About The Retreat
Combining yoga, farm-to-table organic Italian cuisine, wine tastings, and creative workshops this retreat is your ultimate summer escape to restore balance in the body and treat yourself to the perfect Italian summer. Our second retreat set in Villa Lena, this time during peak season! ABOUT VILLA LENA @villalena: a sustainable Luxury Agriturismo nestled within a cypress forest in between Pisa and Florence. Possibly the most charming Tuscan villa. Situated on a hilltop in the wild woods of Tuscany, Villa Lena is a place where untouched nature, carefree creativity and magical stories intersect. With 500 hectares of land, mostly covered by untouched forests. You will be staying in Renacchi Apartments a former farmhouse with a pool, only a short walk away from the main hub of San Michele. Each apartment consists of 2 or 3 bedrooms, living spaces and kitchens, surrounded by woodland. FARM TO TABLE: Villa Lena is sustainable agriturismo, what grows here will be found on the table. The organic vegetable and fruit garden, spread over two heacters provides the restaurant with fresh, sun-drenched vegetables, underpinning the seasonally-led menus. A post-yoga practice brunch feast will be assembled by the villas Pastry Chef serving sweet and savory in-house-made dishes. Dinner will celebrate the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine, where quality ingredients take center stage and traditional dishes take a contemporary turn and a creative flourish. ACTIVITIES INCLUDED: Vinyasa and Yin Yoga with Italian born, London based Yoga and Breathwork instructor Ruben De Monte. Sessions will be held on the panoramic yoga deck overlooking the Tuscan hills or in the dedicated Yoga studio. Wine Tasting in the vineyard at Villa Lena, Pasta making workshop, Organic garden tour and harvest and ceramic workshop led by one of the artists in residence of the Villa Lena Art’s Foundation.
Itinerary
1Day 1
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Arrivals at Villa Lena.
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Opening mellow practice with guided meditation and breathwork.
7:30PM - 9:30PM
Farm to table alfresco dinner
2Day 2
7:30AM - 9:00AM
First Vinyasa practice, opened to all levels we will workshop the most fundamental yoga postures to build strength, flexibility, and flow.
9:00AM - 10:30AM
Brunch overlooking the tuscan hills. Expect an mix a savoury and sweet treats. Fruit, juices, teas and coffee.
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Tour of the organic garden and harvest some of the ingredients used to prepare our dinner. Will you recognise the flavours?
12:00PM - 4:00PM
An afternoon to relax by the pool, soak in the sun, or embark on a walk to the local village for Gelato.
4:30PM - 6:00PM
Yin Yoga and poetry to distress and connect.
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Alfresco dinner with the group.
3Day 3
7:30AM - 9:00AM
Vinyasa practice, opened to all levels. We will workshop the most fundamental yoga postures to build strength, flexibility, and flow.
9:00AM - 10:30AM
Brunch overlooking the tuscan hills. Expect an mix a savoury and sweet treats. Fruit, juices, teas and coffee.
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Pasta making workshop with Chef in residence. This activity includes lunch.
1:00PM - 4:00PM
An afternoon to relax by the pool, soak in the sun, or embark on a walk to the local village for Gelato.
4:30PM - 6:00PM
Yin Yoga and poetry to distress and connect.
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Alfresco dinner with the group.
4Day 4
7:30AM - 9:00AM
Vinyasa practice, opened to all levels. We will workshop the most fundamental yoga postures to build strength, flexibility, and flow.
9:00AM - 10:30AM
Brunch overlooking the tuscan hills. Expect an mix a savoury and sweet treats. Fruit, juices, teas and coffee.
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Ceramic workshop inspiered by the food of Villa Lena
12:30PM - 4:00PM
Organic wine tasting, to discover the products that Villa Lena Agriturismo and the nearby area produces.
4:30PM - 6:00PM
Yin Yoga and poetry to distress and connect.
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Alfresco dinner with the group.
5Day 5
7:30AM - 9:00AM
Vinyasa practice, opened to all levels. We will workshop the most fundamental yoga postures to build strength, flexibility, and flow.
9:00AM - 10:30AM
Brunch overlooking the tuscan hills. Expect an mix a savoury and sweet treats. Fruit, juices, teas and coffee.
11:00AM - 4:00PM
An afternoon to relax by the pool, soak in the sun, embark on a walk to visit the deserted village of Toiano.
4:30PM - 6:00PM
Last Yin Yoga practice
6:30PM - 8:30PM
Closing dinner and optional drinks by the pool.
6Day 6
7:30AM - 9:00AM
Final Vinyasa practice
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Brunch and check-out
What’s Included
5 night accomodation at Villa Lena - Ranacchi
x2 daily yoga
Daily Brunch Feast & Dinner
Harvest & Cook activity (includes Pasta Lunch)
Local Organic and Biodynamic Wine Tasting
Creative Workshop with Villa Lena's artist in residence
Welcome Goodie Bag
Use of Villa Lena's amenities (pools etc)
Not Included
Flights and Transfers
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Drinks
1 on 1 Private sessions with Ruben
Personal expenses such as extra meals, transportation, optional excursions, extra activities at Villa Lena etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements?
Absolutely! At the moment of booking, you will have to fill out a form regarding your requests.
What level yoga will be taught in this retreat?
Our retreats welcome regular practitioners as well as beginners. With the support of our instructors, longer workshop classes will give you the time to explore your practice independently from your level. Prior to your arrival you will receive a questionnaire in order for Ruben to understand your practice and what you are looking to be working on during the week. Common requests are: destress, improve flexibility, improve strength, learn new yoga postures.
Can I come alone?
Of course, our retreats are also a great chance to connect, meet like-minded people and make new friends. In most of our retreats, you can have your private room or buddy up with another solo traveler. Couples, friends, and small groups are welcome too.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for anyone who needs some time off from their busy schedule to pause and replenish. Anyone who enjoys movement, culture, food, and connection.
Reviews
Doireann
November 2022
Ruben is an amazing teacher who really takes care of his students: he is always ready to customise a class to suit competing levels of ability as well as injuries. He also really balances “power” yoga with more relaxing yin style yoga, sometimes all in the same class. His retreats are always beautifully curated; amazing location and lots of beautiful details to soothe your mind’s eye.
Sandra
June 2022
Amazing! Great yoga classes, wonderful food and idyllic surroundings. Ruben’s teaching, passion and attention to detail are second to none. I would highly recommend one of these retreats if you are considering. A truly awesome experience.
