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 soaking in the beauty of Southern Italy.  If you're longing for inspiration, self-care time, adventure, 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 fields breathing in the fresh Puglian air.  Walking through the cobblestone streets of Southern Italy's whitewashed towns. And the tastes... we'll fill our bellies (and our souls) with the cuisine of Puglia.

We will come home filled. 
With experiences, with the love of a culture, with new friends, and with a renewed sense of self.


Our recently renovated villa packs a punch of history intermingled with luxury.  Built in the 1600s, it was recently completely revamped (opened in late 2022) by a mixture of local architects and world-renowned interior designers.  The 10 bedrooms, 2 pools, multiple living & dining areas, both indoor and al fresco, assure that this is one retreat you won't forget.  Set on 7 acres of gardens, this oasis nestled in the sun-filled area of Southern Italy is all ours for the week.

Attendees can expect to enjoy a relaxed slow-paced retreat, matching the energy of the region.  We will head out to explore some of the local villages together - while also spending plenty of R&R time within our stunning, fully staffed, private accommodations.

From daily housekeeping service to our private in-house chef preparing a farm-to-table experience, you can expect to be taken care of at every turn.  If a relaxing Italian retreat is what you're looking for, you'll find it here.


 "The hottest new Italian villa..."   
-Conde Nast Traveller

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.  Attendees can select to stay in either double accommodation rooms (2 beds) or single occupancy (limited quantity available).  Our attendees are eager to mix & mingle amongst their new friends throughout the day & over star-filled-sky dinners.

Click "next" for more information 

What is the group size & when we will know who is joining us?

The group will include up to 14-16 participants, plus the host Amanda

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? 

In a word, incredible.
You will stay in a truly luxurious villa nestled in the countryside of Puglia.  Each detail has been thought of to ensure a relaxing stay.  We have the entire property to ourselves, but it is also fully staffed with daily housekeeping, turn down services, and a private local chef providing the vast majority of our meals.  There are (limited) single occupancy accommodations available, while the rest of the attendees will share 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!  Each attendee will have their own bed, and each room has its own ensuite bathroom.

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 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. 50 minutes from both the Bari and Brindisi airports.  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.  Several towns are within a 15 minute drive of our villa.


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Important FAQs.
Click "next" to read each one

Once-in-a-lifetime experience in sun-washed southern italy

Go home refreshed & empowered
-
Embrace the culture, history, and food of Puglia

Once-in-a-lifetime experience in italy

Go home refreshed & empowered
-
EMBRACE THE CULTURE, HISTORY, AND FOOD OF puglia

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 10 bedrooms, 2 pools, housekeeping & private in-house chef

-Options of either a single occupancy room (limited quantity available) or double occupancy (two beds in the room).  All rooms have their own en suite (bathroom).  (Coming solo & would like a double room?  No problem!  We will pair you up with a fellow attendee)

-Exploration of local white-washed villages including Alberobello & Locorotondo

-A day trip to enjoy the Adriatic Sea views at one of Italy's most beautiful beaches, Polignano a Mare

-Daily breakfast included

-All lunches & dinners with wine (with the exception of one) included & prepared by our private in-house Italian chef using mostly farm to table ingredients

-Pampering for your body & mind, including time with a yoga instructor and a massage

-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 adventure

-Free time for relaxation & exploring the gardens our home is situated within 

-....and some surprises, too 

Details:

We ask that all guests plan to arrive between noon-2:00 on Monday, Sept 2, 2024.

The retreat will conclude at 9:30am on Sunday morning, Sept 8, 2024.

What is included:

join us.

investment

Retreat Fee Options:

  • Single Occupancy:  $5600 (per person)
Deposit required to hold your space: $950

  • Double Occupancy: $4600 (per person)
Deposit required to hold your space:  $750

Note: Airfare & travel to/from villa before & after retreat is not included.  

Click below to apply to join.  


Our group will remain intimate in size, therefore spots are very limited. 

A note:

SOLD OUT

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

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