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Make new memories under the Tuscan sun

A 9-day yoga & memoir writing retreat
For women seeking rest & renewal, creativity & connection

Led by Lee Horton-Carter & Anne Bokma
April 30 - May 10, 2024

Limited to 12 participants

THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Begin the day by opening yourself up with gentle yoga stretches around the pool, then enjoy a scrumptious communal breakfast before gathering in an intimate and confidential setting for lively interactive writing sessions, complete with stimulating prompts, instruction on the art of memoir, and sharing the stories of our lives. 

Afternoons are spent as you wish: reading, writing, one-on-one writing coaching time, lounging, swimming, napping, exploring the countryside. Head to the nearby ancient village of Lucca to stroll or bike the pedestrian promenade and enjoy a gelato. Take in such magnificent attractions as the Piazza of San Michele with its beautiful Church of San Michele in Foro, the Basilica of San Frediano as well as the Clock Tower and Guinigi Tower.

In the evenings, weather dependent, we will gather either on the veranda for alfresco dining or indoors with leisurely handcrafted meals that set the stage for sharing conversation and making connections.

Note: The retreat is styled on a cooperative model of communal meal prep and cleanup with Lee Horton-Carter serving as the chef. No writing or yoga experience is necessary. The retreat is adapted to suit all levels of writing and yoga experience.

Life is short. Give yourself this gift of time to be creative, to explore, to engage in the healing practice of yoga. This is a time for you and a time to be together in community.

The retreat includes:

• 9 nights accommodation in a restored Tuscan farmhouse (one hour outside of Florence) with a saltwater pool, hydromassage spa tub, and beautiful views

• Transfer to and from Pisa International Airport

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinners (except on 2 optional excursion days).
  Allergies & food preferences accommodated.

• Mindful morning yoga with Lee

• Daily 2.5 hour memoir writing workshops with Anne

• One-on-one writing coaching time with Anne

• Day-long excursion to Florence (optional)

• Day-long excursion to Cinque Terre (optional)

  Retreat fee: $1,975 - $2,875, based on type of room occupancy
  (Does not include airfare, or transport/meals on optional excursion days)

THE VILLA

Casa Mennone is a traditional 16th century, 9-bedroom, 6-bathroom farmhouse that is thoughtfully decorated, sustainably renovated, comfortably furnished and well equipped with quiet air conditioning in every room, fast Wi-Fi, a circular saltwater pool, sun loungers, a hydromassage hot tub, wood-fired pizza oven and magnificent views of the Italian countryside. It offers plenty of space to socialize, as well as quiet areas to relax in solitude.

The villa is perfectly situated in central Italy in the western region of Tuscany — just 40 minutes from Pisa, an hour from Florence and two hours from Cinque Terre. It’s a 3 km walk to the medieval village of Camigliano, which has several historic villas, and a 15-minute drive to Lucca, one of the most beloved cities in Tuscany, with an abundance of medieval walls, streets, and squares that distinguish it as a must-see destination for travellers.

TRAVELLERS’ REVIEWS OF THE VILLA

“The view was incredible!”

“The villa was very clean and comfortable and had everything we needed. The owners were friendly, helpful, and made us feel very welcomed.”

“Highly recommend!”

“An amazing place to stay.”

“Love, love Casa Mennone!”

“Had a wonderful week there with great friends and made new ones!”

YOUR RETREAT LEADERS: Lee & Anne

The retreat will be guided by registered psychotherapist, certified yoga instructor, and talented chef, Lee Horton-Carter with award-winning author and writing coach Anne Bokma leading memoir workshops.

Lee and Anne are committed to creating  intimate, cooperative and transformational retreats with the goal of good food, good programming, good accommodations and good company in the most beautiful places in the world. They are driven by a mission to create safe, welcoming, supportive and inspiring retreats that create a strong sense of community. 

Here’s what our previous retreat participants had to say:

“The retreat in Spain with Anne and Lee is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. They are fantastic leaders, highly skilled in sharing their unique energy, talent and expertise with our group. 
Lee’s home-cooked meals were delicious, healthy and lovingly prepared. Anne’s writing exercises helped us get to know one another on a deeper level, allowing us to develop a strong rapport with each other. I can’t wait to see what this incredible duo has planned next!!”
—Marina Intson, Dundas, Ontario

“The retreat was perfectly structured, restful and productive.  Anne creates a safe nest for workshop participants and offers small ways to be brave with thoughtful writing prompts. We all have stories to tell, and it was wonderful to share them with a group of fellow travellers. The meals were delicious, thanks to Lee’s skills in the kitchen. I encourage anyone to go on this incredible journey!”
—Dr. Kim Alexander, Mississauga, Ontario

“I was a little nervous about the writing portion of the retreat since I’ve never written before, but Anne was a great teacher, always available for one-on-one coaching and by the end of the week we’d each written a personal story to share. I loved practising yoga each morning with Lee before breakfast. She was also in charge of the meals and they were exceptional with lots of variety to suit all tastes. We talked, we laughed, we cried and, of course, we drank some wine! It’s an experience I would highly recommend.”
—Lynn Brohman, Kitchener, Ontario

DAY-LONG EXCURSIONS (OPTIONAL) 

May 4: Florence

Florence's charm lies in its rich history, captivating art scene, and stunning architecture. With its world-renowned museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli.

The city's picturesque streets and piazzas, such as Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo, provide a delightful ambiance for leisurely strolls and Florence's culinary delights, including delectable Tuscan cuisine and renowned gelato, are sure to satisfy any food lover's palate.

Additionally, the city's central location in Tuscany makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside and vineyards. Whether it's admiring the iconic Duomo, crossing the Ponte Vecchio, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Florence offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

We will take a taxi/train to the city and guests have the option of booking a gallery tour, going shopping or strolling the streets. Your group leaders will select a restaurant where we will gather for dinner.

May 8: Cinque Terre

Time to strap on your comfortable shoes! The five picturesque fishing communities of the Cinque Terre are the most iconic highlight of the Italian Riveria. They are perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and provide awe-inspiring views.The rugged coastline, vineyards, and terraced hillsides create a unique and enchanting landscape that’s perfect for hiking and exploring. Each village has its own distinct character and charm, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively piazzas. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by sampling delicious seafood dishes, sipping on the region's famous wines, and interacting with the friendly locals. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cinque Terre is a paradise. The area is crisscrossed with a network of hiking trails that connect the five villages, allowing visitors to explore the stunning coastline and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. The trails range in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

We will take a taxi/train for the two-hour ride from the villa, then hike, explore and finish the day with a group meal.

DAY-BY-DAY DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 (Wednesday, May 1): Arrival at Villa Mennone at approximately 11 a.m. Central European Standard time. Lunch will be served. Take the afternoon to rest and nap since you will be tired from the long flight. A classic Italian meal with wine will be prepared for that evening’s meal, followed by an offering of yoga nidra to help people to relax prior to going to bed. 

Day 2 (Thursday, May 2): Morning yoga, breakfast, 2.5 hour writing workshop, lunch, free time in the afternoon to relax, hike, or visit the nearby town of Lucca by taxi, then dinner. 

Day 3 (Friday, May 3): Same as above with a wine tasting at a nearby vineyard in the afternoon.

Day 4 (Saturday, May 4): Optional day trip to Florence by taxi and train. Those who chose to stay at the villa for the day can take advantage of the time to rest, relax, read and sit by the pool.

Day 5 (Sunday, May 5): Same as Day 2

Day 6 (Monday, May 6): Same as Day 2 with afternoon outing to Lucca

Day 7 (Tuesday, May 7): Same as Day 2

Day 8 (Wednesday, May 9): Day trip to Cinque Terre

Day 9 (Thursday, May 9): Completed memoir stories to be shared by everyone.

Day 10 (Friday, May 10): Breakfast and taxi to airport with flight

PRICING AND ACCOMMODATIONS

There are 5 double beds and 5 single beds available

•Private room with double bed for 1 person: $2,875 per person
•Private room with one single bed for 1 person
(only one such room is available): $2,675 per person
•Private room with two single beds for 2 guests: $2,475 per person
•Private room with double bed shared by 2 guests: $1,975 per person

Note: Airfare is not included in the price of the retreat. Costs for daylong excursions (taxi, activities, meals) are also not included.

Prior to booking, Lee and Anne will schedule a Zoom call with you to answer your questions about the retreat experience.

To book, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 Cdn is required to reserve your spot.  The balance of payment is due March 1, 2024. Payment can be made by e-transfer to Lee Horton-Carter at leehortoncarter1@gmail.com.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Here’s what we recommend:

DEPARTURE FOR ITALY

• Depart from Toronto on Tuesday, April 30, from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Air Canada flight #AC840 at 4:40 p.m.

• Arriving at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Germany, at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 with a 90-minute layover.

• Depart Frankfurt Airport at 8:10 a.m. on Air Dolomiti Flight# EN8870

• Arrives at Pisa International Airport (PSA) at 9:40 a.m.

  RETURN FLIGHT TO TORONTO

• Taxi pick up from the villa on Friday, May 10 AT 6 a.m. for Pisa International Airport (PSA)

• Depart at 10:15 a.m. local time fly Air Dolomiti fight #EN8871 to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany. Two hour layover.

• Depart at 1:55 p.m. local time on Lufthansa flight# LH470 to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), arriving at 4:20 local time.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What’s the weather like in Tuscany in early May?
Spring is in full bloom in Tuscany come May. Though the weather can be a little temperamental, it is more consistent with fewer bouts of rain, more hours of sunshine, and daily temperatures ranging between 54°F to 73°F (12-23°C) with the occasional mercury spike of 86°F (30°C).

Do I have to be good at yoga?
Not at all! Whether you’re a novice or practice yoga at an advanced level, all are welcome. Yoga classes, led by Lee, will last approximately 45 minutes, and offer moves to accommodate a range of abilities. Lee, a psychotherapist, will demonstrate how yoga promotes a completely different mindset compared to regular fitness programs. She will emphasize the importance of mindfulness towards your body's abilities, which may vary day to day, and how yoga can work to contribute positively towards mental health and overall enjoyment of life.

What if I’ve never written anything before?
No worries! Anne, is an experienced writing coach who works with all levels of writers, including those who have never written a word before. With her positive and approachable nature, she has successfully coached many people in crafting both short memoir-style pieces as well as book-length memoirs and will guide you through the process step-by-step. She will use a series of writing prompts, exercises, and lessons on memoir to help you create a 1,000-word true life story. At the end of the week, we will share our stories together.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds after booking due to deposits that are required to reserve the villa. While we fully expect this retreat to sell out quickly, we reserve the right to cancel if there are fewer than eight participants. We will meet via Zoom with anyone who is interested in booking the retreat before confirming your registration.

OUR REQUEST OF YOU

Commitment to creating a cooperative community
Participants agree to bring their best selves to this experience and treat everyone with kindness and respect, to be inclusive of each other and to ensure everyone is equally heard. Participants also agree to help with setting the table and cleaning up and Lee will need one person in the kitchen as a sous chef before dinner. All participants agree to assist in ensuring the property is left in the condition it was in when they arrived.  

Signed liability waiver
Kindly note that we are not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur over the course of the retreat due to theft, illness, accidents, pandemics, serious weather conditions or bodily injury. Upon booking you will be required to sign a liability waiver.