"Buono come il pane." Good as bread. -- an Italian saying
Join baker Ret Beiler in the spectacular Tuscan countryside for a week of nature, architecture, art, history, culture, cuisine...and sourdough: the oldest way of baking bread known to man. Together, during this retreat we'll have the chance to learn about the healthy qualities of sourdough, its processes and learn how to make it from expert baker, Ret as well as the Italians, right on the newly-converted ancient mill located just a few kilometers down the road from the villa.
"I’ve watched too many people suffer from health issues that could be avoided through better education. My method is to make it as fun as possible. I want to show others that’s it’s not only sustainable, but the process is approachable, necessary and FUN!"
- Ret Beiler
THE RETREAT
For five days and nights, join us May 5-10, 2024 in savouring, sipping, steeping, relishing and devouring 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 folk.
The 900 hectare family-owned estate where the villa is located has recently converted its old mill into a modern sourdough bakery using local grains grown right there on the property. During the week we will have a guided tour and workshop in the gorgeous kitchen overlooking the stunning hills of Val d'Orcia.
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.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in a private villa which is part of a larger, family-owned estate which houses a castle and a dozen other properties. 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 900 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 we'll have our own private chef.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Prices are in GBP and per person. See inclusions below.
Bergamot
Single £3450 | Shared: £2950 (shared bed)
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Lovely queen canopy bed located in the main villa with spacious ensuite bathroom shared with the neighboring twin bedroom.
Jasmine
Single £4200 | Double £2950 (shared bed)
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Large single queen room with spacious private en suite bath. Both bedroom and bathroom have stunning valley views.
Geranium
Single £3950 | Double £2950 (shared bed)
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Single queen room in main villa with private bathroom located just outside the hall.
Rosemary
Single £3650 | Shared £2950 (shared bed)
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Queen room with stunning valley view & shared bathroom (sharing with max two other guests). Bathroom located just outside the door in the hallway.
Rose
Single £3950 | Double £2950
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Double room with two single beds located in main villa. Guests will share their own private bathroom located across the hall.
Lemon Blossom
Single £3950 | Shared £2950
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Located in lovely neighboring cottage, this downstairs bedroom has its own private en suite bathroom, pool and valley view. Guests staying in the cottage also have exclusive use of the cottage's kitchen and charming living area.
S O L D
Orange Blossom
Single £3950 | Double £2950 (shared bed)
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Upstairs loft bedroom in cottage with private en suite bathroom, pool and valley view. Guests staying in the cottage also have exclusive use of the cottage's kitchen & charming living area. While room is private, there's no bedroom door.
A FEW WORDS FROM RET
My passion for sourdough started soon after my husband Sam and I were married. We were both experiencing mild health issues, and because I tend to be an idealist, I knew there was better out there when it came to food and diets. So I slowly began changing our diets and saw drastic improvements. The biggest shock was that it was actually easy. It took simplifying our foods, going back to ancient practices of preparation and preserving.
I fell in love with Val d’Orcia during Duende’s “Writing With Phylicia.” I felt a pull to the location and immediately knew I wanted to come back. When I found out the estate where the villa is located has a converted mill turned sourdough bakery where they make sourdough based breads and pizza from the grain they grow, Regina and I both knew it was a retreat meant to be!
We can’t wait for you to join us for this joyful week of baking and basking in beautiful Tuscany!
“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:
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ROUNDTRIP PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM FLORENCE TO VILLA
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FIVE NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
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ALL MEALS EXCEPT ONE LUNCH
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PRIVATE WINE TASTING OF BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
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PRIVATE ORGANIC FARM TOUR WITH PECORINO CHEESE TASTING
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GUIDED HIKE
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GUIDED TOUR OF SIENA
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LUNCH & TASTING AT PRESTIGIOUS WINERY
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COOKING CLASS, WINERY TOUR & BRUNELLO TASTING
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BREAD BAKING DEMO BY RET
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TOUR & BREAD BAKING WORKSHOP AT LOCAL MILL/BAKERY FOLLOWED BY LUNCH
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TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM ORGANIZED EXCURSIONS