The Slow Life (La Vita Lenta) Retreat

THE SLOW LIFE (LA VITA LENTA) RETREAT

PUGLIA, ITALY

OCTOBER 26TH - NOV 1ST, 2026

16 WOMEN

ABOUT THE RETREAT

The Slow Life | La Vita Lenta is a seven-day carefully curated immersion designed to bring you back to her through art, painting, pottery, music, food, nature, ritual, and connection within.

La Vita Lenta Retreat is intentionally designed around a series of themes that guide the rhythm of the week. Each day is centered around a different experience. The themes for the next seven days focus on:

ARRIVO (The Arrival) | Grounding. Intention. Gathering.

GIOCARE (Play) | Creativity. Expression. Joy.

ESPLORARE (Wander) | Expansion. Culture. Perspective.

VITALITÀ (Vitality) | Energy. Movement. Aliveness.

TAVOLA (The Table) | Ritual. Nourishment. Connection.

BENESSERE (Well-Being) | Rest. Integration. Ease.

Arrivederci (Good-Bye Until Next Time) | Reflection. Celebration. What’s next.

Rather than filling the itinerary with constant activity, each day focuses on its theme, allowing women to fully immerse themselves in that experience. Some days are centered around movement and wellness practices, others around creative workshops and playful expression, while others invite guests to explore the charming towns, culture, and food traditions of Puglia. The intention is to create a retreat where every experience builds on the next, blending wellness, culture, connection, and the joy of Italian living.

There is a version of you that existed before the rush. Before the calendar invites. Before the pressure to hold everything together.

Perhaps she was softer, more creative, more playful, more connected. Let's go find her again.

WHY PUGLIA

Nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia, known locally as Puglia is one of the country’s most authentic and culturally rich regions. Here, life unfolds at a slower, more intentional rhythm. Ancient olive trees stretch across sun-drenched countryside, whitewashed towns glow at golden hour, and the Adriatic coastline frames days with salt air and light.

Puglia is deeply agricultural, and its cuisine reflects that. This is the birthplace of orecchiette pasta, burrata, and some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oil. Meals are built around what is grown locally, fresh vegetables, handmade pastas, just-caught seafood, rustic breads, and generational recipes passed down through families. The culture is warm, grounded, and proud of its traditions. Craftsmanship lives in its ceramics, its stone architecture, its vineyards, and its kitchens. Evenings stretch long, conversations linger, and beauty exists without excess.

YOUR STAY |MASSERIA PISTOLA

(A Mandarin Oriental Property)

Nestled in the peaceful Canale Di Pirro valley, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, our private estate is a nearly 300-year-old restored masseria overlooking panoramic countryside.

✨10+1 en-suite bedrooms

✨Iconic trulli suites with conical ceilings

✨Hand-carved stone & ceramic soaking tubs

✨Three kitchens for immersive culinary moments

✨The Grand Mangatore dining room Reflection. Celebration. What’s next.

✨Multiple stone courtyards & private gardens

✨Expansive pool deck + additional plunge pool

✨Four hectares of terraced Giardini Pistola gardens

Each of the ten en-suite bedrooms showcase different historical characteristics, from conical trulli ceilings typical to Alberobello to the cumsera or gable-roofed arches of the main farmhouse. Stunning ceramic roll top and carved stone bathtubs are found throughout the property, some tucked in private outdoor terraces.

THE EXPERIENCES

(Everything included in the retreat)

✨Daily Mediterranean-inspired Meals (breakfasts, lunch and farm-to-table dinner) prepared by our Private Chef

✨Hands-on Puglian cooking class with our private chef, followed by the meal you create together

✨3 Hour Local Olive Oil Tasting Experience at Masseria

✨Stone oven pizza & wine night

✨Daily wellness sessions including pilates, yoga, sound healing, movement, meditation

✨Private Art Workshops with a local artisan (Ceramics & Painting)

✨Private Guided Day Trip To Ostuni, Polignano a Mare and surrounding areas.

✨Spa time and scheduled Massage Treatments (Add ons)

✨Tennis social and evening games

✨Heated pool and gardens for relaxation

✨Countryside walks and free time to explore nearby towns

✨Journaling and reflection time

✨Welcome ritual and opening circle

✨Welcome Dinner beneath the Puglian sky

✨Farewell Dinner Celebration

THE DAILY FLOW

This itinerary is a sample outline of the retreat experience. While the overall structure will remain very similar, some details may shift slightly based on seasonality, local availability, and the natural flow of our time together in Puglia.

✨DAY 1 — ARRIVO (Arrival)

Intention: Grounding. Connection. Gathering.

• Check-in & room tours

• Welcome ritual

• Time to wander the property

• Mediterranean-inspired lunch prepared by our private chef

• Meet & Greet & Intention Ceremony

• Farm To Table Dinner

✨DAY 2 — GIOCARE (Play)

Intention: Creativity. Expression. Joy.

• Today is about reconnecting to the part of you that creates freely, without pressure, performance, or perfection.

• Morning Gentle Hatha Yoga - A gentle hatha practice with a guided private instructor to help you ease into your week.

• Private Chef Breakfast: A colorful, nutrient-dense breakfast featuring seasonal fruits, high-quality proteins, and thoughtfully prepared local specialties to support sustained energy.

• Journal & Read: Quiet, unstructured time to reflect, read, or simply be still.

• 2 Hour Meditative Ceramic Workshop - A guided, hands-on class with a local artisan where you’ll learn foundational techniques and create your own ceramic piece.

• Private Chef Lunch: A relaxed, Mediterranean-style lunch highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, balanced flavors.

• Free Time: Enjoy the pool, explore the grounds, rest, or connect with others at your own pace.

• Painting Workshop - A beautifully guided painting class led by a local instructor, an opportunity to express creativity in a serene setting, complemented by wine and a thoughtfully curated experience.

• Farm To Table Dinner: A beautifully prepared evening meal inspired by traditional Apulian cuisine, shared together at the table.

✨ DAY 3 — ESPLORARE (Wander)

Intention: Expansion. Culture. Perspective.

• Today we explore the beauty of Puglia beyond the estate stepping into its towns, coastline, and everyday rhythm of life.

• Private Chef Breakfast: A nourishing start before departure — warm pastries, seasonal fruits, local specialties, eggs and more

• Private Guided Day Trip: Explore the whitewashed streets and coastal beauty of Ostuni & Alberobello at a relaxed, intentional pace

• Lunch in Town: Explore local cuisine at your own pace.

• Dinner in Town: An evening out in true Italian fashion — slow courses, local wine together as a group

• Wandering reminds us how much there is to see, feel, and experience.

✨ DAY 4 — VITALITÀ (Vitality)

Intention: Energy. Movement. Aliveness.

• Today is designed to energize the body, encourage play, and restore through intentional experiences.

• Vitality Session One: Morning Pilates (Core Focus): A strength-driven session to activate the core, improve posture, and build stability

• Private Chef Breakfast: A nourishing Mediterranean breakfast to fuel the day

• The Tennis Social: Light, playful movement an opportunity to connect, move, and enjoy the energy of the group

• Private Chef Lunch: Fresh, seasonal dishes served family-style to refuel and recharge

• Vitality Session Two: Sound Bath / Gong Therapy: A deeply restorative experience designed to calm the nervous system, release tension, and bring the body back into balance

• Dinner: Stone Oven Pizza & Wine Night at the Masseria — a relaxed, communal evening centered around wood-fired tradition, local wine, and connection

✨DAY 5 — TAVOLA (The Table)

Intention: Ritual. Nourishment. Connection.

• Today is devoted to the sacred Italian table, we connect through food and culinary art.

• Private Chef Breakfast: A slow Italian spread: seasonal fruits, nourishing grains, farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads, local cheeses, and local olive oil.

• Journal & Read: Quiet time for reflection.

• Private Culinary Experience | Cooking Class: A hands-on workshop with our chef, learning traditional regional techniques passed down through generations. What you create becomes the meal you share.

• Private Chef Lunch (Your Creations): Fresh pasta, seasonal sauces, and local flavors enjoyed together.

• Private Olive Oil Tasting at a local Masseria: A guided sensory ritual beneath ancient olive trees, tasting, learning, savoring and learning ancient history with a local guide.

• Private Chef Dinner: Farm-to-table dining inspired by the land surrounding us. Seasonal, intentional, and designed to linger.

• This is nourishment as ceremony.

✨DAY 6 — BENESSERE (Well-Being)

Intention: Rest. Integration. Ease.

• Your final day is intentionally unstructured, a true exhale before returning home.

• Silent Morning Meditation: A gentle guided sit to ground yourself and reflect on the week.

• Private Chef Breakfast: A relaxed morning spread of fresh juices, seasonal fruits, warm pastries, and nourishing Mediterranean staples. Slow, lingering, unrushed.

A Day Designed for Restoration

• Spa Appointments (Scheduled Throughout the Day)

• On-site massage and body treatments are woven into the day’s flow. Each guest will have dedicated time to unwind with our wellness therapists. Additional treatments such as facials, manicures, and pedicures are available to book.

• Between appointments, the day is yours:

  • Lounge by the heated pool

  • Swim or sunbathe in the gardens

  • Journal beneath the olive trees

  • Take a countryside walk

  • Venture into a nearby town for a cappuccino, boutique browsing, or a final Italian stroll (transportation assistance available)

• Private Chef Lunch: A light, seasonal Mediterranean meal designed to feel restorative and balanced.

• More free time to soak up the final golden hours in Puglia.

• Celebratory Farewell Dinner: A beautifully prepared Italian feast shared at the long table, soulful, celebratory, and deeply satisfying

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✨DAY 7 — ARRIVEDERCI (Until Next Time)

Intention: Reflection. Integration. Departure.

• Your final morning is a quiet closing a gentle moment to take it all in before returning home.

• Light Breakfast To-Go: A simple, nourishing offering prepared for your departure — fresh, effortless, and aligned with the rhythm of the week.

• Departure & Check-Out: Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Transfers can be arranged as you begin your journey home

• Arrivederci — until next time.

THE INVESTMENT

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $5,800 CAD

DEPOSIT: $1,500 (Remaining balance spread over three months)

SINGLE OCCUPANCY (On Request)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is the retreat located?

The Slow Life , La Vita Lenta takes place at Masseria Pistola, a restored 300-year-old estate nestled in the countryside of Puglia, Italy

Which airport should I fly into?

The closest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) Approximately 1 hour from the property

Direct flights available from major European hubs

You may also fly into Brindisi Airport (BDS)

Is airport transportation included?

Airport transfers are not included in the retreat investment, but private transportation to and from the airport can be arranged by our team for an additional fee.

Once your flights are confirmed, we will coordinate seamless transfers for you.

What is not included?

Flights to Italy

Airport transfers (can be arranged)

Additional spa or beauty treatments beyond the included appointment

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in: 11:00 AM on arrival day

Check-out: 10:00 AM on departure day

How many women will attend?

This is an intentionally intimate retreat.

Group size is capped at 16 women to preserve depth, connection, and a high-touch luxury experience.

Will there be hosts onsite?

Yes. There will be two dedicated retreat hosts onsite at all times, ensuring seamless coordination, support, and elevated hospitality throughout your stay.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Due to the intimate nature of this retreat and the limited number of spaces, all bookings are final and non-refundable. Once your place is confirmed, we begin securing accommodations, experiences, and private services on your behalf.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected changes to your plans.

Is this a wellness retreat?

This is a luxury lifestyle retreat designed to evoke:

Play

Culinary immersion

Art & creativity

Intentional movement

Restorative wellness

This is not a fitness bootcamp.

This is not a silent retreat.

This is not a yoga wellness retreat.

This is one of a kind retreat to bring you back to la vita lenta

Is this retreat right for me?

This retreat is designed for women who:

Value meaningful, elevated experiences

Appreciate beauty, culture, and exceptional food

Are ready to slow down intentionally

Each participant is carefully selected to ensure alignment in energy, values, and experience.

We are curating a room of women who elevate one another.

Do I need to come with a friend?

Not at all.

Many women attend solo and often leave with lifelong connections.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes. Our Private Chef can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

What is the overall vibe of the retreat?

Refined.

Intentional.

Elevated without being pretentious.

Luxury without ego.

Connection without pressure.