A Culinary and Cultural Immersion into One of the World’s Original Blue Zones

This deeply immersive journey through Sardinia invites you into one of the world’s original Blue Zones, a place where food, land, movement, and community quietly shape long, vibrant lives.

Over seven days, we move intentionally through villages, countryside, and coastline—cooking alongside locals, meeting centenarian grandmothers, baking bread in wood-fired ovens, and gathering at tables where food remains a daily expression of care, identity, and connection.

Curated in collaboration with Carte & Compass and led by Chef Jeremy Rock Smith, the retreat features special local guidance from Simonetta Bazzu, a Sardinian food steward and expert in traditional, plant-based foodways, featured in Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. Through her long-standing relationships with local families, shepherds, and village elders, Simonetta opens doors rarely accessible to travelers, offering moments of connection grounded in lived tradition rather than observation.

This is not a fast-paced tour designed to check boxes. It is a thoughtfully paced and intentionally intimate experience, allowing time to settle into place, build meaningful relationships, and carry the rhythms, flavors, and wisdom of Sardinia home long after the journey ends.

Chef Jeremy Rock Smith- Chef, Author

Former Executive Chef of Kripalu Yoga Center, retreat leader, and whole-foods educator with over two decades of experience guiding people toward health through delicious, seasonal cuisine. Jeremy brings warmth, wisdom, and an infectious love for food and connection. Learn more about Jeremy

Simonetta Bazzu is a Sardinian native, cultural guide, and storyteller at heart. Born and raised in the Gallura region, her relationship with food, land, and community was shaped early on by family traditions and the quiet wisdom of everyday life on the island. After years of studying, traveling, and living abroad, Simonetta felt a deep pull to return home—back to the rhythms, flavors, and values that had always grounded her.

Through her work with Vittoria Arimani—named after the Gallurese word for “yesterday”—Simonetta shares the lived experience of Sardinian longevity: cooking alongside local families, honoring ancestral foodways, and slowing down enough to truly connect. Her approach is intimate and heartfelt, rooted not in theory, but in a way of life passed down through generations, including her own centenarian grandmothers. Spending time with Simonetta feels less like a lesson and more like being welcomed into the story of Sardinia itself. Learn more about Simonetta

The accommodations are thoughtfully chosen to reflect Sardinia’s sense of place, offering comfort, beauty, and character rooted in tradition and landscape. Rather than conventional luxury, these stays emphasize authenticity, craftsmanship, and ease, creating spaces that support rest, connection, and immersion throughout the journey.

Optional Pre-Retreat Night:

For guests who would like to arrive in Sardinia a day early

Planning to arrive a day early? Simply request the additional night during registration, and Cart & Compass will help coordinate your stay at Tramas Hotel & Spa, including availability, pricing, and booking details.

Tramas Hotel & Spa-airport hotel
https://www.tramashotel.it/

Guests stay in comfortable, modern rooms in the heart of Olbia’s historic center, offering an easy place to land after travel. The walkable location provides access to local cafés and the waterfront, while the hotel’s spa and wellness area offers a chance to unwind before the journey continues into the heart of Sardinia.

Retreat Accommodations:

Hotel Su Gologone
https://www.sugologone.it/en/

View the Brochure

Nights 1-3

Guests stay in Deluxe Rooms, approximately 20–25 square meters, designed for two guests. Each room is uniquely decorated in a rustic yet artistic Sardinian style, with vibrant colors contrasting beautifully against traditional white plaster walls. No two rooms are exactly alike, adding to the hotel’s character and strong sense of place.

Rooms feature charming iron or wooden four-poster beds inspired by village homes. All rooms include a private shower, air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso machine, kettle, bathrobes, slippers, LED TV, and thoughtful details that reflect the hotel’s deep connection to Sardinian culture and craftsmanship.

▶️ A Glimpse Inside Hotel Su Gologone

Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru
https://www.luciaccaru.com/
Nights 4–7

Accommodations at Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru are set within restored traditional stone stazzi, offering a quiet countryside retreat rooted in Gallura’s rural heritage. Each room is individually designed with rustic-chic character, featuring exposed wooden beams, handcrafted furnishings, terracotta floors, and soft, natural textures.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, telephone, hairdryer, and en-suite bathrooms. The overall feeling is warm, understated, and grounded—an ideal setting to rest, reflect, and integrate the experiences of the week.

Accommodations

• 7 nights of accommodations

  • 3 nights at Su Gologone

  • 4 nights at Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru

Meals

• Daily breakfast

• All lunches throughout the retreat, including:

  • The Shepherd’s Table with Antonio

  • Pasquale’s, a local favorite

  • Fresh pasta and garden lunch at Arimani with Simonetta

  • Lunch at the beach club featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients

  • A local restaurant in San Pantaleo

• All scheduled dinners, including:

  • Su Gologone’s signature Dinner in the Garden Experience

  • Traditional Sardinian dinner at Su Gologone

  • Dinners at Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru

  • Farewell dinner at Li Finistreddi with Chef Giuseppe

Transportation & Gratuities

• All ground transportation during the retreat, beginning with the group departure from Olbia

• Gratuities for guides, drivers, restaurant teams, hotel staff, and local hosts

Experiences

• Guided exploration of Sardinia’s renowned Blue Zone, discovering the traditions, landscapes, and everyday rhythms that contribute to one of the world’s longest-lived populations.

• Authentic culinary experiences, including hands-on cheesemaking, traditional pasta and pane carasau baking, Sardinian sweets, and a hands-on cooking class featuring regional recipes.

• Meaningful encounters with local shepherds, artisans, grandmothers, winemakers, and hosts who share the island’s traditions, stories, and way of life.

• Exclusive experiences with Antonio, Simonetta, Marco, and other local experts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Sardinian culture, food, and longevity.

• Guided visits to the Blue Zone villages of Oliena and Nuoro, the artisan village of San Pantaleo, and the remarkable granite landscapes of Gallura.

• Cannonau wine cellar visit and tasting.

• Time to relax and recharge at Su Gologone, Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru, and Oasi Beach Club.

• All scheduled cultural experiences, entrance fees, and the services of your retreat hosts throughout the week.

Accommodation in Olbia before the retreat begins

• Airfare

• Airport transfers

• Meals, beverages, and incidental expenses before the official group departure from Olbia

• Alcoholic beverages unless specifically included as part of a scheduled tasting or meal

• Spa treatments and additional hotel services

• Personal shopping and incidental expenses

• Travel insurance

Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for curious, thoughtful travelers who value food, culture, and meaningful experiences over sightseeing alone. It’s ideal for those interested in Mediterranean living, longevity, traditional foodways, and slowing down to experience a place from the inside out. You do not need to be a cook—just someone who enjoys good food and shared experiences.

How active is the retreat?
The pace is intentionally balanced. Most days involve walking through villages, standing during cooking workshops, and time outdoors, but nothing is strenuous. There are hiking trails available at our countryside accommodations, which guests are welcome to explore at their own discretion. Optional gentle movement is also offered later in the week. Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven village streets and standing for short periods.

Do I need cooking experience?
Not at all. All cooking experiences are hands-on but fully guided. The focus is on learning through participation, tradition, and shared meals rather than technical skill.

What airport should I fly into?
Please fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. Detailed arrival and transfer information will be provided after registration, including recommended flight arrival and departure windows, to ensure a smooth transition to and from our hotels.

How do transfers work?
Guests arrive independently on Saturday. A group transfer departs Sunday morning into the interior of Sardinia. Group transportation is provided throughout the retreat from Sunday morning through Saturday departure.

Are meals included?
Yes. All group meals from Sunday dinner through Friday breakfast are included, along with tastings and special food experiences outlined in the itinerary. One dinner on arrival day (Saturday) is not included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Because we are exploring the Blue Zones, meals throughout the retreat are predominantly lacto vegetarian, with an emphasis on vegetables, legumes, grains, olive oil and cheese. That said, certain traditional meats, including pork and goat will be included at select meals, as they are part of the mountain cuisine and cultural heritage of the region. At meals, guests will have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

The full day spent at Simonetta’s ancestral village is entirely plant-based, with no meat options, reflecting the traditional foods of that setting.

Please note that multiple hands-on workshops, particularly pasta making, use traditional Sardinian semolina wheat flours native to the region. While we’ll do our best to accommodate where possible, this retreat may not be suitable for those with severe gluten intolerance. Please reach out before booking if you have any questions or concerns.

What is the accommodation style like?
Accommodations are thoughtfully chosen to reflect Sardinia’s sense of place—comfortable, beautiful, and authentic without excess or pretense. Rooms are shared double occupancy unless otherwise noted.

Will I have free time?
Yes. While the retreat is curated and guided, there is built-in space to rest, explore, or simply enjoy the surroundings, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

How many people will be on the retreat?
The group is limited to 14 guests, allowing for intimate experiences, meaningful connections, and access to people and places not available to larger groups.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, casual attire for village life, and one or two nicer outfits for dinners. A detailed packing list will be provided before departure.

Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended, especially coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and medical care.

What is the payment structure?
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at booking to secure hotel accommodations. The remaining balance is paid in two installments. Full details are outlined in the Payment & Cancellation Policy.

Why is the deposit non-refundable?
Hotel accommodations require non-refundable deposits that are paid immediately upon registration. This allows us to secure limited rooms and offer a seamless experience.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Refunds are issued according to the cancellation timeline outlined in the Payment & Cancellation Policy. All refunds are subject to applicable processing, credit card, ACH, and administrative fees.

Is this retreat luxury?
Luxury here is defined by access, intimacy, craftsmanship, and care, not excess. While our accommodations may feel like paradise and the attention to detail can feel luxurious, the experience itself is grounded, authentic, and deeply connected to place rather than overtly opulent.

The true value of this retreat lies in rare experiences, deep cultural connection, and thoughtful curation, from the people we meet and the kitchens we’re welcomed into to the pace, setting, and care with which the week is designed.

How will I receive final details?
Guests will receive a detailed pre-departure packet within seven days of registration, including arrival instructions, recommended flight timing, packing guidance, and final logistics to ensure a smooth and well-supported experience.

Payment and cancellation policy

Please note: deposits are non-refundable once accommodations are secured.

Please review the following policy carefully before booking. Registration confirms acceptance of these terms.

Payment schedule
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at booking to secure accommodations. The remaining balance is due in two installments:.

1st Payment: January 14th

Final Payment: March 15th

Guests are encouraged to use ACH when available to minimize processing fees.

Cancellation by participant
Because accommodations require a non-refundable deposit once bookings are confirmed, the following terms apply.

Cancellations requested in writing within 30 days of purchase are eligible for a refund of payments made, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
119–90 days before the retreat start date: deposit is non-refundable; 75% refund of additional payments.
89–60 days before the retreat start date: deposit is non-refundable; 50% refund of additional payments.
59 days or fewer before the retreat start date: no refunds.

All refunds are subject to applicable processing, credit card, ACH, and administrative fees, which are non-refundable.

Missed payments
If a scheduled payment is missed, the organizer reserves the right to cancel the booking. Refunds will follow the timeline above.

Cancellation by organizer and force majeure
If the retreat is canceled by the organizer for reasons not related to force majeure, a full refund will be issued. In the event of force majeure, including natural disasters, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control, refunds will be handled according to this policy. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

We strongly encourage guests to arrive in Olbia on Thursday, May 13, one day before the retreat officially begins. Arriving early gives you time to settle in, rest after your travels, and begin the week feeling refreshed rather than rushed.

For those who would like assistance with pre-retreat accommodations, Cart & Compass can arrange a room at Tramas Hotel in Olbia. Guests may also choose to book their own accommodations elsewhere in the city.

Our group will depart Olbia for Su Gologone at approximately 10:30–11:00 AM on Friday, May 14. If you are arriving in Olbia on the morning of May 14, an airport pickup can be arranged to connect you with the group before departure.

Special Note: Pre-retreat accommodations in Olbia are not included in the retreat price and should be booked separately.

After breakfast, we gather as a group and depart Olbia for Sardinia’s mountainous interior.

Our first experience introduces us to the island’s deeply rooted shepherding traditions. We spend time with Antonio, a traditional Sardinian shepherd and cheesemaker who was featured in the Sardinia episode of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

During our visit, we’ll learn about the age-old process of Sardinian cheesemaking and the important role sheep, goats, and pastoral life continue to play in the culture and cuisine of the island.

We then gather for lunch at Antonio’s, sharing a generous meal built around the rustic flavors and ingredients of the region.

Depending on the final performance schedule, the experience may also include traditional Tenores singing, one of Sardinia’s most distinctive and ancient forms of communal music.

In the afternoon, we continue to Su Gologone, an extraordinary property at the edge of the Supramonte Mountains. Filled with art, gardens, handcrafted details, and Sardinian character, Su Gologone is much more than a hotel—it is an expression of the island itself.

After checking in we gather for dinner at The King's Court, where open-fire cooking takes center stage. This evening offers a memorable opportunity to enjoy the island's rich culinary traditions around the table.

Today brings us deeper into the villages, traditions, and everyday rhythms of Sardinia’s interior.

We explore Oliena and Nuoro, two communities closely connected to the cultural heart of the island. Along the way, we learn how family, food, craftsmanship, movement, and close-knit community have helped shape life in this renowned Blue Zone region.

A highlight of the day is time shared with local grandmothers, whose stories, hospitality, and lived traditions offer a personal window into Sardinian longevity. Together, we’ll make traditional Sardinian sweets, learning recipes and techniques passed down through generations.

Rather than approaching longevity as a theory, we experience it through conversation, food, shared work, and the way knowledge is naturally carried from one generation to the next.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Pasquale’s, where we continue our immersion into the food and culture of the region.

We return to Su Gologone in the late afternoon, with time to rest and enjoy the property before dinner.

Today gives us space to slow down and fully enjoy Su Gologone, beautifully situated at the base of the breathtaking Supramonte Mountains. Surrounded by rugged limestone peaks, ancient forests, and the wild beauty of Sardinia’s interior, the property offers an extraordinary setting in which to pause and settle into the rhythm of the island.

Guests may sleep in, wander through the gardens and art-filled spaces, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy an unhurried morning in the Sardinian countryside.

For those interested in being more active, a guided hike will take us into the surrounding landscape, where rocky trails, fragrant Mediterranean brush, ancient woodland, and sweeping mountain views reveal a wilder, more elemental side of Sardinia.

During the day, we’ll also gather for a guided tour of Su Gologone, exploring the property’s gardens, art, architecture, and artisan spaces and learning more about its deep connection to Sardinian culture.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a pottery workshop with a master Sardinian potter, getting hands-on with one of the island’s longstanding artisan traditions.

That evening, we’ll gather for a special garden dinner at Su Gologone, dining together in the beautiful surroundings of the property and bringing our slower day in the mountains to a relaxed close.

After breakfast, we leave Su Gologone and journey north to Arimani, Simonetta’s ancestral village and the place where her grandparents lived. This beautifully restored collection of traditional stone stazzi feels suspended in time, with food, land, family, and memory still deeply connected.

Throughout the day, Simonetta shares what she considers the three secrets of Sardinian longevity, bringing them to life through cooking, conversation, and the traditions passed down through her family.

Together, we’ll shape traditional Sardinian pastas by hand and prepare pane carasau, the island’s iconic paper-thin bread, baked in a wood-fired oven. We’ll also visit Simonetta’s wine cellar, learn about Cannonau, and taste wine from her own cellar.

We’ll gather for a seasonal lunch featuring the foods we’ve prepared, along with vegetables, cheeses, breads, and other regional specialties.

Later, we continue to Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru, our home for the remainder of the retreat, where we’ll settle in and enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner.

Today gives us space to slow down and fully enjoy Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru and the beautiful Gallura countryside surrounding us.

The morning is intentionally unhurried. Sleep in, relax by the pool, wander the gardens and vineyards, or simply find a quiet spot and settle into the slower rhythm of Sardinian life.

In the late morning, guests who wish to join can take part in an optional hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional regional recipes and discovering more about the ingredients and culinary traditions of Sardinia.

The afternoon offers more time to relax before we gather for a guided tour of Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru’s vineyards, learning about the estate, the grapes grown here, and how the granite-rich soils and Mediterranean climate influence the wines of the region.

From the vineyard, we’ll make our way into the estate’s wine cellar for a guided tasting, sampling the wines while learning more about the family’s connection to winemaking and the surrounding land.

That evening, we’ll gather for dinner at Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru, bringing an easy, relaxed day on the property to a close.

Today we head to the coast for time at Oasi Beach Club, set along Punta Marana on the Costa Smeralda. Crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a relaxed seaside rhythm invite swimming, lounging beneath an umbrella, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. 
https://www.oasibeachclub.it/en/

Guests will also have the option to join a boat excursion*, exploring the turquoise sea, secluded coves, granite formations, and beaches that make Sardinia’s northeastern coastline so unforgettable. The final route will depend on weather and sea conditions.

In the evening, we gather for dinner at Li Finistreddi with Chef Giuseppe, located within a luxury hilltop hotel overlooking the sea. Surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping coastal views, the setting is truly magical and offers a beautiful closing note to the day before returning to Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru for the night.
https://www.finistreddi.it/en/index

Our final full day brings us to San Pantaleo, a picturesque village surrounded by the dramatic granite peaks of northern Sardinia.

We’ll explore the village’s lively local market, where artisans and vendors gather with handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and other regional wares. There will be time to wander, shop, enjoy the village atmosphere, and take in one of Gallura’s most distinctive communities.

We’ll then gather for lunch at a local ristorante in San Pantaleo, enjoying the flavors of the region at an easy, unhurried pace.

After lunch, we’ll venture into the surrounding Gallura landscape to visit its remarkable granite rock formations, sculpted over thousands of years into the dramatic shapes that define this rugged corner of Sardinia.

We’ll return to Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru for some time to rest and relax before gathering that evening for a celebratory farewell dinner, reflecting on the people we have met, the meals we have shared, and the traditions that have allowed us to experience Sardinia not simply as a destination, but as a living example of how food, land, movement, purpose, and community shape a long and meaningful life.

After breakfast and checkout, there’s time to say goodbye before we return to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for onward travel and flights home.

We'll depart carrying a piece of Sardinia’s rhythms, flavors, and way of living, along with the inspiration to weave these elements into our everyday lives long after the journey ends.