Spring Yoga Retreat In Tuscany
Villa Lena, Pisa | 26 April - 1 May 2024
Discover Tuscany on a spring retreat with creative and cultural workshops in nature
Escape to wild Tuscany for relaxation, yoga, creativity and fun. Villa Lena is a unique Agriturismo experience, set in stunning and quintessential Tuscan scenery, and imbued with creative flair. Villa Lena has won the hearts of artists, writers, foodies and nature-lovers alike. Relax in supremely comfortable and chic Tuscan apartments, savour delectable cuisine, sourced from Villa Lena organic gardens, explore your creative side in exclusive art workshops, and thrive on twice daily yoga with Norwegian yoga teacher, Bjørn.
Anticipate a journey with…
Creative immersion
Villa Lena is the location for an art foundation and artists’ residency programme. For most of the year, they host professional artists from around the world, who work whilst at the Villa. The leave some of their works behind, which inspires the hip, tasteful decor at the Villa. Anticipate an exclusive private workshop with an artist-in-residence.
Energising yoga daily
Bjørn will lead us on twice-daily exclusive yoga classes. The morning sessions will be a strong flow, safely guiding you to your edge and building flexibility, strength and balance. The evening sessions will be soft, calming Yin and meditation. Bjørn will also lead a special workshop - ‘How to Create a Sustainable Personal Practice’.
Calligraphy with Betty
Firenze-based calligrapher and designer, Betty Soldi, will lead us on a special workshop, paired with our spring retreat theme of ‘the flow’. Betty will lead us on a journey out of mind and into hand and pen, as we use the ancient art of calligraphy to express our deep desires, dreams and creative impulses. Set aside your fear of ‘letting go’, as you let the pen dance across the page!
Renacchi apartments
Our yoga group will be staying in a 17th century farmhouse, now converted into tasteful apartments, known as Renacchi. These apartments are situated 7minutes walk from the main ‘hub’ restaurant, villa and swimming pool, offering blissful quiet and relaxation. They also have a private pool, just for Renacchi guests, which offers a great alternative on hot afternoons!
Organic ‘orto’
Villa Lena’s ‘orto’ is a celebrated organic vegetable and fruit garden on the villa grounds. The annual cycle of bountiful produce provides the Lena restaurant with fresh, sun-drenched veggies, underpinning their seasonally-led menus. Don’t forget the organic wines and olive oil, both grown and produced on site!
Wild Tuscany
Villa Lena is hidden in a wild expanse of Tuscan rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and uninhibited nature. You are very much ‘away from it all’. There are no distractions, shops, or traffic jams, and you can truly let your imagination explore new vistas, depths and nature experiences. The stars shine brightly at night, and the air is pure. Villa Lena typifies la dolce vita!
Location
Tuscany, Pisa, Italy
The extensive property that Villa Lena is situated on is around 1 hour east of Pisa, in the heart of Tuscan countryside, in the municipality of Palaia. Historically, the property was named San Michele, after the archangel to whom the chapel inside the villa is also devoted. The estate has had many owners, and some of the buildings - notably Fattoria and Renacchi - have foundations that date back to 300 A.D. In the early 20th century, the estate was a major center for aristocratic parties and hunting weekends. Indeed, the land is famed for its quality truffles and abundant wild boar and deer. The current owner purchased San Michele and rebranded it as Villa Lena in 2007, following which extensive renovations began. Temperatures in spring range from min. 15 ℃ / 59 ℉ to max. 27 ℃/ 81 ℉.
Accomodation
Villa Lena
The Villa Lena estate is located in the Province of Pisa, secluded amongst 500 hectares of woodland, vineyards, olive groves and organic vegetable gardens. A 19th-century villa sits at the heart of the property, originally built for an Italian aristocratic family. It now houses the Villa Lena Foundation and artist-in-residence programme. Surrounding the villa, converted historic agricultural buildings—former farmhouses, stables and hunting lodges—house self-contained guest apartments and shared facilities. For this spring retreat, we have 3 stylish Renacchi apartments for our yoga group.
This retreat is for you if you:
Enjoy creative/artistic activities and people
Love good Italian food and produce
Enjoy or are interested in yoga and meditation
Value nature and quiet, country environments
Are craving a mix of rest and inspiration
Adore stylish decor and unique character buildings
What you can expect:
Exclusive creative workshops and the arty vibe of the Villa Lena foundation
Organic, farm-to-table produce and excellent Italian food
Twice daily yoga and meditation sessions with Nina
A secluded countryside setting - no traffic, no stress!
An itinerary that balances alone time and creative activation together.
Stunning historic Tuscan villas and original art everywhere!
Your InRetreat hosts
Bjørn is senior teacher at SATS Yoga in Oslo, where he leads teacher trainings, private and public classes. Leveraging his exceptional array of professional qualifications, Bjørn is able to adapt his teachings in accordance with class needs.
Betty is a wordsmith, calligrapher, designer and creative thinker with a multi-faceted approach to a constellation of imaginatively inspired projects.
This Retreat in Review
All the retreat details
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Five nights accommodation at Villa Lena in Renacchi apartments.
Brunch and three-course dinner daily. Tea, coffee, spring water and juices.
Twice-daily yoga classes with Bjørn Jakobsen
Exclusive workshop with calligrapher and designer, Betty Soldi
Exclusive workshop with Villa Lena artist-in-resident
Exclusive workshop with Bjørn - ‘How to Create a Sustainable Personal Practice’
Garden forage and Italian Cooking workshop with Villa Lena chef
Use of Villa Lena swimming pools, expansive grounds and art spaces.
Gift bag
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Transport to/from Villa Lena. (We can assist with booking sharing/private transfers from Pisa airport.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
Lunch (We have a large late brunch after yoga, so you may not need much more food before dinner. Nevertheless, lunch, or light meals are readily available for purchase at San Michele restaurant.)
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Arrival
Fly into Pisa International Airport on 26 April 2024.
We can assist in arranging group/ private transfers from Pisa airport to Villa Lena. It is a 1 hour drive by car. (Prices range from €35 to €100, depending on the number of people sharing the car).
Arrive in time for our welcome yoga session at 17:30.
Alternative airports: Florence; Roma; Milan. (Catch a regional train from these airports to Pisa, and we’ll arrange the taxi from there).
Departure
We depart after brunch by 11am on 1 May 2024.
We can assist in arranging group/ private transfers from Villa Lena to Pisa Airport. It is a 1 hour drive by car. (Prices range from €35 to €100, depending on the number of people sharing the car).
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26 April - 1 May 2024
Twin/Double room in Renacchi apartment p/person = € 1833
Single room in Renacchi apartment p/person = € 2233
BOOKING
30% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Balance payment is due no later than 60 days prior to start date.
CLICK HERE to book
TERMS
The deposit payment is non-refundable.
In the unlikely event the retreat is postponed, new dates will be set and any payments you have made will be put forward to the new dates. If the new dates do not suit you, you will receive the payment back as a voucher.
It is strongly advised you take out travel insurance.
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
