As the sun peeks over the horizon, you awaken refreshed, the serene ambiance of Umbria wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. You step outside into the morning light, the crisp, refreshing air invigorating your senses. A gentle breeze carries the scent of lavender and fresh herbs from the garden, while birds sing a soothing symphony.
With a sense of anticipation, you make your way to the yoga terrace, where the historic beauty of the landscape unfolds around you. As you settle into your practice, you feel the cool cobblestones beneath your feet, grounding you in this moment of introspection. Your breath syncs with the rustling trees and the distant sounds of a trickling water fall, each movement bringing you deeper into a state of harmony and mindfulness.
Later, as you gather with fellow seekers for a communal meal overlooking the valley, a sense of connection and support blossoms. The vibrant flavors of the local cuisine—fresh fruits, homemade pastas, and exquisite wines—nourish your body and soul. You are inspired, alive, and deeply at peace, ready to embrace the personal transformation that awaits.
NOW
Perched atop a scenic hill in the “green heart” of Umbria, Italy, Borgo di Carpiano welcomes you to a historic farmhouse retreat, surrounded by olive groves, cypress trees, and organic gardens.
The peaceful and restorative atmosphere invites you to find comfort and tranquility as you enjoy the seasonal fall colors that paint the landscape. Here you will truly experience "Dolce Far Niente," the sweetness of doing nothing.
At Borgo di Carpiano, you'll discover inviting communal areas designed to foster connection. Imagine yourself strolling along cobblestone terraces or taking a moment for quiet reflection in the 10th-century medieval chapel.
Enjoy meals on the dining terrace, where panoramic valley views enhance each conversation. As you relax by the saltwater infinity pool or in the wellness gazebo, you'll find that these spaces naturally encourage social bonding.
Your stay promises a blend of unique retreat features and wellness-focused amenities.
Experience the rustic charm of Borgo di Carpiano's accommodations, where luxury meets country retreat.
You'll enjoy plush comfortable beds, vaulted beamed ceilings, and stunning valley views. Each private double or king bedroom features an ensuite bathroom with waterfall showers and extra virgin olive oil toiletries. Soft operatic music is played throughout the property to enhance your wellness experience. For extra comfort, you will be provided with bathrobes, slippers and pool towels.
There is limited availability for shared rooms upon request.
As your retreat concludes, you'll depart Borgo di Carpiano feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected.
This family-owned, historic venue—a private paradise nestled in Italy's green heart—offers a tranquil escape in a former medieval castle. The 10th-century chapel, adorned with original frescoes, adds a unique touch to your journey towards peace and serenity.
Welcome to Dolce Far Niente: Women’s Wellness Retreat, where you will dine on an open-air terrace overlooking the lush valleys and gardens of Umbria, Italy. Imagine a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere where countryside hospitality meets culinary excellence. You will enjoy meals prepared with love and passion by our friendly, professional staff, with opportunities to interact with our talented chef.
In the heart of Umbria, you will savor rustic local flavors made even more special by our zero miles philosophy. Our farm-to-table approach ensures that every dish features organic produce, homemade breads or pastas , and our own extra virgin olive oil. You'll taste the essence of the region with truffles from Norcia and farm-fresh meats and cheeses.
Each morning, you will start your day with a delightful spread of fresh fruits, homemade breads and cakes, and organic jams from our garden. Pair these with local meats and cheeses, farm fresh eggs, or an organic yogurt. Lunch will offer light and refreshing options, such as vibrant, healthy salads. As the sun sets, dinner becomes a sophisticated yet casual affair on the terrace under the stars, featuring exclusive dishes like beef carpaccio with parmesan ice cream or lemon and ricotta ravioli.
Rest assured, we are committed to accommodating your dietary needs, whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or otherwise. Let us know your preferences in advance, and we will ensure every meal feels like a celebration of local flavors.
Can you imagine how empowering it would be to have the energy to stick to an exercise routine? Wouldn’t it be amazing if you were able to fit comfortably into your clothes again?
Imagine how reassuring it would feel to have peace about your health future and to enjoy healthful, delicious food without fear of overindulging.
Envision the Life That's Waiting for You...
You’ll come away from this retreat with the tools to incorporate mindful eating and movement while building lifelong connections and support so you can live your best life.
Growing up in the charming southern beach town of Wilmington, NC, I lived my early years frolicking in the waves at Wrightsville Beach, riding horses, and taking dance and piano lessons. The vibrant coastal life, full of activity and the rhythmic lull of the ocean, shaped my love for movement and nature.
Yet, amidst this idyllic setting, a silent pressure loomed—being skinny was revered, and from a young age, I felt the weight of this expectation. My mom’s constant dieting and the allure of modeling swept me into a whirlwind of unhealthy habits that left me sick in my 20s and again in my 40s, just as perimenopause kicked in.
The turning point came when I faced the overwhelming loss of my sister at 38, coupled with the responsibility of raising my nephew during the COVID shutdowns and caring for my ailing mother. This period of profound stress and heartbreak taught me that without health, we have nothing. It was a clarion call to prioritize my well-being, let go of perfectionism, and embrace the strength and vitality my body was capable of, beyond societal standards of beauty.
Today, I dedicate my life to guiding women over 40 through their own transformations. With over two decades in the fitness and weight loss industry, I have witnessed many fleeting trends. My holistic approach integrates yoga, meditation, strength training, and nutrition counseling, providing a multi-faceted pathway to wellness. As a health coach, menopause specialist, and yoga instructor, I am committed to empowering women to reclaim their health and thrive with renewed energy and confidence.
This journey brings us to the lush landscapes of Umbria, Italy, a place that resonates deeply with me. Known as the green heart of Italy, Umbria offers a serene escape with its organic produce, slow eating, and vibrant natural surroundings. Here, amidst the rolling hills and historic sites, we will cultivate self-love, body confidence, and lifelong connections.
Imagine feeling at peace and supported, unplugged from the chaos of daily life, and immersed in a community of kindred spirits. Together, we'll embark on tours as exercise, engage in cooking classes, and explore local activities that ground us in the present and inspire a healthier future.
Are you ready to take this journey with me? Let’s embark on this path together, towards health, vitality, and a life lived fully. Join me in Umbria, where transformation awaits.
Is this retreat for me? Are you a woman over 40 who wishes you were in better shape and would like to learn how to reduce stress, eat more healthfully , and the best exercise for your body now? Then you are a good candidate for this retreat! Schedule a discovery call with me if you still have questions about whether this is a good fit for you.
Am I fit enough? Do I have to be an experienced yogi? You must be fit enough to navigate cobblestones, tour small hilly villages, and do basic yoga. If you don't currently feel that you are fit enough, please contact Kerri and she can help you with a fitness plan to get you up to speed ahead of the trip.
Can I bring my kids/partner? We strive to maintain a trusting, supportive atmosphere where women can feel free to share their struggles. With this in mind, only women over 40 may participate in this retreat.
Will I have access to the Internet? There is wifi connection throughout the main areas of the resort.
Do I have to participate in everything? You are welcome to take what you need from this retreat, and leave what doesn’t serve you. If you need rest at anytime during the retreat, you may skip any planned activity. With that said, each day of the itinerary is carefully planned to lead you to transformation through curated exercises, workshops and activities, so we do encourage you to participate as much as possible.
Where do I fly into? We will be offering a private transfer for the group at Perugia Train Station. The nearest airport is San Francesco d’Assisi Airport. You may also fly into Rome or Florence and take a train to Perugia from there.
Is there transportation from the airport to the retreat venue? Group transport will be provided from Perugia train station once everyone has submitted their schedules for arrival and again at the end of the retreat from Borgo di Carpiano back to Perugia train statin.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes, any dietary restrictions can be accommodated as long as you notify Kerri in advance of the retreat
Is it safe to travel to Umbria, Italy? Yes, Umbria is a safe place to visit, known for its tranquil atmosphere and low crime rate. As with any location, it’s always wise to take standard safety precautions, especially in larger cities.
What is the weather like? In late September, Umbria typically experiences pleasant, warm days and cooler evenings. Expect daytime temperatures around 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68-79 degrees Fahrenheit) dropping to around 13 to 15 degrees Celsius (55-59 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. You can anticipate sunny days with the possibility of a few late-summer storms, brining short bursts of heavy rain. It’s a good idea to pack layers for outdoor dining in the evenings.
Still have a question? Please contact Kerri to schedule a discovery call and she can answer all of your questions.
Arrive at Borgo di Carpiano in Umbria, Italy, where Dolce Far Niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) reigns supreme! Indulge in a pre dinner aperitif while you get to know your fellow soul sisters for the week. Meet your retreat leader, Kerri, and your lovely hosts Marilisa and Ricardo.
Settle in for the first of 6 fabulous four course dinners overlooking the surrounding rolling green hills. Ricardo will be our chef for the week and will be happy to explain each menu item and recommend the perfect local wine to accompany your meal if you wish. Rest well tonight in the blissful quiet of the Umbrian countryside.
Today, you’ll embark on a journey of release, beginning with a serene sunrise yoga session that will gently awaken your body. You’ll engage in a letting go meditation, setting intentions for the days ahead, and attend a transformative workshop focused on societal pressures and body image. As you wander through a nature hike with a guided walking meditation, the stress and overwhelm will gradually dissipate.
This afternoon, you’ll have the option to indulge in a massage or relax by the saltwater infinity pool, embracing a newfound lightness. By evening, you’ll have time to enjoy an aperitif as the sun sets and participate in a cooking class utilizing fresh produce from the garden. A letting go ceremony will further guide you toward releasing what no longer serves you, fostering a sense of calm and centeredness.
On Day 3, you’ll deepen the connection with yourself as you greet the day with sunrise yoga and meditation. In a workshop dedicated to reframing negative self-talk, you’ll learn to treat yourself with the compassion you reserve for a friend. Exploring the ancient medieval town of Gubbio with a local guide will provide a backdrop for reflection and appreciation of your unique journey.
This day will invite you to embrace self-acceptance, encouraging a loving relationship with your body and mind. As you immerse yourself in these experiences, you’ll begin to recognize the profound impact of positive self-talk on your overall wellness.
Today, you’ll embrace the joy of mindful enjoyment, beginning with a workshop on befriending food, transforming it from a source of stress to one of pleasure. Whether at sunrise or sunset, yoga and mindfulness meditation will set the tone for a day of intentional living. You’ll explore flavors in a cooking class using organic garden ingredients, followed by a four-course tasting dinner that celebrates slow eating.
Optional experiences like a hot air balloon ride or wine tasting will deepen your appreciation for life's simple pleasures. By the end of the day, you’ll find joy in the act of eating, acknowledging food as a source of nourishment and delight.
On Day 5, you’ll focus on safeguarding your vitality, starting with energizing sunrise yoga and meditation. You’ll set intentions for nurturing relationships and participate in workshops designed to identify and manage energy drainers in your life.
As you explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi, you’ll connect with its rich history and spirituality. A chocolate tasting in Perugia will offer a sweet pause before a communal dinner overlooking the olive groves.
This day will provide insights into preserving your energy, empowering you to heal from burnout and cultivate a balanced, fulfilling life.
Today, you’ll feel empowered to chart a course for continued well-being. Sunrise yoga and meditation will set the stage for setting intentions beyond the retreat. In a goal-setting workshop, you’ll discover tools to shed old habits and embrace healthier ones. A truffle hunt with a local guide will offer a playful cultural experience, while optional wellness sessions provide personalized support.
Relaxing by the saltwater pool and bonding over a farewell dinner will foster lifelong connections. As the day concludes with an intention setting ceremony and dance party, you’ll prepare to leave feeling lighter, inspired, and ready to live your healthiest life.
Umbria, Italy
2
