Wellness Retreat in Tuscany with Daily Pilates, Yoga, and Italian Exploration

The Mandala Wellbeing Retreat runs over four days and three nights in the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, near the town of Seggiano. You stay at VitaBella Toscana, a private estate where the villa is exclusively yours for the retreat. The program is built around a simple rhythm: morning movement, daytime exploration, and evening meals shared with the group.

Each day begins with a Pilates, yoga, or functional training session—about 60 to 90 minutes, held either on the villa’s terrace or in the dedicated yoga space. Dr. Vanja, who runs a well-loved studio in Belgrade, leads the sessions in English. The classes cater to beginners and intermediates, so you don’t need to be a seasoned athlete to join. The emphasis is on feeling energized and grounded, not on pushing to your limit.

After breakfast, you’ll head out on excursions that are built into the program. One day you’ll hike on Monte Amiata, an ancient volcanic mountain known for its forests and truffle culture, with a picnic lunch in nature. Another day is spent exploring Siena, with free time to wander the medieval streets and Piazza del Campo, followed by a winery visit and guided tasting. A third day offers a free morning—optional horseback riding (around €50) or pool time—then an afternoon trip to Montepulciano, a hilltop Renaissance town famous for its wines and architecture. The final evening features a farewell dinner at the villa.

The retreat isn’t a bootcamp or a detox. It’s an invitation to slow down, with an intentionally flexible schedule. If you want to skip an excursion, that’s fine—you can relax, read, or take a nap. The group size is small (6 to 10), so it’s easy to connect with other guests, many of whom come solo. The balance of activity and rest is what makes it work for a wide range of travelers.

September is the grape harvest season, so the timing adds a festive feel to the region, with golden light on the vineyards and warm, clear days. The full program includes two guided excursions (Monte Amiata, Siena/Montepulciano), daily sessions, and all meals except one lunch in Siena (so you can eat wherever you like).

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private Tuscan villa - Daily Pilates, yoga, and functional training sessions - 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners (as per program) - Wine tasting with local winery visit - Excursions to Monte Amiata, Siena, and Montepulciano - Nature hike with a trusted guide on Monte Amiata - Airport pickup and drop-off from Rome (FCO/CIA) - Welcome lunch and farewell dinner - Coffee, tea, water, and healthy snacks throughout the day - Picnic lunch in nature on Day 2 - Free Wi-Fi, parking, and use of pool - Mandala wellness Pilates kit

What's not included

- Flights to and from Italy - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunch in Siena on Day 3 - Additional treatments and activities not listed - Optional horseback riding (approx. €50)