Soul Painting: Tuscany – Sold Out

Living la dolce vita (the sweet life) in a Tuscan Villa in the Chianti Hills region of Italy!

A gathering for artists.

May 1st – May 7th, 2016.

Dearest friends, I can’t possibly express through a virtual presence how much this retreat means to me! When I was 21 years old I traveled to Italy to live in Florence for my last semester of art school. During those five months I experienced what can only be called as life-changing, or forever instrumental in the way I created and looked at the world. Cara Italia charmed me in every way possible–with it’s light, food, sounds, people, art, rituals, nature, and natural rhythms of existence.  And so today I am offering a dream many years in the making. I have booked a lovely 3-story villa in the Chianti Hills region of Tuscany just outside Florence. It has a view, it has a pool, jacuzzi, and room for 10 of us (in total) to gather, eat, laugh, drink vino rosso o vino bianco, take day trips to villages, (including the magical cities of Florence and Siena), and of course create, dream up, sketch, paint, paint, paint, and court the muse within as we get lost in Italia’s ancient and magical ways. 

Details and what’s included:

• For 6 nights, we will gather and reside in an 1806 historic villa that has been updated and restored for modern comfortable living. The villa has wooden-beamed ceilings, terracotta floors, original wooden windows, antique wood-burning bread oven, three fireplaces, along with gorgeous views of the Chianti Hills region. Sun-bathers and nature-lovers will appreciate the pool and garden terrace that overlooks the valley and being able to soak in the jacuzzi at night. We will paint and create both inside and out on the terrace.
  
• All delicious, healthy, and savory meals custom prepared at the villa included as well, including wine and refreshments. Meals will be prepared in a classic Italian cooking style, offering vegetarian and meat options, along with gluten free if needed. Plus dessert of course. (You simply cannot retreat in Italy without dessert).
  
• Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the local train station near the villa (a 30 minute train ride from Florence) and escorted back to our villa. We will be making 3 or so trips that day to the local train station based on everyone’s arrival time.
  
• All painting, dreaming, sketching, and magic-making workshops and circles will be led by Alena. There is an art supply store not far away from the villa where we can visit as needed as well.
  
• Two day trips to Florence and Siena (see photos) with a few magical stops along the way in other ancient villages. Alena (with the advice of her trusted local friends) will take you to her favorite places in Florence. We will be taking our portable art supplies with us too! (Any meals and shopping during day trips outside of villa not included in retreat cost).
• A trip to the nearby hot springs spa to soak and revitalize.
• An optional sunrise hiking trip near the villa.
  
• Morning Reiki and healing heart-based meditation led by Alena on the terrace.
• Plus many other magical serendipities that Italy seems to love to offer!
  

*Check in time around 1pm May 1st after lunch, check out time will be 10 am on May 7th. Add the deposit or room type for lodging to secure your space. Save $50 if you pay in full now. Balance due December 20th. Please choose your bedroom choice (single room with double bed, shared room with either 2 singles or 3 single beds, or one discounted sofa bed room (less private) with fireplace). The three story villa has a fireplace on each level with access to outside terrace area. Each floor has its own bathroom, therefore bathrooms are shared. If making only a deposit now, please indicate which room you desire.

Update: this retreat is now full. Thank you for your interest!