Retreat to Tuscany
June 8-15, 2024
There is a wonderful Italian phrase, known as “dolce far niente.” It translates to the “sweetness of doing nothing” and speaks to the beloved Italian culture and lifestyle. It’s a concept that while interesting on the outside, seems to be harder and harder to practice in our everyday lives. This idea that doing less might just be doing more; that “doing nothing” is actually something; that in order to live our lives fully, we must make time to pause, rest and simply be.
Tuscany has always held a very special place in my heart. It’s a place that always helps me remember the importance of slowing down and the gift of doing less to experience more.
Our home for this weeklong retreat is a charming 1200+ year old villa nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany. During our week together, we’ll explore how the practice of yoga can support us in living a more present, connected life, and how this concept of “dolce far niente” can be put into practice to live more easefully and intentionally. Along with twice daily yoga, meditation and acupuncture. we’ll stay in luxurious accommodations and experience the best of Italian food and culture.
Joining us on this retreat is Dr. Mackenzie Hall, a licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and practitioner of Intuition Medicine ® specializing in chronic, complex disease. On this retreat, Mackenzie will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the channel system and how to use yoga and other lifestyle practices to enhance health and the free flow of energy through the body. She will be offering daily acupuncture to participants who sign up for sessions.
We’d be honored to have you join me for this deeply nourishing, spacious week in this sacred place!
PRICING & ACCOMMODATIONS
The rooms at Loganda Cugnanello are luxurious and comfortable. Each room is private with an en-suite bathroom. Double occupancy rooms can include one bed (for a couple) or two separate beds.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY (private room/bath for one): $3,450
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (private room/bath for two): $2,950
**USE CODE: EARLYBIRD for $300 off through December 2023
INCLUDED:
2 yoga classes per day (a mix of vinyasa, slow flow & restorative)
3 locally-sourced, vegetarian meals per day
On-site wine tasting with local wine shop owner & sommelier
Italian cooking class
Daylong group excursion - surprise location!
Exclusive use of the property, including saltwater pool, volleyball court, lavender fields and surrounding areas
Roundtrip transportation from Florence to/from the villa
Group acupuncture offerings
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare and travel insurance
Massage & private acupuncture sessions
Additional excursions
FAQ
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We will be picking the group up at the Florence train station in the city center. You are welcome to fly directly into Florence, or it’s easy enough to fly into Rome (or anywhere else in Italy) and catch a quick train to Florence.
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Locally sourced, mostly vegetarian meals and of course, Italian inspired. There will be a variety of food beyond pizza and pasta though!
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No - we will pick you up in Florence, so no car is needed.
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Yoga classes will be a mix of slow flow/vinyasa, SATYA (yin style) and restorative. Daily practices also include pranayama, meditation and dharma discussions.
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YES! Reach out directly to set up a payment plan or to explore scholarship opportunities.
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The deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once payment has been received, there are no refunds. If something comes up and you need to cancel, and someone on our waitlist wants to take your spot, we would refund you less $250; however, there is no guarantee that someone would be able to replace you.
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The villa is located less than 2 hours from Florence, in a small Tuscan village called Radicondoli. The closest city is Siena.
“Over the years, I’ve slowly learned that when Italians take a full lunch break with friends in the middle of the week, long aperitivi at the end of the day or spend their Sundays just lounging in the sun, they are not ‘doing nothing’. They have learned that fallow time is necessary to grow and produce - anything from children to a successful business. To work better, we need to rest, laugh, read and reconnect. We should not feel embarrassed when ‘doing nothing’, but think of it as an important tool that helps us to enjoy the best life we can possibly have.”
-Sophie Minchilli, The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
