Secret Tuscia: The Etruscan Italy Retreat

A sumptuous feast for body, mind and spirit in Italy’s great secret enclave: the fascinating and undiscovered territory called Tuscia.

Land of the ancient Etruscan civilization, this magical realm is full of Renaissance palaces, majestic gardens, mysterious ruins, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs known for their healing virtues, untouched towns and lush countryside inhabited by generational farmers, reclusive artists, and other eclectic lovers of beautiful slow-living, Italian style.

Benvenuti, Tuscia Posse!

Italy-lovers, welcome to this new, luxe Special-Edition retreat!
I’m excited to offer this unique and rich experience in magical Tuscia, “Italy’s best-kept secret,” located just one hour north of Rome. I’ve fallen madly in love with this land and people.
We’ll explore her rich treasures, and we’ll relish the harmony of her sybaritic pleasures in great company, while staying in style in the most beautiful and serene Italian country-house you could imagine. A sublime sanctuary awaits you in the undiscovered Italian countryside.

Yoga and meditation are offered each morning to unfold the day in a harmonious way. There’ll be great biking, hot springs, medieval towns, ancient history and frescoed palaces for culture-exploring. There will also be time to relax and enjoy the unique ambiance of our country estate. Expect superb farm-to-table cooking at every meal, excellent regional wines, and connecting to local culture through the people and places we visit. 
All is aimed to bring delight and balance, cultivate strength and ease for longevity, and a sense of harmony in our overall being as we head into the autumn equinox.

We have fantastic bike rides planned on several days, with Daniele our local, Viterbo-born friend and bike guide par excellence. Discover authentic medieval villages with impressive castles still lived-in by hereditary princesses, Roman-era basilicas and of course – handmade gelato, and the quintessentially beautiful Italian landscape along the way.

Our luxury Italian farm estate seems made for gathering, and has many enchanting nooks for basking or conversation and relaxing in a beautiful environment indoors or out.
We’ll enjoy sunset aperitivo each evening.
After the ride one afternoon, we’ll experience deep relaxation with a special Sound Journey by a local practitioner. Some of his instruments are handmade of local woods to further harmonize with the vibrations of this ancient land.

Excellent massages are available, held under the centenary oak tree, or in your suite.

The word on this hidden gem of a region is only just seeping out.

The fascinating land of Tuscia … READ MORE about where we’re going…

Tuscia is certainly a secret worth preserving, but isn’t likely to remain undiscovered for long. Stylish travel magazines are calling it “The Italy travelers expect but rarely find”, and they recommend our country house demeure.
My hope is that Tuscia’s sauvage character and vintage looks mixed with a rare level of authenticity will allow her to keep hiding in plain sight.

Warm Italian goodness, inspiration, and adventures await!

Overview - What’s Included - Biking - Accommodations - Getting There - Room Options & Pricing - Testimonials - Register

This is your retreat.

All activities are optional.

If you long for the luxury of spacious, unstructured time to relax or create,
our location allows you to make this choice. Spend your day as nourishes you.
For a deeply relaxing experience you could opt to simply stay and soak-in the gorgeous grounds. Take long siestas in beautiful rooms that look out into the magnificent surroundings, read, journal, sketch, lounge, get a massage, or walk the nature trail that surrounds the property. “Ozium”, contemplative leisure, is an esteemed practice in Italy.

The trip is structured so you will have a wonderful experience with great ease.

8 Days / 7 nights
The retreat fee includes:

• Luxury accommodation for 7 nights in a luxury Italian country estate reserved exclusively for the retreat.

• All sumptuous meals for the week. In special local restaurants, and farm-to-table while at our home in Tuscia. (one lunch out is not included.)

• Sunset aperitivo “sundowners” on first night

• Daily morning yoga with Julia. All yoga equipment provided.

• Restorative sessions on select afternoons.

• Fully-supported bike rides, and other excursions, transportation included.

• Services of our professional leaders and cycling guide and a support van will accompany our bike tours.

• Daily bike maintenance to keep your bike ride-ready. Choice of Gravel or electric bike (rental not included)

• Healing Sound Bath by local practitioner Giuseppe using instruments handcrafted from locally-sourced woods.

• Bathing at Tuscia Terme, Italian-style natural hot springs with open-air pools in nature.

• Guided visits to some of the gems of this unspoiled region.

The retreat fee does not include:

• Airfare to Rome

• Transfer to/from airport

• Bike rental

• Alcohol (selected wines are included with dinners.)

• Travel Insurance

What will the Biking Be Like? and Getting active for your trip

Expect to ride on small, paved backroads, and also some gravel farm roads on most rides. Because of these gravel sections which allow us to explore beautiful countryside away from traffic, the bike choices on this trip are comfortable E-bikes with MTB tires, or Gravel Bikes for the experienced, trained riders.
The terrain is moderate, with rolling hills. On one day however, there is a nice, long climb up to the Lago di Vico – no problem on an e-bike. The view is always worth the climb.

Distances will vary from 12 to about 35 miles, with options to add extra kilometers, or hop in the follow-van for a lift if you desire.

You will ride at your enjoyable pace. Before your trip, we suggest cycling regularly, hitting the hills whenever you can. Please do practice getting familiar with riding on gravel paths or roads.
The rides in Tuscia are a lot of fun: for those who are familiar with biking in Italy, the rides rank a little bit more hilly than Puglia; a lot less hilly than Tuscany or Umbria.

Most importantly, just show up and have fun!

Welcome to a hidden gem: The tenuta is authentic, unique and sublime, as Tuscia is to the core. The hospitality is wonderful

Our Stylish Digs

Olivia Mariotti’s unique estate in the beautiful countryside just an hour north of Rome is our home for the week.

The property spans over thirty hectares and offers just five suites in its main house, the Casale, which has undergone meticulous restoration with a strong focus on architecture and design. The suites and living spaces are adorned by art and artifacts, carpets and antiques from around the world, reflecting the owner’s eclectic style and background in luxury and fashion.

Former global brand-director of Fendi, Bulgari, and Valentino and brand consultant to Gucci, among others, Olivia traded the glitter for her soul-call: Creating a healing environment full of beauty, immersed in nature, overflowing with sumptuous Italian art and style, where yoga, healing arts, contemplative leisure and creativity can flourish, and homegrown feasts nourish the senses at meals.

A lively harmony lives with every expressive detail of Olivia’ artistically re-structured farmhouse, a haven of beauty, care and love. This place is a mutual love-affair!
The property originally stood as an Equestrian Estate dedicated to breeding thoroughbred racehorses. Repurposing the family’s legacy, the estate is now a holistic hospitality venue where horses roam freely as a wild herd, playing a central role in the healing experience of the guests. (Get ready to have some beautiful new, four-legged friends!)

You will be warmly welcomed and spoiled by nature’s sumptuous abundance, the relaxed, joyful atmosphere, and be graciously looked-after with smiles and laughter by Romy our house butler and staff.

This is a place of deep peace and serenity. Being here has a special way of renewing gratitude for the simple beauty of life.

Airport City:

Fly to: ROME

•RETREAT LOCATION: Tenuta di Paternostro. Located 90 minutes North of Rome, in Vetralla, Italy.

•TRANSFER We will plan a shared transfer from Rome departing Rome at 10:30 AM. Exact location TBD.

•We can organize arrival and departure transfers as needed to accommodate your travel.
• A shared transfer from the Tenuta back to Rome will be scheduled late-morning on Sept 21 at a time to suit.

Dates to know

• RETREAT STARTS Saturday, September 14 with lunch together at 1:00 pm at the Tenuta.

• RETREAT ENDS Saturday, September 21 after yoga and breakfast.

• We highly encourage arriving in Italy at least a day or two before the trip to enjoy Rome (this is also your best shopping opportunity), and adjust to the time zone. Travels in Italy after the retreat are always a good idea, too!

Travel Insurance

• Please purchase traveler’s insurance (click to read further) to protect your health and wellbeing before and during your trip.
It not only insures you if you get injured and must cancel your trip but also against theft and loss. It may also cover you if you contract Covid before or during your travels.

• Highly recommended: Purchase your travel insurance at the time you book your retreat. Some insurance requires you to purchase within 14 days of booking. Sooner you have it, sooner you are covered.

• Travel insurance companies include: World Nomads and Generali, Travel Guard, among many others to choose from. Please read and understand the coverage that you choose.

Pre-trip priming

• We will provide you with additional pre-departure information, including both inspirational and practical things you’ll want to know to help prepare your wonderful journey – to the most fascinating place in Italy your friends haven’t yet heard of!

This is a NEW Retreat! Click here to read what travelers are saying about our other incredible Italian adventures.