After our pilot retreat in Joshua Tree, we were beyond thrilled to host our first ever international retreat in none other than the beautiful Tuscan region of Italy.

Since Altha founder Letizia was born and raised in Italy and since it has some of the most stunning and serene scenery in the world, we thought it would be the perfect place for Altha’s first European wellness retreat. 

As guests arrived at the breathtaking villa in Servalle Pistoiese, they drove down a long dirt road surrounded by rich foliage before being greeted by the beautiful traditional Tuscan estate adorned with intricate stone fixtures and sprawling gardens. As guests trickled in throughout the afternoon, they had plenty of time to explore the large main house (which included a secret wine cellar), the sparkling pool, the intricate labyrinth in the garden, and the multiple walking trails and open space that surrounded the property – all with a truly unbelievable view of the Tuscan countryside.

As the sun began to set over the Italian hills, the guests gathered by the pool and the opening ceremony commenced. Once guests found their designated healing spot signified by name tags that included the “real” meanings of their names (Letizia means happiness in Latin), they each introduced themselves and shared their intention for the weekend. Once everyone got acquainted, the Altha team led an Ancient Mayan Cleansing Ceremony involving eggs, water, salt, and various herbs such as ruda, epazote, rosemary and basil (read all about Mayan Cleansing HERE). As guests relaxed on their mats after the spirit cleansing, the Altha healers led a cosmic sound bath as the evening faded into dusk.

Once they were brought back to waking consciousness, they walked through the garden and were greeted by a magnificent spread of chef-prepared traditional Tuscan dinner items such as eggplant parmesan, crunchy panzanella, fresh homemade gnocchi, and pork filet – all followed by a mouthwatering pistachio cake.

The guests were lucky as it was a full moon that night, so the group stargazed and enjoyed the full moon before heading off to bed with their souls nourished and their bellies full. 

Upon waking up at their leisure (late risers were woken up by Letizia’s gong), the guests headed to the terrace for a morning of wellness activities. On the terrace they were welcomed by handmade sage bundles, their own Altha water bottle, and our favorite gratitude journal for them to keep. The session was kicked off by a mindful tea ceremony where guests were invited to sip slowly and open their hearts, followed by an Inara scent activation to set the stage.

Letizia explained and led a gratitude practice using their new journals, facilitated several breathing and body relaxation exercises designed for relaxation, and a finished with a chanting sequence to further ground themselves.

After they were properly grounded and relaxed, Letizia led them through a guided “bubble” meditation designed to provide protection and cultivate deep connection to self. After the 20-minute meditation had come to close, the guests were led through a water activation exercise while the Altha team explained the connection between sound and water in detail.  

After a meditative walk through the marvelous gardens, guests headed back to the main house for a proper Italian brunch. The guests enjoyed fresh vegetable juices, Italian frittatas, avocado toast with smoked salmon, steamed shrimp, Tuscan prosciutto and parmesan, Florentine crespelle, and fresh Italian sandwiches.

Following the decadent brunch guests enjoyed leisure time to read, journal, and soak up some vitamin D by the inviting freshwater pool while Letizia provided individual healings with the powerful Healy device.

After some well-deserved rest and relaxation time, the guests enjoyed an introduction to tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) class followed by a signature Altha multisensorial sound bath complemented by a delightful sunset.  

The final dinner consisted of guests enjoying a delectable spread of various homemade Italian pastas while reminiscing over the weekend, sharing what they had learned, and outlining what they would like to take back with them.

The next morning the guests departed back up the long dirt road into the Tuscan horizon feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and taking with them a whole new tool set of wellness practices. 

Want to stay up to date on upcoming Altha retreats? Be sure to sign up for our mailing list located on the Retreats page. If you interested in planning a bespoke private wellness retreat for your group, don’t hesitate to Connect with Us!

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