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CREATIVE & INSPIRING RETREATS FOR WOMEN IN SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH
You're a giver.
To your family. To your work. To your friends. To your community.
To continue to give, you must also receive.
This experience is designed to allow you to do just that. Enjoy the company of fellow women on their own personal journeys, all while relaxing in the hills of Tuscany. If you're longing for inspiration, self-care time, or a mental break - One thing is for sure, you'll find that here.
Illuminare Retreats provide a curated & immersive travel experience for women from all walks of life. In the company of new friends, you'll find time to relax & recharge - while also being inspired & renewing your sense of adventure. Europe has a beautiful way of getting down deep into your soul & stirring alive passions you forgot were there. Of reigniting ideas & bringing a new perspective to our lives.
If you've been longing for clarity & inspiration in your life, this is for you.
It's time for you.
Looking for other retreats?
Take Me There
This retreat truly was one of the best weeks of my whole life. Amanda really rolled out the red carpet for us attendees. Everything from the accommodations to the experiences to the personalized notes and gifts were all done with such attention to detail. I have never felt more pampered! I left the retreat with so much more clarity about how I want to live life and make others feel. I would 1000% recommend these retreats for any woman who needs a little blood pumped back into her veins. You will be astounded at how someone pouring into you will change your mind and heart.
-Kate
"We travel initially to lose ourselves...and we travel next to find ourselves."
what to expect
There's something about all 5 senses being engaged. Taking in the smells & the sights. Feeling the ancient roads under your feet, standing in the gardens imagining the lives of those there before you. And the tastes... we'll fill our bellies (and our souls) with the hearty meals that the fall in Tuscany brings with it.
We will come home filled.
With experiences, with the love of a culture, with new friends, and with a renewed sense of self.
A Roman Baroque Mansion built by a Cardinal for a Pope in 1680 & currently owned by a Duke & Countess, you can just imagine the life these walls have seen. This villa has been the respite away for princesses, kings, prime minsters, movie stars, rock icons... and now you. The fascinating history of this grandiose Tuscan villa will captivate your ear, while the stunning grounds, private chapel, and 13 bedroom cozy interior will captivate your heart.
This is a wonderful time of year to visit Tuscany. The crowds have left & the crisp Autumn air has settled in. This is the time of year to embrace leisurely walks through the our private gardens (considered by many to be the most beautiful in Italy). It's time to embrace the comfort food (ohhh the food) of the fall in Italy. It's time to head into the woods for an afternoon of truffle hunting (truly living this old world style). It's time to explore vineyards as we watch the colors of the leaves change to a golden hue. It's time for fireplace conversations at night and lazy mornings in bed. Attendees can expect to enjoy a relaxed slow-paced retreat, basking in the cozy fall Italian atmosphere.
There isn't anywhere better for a relaxing retreat like this one. When I tell you this villa is amazing - you know I mean it. Our retreat home is fully staffed, from a private chef to waitstaff & housekeeping. You'll be taken care of at every turn and truly leave for home feeling rejuvenated. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime style experience.
"The Most Beautiful Villa in Tuscany..."
-Architectural digest
who is this retreat for?
Women from all walks of life who need a little time away, reconnecting with themselves while being in a picturesque setting. Specific to this retreat, attendees should come ready for a slow-paced week of relaxing & gentle exploration of the region. Our attendees are eager to mix & mingle amongst their new friends throughout the day & by the crackling fireplace at night. Please note: There are MANY stairs at our villa and no elevator. Mobility is a must for our attendees on this retreat. (Also, if you have issues with fireplace smells/smoke this isn't the retreat for you!)
Click "next" for more information
What is the group size & when we will know who is joining us?
The group will include 16-17 participants, plus the host Amanda & other retreat staff
4 months prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves. This is a great time to discuss any transportation questions too, as you'll find several other travelers likely on a similar itinerary whom you can share rides with!
I have a special diet, can you accommodate?
On the application, you'll see a spot to let us know any diet needs you have & we will absolutely do our best to meet those at all meals. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to email with questions.
What are the accommodations like?
To put it lightly; it will take your breath away.
Our private home has been talked about in articles from Vanity Fair to Conde Nast. Most recently, it was featured on the show Succession. It is certainly a sight to behold & a treasure to stay within its walls. We have the entire property to ourselves, but it is also fully staffed with daily housekeeping, waitstaff, and a private chef. There are both single occupancy accommodations available, as well as a double occupancy room with a friend - or a new friend! We believe that sharing builds our community & is part of this intimate retreat style experience!
Will we have wifi?
We will have wifi available for you within the villa so you can stay connected to your family & friends at home. If you'd like to have wifi on the go when not at the villa and your cell provider doesn't offer this, please reach out and we'd be happy to help you arrange a personal hotspot.
how do i get there?
Our retreat home is located approx. 55 miles from the Florence airport, and 65 from the Pisa airport. We can pass along private driver information for your airport transfer upon request.
Guests are responsible to get themselves both to the villa for the retreat as well as back after the retreat is over. Travel is included during any group related activities where transport is required.
Do I need a car?
You do not need a car during your time at the retreat. Other than getting yourself to/from our villa (which is easily accomplished by hiring a private driver) you will not need a vehicle for any retreat excursions, as we will provide that transportation.
That said, if you'd like to explore the nearby towns during your free time you may consider renting a car.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience in a world renown private villa & Gardens in the italian countryside
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Go home refreshed & empowered
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Embrace the culture, history, and food of tuscany
Once-in-a-lifetime stay in a world renown private villa & gardens in the italian countryside
-
Go home refreshed & empowered
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EMBRACE THE CULTURE, HISTORY, AND FOOD OF tuscany
While this retreat is experience focused, it is also designed to allow you to reconnect with yourself.
Titled after the Italian word for Illuminate, we hope you leave this retreat not just with an incredible experience, but feeling a new sense of purpose, peace, or clarity in your own life. Whatever it is you're coming to look for - there is a good chance that once you clear out the noise of your day to day life & immerse yourself in the experience designed for you, you'll find it was within you the whole time.
Come experience the tastes, sights, smells & wonders of Italy - and flip your own light back on in the process.
illuminare
/ il:umi'nare/ verb:
to illuminate, to light up
What is the group size & when we will know who is joining us?
The group will include 8 participants, plus the host Amanda
Prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves.
I have a special diet, can you accommodate?
On the application, you'll see a spot to let us know any diet needs you have & we will absolutely do our best to meet those at all meals. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to email with questions.
What are the accommodations like?
We will be staying in a stunning apartment in the heart of Florence! You will be sharing a room with another attendee so either come with a friend or be ready to make a new one! We believe that sharing builds our community & is part of this intimate retreat style experience!
Will we have wifi?
We will have wifi available for you within the apartment so you can stay connected to your family & friends at home. If you'd like to have wifi on the go throughout the day as well, please reach out and we'd be happy to help you arrange a personal hotspot.
how do i get there?
We recommend flying into either Florence, Rome, or Bologna. Transportation within the country is wonderful thanks to Italy's train systems. As the trip gets closer, you'll receive a comprehensive travel email with tips on finding the best flight deals, and how to navigate transport to our apartment once in Italy.
can i pay in installments?
Yes - We've provided a few options for you:
-You may pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due on December 1, 2021.
-You may pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot, breaking up the balance into 3 payments due by December 1, 2021.
-You may pay in its entirety in one lump sum at the time of booking
The Villa
-6 night stay in a private luxurious villa, complete with 13 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, incredible gardens, housekeeping, waitstaff & private in-house chef.
-Options of either a single occupancy room or double occupancy. Most rooms have their own bathroom, though a few do share with a fellow room (read in the registration for all the details!) (Coming solo & would like a double room? No problem! We will pair you up with a fellow attendee).
-Slow exploration of a few Tuscan favorite locations
-Experience the charm of the countryside during an afternoon Truffle Hunting (an experience you can only have in the autumn!)
-Daily breakfast included by private chef
-All lunches & dinners with wine & water (with the exception of your afternoon meal during leisure time) included & prepared by our in-house chef, or during our outings together.
-Complimentary professional individual portrait sessions within the villa & its stunning grounds for each guest. You're going to feel like a queen, and I want you to remember that feeling via portraits.
-Conversations with other women on their own journeys. A once-in-a-lifetime style girls trip to grow & be inspired.
-Your custom journal to help spur on ideas & meditation.
-A digital travel guide to aid you in planning your time away.
-Free time for relaxation & exploring the gardens our home is situated within.
-....and plenty of surprises, too!
Details:
We ask that all guests plan to arrive at 4:00pm on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The retreat will conclude at 10:00am on Sunday morning, November 9, 2025.
What is included:
join us.
investment
Attendee rates range from $5800 - 7400 per person. (Rate is based off single/double occupancy and room style. Please click below to review options on the registration form)
Note: Airfare & travel to/from villa before & after retreat is not included. We are happy to help you connect with private drivers for your convenience.
Registration opens 5/8/24 for the waitlist & 5/9/24 for the public
Our group will remain intimate in size, therefore spots are very limited.
A note:
registration opens soon
If you’re considering going on a retreat, do it. Don’t try to convince yourself you don’t deserve to go, or that you’ll do the next one, or that you can’t afford it. Pull the trigger. You won’t regret it if you go. I promise.
-Karen, 4 time retreat attendee
illuminare retreats © 2020
| Site design by Kaleigh Turner Creative
Site design by Kaleigh Turner Creative