A luxury yoga retreat in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.
SOLD OUT…
About:
This luxury retreat in the Tuscan countryside area of Chianti will be a complete Italian travel experience exploring the culture, history, and beauty of Tuscany plus daily yoga led by our talented collaborator from Los Angeles, Marisa Boyle. From staying at a luxury 5-star Villa in the countryside, to indulging in exquisite meals, wine and olive oil tastings, enjoying a local wine festival, spa day, visiting towns across the region (Siena, Florence, Panzano), special surprise events, cultural tours, and so much more, this yoga retreat takes travel to the next level.
Conscious Traveler Initiative:
For this retreat, we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the 2 charitable foundations that the villa we are staying at supports. They support a wide range of charitable efforts on two continents. These include the preservation of fine art in Florence, as well as showcasing Shona sculpture, created by contemporary artists in Zimbabwe. Additionally, they support disadvantaged and handicapped children in Harare, Zimbabwe along with a number of important nature conservation projects in Africa.
Accommodations:
Nestled in the heart of the winemaking region of Chianti Classico, this 5-Star luxury hotel is a magnificent 15th century villa built by the Machiavelli family, bearing the unmistakable hand of the Renaissance master, Michelangelo. Located just 12km south of Florence, Mangiacane is set within 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves with unbelievable views of the countryside and Florence in the distance. This hotel is truly a piece of artwork unto itself.
This is one of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” and takes great pride in their Art & History. From the centuries old frescoes, to the exquisite Shona sculptures from Zimbabwe – they have a plethora of artwork both new and old by talented individuals.
It seamlessly ties together the combination of Italian, African and Indian inspiration and ultimately adds to the eclectic style they showcase around the property, with whispers that Michelangelowas involved in the redesigning of the villa.
This beautiful resort has 18 individually decorated double rooms and suites equipped with all amenities and comforts, an outdoor infinity pool and the hotel restaurant.
Even though this Villa has been around for over 500 years, the prime wine production began in 2001 once they had undergone extensive modernization as well as constructing a new cellar and planting the new vineyards. Their wines are produced following the 'Chiantigiano' style, which represents the perfect combination of ancient wine-making traditions and modern concepts. Their wines are produced with exceptional quality and immense character due to the timeless passion and definitive traditions of the Chianti area mixed in with the innovative viticultural and winemaking techniques. They also produce olive oil, grappa, and vin santo, all of which we will be tasting on the retreat!
Cuisine:
The week will be filled with outstanding meals on the property and off. We will have daily fully breakfast served outdoors in fine weather overlooking the Tuscan countryside which includes many options satisfying every diet. Every evening we will either be staying on the property or going to a special, hand-picked restaurant on one of our excursions into the countryside or cities of Florence or Siena. The meals will highlight locally sourced foods from the Tuscan region and never disappoint! Although the menus are not vegetarian, we can accommodate any diet restriction.
Day Trips:
Although we could stay at our amazing property for the week and be quite content, we do have many beautiful travel excursions planned. One day we will be spending the day in Florence with free time to explore and then having a special secret event and dinner. Another day we will be visiting the local Chianti towns including one where there is a famous wine festival every year during the week we will be there. We’ll have a chance to taste all the local wines and follow it up with a fantastic dinner in the area. Another day we will have time to enjoy the property and their spa and swimming pool. Everyone will indulge in their luxury spa experience with a massage. Another day we will visit a sheep farm to do some cheese tastings and finish the day with a visit to Siena where we will have a cultural tour of this important Tuscan city. Another day we will visit another tuscan village and do some olive oil tasting. It’s a complete Tuscan experience we know you will love!
Yoga Instructor and Group Leader:
Marisa Boyle will be leading the yoga classes on this retreat offering 1-2 classes per day depending on the day excursion schedule. Marisa is a 500-hour Yoga Teacher certified in Vinyasa, Hot Yoga, Yoga Sculpt and Restorative. Currently, Marisa is a full-time yoga teacher and Studio Assistant Manager at Core Power Yoga in Westlake Village, CA. Marisa also leads various teacher trainings, workshops and summits throughout the year. Throughout her career so far, Marisa has learned that Yoga is so much more than the physical asanas (postures), and the mental clarity and emotional release that the practice has brought to her has positively affected her daily life and personal relationships. She hopes to bring this amazing aspect of the Yoga practice to all her students and friends. *All classes are optional and designed for all levels.
Retreat Organizer
Michelle has led a successful 13 year career in the corporate world before transitioning her career into a wellness & business coach, retreat leader and internationally certified yoga instructor. She holds a Masters Degree in Spiritual Psychology, as well as her MBA in Finance. Her deep inner work in the field of psychology, as well as an extensive career in the executive corporate world, has given her a wisdom and awareness that encompasses all areas of development. Through her extensive studies and committed personal growth rituals, she has created a therapeutic practice offering soulful transformational guidance. Michelle is a travel maven, animal lover, and planet Earth worshipper. She lives part of the year in Florence, Italy, part in Los Angeles, and part wherever her heart takes her.
PRICING
7 days / 6 nights
Inclusive Retreat Price (Shared Room) = $3,550
Inclusive Retreat Price (Single Room) = $4,450
Deposit to hold space = $950
Max # Guests = 12
* Many of our guests come alone and we match up based on guest profile
** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date. Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.
INCLUDED *:
5-star luxury hotel accommodation
Daily Breakfast & Dinner (some lunches)
Daily yoga classes 1-2 times/day depending on day trips
Use of estate premises (hiking trails, pool, etc.)
Spa day + massage treatment
Pizza Cooking Class
Daytrip in Florence with special event
Sheep Farm visit with lunch and tastings
Daytrip to Siena with cultural tour
Daytrip to local Chianti village
Panzano Wine Festival plus tastings of all local wines
Transportation to/from day trips
Arrival/Departure Group Transfers to/from Florence
* airfare not included
*special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
LOCATION:
San Casciano Val di Pesa - aout 18 km south of Florence
Nearest airports: Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR - Florence), Galileo Galilei Airpot (PSA - Pisa)
One group transfer will be offered in the arrival afternoon between Florence center and the hotel, and departure transfer from hotel to Florence center on departure morning. Single private transfers are possible and pricing discussed upon request.
SUGGESTED PACKING:
Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.
Bathing suit (on-site pool, spa)
Comfortable shoes (city walking, country hiking)
Yoga clothes
Personal yoga props - there will be some mats available but not enough for the whole group. If you have your own, please bring it. (If you have a prop you prefer, feel free to bring it along)
Plug adaptors / converters
Journal
Sweater or light jacket or scarf for the evenings, although the weather should be still quite warm during that week