Ministry for the most recent updates.

Accommodation

Mandali offers a range of exceptional on-site accommodation, with additional nearby options for those who prefer to stay off-site.

On-site Accommodation

Twin/Double Rooms: Most twin rooms are reserved in pairs for couples or friends who wish to share. The booking system will automatically add two tickets to your basket when selecting this option. It is also possible to book a twin room to share with a friend or to be allocated a room with another attendee. If you are booking for yourself, please choose the appropriate button for a male or female twin room, and you will be paired accordingly. Single occupancy in twin rooms may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis if space allows closer to the retreat date.

Single Rooms: Available only via waitlist. Please add your name when booking if you wish to be considered.

Shared Dormitories: Each dormitory accommodates four people and is allocated by gender. Rooms include bunk beds and a limited number of single beds, which are on a mezzanine level. Bunk tickets may be for either a top or bottom bunk, assigned by the organiser according to availability. These beds are very comfortable and sturdy.  If you would like a certain bed type please indicate your preference at booking and Neil will do his best to accommodate your preference. Please consider bringing ear plugs if you are sensitive to the sound of others while sleeping.

If you wish to share with a specific friend, you may book your tickets and then email Neil with your sharing preference.

Commuter (Non-residential) Tickets: Commuter tickets are available for those who prefer to stay off-site or live nearby. These include breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments, along with full access to Mandali’s spa facilities. Please note that commuter tickets are non-residential. We recommend securing outside accommodation before purchasing a commuter ticket.

Some accommodation is within walking distance of Mandali, although most options require a car. A list of local places to stay can be found here.

Nearby Accommodation

Hotel Monte Mazzoccone: A family-run guesthouse within walking distance, popular with retreat attendees. For information and booking, please contact Samantha via WhatsApp at +39 0323 199 1076.

House Yvonne and House Thomas: Two neighbouring houses shared with other retreat participants, each offering communal spaces with panoramic views of Lake Orta.

House Yvonne: Lounge, dining area, kitchen, three bedrooms, two shared bathrooms (one with a shower, one with a shower over a bath) and two gardens on different levels.

House Thomas: Large communal area, dining area, kitchen, three bedrooms, garden and two shared bathrooms with similar facilities.

A complimentary minibus runs between these houses and Mandali each morning before the first meditation and returns after dinner (around 1.75 hours after it begins). Walking is also an option, though the 30-minute route involves hilly roads and is better suited for active guests.

Casa Belvedere: A two-bedroom apartment owned by Mandali, just 90 metres from the centre. It features a shared bathroom with shower and a communal kitchen.

For photos or further information about these options, please contact Neil.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of local accommodations and you may also find options on the popular booking sites Airbnb and Booking.com.

Transport

The nearest airport is Malpensa Milano Airport (MXP), which is roughly 80 minutes by car. There will be a coach service from the airport, for more details please email Neil – neil@rupertspira.com

Due to limited taxi services in the area, transfers to and from Mandali should be booked in advance. Uber and other taxi app services are limited and not a reliable option. 

For more information about how to reach Mandali please click here.

Please note that Mandali discourages guests to fly to Linate or Bergamo Orio al Serio because they are further away by car, and have difficult connections for public transport. However, if you need to fly to one of the further away airports, there are some travel suggestions below.

Milan Linate (LIN): To reach Mandali from Milan Linate, one option is to take a bus or shuttle from Linate to Milan Central Station, then continue by train or coach north to Gravellona Toce or Omegna, followed by a taxi directly to Mandali. Alternatively, you can travel from Linate Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with multiple daily departures via bus operated by GoOpti. From Malpensa, you can connect with the coach service to Mandali or book a private taxi.

Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY): To reach Mandali from Bergamo Orio al Serio, take a bus or shuttle into Milan (Central or Cadorna), then continue by train or bus north to Gravellona Toce or Omegna, followed by a taxi directly to Mandali. Alternatively, you can travel from Bergamo Orio al Serio to Milan Malpensa in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with multiple departures daily operated by various bus companies, including FlixBus. From Malpensa, you can connect with the coach service to Mandali or book a private taxi.

Meals and Refreshments

All meals are vegetarian and served buffet style, with a variety of healthy and delicious selections, including some vegan and gluten-free dishes at most meal times.

If you are following an exclusive gluten free, dairy free, or vegan diet for the week, please select this when booking so the kitchen can prepare suitable alternatives. If you have any other dietary requirements, please contact the organiser before booking to check whether the kitchen can accommodate them. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all special diets can be catered for.

Schedule

DATE

DETAILS

TIME

Saturday

Check-in

2:00 - 6:00pm (No earlier than 2pm)*

 

Dinner

6:00 - 7:00pm

 

Guided Meditation

7:45 - 9:00pm

Sunday to Friday

Guided Meditation

7:30 - 8:30am

 

Breakfast

8:30 - 9:30am

 

Guided Meditation

11:30 - 12:30pm

 

Lunch

1:00 - 2:00pm

 

Meditation / Dialogue

4:30 - 6:30pm

 

Dinner

6:30 - 7:30pm

Saturday

Breakfast (No meditation)

8:00 - 9:00am

 

Meditation / Dialogue

10:00am - 12:00pm

 

Lunch

12:00 - 1:00pm

 

End of retreat

Depart by 2:00pm

*Please note that check-in is only available between 2pm and 8pm on the arrival day.

Discussion Board

The discussion board will be available for attendees to communicate prior, during and post retreat.

Cancellations

Deposit: non-refundable and non-transferable

Balance Due: Monday 12 January 2026

The final balance is non-refundable and non-transferable except as outlined below. 
50% of balance refundable if cancelled before Wednesday 25 February 2026.
No refund if cancelled after Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Payment FAQs
Terms & Conditions

Registration

BOOKING WILL OPEN AT THE END OF OCTOBER – Subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page to be notified of ticket launch dates and more.

To register, a €285* non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be required to reserve a space at the retreat, prior to arrival. Please book using the “Book Ticket” button at the top of the page. 

Costs per person: (all tickets include, unless otherwise stated, include three meals and refreshments each day).

Lake View Single – €4,285

Garden View Single – €4,065

Lake View Twin or Double – €3,055

Garden View Twin or Double – €2,945

Shared room (4 sharing) * – €2,550

Commute* * with all meals – €1,920 

* Shared rooms (3-4 sharing) consist of either bunk beds or single beds on a mezzanine floor. If you have any physical limitations that may make a particular bed type unsuitable, please contact the organiser Neil when booking.

** Commuter tickets are non-residential. Anyone purchasing a commuter ticket must arrange their own accommodation and attend the retreat during the day. Before booking a Commuter ticket, we highly recommend arranging your accommodation and transportation first due to limited options in the local vicinity. For more information on accommodations in the area, click here or contact Neil to discuss local accommodation options: neil@rupertspira.com

HOW TO BOOK

Please book using the Book Ticket button at the top of this page, when registration opens. All of the ticket options will be available on the ticket page; from there you can simply select the number of tickets you would like, for your preferred ticket type, then click the Add to Basket button at the bottom of that page to checkout and secure your place.

Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis; we will not be able to reserve rooms for individuals. These events are very popular so if your ticket preference is sold out please add your name to the waiting list in case of cancellations closer to the start date. Booking is strictly through the website, please do not contact the venue to try to book into the retreat.

*Should the retreat be cancelled for any reason related to Covid-19 or similar health concerns, the deposit payments made will be automatically transferred to a replacement Retreat at Home.

Livestream

This retreat will also be available to join via livestream for those unable to attend in person. The online format includes all main sessions of Rupert’s guided meditations and dialogues, two of the dialogue sessions will be integrated with Zoom to give livestream participants the opportunity to ask Rupert a question. All sessions are broadcast live from the venue and will also be recorded for replay during and after the retreat.

Supported tickets will be available upon application and will be available for application directly from the event page listed under Livestreams in the Events section of the website.

To receive updates on when the Livestream tickets are released, future events and publications, you can sign up for Rupert’s newsletter at the bottom of this page.