Le Dolce Fonte
Retreat in Umbria, September 9-16

Join Amalia and Laara for a week of rest, recalibration and restoration in the Umbrian hills of Italy. With this ancient and fertile land underfoot, we will access the infinite energy of source with ease and grace, nourishing our innate creative and healing capacities. We will come together in daily practice of yoga, laughter, breathwork, creativity, communal meals, pleasure and deep relaxation. Seasonal and local foods will be prepared with intention, and an itinerary of well curated, authentic experiences will be on offer. In the spirit of co-creation, this is a week with purposeful room to evolve based on the needs of the group. Space is limited as we are keeping the size small and intimate.

The structure

Laara and Amalia will be holding space for our week together, opening channels for nourishment and joy. We have taken care of the details so you can relax and just be. In ancient times, each day was connected to a deity or planet, whose characteristics it embodied. In this tradition, our practices and activities are inspired by and aligned with these daily energies. Within this container, all activities are optional and there is room for each participant to have their own individual experience.

The Villa

Our home for the week will be L’Antica Vetreria, once an ancient glass factory, founded in 1292 by artisans from Venice. Renovated with love 20 years ago, the villa boasts original stone walls, a pool overlooking glorious green rolling hills, comfortable king sized beds and private bathrooms. The communal kitchen, dining room and living room have all the amenities, including oversized pillows and throw blankets for lounging, extensive kitchenware and long tables for new friends. The experience of the villa itself will be unforgettable.

Dolce far niente

"Dolce far niente" is the Italian concept of the essence of doing nothing and enjoying it. No stress, no pressure, just absorbing the sweetness of now. The verdant Umbrian landscape invite us into this energy. Lounge by our travertine tiled pool and watch the light change over the green hills as the scent of rosemary and lavender surrounds you. By clearing away the expectation of "doing", we give permission for savouring life's essential sweetness. This is a place that nourishes all senses.

Connection through food

Umbria is a fertile region where there are always fresh, delicious, local ingredients available.With over 20 years of experience in the area as well as training in nutrition, Laara and Amalia will provide meals that nourish and heal. Breakfasts of local fruits, honey, cheese, breads and eggs will start each day, while lunch or dinners will be at hand-picked local eateries or prepared fresh in the Villa. You will also have the opportunity to shop at the local farmers markets. The property and surrounding hills offer fresh herbs, wild greens and edible flowers.

Yoga, breath and creative flow

There will be daily yoga and breathwork practices led by Amalia, who leads in an inclusive, non-judgemental way, inviting each participant to soften into and respect their own unique relationship to their inner landscape. Modifications are encouraged and individual expressions are welcome. Laara will offer daily creative prompts and guidance for tapping into sources of flow. She will share mind mapping techniques and art supplies will be on hand for those that feel inspired.

Village life

Our small, medieval village of Piegaro was once a healing haven for wounded soldiers of the Punic wars, and has been a retreat for deep regeneration ever since. Located on the border of Tuscany, Piegaro is an ideal base for exploring the region. On the famous Orvieto wine trail, Piegaro is close to numerous idyllic villages, each boasting their own artisanal crafts and gastronomy as well as many nearby vineyards. Lake Trasimeno and Marmore falls are nearby, as well as ancient sulphur hot springs.

Excursions

Woven through our week will be three day-trips. All are within an hour of the property and we will have a private driver at our service. We have chosen these experiences as they connect with the energies of the days they take place.

Bagni San Filippo

Bagni San Filippo is a natural sulphur hot springs off the usual tourist track. Situated in a fairy tale like setting, amidst green woods, you can relax in the blue pools of healing waters. It is believed that the Etruscans and the Romans bathed here.

Retreat of St Francis

Eramo delle Carceri is a 12th century hermitage where St Francis of Assisi often came for retreat. Surrounded by an ancient forest of oaks and pines, it is a place of meditative peace and contemplation.

Pomario Biodynamic Vineyard

Pomario is a local biodynamic vineyard where we will have lunch and a wine tasting, as well as a tour of the land where they produce wines, honey and olive oil. With deep respect for natural cycles and a renegade attitude towards sensual pleasure, Pomario is one of our favourite vineyards.

Practicalities and Prices

Arrival and departure

Guests are responsible for transport to the property. Piegaro is located 2 hours North of Rome, 1 hour south of Florence and 30 minutes from Perugia. The nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano where you can take a taxi 20 minutes to the property. You can also rent a car or we can help arrange for a private airport pickup. You are welcome to arrive after 1pm on the 9th and depart by 10am on the 16th.

Prices

Shared room with ensuite bath:

2300 Euros

Earlybird before July 15: 2100 Euros

Private King room with ensuite bath:

2700 Euros

Earlybird before July 15: 2500 Euros

Payment plans available

What's included

What's included: 7 nights accommodation, yoga, breathwork, cooking and creativity classes, daily breakfast buffet plus either lunch or dinner at restaurants or the Villa depending on the day's itinerary. Local group excursions including transportation with a private driver.

What's not included: Transport to the property, alcohol at restaurants

About Us

Amalia and Laara have been friends and co-conspirators for over 30 years. Sharing a love for the Mediterranean land, ceremony, and pleasure, L' Antica Vetreria has been a second home for them and they are so happy to welcome you!

Amalia Papachristopoulos

Amalia attributes much of her character to growing up between cosmopolitan New York City and her sleepy seaside village in Greece. Having access to multiculturalism and modernity New York and to the traditional wisdom of the earth in Greece, she was able to walk between these two worlds sharing each with the other. Amalia is an enthusiastic linguist, farmer and chef who works as a freelance translator, olive oil producer and caterer. Amalia found yoga in 1999 and has been practicing ever since. She is honored to be able to share the wisdom, peace and grace that yoga has brought to her life here...

Laara Matsen

Laara has been a "creative midwife" for decades, working with photographers, artists and writers to help them birth long term projects. She has led and facilitated numerous workshops and mentor groups as well as ceremonial gatherings. With lineage of sacred medicine from her Lakota Sioux grandfather and plant wisdom from her homesteading grandmother, Laara holds a playful connection to the natural and spirit world. L'Antica Vetreria is Laara's family property, and she gets great joy sharing the pleasures of this special place with others.