OVERVIEW

THIS IS A PRIVATE RETREAT for Nancee Bruggeman & friends/family.

THE HOTEL

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place at the acclaimed 5-star hotel, Castello del Nero, the historic home of Florentine noble families Del Nero and Torrigiani, restored to the highest levels of luxury while preserving its 900 years of architectural heritage on over 740-acres of Tuscan landscape.

Travellers seeking authentic Tuscany will find themselves immersed in the renowned beauty of the Chianti wine region. They will discover the rich flavours of seasonal harvests in the award-winning on-site restaurant and uplifting therapies amidst the natural beauty of ESPA at Castello del Nero.

Picture-perfect landscapes with olive groves and vineyards provide a memorable backdrop for this 12th-century castle. Whimsical details include restored original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, ‘cotto’ floors and a gorgeous collection of antique furniture. 

With its 700 acres of centuries-old cypress trees and impressive gardens, Castello del Nero feels much like the fiefdom of a Tuscan lord—and in fact, the original structure has belonged to various noble families since the twelfth century. Frescoes and vaulted ceilings give the design grandeur and formality, as do the terra-cotta floors, claw-foot tubs, and sumptuous four-poster beds done in the baldachin style with fabric headboards. The 50 huge guest rooms designed by Alain Mertens (Madonna and Sting are among his clients) are airy and light, with beautiful fabrics and subtle colors. — Conde Nast Traveler

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as dining in the hotel's award-winning restaurants (including a Michelin-starred meal on the final evening) and in amazing restaurants in nearby towns. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients from the local markets and on-site gardens. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. Not only do we enjoy savoring the Italian cuisine, but guests will also get to learn more about the region's fare on a cheese farm visit and wine-tasting in the surrounding Chianti region, where some of Italy's most famous vintages are produced.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate with the spa, pool, and hiking trails, but the richness of the Italian cities in nearby regions. Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. We’ll enjoy a balanced retreat with down time on-site with the spa and pool, beautiful landscapes and trails, as well as visits around the region. Trips include visits to the nearby cities of Florence and Siena, and various Chianti wine region villages for tastings.

YOGA

Daily meditation and yoga classes will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and more vigorous vinyasa flow and ashtanga styles.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Depending on each retreat location, classes will be held in a dedicated indoor yoga space and some also offer outdoor options as well for us to use if the weather is agreeable. 

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (October 18-23, 2020)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = €3,995 (shared room*), +€775 supplement (single room)

• Deposit to hold space = €950

• Max # Guests = PRIVATE RETREAT
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date. Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED *:

• Luxury 5-star hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast

• Dinners at hotel and restaurants on daytrips

• Michelin-starred tasting dinner with wine pairing

• Arrival/Departure Group Transfer to/from Florence

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily meditation and yoga class

• Use of yoga mats

• Use of estate premises (hiking trails, pool, etc.)

• Spa day + treatments (full “signature” package and spa facility access)

• Freetime in Florence and dinner

• Siena visit, free time, shopping and truffle meal

• Cheese farm visit, tour, and lunch

• Chianti winery tour + tasting

• Dinner in nearby Chianti village

* airfare not included 
** all included dinners are vegetarian. special dietary restrictions can be accommodated
• activities may change slightly in chance of unforeseen circumstances or weather. if so, a similar activity of equal value will be included.

LOCATION:

• Tavarnelle Val di Pesa - Between Florence and Siena, Tuscany

• 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 on the start day, and departure transfer from hotel to Florence center on departure morning at 10am. 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 (mats and straps will be provided, but if you have a prop you prefer, feel free to bring it along)

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Journal

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