SHADOWS IN THE SUN
Jamie Catto
ASHA Alchemy School of Healing Arts Tuscany, Italy
Join us for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and transformation. Get ready to let go of old patterns and beliefs, and emerge as a new, more creative, and empowered version of yourself.
- The ideal place to unplug, slow down that fast pace, and get back in touch with nature
- Be more relaxed and refreshed than you’ve ever been
- Become stronger mentally and find inner peace
- A chance to get away and step aside from all the hustle and bustle of city life
Here’s how your life can change:
- Transform unruly demons into employees and harvest the many gifts within challenges instead of exhausting yourself battling them.
- Dissolve and heal blocked emotions and the pain of old habits which weigh you down and reframe negative beliefs which hold pain-loops in place.
- Play games and processes, which lighten up rigid notions of appropriateness and uptight limitations of unconscious shame and negativity.
- Laugh your head off and realise how much energy you’ve been wasting wearing masks to satisfy other people whose values you don’t necessarily share.
- Realise how precious each day is and how much more space there is for mischief and playfulness in the world, especially yours.
- Forgive yourself for all the shame and negativity you’ve allowed yourself to carry due to old beliefs from uptight parents, careers and teachers of old.
- Reclaim vast amounts of energy and joy and channel it into your creativity and passions.
Located in a beautiful natural setting, this retreat is the perfect place to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with nature.
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime, and reclaim the treasure you may have edited away into the shadows.
leave feeling more
relaxed, refreshed, &
mentally stronger
Book now, and start your journey towards a more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling life.
Led by the talented Jamie Catto
Led by the talented Jamie Catto, a modern-day medicine man, an accomplished musician (Faithless), filmmaker (One Giant Leap and Becoming Nobody), author (Insanely Gifted and Turn Your Demons Into Rocket Fuel), and teacher. This retreat offers a unique blend of fun and games, deep inner work, and playfulness. Learn how to transform your demons into allies, heal blocked emotions, and reframe negative beliefs that hold you back.
Laugh, cry, and rediscover the joy of being alive. Jamie’s workshops provide a refreshing approach to inner work, drawing from his own experiences in groundbreaking film production, philosophy voyages, and his music career.
Retreat Pricing
Special intro course with Jamie Catto.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, & WORKSHOP INCLUDED
10 meals & 4 nights
PRICES ARE PER PERSON
(ground transportation to/from ASHA not included)
Accommodation Type
Price
- Bring your own tent (price per person)
- Come in your own camper (price per person)
- Glamping (1 person)
- Glamping (2 persons, price per person)
- Glamping (3 persons, price per person)
- Single ensuite (1 person)
- Twin non ensuite (2 people, price per person)
- Twin ensuite (2 people, price per person)
- Triple ensuite (2-3 people, price per person)
- Private cottage (price per person)
Accommodation
- Tent
Bring your own tent
We have lots of wooded places for you to pitch your own tent. You’re welcome to use all of our facilities as well. Be sure to bring all your own bedding, and whatever else you may need.
- Camper
Come in a camper
Campers are welcome at ASHA, we have limited space so suggest booking asap, as this is one of our most popular options. You’re welcome to use all of our facilities. Like to bring a guest? See our ASHA FAQ’s for more information. Pricing is per person.
- Glamping
Glamping in ASHA tent
Single, Double & Triple
We’re super excited about our new bell tents. Furnished with 1, 2 or 3 single mattresses, share with others, or take this option solo in your own tent. They are lovely, nicely furnished, and so very close to nature. You’re also welcome to use our facilities. Pricing is per person.
- Double & Triple Ensuite
Shared room
2-3 in a room, ensuite bathroom
Each room with 2-3 single beds has it’s own private bathroom. The beds are typically a meter apart, and shared with the same sex. 3 of these rooms are in a cottage with their own kitchen, living room, and fireplace – and one is in the main house.
- Double non Ensuite
Shared room
2 in a room, with shared bathroom
With 2 single beds to a room, they are shared with the same sex. The bathroom is shared between 4 people that may be of mixed gender. This beautiful cottage has its own living room and kitchen, and is newly renovated. Pricing is per person.
- Private Cottage
Private Cottage
Suitabe for 1-2 persons
We have 2 private cottages. One is an open studio with a double canopy bed from Bali, and a fireplace. It also has a cozy living room and kitchen space, and it’s own bathroom. This is ideal for a single person or couple sharing a bed. Our other 2 private cottages are 1 bedroom units that have their own living room, kitchen and bathroom. They are ideal for a couple, or a share with 2 single beds.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
No sorry, we aren’t able to do that.
If you can’t stay for the full 5 days, you are welcome to leave early. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any refunds or discounts if you choose to leave early.
On this page, below the FAQ’s, please see the section “How To Get To ASHA” – for full travel info.
From the nearest train station (Chiusi Chianciano Terme), we suggest booking a local/independent shuttle service to get to and from ASHA. If you don’t want to rent a car, this will be the easiest and cheapest way to get to us in the countryside. Advance bookings only!
Option 1 (recommended):
R. Tollow Shuttle Service:
Whatsapp: +39 366 448 4882
Phone: +39 366 448 4882
Advance bookings only!
Languages: English, Italian
Option 2:
Taxi Service Il POSTALINO
https://www.ilpostalino.com
Whatsapp: +39 335 5424668
Phone: +39 578 749056
Please book in advance.
Languages: English, Italian
costs: 100-120€ / trip
Check the bottom of this page for more details and resources on how to get to ASHA.
It’s about 1.5 kilometers or a 20 minute very beautiful walk along a vast massive view of the valley. It’s up a big hill from ASHA, so it’s for the fit-minded. Otherwise, it’s a 5 minute drive.
Yes, free wifi is available in the main house and Dharma Den, though not in the rooms, or around the property.
We suggest picking up a TIM or Wind SIM card when you arrive Italy. Because ASHA is half hour away from a major town, it’s important to pick it up before coming to ASHA.
At ASHA we have 7 cats, and 2 dogs. Given the sensitive nature of cats (and previous not so great experiences with dogs chasing them) leashes are required – and strictly enforced. And no, our dogs are not on leashes as they are integrated with our cats. They know who the boss is, and we know where they poo. We are surrounded by endless woods where your dog can roam free, though please keep them on a leash while at ASHA. Also, please be mindful of cleaning up poo so no one steps in it! There’s a 40 euro donation fee per pet.
The nearest laundry mat is about 20 minutes away in Aquapendente.
Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot. Please do not smoke inside or outside of your room, in the common areas, or other areas of ASHA, and all camp locations. And do consider that smoking isn’t a part of our culture, and not encouraged.
There are 2 restaurants in Castell’Azzara: La Tana d’Orso – which is a favorite, and a pizzeria called La Rosa dei Venti. Also in nearby San Giovanni delle Contee(10 minutes drive away), there’s Osteria Maccalè – we love this place. Also check out the nearby towns for more options (that are super beautiful) Pitigliano and Sorano.
Please keep in mind we are well-being center… this just isn’t the place for smoking, drugs, or alcohol. Like to have a glass of wine here and there? Sure. Though we trust you understand the nature of this work, and will not abuse the use of wine, just because it’s part of Italian culture (at ASHA, and in general while staying in the area).
There’s one grocery store – The Co-op – and veg store, and a Thursday morning produce/general stuff market as well. The Co-op does have some organic dry products. We recommend bringing any speciality items. It’s basic in Castell’Azzara, not bad, though basic.
There are many hiking trails around ASHA! If you’re interested, we recommend checking with our community member Stuart, who knows pretty much all of them. Castell’Azzara is surrounded with beautiful villages, such as Pitigliano or Sorano. There are also many historical sites dating back to the Etruscan people, the ancestors whose spirits are still spreading blessings to the land around ASHA.
Kids are welcome at ASHA, and a huge part of our vision. There’s plenty of space for them to roam around in a safe environment. Please be responsible for them at all times, including their clean up in communal spaces. Kids can only stay in private accommodation with their guardian (tent, glamping, camper, or private cottage) – not in shared accommodation with other students. Kids under 10 eat and stay for free. Kids 11 and over are charged for food and accommodation at New Member pricing, with a 20% discount. Attentive kids are welcome to join Breathcamp at the discretion of the trainer and facilitator of each session. Reach out to info@asha.global for more information, and to receive a special 20% coupon code. This offer applies for each kid in a family.
Checkin is on the 12th of june from 3pm. The first meal will be served on the 12th of june at 6pm. it is not possible to arrive one day earlier.The workshops ends on the 16th of june after lunch (lunch will be served at 1pm). checkout time on the 16th of june is 3pm.
Is is possible to stay an extra night: please book your extra night on the checkout page. checkout time on the 17th of june is 11am.
Yes! Please keep in mind that due to the nature of our work, intimacy is usually at an all time high. Please don’t mistake that as an emotional or sexual invitation. Be considerate of others personal space, and don’t assume anything. And… please keep sexuality in general out of the equation unless you arrived as a couple. Together, let’s protect a safe space for everyone.
Absolutely. We suggest setting your own boundaries, and clearly communicating them as needed. You’re also welcome to reach out to the mentors and team if you need support. Take your space as needed!
We will be sending a more detailed program guide and camp schedule soon, so watch your inbox as your camp date approaches.
We finish after lunch, around 2 pm on the final day.
Accommodation
- Pool
- Complimentary coffee and tea table
Check-in: 12th of June from 3pm, dinner is at 6 pm.
Checkout: 16th of June at 2pm, if you book an extra night: checkout on 17th of June 11am.
No sorry, that option isn’t available.
Based on feedback from our students and guests, we have decided not to offer single-day passes this year. This change is intended to preserve and protect the container for everyone in attendance.
Potentially. Book together to stay together at the same time. If you’re booking last minute we may not be able to accommodate your reques. Be sure to submit your request on the intake form when you sign up – very important..
We’re sorry but due to high demand, your reservation is only confirmed once payment has been made and we cannot hold rooms for you.
What should I bring?
- Session clothing: we recommend loose-fitting, comfortable, and layered clothing. House slippers are also nice to have.
- Personal biodegradable toiletries
- Alarm clock
- Long pants and walking shoes
- Sturdy shoes (waterproof if possible) if you wish to go walking
- Swimsuit
- Warm comfortable clothes for evenings
- In the summer, light clothing for daytime, and a light jacket at night
- In the fall and spring, wet weather gear
- Travel and medical insurance is suggested
- Bug spray
- Ear plugs if you're sensitive to noise during breathwork sessions
Extra costs
Your stay is all-inclusive, except for:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation to and from ASHA.
- Travel insurance incl. covid
- Covid testing (if applicable).
- Ala carte well-being treatments (such as massage, intuitive readings, etc).
- You may wish to bring extra money for eating out when the group goes to the hot spring (though food is provided on those days).
Terms & COVID Compliance
We recommend securing travel insurance to cover Covid regulations, changes, etc… as applicable, depending on variable Covid circumstances (that may or may not arise when you come to ASHA).
Because the situation is still current, we will update any requirements for testing, etc., closer to the date.
We recommend bringing your own yoga mat for safety.
We do not offer refunds.
All students are required to stay on-site at ASHA. No exceptions except for resident students who live around ASHA for at least 6 months out of the year.
Please note that the weather can be variable and it is difficult to predict in May and September, therefore for the tent and glamping options use at your own risk, refunds are not possible.
Should we cancel the event, we will refund the full amount, minus currency exchange and bank platform fees we may be charged.
Please see full terms and conditions here for more information. By making payment, you agree to our full terms and conditions in the above link. Please be sure to read this carefully for full details.
How To Get To ASHA
- Our Address:
Località Le Piane, Castell’azzara, GR 58034
- By car:
Put this in your navigator:
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND RENTING A CAR IF YOU ARE ARRIVING BY PLANE, ETC. IT'S EASIER, AND MAY BE LESS EXPENSIVE WHEN SHARING WITH OTHER STUDENTS. POST ON YOUR CAMPS WHATSAPP GROUP FOR RIDE SHARE. WATCH YOUR EMAIL TO JOIN YOUR WHATSAPP GROUP AFTER SIGNING UP.
- Closest Train Station
CHIUSI-CHIANCIANO TERME Train Station
Taxi service from the train is available at about 100+ euros per trip.
- Resources
- ASHA Contact & More information
- Email: info@asha.global