Photo by Lavinia Cernau

A seaside island retreat off the tuscan coast

JUNE 11-17th, 2022 // From $3300 - SOLD OUT.

What are Slow Art Retreats? Slowing down to live the good life! Sun, sea, farm to table meals, incredible views.. We’ll explore a beautiful new place with like-minded friends, soaking it all up with the help of morning meditations, sketchbooking, watercolor, photography, ceramics, swims in the sea, hiking, boat trips.. No experience or skills necessary (only draw stick figures? No problem!). I’ve planned an awesome itinerary with time to unplug and relax, slow living at its best— la dolce vita.

An island getaway that will stay with you forever. - It’s Beautiful Here

This is a place that’s been on my wish list for years. I’ve tried to visit time and time again but it’s reserved for its regulars & I could never find an opening. Long story short I am SO excited to take you here!!! Crystal clear waters at our doorstep, reached only by boat, It’s a family home that’s opened it’s doors to visitors the past 50 some years— it will truly feel like our home away from home for the week. The world has become so much smaller since I lived in Italy 20 years ago and its rare to find these places where we can still immerse ourselves in nature and the Dolce far Niente (a phrase that epitomizes the Italian summer, translating to ‘the sweetness of doing nothing’). As always I have a wonderful and varied itinerary planned for us (meditation, workshops, hiking and a castle, a boat ride to secret swimming spots, amazing meals..)!! Last fall after our October retreats I met with the wonderful and accomplished food writer, photographer, and author Emiko Davies in Tuscany. Her family is among Pardini’s beloved guests & she’s heartily given her vote of approval— you’ll find her beautiful photos here below.

Pardini’s Hermitage on Italy’s Giglio Island feels like some kind of wonderful secret. - 84 Rooms

I’ll arrange a group pick up from/to Rome Fiumicino Airport for 1pm (or if there’s a better pick up time/place for the majority we will update!). Just under 2 hours by car from Rome, then a ferry to the island, and another small boat to Pardini’s (accessible only by sea!). If you’re arriving on your own I’m available to consult on planning your route, even meeting at the ferry. Transport costs are only included when joining the group.

Please note: There are many steep steps up through the terraced gardens to our rooms, and down to the sea, so unfortunately this is not a good fit for anyone with mobility challenges.

Pardini’s Hermitage is one of the most authentic places I’ve ever stayed. Lots of love and soul here. - Yolanda Edwards, Conde Nast & YOLO Journal

Photos here not my own, homepage photo by 84 Rooms @eightyfourrooms, these by Emiko Davies @emikodavies, Pardini’s Hermitage, & 84 Rooms.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All group transportation during our retreat, with group transfer to/from Rome airport (3 hours away)

  • Accommodations, single or shared rooms with ensuites, plus sea access & loungers

  • Welcome drinks aperativo soirée :)

  • All meals, abundant & seasonal local cuisine

  • Aperativi (cocktail hour)!

  • Guided Meditations & Journal Prompts Daily

  • 5 Creative Workshops (Sketchbooking & Watercolor), each 2+ hours. Still life to color stories, landscapes and abstract. There’s also a ceramic studio!

  • Prospective Adventures: Hiking to the castle, exploring the port town (with shopping), starlit boat trip to a special dinner out..

  • A retreat souvenir to take some magic home with you

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare

  • Optional add-ons like wine-tasting and private boat ride

SOLD OUT. To join the waiting list please submit your requests below, I will consider each according the the order they are received.

Room options, priced per person: $3300 Shared Double (I will pair you up if coming solo!), $3700 Private Single (not to share, single bed), $4100 Private Double (not to share, double bed). *

* A note about rooms & availability: Prices are per person (even if sharing a room or for couples sharing a bed) because that is also how the hotel charges— costs include 3 beautiful meals a day plus a cocktail hour, sun loungers, and full use of the estate. That said, each room is unique and has its own bathroom and garden or sea views, some with terraces! There is a very limited number of rooms available, retreats will be 10 people max. As usual no refunds & travel insurance recommended.