Tuscan Wellness Escape: Yoga, Wine & Culture in the Chianti Hills

The villa, Ellerone, is a proper Tuscan estate — three connected stone buildings with thick walls, terracotta floors, and a big dining hall with an open fireplace. It's been renovated with modern comforts (air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, good wifi) but still feels like a countryside farmhouse rather than a boutique hotel. The pool is bordered by tall pines, and from the terrace you can see the hill towns of San Gimignano and Casole d'Elsa in the distance.

Amy Williams runs the yoga sessions each morning. She's been teaching for over a decade, has run more than 80 retreats, and also works as a massage therapist. Her classes are slow flow and mindful movement — accessible to beginners but not dumbed down for experienced practitioners. One evening includes a sound bath, which is exactly what it sounds like: you lie down, she plays singing bowls and other instruments, and you let the vibrations do their thing.

The food is a highlight. Roberta, the chef, is from Tuscany and cooks regional dishes using local ingredients — mostly vegetarian, with occasional meat or fish. Meals are served al fresco when the weather allows. If you have dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, nut allergies), she can accommodate them.

Three days include group excursions. The specifics vary, but expect wine tasting in Chianti, visits to medieval villages like San Gimignano or Volterra, and walks through the surrounding countryside. The other days are unstructured — swim, nap, read, explore on your own, or book an optional massage (50 or 80 minutes, available as an upgrade).

Most guests arrive solo, and the small group size means you'll know everyone by name after the first dinner. The vibe is relaxed and friendly rather than cliquey or overly earnest. By the end of the week, people tend to swap numbers and stay in touch.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation at Villa Ellerone - Airport pickup from Florence Airport (at scheduled time) - Transfer to Florence city centre on departure day - 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by local chef Roberta - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily morning yoga sessions with Amy Williams - One evening sound bath experience - 3 group excursions with transportation - Use of swimming pool and villa grounds - Free wifi - Free parking - Daily room cleaning

What's not included

- Flights to/from Florence - Travel insurance (mandatory) - Visa fees if applicable - Optional massage treatments (50 min or 80 min) - Activities not listed in the itinerary - Transfers at non-scheduled times - Personal expenses