Country Living Eco Retreat at Villa Lena Tuscany 9 - 12 Oct | Wellbeing Escapes

Country Living Eco Retreat at Villa Lena Tuscany 9 - 12 October

Pisa, Italy

Overview

Join us for Country Living's first green gateway and learn about the increasing importance of sustainable travel. Country Living's digital editor Emma-Louise Pritchard will join you in Italy to host this 4 day break. Emma-Louise has a huge interest in sustainability and will give a talk about her beliefs and top tips for living a more sustainable life. You'll go back to nature and enjoy foraging in the woods for seasonal produce before learning how to cook what you have found. You'll also go truffle-hunting with Villa Lena's dogs and a local guide before enjoying a pasta lunch. Your flights' carbon footprint will be offset with an equivalent payment to a CO2 reduction payment. You will stay at Villa Lena, a unique agriturismo which spreads over 500 hectares of untouched woodland. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and organic vegetable gardens, it's a perfect place to host Country Living's green break. 

*This retreat will run from the 9th - 12th October 2020*

When to go

This retreat will be held from the 9 - 12 October 2020. Spaces are limited so book early to ensure you get a spot!
9
Jan
14
Feb
17
Mar
19
Apr
22
May
28
Jun
31
Jul
31
Aug
27
Sep
24
Oct
17
Nov
13
Dec

What we love

  • The retreat will host a small group (max. 24) so you will meet other like-minded Country Living guests
  • Your Carbon offset will be paid on your behalf to fund CO2 reduction project
  • You will learn how to forage and pick the best seasonal treats nature has to offer. 

Who should go

  • All readers of Country Living magazine
  • If you are interested in learning more about sustainability and how to reduce your environmental footprint
  • All travellers who wish to spend some quality time in nature. 

Offers

  • Wellbeing Escapes Exclusive Retreat
Have a question?

Wellness

The retreat will be led by Emma-Louise Pritchard who is the award-winning digital editor of the Country Living website. She covers home, interior design, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and staycations, as well as countryside news and events in the UK. Emma-Louise has a huge interest in sustainability and eco-concious travel. She will be giving a talk about her beliefs and top tips for living a more sustainable life and how small changes can make all the difference in reducing our environmental footprint.


Emma-Louise will join you for the activities. You will join a special truffle hunting workshop to find your own with Villa Lena's specialist guide and resident dogs. You'll enjoy a delicious truffle past lunch with wine afterwards. You will also learn how to pick the best seasonal treats growing in the estate's organic gardens and take a hike in the woods to explore what the land has to offer. Also learn how to cook what you find with the local chef. 

Activities

Activities available at resort
  • Optional activities such as yoga or artist workshops can be attended at extra charge

Typical Group Classes

  • Foraging 
  • Cooking workshop
  • Truffle hunt
  • Exclusive talk and Q&A with Emma-Louise

Sample Weekly Class Schedule

Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustments


Rooms

You will be staying at charming Villa Lena. Villa Lena is more than just a hotel, this is a rural idyll in the rolling Tuscan hills. You'll stay in one of the farmhouses and stables that has been converted. Sustainability is at the heart of it as most of the accommodation is powered by green energy and rainwater is recycled for agricultural irrigation. It's managed on biodynamic principles and upholds a close-loop system of buying no seeds and creating no waste. 

Rustic accommodation is furnished with locally sourced antiques, up-cycled furniture and recycled hand-painted fabrics. Rooms are suitable for single or double occupancy. 


San Michelle with shared bathroom
Please note that these rooms have shared bathrooms. 

San Michelle are airy rooms with views of the valley. Room can provide double or twin beds.

Located beside the main pool, these rooms are recently renovated.

Rooms have a central heating, air conditioning, wifi, hairdryer, pool towels and biolu organic bathroom cosmetics - produced in Tuscany. 

San Michelle with private bathroom
San Michelle are airy rooms with the views of the valley and are en-suite. Room can provide double or twin beds. 

Located beside the main pool, these rooms are recently renovated.

Rooms have a central heating, air conditioning, wifi, hairdryer, pool towels and biolu organic bathroom cosmetics - produced in Tuscany. 

Fattoria room
These newly renovated rooms offer a touch of luxury. 

Located in the most central part of the villa, a short walk from the pool and restaurant. 

This room is 24 SqM and has a private en-suite bathroom. Bed can be double or twin. 

Rooms have underfloor heating, air conditioning, wifi, hairdryer, drink trolley, mini bar, music system, pool towels and biolu organic bathroom cosmetics - produced in Tuscany. 

What’s on the menu

Full board is included in the retreat package so you will enjoy daily breakfast, 3 delicious dinners and 2 lunches. One of the lunches will be a truffle pasta lunch served with local wine after the truffle hunt.

Villa Lena serves organic Tuscan cuisine with a 'slow food' ethos. Fresh ingredients are grown in the vegetable gardens or sourced from the local producers. There is also a chef-in-residence who you will join you for cooking classes and workshops. 

Restaurant at Villa Lena
Restaurant at Villa Lena
Villa Lena's restaurant is a communal experience showcasing farm-to-table cuisine based on a seasonal and organic menu rooted in traditional Italian cuisine.

Location

Villa Lena is set in the rolling Tuscan hills near to the town of Palaia Siana, Florence and San Gimignano, renowned World Heritage Sites, are a short drive away. 

Nearest airport

The nearest airport is Pisa which is 45 minutes drive away. Airport transfer is included in the package if you take our recommended flights - see below. 

Carbon offset will be paid on your behalf to fund CO2 reduction project.


Recommended flight (for group airport transfers)

09/10 - BA612 - London Heathrow to Pisa  13.00 - 16.10

12/10 - BA605 - Pisa to London Heathrow  12.40  - 14.00

Families, Children & Infants

This retreat is adults only. 

Reviews



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Why Wellbeing Escapes?

Wellness experts
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Our team of wellness travel experts have visited the retreats themselves and include trained holistic therapists and yoga teachers. Their expertise in the wellness field and the retreats allow them to match you with the best retreat and programme for your individual needs.
Value added benefits and discounts
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As the most established specialist wellbeing travel company we are able to provide excellent added value with our exclusive benefits including reduced prices for single travellers, free spa credits, complimentary transfers plus free nights and additional benefits for our repeat clients.
Award winning service
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With over 15 years of experience, we have come to understand what our clients need from a wellbeing holiday. We treat each client as an individual and provide a personalised concierge service organising all aspects of your stay from spa and treatment programmes, transfers and flights with an efficient and friendly approach. Our continuous awards for customer service speak for themselves.