16/04/2026
Time to Breathe — our first retreat, and what a way to begin. ❄️🔥
In December 2025, a small group of wonderfully brave people gathered at Girotondo Horizons for three days of pranayama breathwork, freediving, and ice water immersion in the mountains of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano.
We explored the ancient Tummo breathing technique — the same practice Himalayan monks used to generate internal heat in sub-zero conditions — alongside calming Nadi Shodhana, yogic bandha locks, and box breathing. Then we took those tools into the water: first a freediving workshop with Gianni Bicchi of Apnea Lab (Pisa), then the River Liocca at just above 6°, and finally the Cascata di Golfarone — a stunning mountain canyon — at below 5°, with world ice swimming bronze medallist Davide Belletti by our side.
Between sessions, chef Alice Lognani fed us beautifully with a fully vegan Cucina Energetica spread — kombucha, tempeh, cashew mozzarella, fermented dishes, and an apple dessert that was pure comfort after a cold mountain swim.
Our freediving instructor Gianni described it best: "A weekend you don't forget — born from the diabolical minds of two half-crazed individuals, and lived by a group of guinea pigs with the enthusiasm of children in a toy shop." 😄
We couldn't have put it better ourselves.
Thank you to every single person who joined us. You made this something truly special.
The next retreat is on the horizon. Stay close. 🏔️
👉 Find out more: https://girotondo.earth/w/uncategorized-en/time-to-breathe/