5-Day Women's Pilates & Wellness Retreat in Tuscany, Italy

Lichene is the name of Gabrielle's retreat series, inspired by the resilience of lichen — one of nature's oldest partnerships. The idea is that true strength isn't about pushing through life but about creating the conditions to flourish. That philosophy shapes the whole week: no punishing workouts, no early-morning alarms that feel like a chore, just daily Pilates and mobility work, plenty of fresh air, and food that's both nourishing and worth lingering over.

The retreat unfolds across five days and four nights. Mornings start gently with coffee, light snacks, and some quiet time before movement. After Pilates, guests gather for slow breakfasts overlooking the Tuscan hills. The program includes a vineyard visit, a guided yin yoga and meditation session, alfresco meals under the trees, and a pasta-making class at a local estate. Afternoons are mostly free — the pool, the garden, or a stroll into a nearby village all work well if you want to do something, but so does doing nothing at all.

Gabrielle leads the movement sessions herself. She found Pilates through injury rehabilitation and later an autoimmune diagnosis deepened her understanding of how movement, stress, and rest connect. She's certified through BASI (Body Arts and Science International), with additional training in scoliosis, injuries, and pathologies. She currently lives in Spain and has hosted retreats across the Mediterranean, so her teaching balances technical precision with a relaxed, welcoming style.

The estate is set within a working hamlet surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, about 30 minutes from Florence by car. It's a rustic property with intimate gathering spaces, a large pool, and countryside views. You're close enough to explore the medieval towns of Tuscany, but far enough out that the days feel genuinely slow.

Meals are seasonal and locally sourced, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily. Dietary needs are collected before you arrive and accommodated where possible — the retreat is naturally vegetarian-leaning and can handle gluten-free, egg-free, and sugar-conscious preferences. Evenings are spent around long tables, sharing food, wine (the welcome dinner includes local wine), and conversation.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in shared or private room - Daily Pilates and mobility classes - Guided yin yoga and meditation - 3 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner - Welcome drink - Cooking class (pasta-making) - Vineyard visit and wine tasting - Airport pickup and drop-off (from FLR or PSA) - Transportation during the retreat - Specialized workshops - Free Wi-Fi and parking - Use of pool and garden

What's not included

- Flights to and from Italy - Airport transfers from other airports (on request) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Alcoholic beverages (except welcome dinner wine) - Personal expenses