OCTOBER 11-17, 2020
SHE LET HERSELF GO
VAL D'ORCIA, TUSCANY
May 8-13, 2023
Join us, along with Amanda Tatom, in the spectacular Tuscan countryside for a week of nature, architecture, art, history, culture and cuisine.
'She Let Herself Go' is one of my favorite George Strait songs. It provided the perfect namesake for this retreat: an homage to my Texas roots, my love for country music, and now the opportunity to see parts of the world that have remained a mystery to me and has presented itself through Regina and Duende Retreats. - Amanda Tatom
THE RETREAT
For five days and nights, join the firecracker Amanda Tatom as we savour, sip, steep, relish and devour every last bit of what bellissima Toscana has to offer. We'll embrace slow travel, engaging in authentic ways with the region's art, history, cuisine, landscapes and people. Designed to be a soul-nourishing, sensory week for the self, on this retreat you will let go of the demands of your days and be taken care of while enjoying the company of other like-minded women.
"This kind of experience is a key to life. I'm convinced!" - Amanda Tatom
THE ITINERARY
Each day we will incorporate something for the senses, satisfying the mind, body and spirit. There will be plenty of time for indulging a variety of cultural and creative activities. When we aren't at the villa, we'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Val d'Orcia, an off-the-beaten-path part of Tuscany that's featured in movies like "Gladiator," "The English Patient," and Franco Zefferelli's "Romeo and Juliet," and the recent Netflix series, "Medici." We'll visit hidden gems like a nearby Romanesque abbey, tour a prestigious Montalcino winery, and enjoy the most charming, medieval and Renaissance-era towns of Tuscany like Siena and Pienza. In the evenings we'll enjoy delicious meals prepared by the chef.
Our intention is to create an itinerary that balances your need for space and time with just the right amount of culture and community.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in a private villa which is part of a larger, family-owned estate. An hour and a half from Florence, and fifteen minutes from Montalcino (renowned for its rich Brunello wine) the villa is nestled amid some of the world's most inspiring landscapes. Surrounded by the family's olive groves and 600 hectares of vineyards, with a pool and several panoramic sitting areas, the grounds are perfect for plenty of peace and quiet...a great place to dance like nobody's watching.
The villa also has wifi, a washing machine, air-conditioning and a private chef.
YOUR GUIDES
Niccolo' & Alexandra
Regina Tingle
Niccolo' & Regina
Ciao, I’m Regina. I'm originally from Texas (born in Houston, raised in Dallas) but Italy is my adopted home -- I lived there for over a decade. (It's a long story -- yes, it involved an Italian and yes, we can talk about it over wine!) While there I was lucky enough to travel all over the boot-shaped peninsula, taking groups around to the country's most memorable places. During my travels I fell in love with so many places and made deep connections with the people, many of whom have become like beloved family. It's an absolute joy for me to show people around who will enjoy it as much as I have.
I work with an amazing husband and wife team from the area, Niccolo' and Alexandra, who help make our week in Tuscany smooth, seamless and magical. They are incredible hosts -- proud of where they're from and eager to share their beautiful homeland. Like me, you too will fall in love with their fun, friendly and warm hospitality.
Whether it's your first time or your umpteenth time in Italy, the intention is to offer you an experience that resonates on a soulful level, giving you a burst of inspiration that you can take back to your regular life. Whether you're flying solo or in group of gal pals, this trip is assured to bring you merriment, joy and connection -- both with yourself and with others. Can't wait to see you in bellissima Italia!
A FEW WORDS FROM AMANDA
One of my mottos is “it’s never too late.” Those words ring more and more true the longer I live. I got back into television at age 40. Fell in love again at age 45. Started my podcast at 48. I guess you could say I fell unwillingly into the second act of my life but have ended up savoring every moment and feel thrilled to be thriving!
Your circumstances certainly don't have to mirror mine: whether you are married or divorced, fresh out of college or a supremely seasoned queen, a hard working stay at home mom or master of the boardroom…no matter what stage of life you’re in, let yourself go! On this trip, on this adventure, on this experience. Every detail has been thought of, every beautiful thing put in place. All that’s left to do is pack your bags and come enjoy. I hope to see you in Italy!
“There’s only one very good life, and that’s the life that you know you want, and you make it yourself.”
- Diana Vreeland
COST & INCLUSIONS
Prices are per person, listed in GBP (click here for exchange rates)
RETREAT INCLUDES:
-
ROUNDTRIP PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM FLORENCE TO VILLA
-
FIVE NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
-
ALL MEALS EXCEPT ONE LUNCH
-
PRIVATE WINE TASTING OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
-
PRIVATE ORGANIC FARM TOUR WITH PECORINO CHEESE TASTING
-
GUIDED HIKE
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GUIDED TOUR OF SIENA
-
LUNCH & TASTING AT PRESTIGIOUS WINERY
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COOKING CLASS, WINERY TOUR & BRUNELLO TASTING
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TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM ORGANIZED EXCURSIONS
ACCOMMODATION
Various rooms available, including single occupancy and shared options in both the main villa and the separate neighboring cottage, a stone's throw away from the main villa.
Jasmine Room
SINGLE QUEEN WITH EN SUITE BATH & VALLEY VIEW
£3900 - SOLD -
Rosemary Room
SINGLE QUEEN WITH SHARED BATH (NOT EN SUITE) & VALLEY VIEW
£3600 - SOLD -
Caper Room
VALLEY VIEW DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM WITH TWO SINGLE BEDS & SHARED BATH (NOT EN SUITE - SHARED WITH ONE OTHER GUEST)
£2600 - SOLD -
Rose Room
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM WITH TWO SINGLE BEDS & PRIVATE BATH (NOT EN SUITE)
£2600 - SOLD -
Lavender Room
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM WITH TWO SINGLE BEDS & PRIVATE BATH (NOT EN SUITE)
£2600 - ONE SPOT SOLD, ONE SPOT AVAILABLE
Geranium Room
SINGLE QUEEN WITH PRIVATE BATH (NOT EN SUITE)
£3700 - SOLD -
Bergamot Room
SINGLE QUEEN WITH SHARED EN SUITE BATH
(SHARED WITH TWO OTHER GUESTS)
£3600
Wisteria Room
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM WITH TWO SINGLE BEDS WITH SHARED BATH (SHARED WITH ONE OTHER GUEST)
£2600 - SOLD -
Lemon Blossom Room
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOM WITH TWO SINGLE BEDS WITH PRIVATE EN SUITE BATH (LOCATED IN SEPARATE, NEIGHBORING COTTAGE) £2600 - SOLD -
Orange Blossom Room
SINGLE QUEEN LOFT BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE EN SUITE BATHROOM (LOCATED IN SEPARATE, NEIGHBORING COTTAGE)
£3700
If this retreat resonates with you and you'd like to secure your place, a £1500 nonrefundable deposit is required.
Final nonrefundable payment due February 1, 2023.
Please note that if for any reason this retreat does not run or is cancelled you will be refunded in full. For further details, see Terms & Conditions.
“And how astonishing to feel this sheer bliss, for here she was, not doing and not going to do a single unselfish thing, not going to do a thing she didn't want to do."
- Elizabeth von Arnim, The Enchanted April
FAQs
Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included but once you arrive nearly everything else is. See inclusions here.
Where's the best airport to fly into?
Florence's Peretola Airport is best. We will provide group transfer to the villa from Florence (exact location and time TBD) returning on the 13th by noon, just let us know your flight details and we will let you know the pick-up point.
What if I fly into Rome or Milan?
No problem. You can easily hop on a train to Florence where we will make sure you know where the meeting point is on May 8. Trains run frequently - check the schedule here.
Is it possible to come a day early?
Some people like to explore Florence before heading to the retreat and in fact we advise giving yourself a day or two on either end of the retreat. We can recommend hotels/restaurants and even help with bookings.
Are partners welcome on this retreat?
This particular retreat was designed mostly with women in mind but we welcome all!
Is there WiFi at the villa?
Yes, but it is the countryside so it can be spotty.
Why Duende Retreats?
Duende Retreats offers unique experiences to those who want to travel on a deeper level to create lasting connections with themselves, the places they visit and those they meet along the way. Read on to find out more.
After I deposit, what happens next?
After you deposit, you'll get a confirmation email letting you know we've received your payment and you're booking is confirmed. As the retreat date nears, we'll be in touch with helpful tips and further information.
If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to duende@duenderetreats.com
Let's face it, sometimes life throws us a shit sandwich. Nevertheless, it's my goal to show my three daughters that a woman can be whoever she wants no matter her age or the cards she’s been dealt. -Amanda Tatom