D U E N D E R E T R E A T S
in collaboration with
presents...
L U C C A, I T A L Y
O C T O B E R 15 - 20, 2023
SweeItaly: Find Your Flair in Tuscany
"We all need more 'flair.'"-Kalin Sheick
THE RETREAT
Among all the things we might have lost during the pandemic, perhaps our own personal sense of 'flair' might be the most overlooked item on the list. If you're feeling the way we do, you're aching to get it back again. Which is why we created this retreat: a respite, a recovery, a chance to completely reset, refocus and have a darn good time in a gorgeous place with like-minded spirits.
Where better than bellissima Toscana?
Come join us for five spectacular days at a private villa just outside the charming town of Lucca. During the week we'll have our own private chef preparing delicious, homemade meals with locally-sourced ingredients. We'll do morning yoga, day trips to nearby Lucca, Greve in Chianti and Le Cinque Terre. We'll enjoy a cooking class, a floral workshop by Kalin, a wine tasting and mostly, a fan-tabulous, flair-tastic time.
ACCOMMODATION
Located just outside the picturesque Renaissance Tuscan town of Lucca (an hour's drive from Florence), we will have the exclusive use of a 17th century estate. The estate is comprised of a main villa, a rennovated farmhouse called the 'dependance' as well as several impeccably decorated private houses. Set amid olive groves near the River Serchio, we'll be surrounded by an abundance of green space perfect for wandering and gathering. In the villa, frescoed living areas will be for guests' use and cooking lessons will be held in the spacious designer country kitchen. The villa is large and spacious: its comfortable and well-designed rooms lend a dreamy home away from home feel. It also has its own library full of books in English, a ballroom as well as its own private chapel. The property also has a separate yoga studio where our yoga practice will take place.
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
CHIANTI & PANZANO
We'll stop in the gorgeous village of Montefioralle in the heart of Chianti to meet the vintner and tour his family-owned vineyard before trying some of his wines. Afterwards we'll head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef Table's Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria - Officina della Bistecca. Dario is quite a character and offers a fun, fascinating, not to mention unforgettable experience. Don't worry if you're a vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is available.
LUCCA
We'll have a guided tour of the remarkable town of Lucca, famous for the 16th century well-preserved wall surrounding it. Also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini, you'll have the chance to visit Casa Puccini, a house museum. After the tour you'll have plenty of time to lunch, wander, stroll and shop.
LE CINQUE TERRE
Spend the day enjoying the 'five lands' or as they're better known: Le Cinque Terre. These stunning villages, perched on steep craggy cliffs, are some of the most picturesque, panoramic views in all of Italy. We'll visit them all by ferry and with a local guide ready to steer you in the direction of the best spots each town has to offer.
COOKING CLASS
What trip to Italy would be complete without a cooking class? Cooking classes will be held at the villa in the gorgeous designer kitchen by a local English-speaking chef well-versed in teaching Italian recipes to those who want to take them home and integrate them into their weekly repertoire.
FLORA & FLAIR
If you have attended one of Kalin's workshops before, you know what you're in for. If you haven't, get ready for some fun and laughs. It's about so much more than just flower power.