CHIANTI, ITALY

MOVE + MANIFEST [LUXURY] – Join us on our annual luxurious splurge in the heart of Italian wine region for a fall getaway, themed in ‘self-care’ – enjoy a 5* spa retreat, spa treatments, one of the best food seasons in Italy, as well as daily yoga + soul-coaching workshops.

THE HOTEL

This magnificent yoga retreat will take place at the acclaimed 5-star hotel, Castello del Nero, the historic home of Florentine noble families Del Nero and Torrigiani, restored to the highest levels of luxury while preserving its 900 years of architectural heritage on over 740-acres of Tuscan landscape.

Travellers seeking authentic Tuscany will find themselves immersed in the renowned beauty of the Chianti wine region. They will discover the rich flavours of seasonal harvests in the award-winning on-site restaurant and uplifting therapies amidst the natural beauty of ESPA at Castello del Nero.

Picture-perfect landscapes with olive groves and vineyards provide a memorable backdrop for this 12th-century castle. Whimsical details include restored original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, ‘cotto’ floors and a gorgeous collection of antique furniture.

With its 700 acres of centuries-old cypress trees and impressive gardens, Castello del Nero feels much like the fiefdom of a Tuscan lord—and in fact, the original structure has belonged to various noble families since the twelfth century. Frescoes and vaulted ceilings give the design grandeur and formality, as do the terra-cotta floors, claw-foot tubs, and sumptuous four-poster beds done in the baldachin style with fabric headboards. The 50 huge guest rooms designed by Alain Mertens (Madonna and Sting are among his clients) are airy and light, with beautiful fabrics and subtle colors. — Conde Nast Traveler

CUISINE

Healthful, vegetarian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as dining in the hotel’s award-winning restaurants (including a Michelin-starred meal on the final evening) and in amazing restaurants in nearby towns. The cuisine is simple, delicious and Italian, using fresh ingredients from the local markets and on-site gardens. Selection is seasonal, and you can guarantee to love and appreciate each bite. Not only do we enjoy savoring the Italian cuisine, but guests will also get to learn more about the region’s fare on a food class and wine-tasting in the surrounding Chianti region, where some of Italy’s most famous vintages are produced.

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel and encompassing estate with the spa, pool, and hiking trails, but the richness of the Italian cities in nearby regions. Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience. We’ll enjoy a balanced retreat with down time on-site with the spa and pool, beautiful landscapes and trails, as well as visits around the region. Trips include visits to the nearby cities of Florence and Siena, and various Chianti wine region villages for tastings.