I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to Le Pianore, Tuscany, at the end of September/early October. One of the most sublime times of the year to be in Tuscany.
And I am extremely grateful to Elena, the owner of this property, for making this week possible. For all those who have already met her you will know what a special force and presence she brings to the energy of this magical place
Please do join me for what will be an extension of the usual three day mini-intensive into a more luxurious 5 days of classes with some supplemental afternoons for personal growth and development. making it truly a time for exploration and self discovery.
But that is not to rule out time for exploring the delights of the surrounding countryside, and renewing acquaintance with both the bio-dymanic vegetable garden at Elerna's and her brother's renowned organic vineyard.
Additionally my wonderful colleagues, Chef Angus and Tania, promise to make it an incredible, early Autumnal, stimulation of the senses.
Set in the heart of Tuscany, cradled between medieval hilltop towns and surrounded by woodlands, vineyards, olive groves and mountain streams. A private haven ideally suited to creative exploration and spiritual practice: with its spectacular views and untouched landscapes, it imparts a real sense of freedom.
The estate is an IMC certified organic farmstead where we will enjoy 3 meals daily, with more than 80% of it's energy coming from renewable sources (solar panels and sustainably managed wood) and all the water comes directly from the mountain spring.
PASSPORTS & TRAVEL INSURANCE: At this point, we would like to remind you to check that your passports are valid for travel and have at least 3 months left on them from time of departure for Europe.
We would also like to remind you to purchase a travel insurance, which will cover you in case of any cancellation, loss or theft of belongings and medical emergency. This can either be done through your credit card company, airline or travel agent. You can also purchase a travel insurance here during checkout.
Please note that Chirriposa will be available to assist you, but will not be responsible for any cancellation fees, lost or stolen items or medical expenses incurred during the trip.
You will also be required to sign a ‘Liability Waiver’ and accept our 'Cancellation and refund Policy' upon checkout.
WEATHER:
After the hot summer months of July and August, things begin to cool down considerably in Tuscany at the end of September and beginning of October, when the autumn season is just beginning. During this month, the average temperature starts off at 20°C (68°F), created by highs of 23°C (73°F) during the daytime and lows of 13°C (55°F) after dark.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Pack some light summer clothes and don’t forget your swimsuits for visiting the hot springs. Also remember to pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. However, you should also be prepared for much cooler days and nights and perhaps even some rain and wind. For those of you who want to go hiking, cycling or horseback riding, we suggest you bring suitable footwear. A pair of running shoes would be highly recommended.
WATER:
In Rome, we cannot vouch for the quality of the tap water and, therefore, we recommend buying bottled water for drinking. However, at the retreat center, the water in the villa comes directly from a natural spring and is excellent drinking quality. It makes sense to bring your own water bottle and fill it for your daily use.
ELECTRICITY:
Electricity in Italy, as in the rest of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but also the sockets themselves are different. You can get along with just a plug converter for many of today's small electrical devices designed to run on dual voltages. Devices like this include most laptops and recently produced battery chargers and many small electrical gadgets, especially those designed for world travel.
PHONE & INTERNET:
There is free Wi-Fi in our hotel in Rome. There is limited cell phone signal on the property in Tuscany, but we will have free Wi-Fi access in the communal areas of the villa. However, please try to disconnect as much as possible.
YOGA MATS + PROPS:
Yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets are available at the yoga shala. However, you may prefer to travel with your own mat.
BUGS:
September/October is not typically a bad time of year for mosquitoes. Most bites occur during sunset/sunrise or in shady places in the forest. It is best that you bring a good insect repellent with you. You might also like to wear long pants in the evenings.
SHEETS AND TOWELS:
All your rooms will have fresh sheets and towels provided. Your rooms will be cleaned mid week and new towels and linens provided on request. You should bring a towel for the pool or for visiting the hot springs. Otherwise a sarong will also work well and be much lighter to pack.
MONEY:
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). €1.00 equals around $1.25 $1.00 equals €0.8 You can pay us directly for any optional tours, activities, bodywork and beverages together at the end of the week in cash ($ or €). You will be able to take money out of the ATM using your debit and credit cards. We may also receive payment via Paypal, but you will be charged a 5% service and Paypal fee.
FOOD:
We will offer a range of traditional vegetarian and non vegetarian Italian meals, incorporating organic vegetables that are grown on the property and local produce from nearby villages and markets. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or restrictions ahead of time and we will try our best to accommodate you. Also if you have any allergies, please let us know in advance.
ALCOHOL:
Organic wine, produced on the property, and local liquors will be served with meals. Outside of mealtimes, we will operate an honesty system, where you can write down what you consume and settle up at the end of the week.
NOTE. It is permitted to consume your own wine on the property, but you will be charged a €6 corkage fee for each bottle opened.
SECURITY:
There is not much need for strict security measures at the retreat center, however, there are keys for all the rooms and we can also lock away your passports etc. for you in the main safe. NB. Please be extra careful of your valuables and belongings in Florence, especially on the public transport, as there are a lot of pickpockets around.
(includes 2 nights in Rome and group transport)
We will all meet in Rome for an overnight on Sept 28, and then travel together, the following morning, to the retreat center, where we will spend 7 days practicing yoga and exploring the beauty of Tuscany.
Then on Oct 6th, we will return to Rome for another overnight and depart the following day to wherever is next for each of us.
Your flight should arrive into Rome ANYTIME on Friday Sept 28 and depart from Rome AMYTIME on Sunday Oct 07th. You should make your own arrangements for transport from the airport to the group hotel in Rome, but we will give you a list of group arrivals, in order to co-ordinate and share travel costs.
Angus and Tania of Chirriposa Retreats will be your retreat hosts for the whole week, and there will be rental vehicles (9 seater mini-vans) and drivers to take us on group excursions throughout the week, giving us the freedom to visit as many medieval villages and towns as our hearts desire.
HOTEL IN ROME:
Name: Hotel Ripa Roma
Address: Via degli Orti di Trastevere, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italien
Phone: +39 06 58611
Website: http://www.hotelriparoma.com/en/
Our hotel is located in Rome's Trastevere district, just 10 minutes walk from La Basica di Santa Maria Maggiore, on the 'less touristy' side of the river, but just a 10 minute taxi ride from the Vatican and the main sights of Rome. The hotel is a modern boutique accommodation with a definite flamboyant Italian style.
We will depart the following morning, after breakfast (included) at 10:00am from the lobby, in our rental vehicles, on a 3 hour scenic coastal drive, to our 'agriturismo', grabbing some lunch along the way.
We will leave 'Le Pianore', after breakfast, at 10.00am on Saturday 06 October and head back to Rome, where we will spend another night in our hotel and be ready to depart for home the following day (Sunday 07 October)