TUSCANY

04-11 MAY, 2024

Slow Down & Celebrate the Beauty of Life

Retreat days weave together a rich tapestry of life’s beautiful moments

We awaken our senses to the pulse of springtime in the country

We feed our bodies with organic food (and wine?) grown on the estate

We nourish our bodies & spirits with deep & mindful practice

We expand our hearts and celebrate joyfully in supportive community

We deepen our experience as humans, connecting to the earth, and to each other

Join this retreat if waking up to the beauty of life will do you some good

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The Retreat Experience

  • PRACTICE

    Open each day on retreat by connecting to your breath and cultivating present moment awareness. Enjoy yoga asana & qigong sessions appropriate for all experience levels - first time retreaters are especially welcome! Practice silent and guided meditation to awaken joy and healing from within. All sessions are led by an experienced WOC instructor.

    Most days will also include an afternoon practice session to invite release and relaxation: yin & restorative yoga (deep stretch / deep relaxation), Yoga Nidra (deep meditative state of waking bliss), or walking meditation (deep awareness).

    All mats and props for practice are already onsite. No need to bring anything other than comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor practice.

    Something new: the final schedule will include an optional small group session for those who would like more focused instruction. Topics TBD based on participant needs and interests.

  • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

    The joys of mindful travel include both the inner journey through practice and the awakening of our hearts and minds to the beauty of life around us. This retreat includes plenty of free time to cultivate joyful awareness within, plus select onsite and off site activities that celebrate the beauty of Tuscany, its people, and its history.

    Onsite cultural activities include our own private wine tasting on Sunday evening and a cooking class on Tuesday to connect to the land and celebrate its natural bounty.

    Offsite cultural activities include two day trips by private shuttle to explore medieval Tuscan hilltop towns, regional wineries, and natural hot springs. Some activities will be booked as a group, with some time left open to wander freely.

    Ample free time is built into the schedule to encourage you to rest and rejuvenate. Slowing down is the point. And also, mindfully exploring new places is a true source of joy, so go ahead and book individual shuttles and tours for free time if it suits you.

  • ACCOMMODATIONS

    Le Pianore Villa and Organic Wine Farm is set in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, surrounded by woodlands, vineyards, olive groves and mountain streams.

    Spectacular views. Weave together beautiful moments of life while practicing outdoors, exploring the wild and cultivated gardens & trails, or lounging around the estate. Slow down to take in the views, the quiet, and the rejuvenating spring air.

    Indulgent nourishment. You will be in good hands, and well-fed. All meals onsite will be lovingly prepared by talented chefs who know how to cater to varying dietary needs.

    Booking options. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family/friends, there are rooms to share & rooms for privacy, space for quiet reflection & space for joyful community gatherings. See rates below for shared or single occupancy, in rooms that sleep 1-4 people, each with en suite bathrooms.

The Retreat Package

  • Send a deposit of $500 per person to @JWYoga via Venmo, or to jwinther@gmail.com via Zelle. Easy!

    BOOKING OPTIONS:

    1. SOLO (shared occupancy or add-on):

      $3750

    2. PRIVATE ROOM (single or double occupancy):

      $5500

      *Most private rooms include one large bed for two people, some beds can be split into two twins

      *Private rooms/cottages for 3-4 person groups are available on a first paid basis

    3. THE QUADRUPLA (single bed in shared room for 4 people of the same gender):

      $2100 (per person) / available on a first paid basis

    PAYMENT PLANS are available for balance due through 02/28/24

    ALL PAYMENTS are non-refundable unless and until someone replaces you

  • Book your flights about 6 months ahead to/from ROME International Airport for the best rates.

    Requirements for US citizens: two open passport pages; Proof of return plane ticket; Passport expiration at least 3 months beyond departure date.

    ETIAS Italy not yet rolled out but keep checking the official website.

    Euros are the currency used in Italy. Before departure, check out a map of the ROME Interational Airport, where you’ll want to visit an ATM or Currency Exchange window if you want to carry some cash.

    • Note that gratuities for the retreat center, shuttles, and group activities are already included in your retreat package

    Spring weather in Tuscany usually ranges from lows in the mid 50s (F) to highs in the mid 70s (F), with the possibility of both occasional heat spikes or intermittent rain showers.

    What to pack? Comfortable clothing for daily practice that allows a full range of movement & easeful sitting, layers for outdoor practice, comfortable shoes for day tripping offsite, bathing suit and packable towel for natural hot springs.

    All yoga/meditation mats/props are available onsite. No need to bring yours unless you really want to.

  • A final Itinerary will be shared closer to departure date, but for early planning:

    This is a Saturday to Saturday retreat - one full week at a beautiful retreat location in Tuscany. Practice is the central pillar, with joyful wandering and ample free time woven in.

    One group shuttle will be scheduled to transport everyone from/to ROME International Airport to the retreat center on the 4th and 11th of May:

    • ARRIVAL: Shuttle will depart ROME international Airport between 13:00-14:00 on Saturday, 04 MAY

    • DEPARTURE: Shuttle will depart Le Pianore at 10:00 on 11 MAY (earliest airport arrival time will be 13:00)

  • If you need to prebook a shuttle to/from Le Pianore on arrival day, departure day, or for independent day trips during the retreat, please email Carlo Albertini as soon as you can to ensure availability:

    carlo@yourprivatedrive.it

    Carlo is familiar with Le Pianore and has a small fleet of cars/vans to serve all of our group needs.

  • Travel between your home and Rome International Airport is not included.

    • Travel between Rome International Airport and the retreat center outside of group schedule is also not included

    • Accommodation in/around Rome before/after shuttle times is not included

    Meals off site are not included (final schedule TBD and may include an offsite lunch or dinner).

    Additional activities/shuttles/tours booked for free time on or offsite are not included.

    Alcohol is not included but may be purchased onsite. Corkage fee applies to alcohol brought in from offsite.

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Daily Schedule PDF
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