“The Italian Renewal Retreat”

Slow down. Savor Life. Renew your Spirit.

September 29 - October 4th, 2027 | Puglia, Italy

OVERVIEW

Join us for 5 nights/6 days in the rolling hills of Puglia, Italy — a region that captures the essence of slow living, stunning coastal charm, and soulful simplicity. Nestled between olive groves and the sparkling Adriatic, Ottolire Resort is a hidden gem where ancient tradition meets refined modern luxury.

This retreat is designed as a time to pause and reconnect to what truly matters all while enjoying the many wonders of Apulia. Through daily yoga, hikes, mindfulness workshops, delicious meals, cooking class, olive mill tour & tasting and curated excursions to some of Puglia’s most breathtaking villages, you’ll rediscover joy in the present moment and leave feeling re-energized — in mind, body, and spirit.

WHY PUGLIA?

Puglia is Italy’s soulful south — with a traditional, laid-back Italian lifestyle where each city has it’s own unique flavor. This is a place where life is celebrated Italian style. Known for its whitewashed towns, turquoise coastline, orecchiette pasta, focaccia, and world-class olive oil, it’s a region that invites you to live fully.

HOTEL

Ottolire Resort — Luxury in the Heart of Puglia. Located between the fairytale towns of Alberobello and Locorotondo, Ottolire Resort is a five-star boutique property set amid whitewashed trulli homes, stone pathways, and sun-soaked terraces. The resort combines rustic Apulian architecture with modern design — a peaceful oasis featuring a full spa, infinity pool, and organic farm-to-table restaurant.

CUISINE

We will be delighting in the wonders of Italian cuisine at prime spots throughout Puglia. While at the resort, we will dine at Ottolire’s well known “Michelin Guided” restaurant. Originating from the deep roots of the Apulian culinary tradition, the restaurant elevates each dish with the best European cuisines. Sustainability, quality and seasonality of products are at the core of their culinary philosophy, guaranteeing an authentic and refined gastronomic experience. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

• 5 nights at a 5 star (Michelin guided) luxury hotel in Locorotondo, Puglia.

• Daily breakfast, lunch*, and dinner featuring local, seasonal cuisine

• Yoga Mornings designed to energize you in mind, body and spirit

• Full day excursion to Alberobello & Polignano a Mare. Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient trulli’s in Alberabello, followed by an afternoon in Polignano a Mare to enjoy the seaside cliffs, scenic views. Feel free to take a dip in the Adriatic sea! Explore & Shop - there will be special surprises along the way!

• Full day excursion to Matera - one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, located in the rugged southern Italian region of Basilicata. Famous for its ancient Sassi districts—neighborhoods entirely carved into limestone cliffs—the city has undergone one of the most dramatic civic transformations in history, shifting from national tragedy to a global cultural hotspot. Matera was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and served as the European Capital of Culture in 2019. There will be a 2 hour guided tour with plenty of time to explore, eat & shop!

• Olive oil mill tour and tasting. We will visit an 18th century mill with over 10,000 trees, some of which are centuries old. We will visit the properties museum inside a scenic medieval cave, and learn about ancient and modern production techniques.

• Private cooking lesson includes two preparations, chosen from options such as focaccia, taralli or fresh pasta. You'll learn the secrets of Puglian grandmothers while having fun, followed by a delicious lunch & local wine.

• Guided Intention Setting & Soulful Living Workshops - guided visualizations & journal prompting

• Nature hike through the scenic Itria Valley

• Group transfers to and from Brindisi Airport

• Access to the spa, pool, and wellness facilities

• Daily housekeeping and Wi-Fi

• Gratuities for tours and excursions

*Note: Lunch is not included while on excursion days.

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare

• Alcohol

• Spa services

• Gratuities for airport shuttles and hotel room cleaning

SAMPLE ITINERARY: 

• Day 1 – Arrival & Settle In. Unpack, relax, explore the property, enjoy the spa. Enjoy a light welcome aperitivo during our welcome ceremony before dinner at Ottolire

• Day 2 – Resort & Spa Day. Ease into the retreat with morning yoga, a mindfulness workshop, and a private cooking class. Lounge at the spa, enjoy the pool, then dinner in the nearby town of Locorotondo.

• Day 3 – Alberobello & Polignano a Mare. Guided tours and time on your own to explore, boutique shopping, gelato and whatever else your heart desires. Enjoy a delicious seaside dinner in Polignano a Mare

• Day 4 – The Matera Adventure. Walk through history with a full-day cultural immersion in Matera — Guided tour, then lunch and shopping on your own. Dinner under the stars at Ottolire.

• Day 5 – Nature hike, workshop, light lunch, then a trip to the Olive Oil mill for a tour and tasting. Closing celebratory dinner at Ottolire.

• Day 6 – Morning breakfast & departure.

*Subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen travel disruptions and/or scheduling changes. The value of offerings remains unchanged. Complete schedule will be provided prior to retreat commencement.

YOUR RETREAT HOST

ACCOMODATIONS:

All rooms are uniquely designed and equipped with comfort and attention to detail. Designer furnishings, including antique fabrics, reproduce typical local materials in a completely modern version. Click here for more photos and a detailed description of each room type.  NOTE: If your preferred room type is sold out, please contact us. It is possible other room types will open up and we can use a single room as shared

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Nearest Airports: Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS)

• Group transportation is included to/from the resort on arrival (Oct 7) and departure day (Oct 12) during select time frames.  

• Each guest will received a Welcome Packet after registration. Please refer to the welcome packet for travel tips before booking your airfare 

REGISTRATION: 

Get ready to sip, stretch, and savor life the Italian way. Space is limited to 12 guests for an intimate & personalized experience!

• The registration button below will direct you to Melissa’s website. Melissa uses a secure payment platform. Complete Terms & Conditions are available on her site. 

• Prices listed are per person. An $800 deposit will reserve your space. The balance due will be on August 7th, 2026 (60 days before retreat commencement).

• All guests will receive a Welcome Packet upon registration which will guide you further. 

• Questions? Feel free to book a call with Laina using this link. Select the retreat inquiry option. https://meetme.so/LainaFlorio