Root and Bloom

A short journey from connecting to the earth to remembering your core and blooming

TOSCANA, ITALY

San Casciano in Val di Pesa, FIRENZE

May 1-3 2026

If you are a mindful soul seeking authentic connection and a yearning for inward exploration through movement and creativity, then join me for this intimate retreat.In the heart-warming landscape of Sorripa, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, we will leave the noise of the city behind to rediscover a profound sense of belonging. Because stillness is where the roots are, that sacred space where you can truly bloom. This is more than a getaway; it is a journey to strip away the layers and return to what matters

You step out of the car, still laughing and chatting with your travel companions, that childhood excitement of a ‘day trip’ lighting up your face.

Habitually, you instinctively look left and right before taking a step—a reflex from life in Florence, where the beauty of the city is often tangled with the frantic pace of the streets. But as you enter the gates of the estate, everything changes.

Your eyes meet the vibrant greens and the colors of the blooming flowers, framed by a stone farmhouse that looks like it was plucked from a postcard. As you walk down into the garden, the space before you transforms into something more than just a view; it becomes a physical sensation.

Your gaze expands, and your body follows. The barriers you didn’t even know you were carrying begin to fall away. Without even realizing it, you are already receiving the first gift of this retreat: the profound opening to connect with nature

The distant roar of traffic, the sharp wail of a siren, the relentless hum of the city, and the chatter of tourists—slowly, it all begins to dissolve.

Your ears are finally listening, yet they are unprepared for what comes next. Because what you will hear is Silence. Not the hollow silence of a soundproof room, but a living one—the soft rustle of wind through the trees, the delicate song of birds, the hum of insects, and the sound of footsteps softened by the lush grass.

Even the voices of your new companions will start to sound like music, harmonizing with everything around you. These are the moments that will remain etched not just in your mind, but in your physical memory. This is where we want your transformation to begin

… And now tell me:

Wouldn’t it be a relief to finally let your guard down, knowing you are in a place where safety is a given and quiet is the only soundtrack?

Indeed! On this retreat, by immersing yourself in the profound silence of the countryside, you will experience the peace of mind that comes from being held in a secure, private sanctuary. Here, you don’t have to look over your shoulder; you can simply relax into the stillness.

How wonderful would it feel to finish a deep practice and, instead of rushing through traffic or navigating busy streets, simply stay exactly where you are?

Of course! In the magic of the Shala at Sorripa, you won’t lose the benefits of your yoga the moment you step off the mat. Your “home” is right here, and the healing effects of the practice will be allowed to settle into your bones and stay with you much longer.

Wouldn’t it be invigorating to spend a weekend where you don’t have to translate your feelings or explain your journey as someone living far from home?

Absolutely! Through our shared circles and communal meals with fellow expats, you will find the comfort of a tribe that speaks your language—both literally and emotionally. You can finally stop “navigating” and start belonging, allowing you to rediscover the confidence to live your life in Italy with a renewed sense of joy.

Did someone say COUNTRYSIDE?

I AM COMING

THE VENUE

YOUR SPACE

It is a space designed for closeness and shared stories, where the simple elegance of Tuscan living meets the soul of our journey.

Inside, you’ll find cozy rooms filled with soft beds and welcoming sofa beds in the living area—a layout that invites us to rediscover the beauty of living in community. This is a place for those who find joy in waking up to the sound of a friend’s breath, sharing a morning tea in the kitchen, and embracing the intimate flow of a shared home.

In this nest, we trade the isolation of modern life for the magic of togetherness. It is a space for souls ready to blur the boundaries between ‘mine’ and ‘ours,’ finding comfort in the simple, heartfelt harmony of a shared journey.

THE YOGA SHALA

Step into a space where silence isn’t just the absence of noise, but a living energy of pure peace. Our Yoga Shala is a temple of stillness, meticulously cared for, warm, and bathed in a soft, golden light that greets you like a heartfelt embrace.

It is a place where a single breath is enough to bridge the gap between the world and your innermost self. Every corner is designed to hold you, to protect your practice, and to invite a profound sense of gathering within.

Through the large glass doors, the vibrant green of the Tuscan countryside gazes back at you. And as you step outside, the transition is seamless: you leave one Shala only to enter another—the majestic Shala of Nature herself.

This is your space to retreat, to listen, and to simply be.

THE CUISINE

Our meals are a celebration of the Italian seasons: a vibrant symphony of colors, scents, and textures that nourish the body as much as the soul. Imagine the golden hue of cold-pressed olive oil, the deep red of vine-ripened tomatoes, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh basil picked from the garden.

It is a simple, vegetarian, honest kitchen, where every dish tells a story of freshness and sunlight. Sitting together at the wooden table, we transform eating into an act of presence, savoring the pure, authentic flavors of the land in every bite.

I WANNA BE THERE!

LET’S MAKE A RESERVATION

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1

FAMILIARIZING & ROOTING

our first day at Sorripa is all about “landing” and finding your ground. We begin by settling into our shared nest and opening our journey with a Circle of Intentions, followed by a long, slow lunch to savor the first flavors of the countryside.

The afternoon is perfect for a mindful walk among the olive trees or simply resting in the silence (il dolce far niente)—before we gather in the Shala for a Cacao circle to open our hearts and a gentle Yoga opening to release the city’s tension, creating space in the body to fully surrender to the stillness of the countryside. We’ll end the evening with a communal dinner and a quiet moment of stargazing or firegazing.

DAY 2

creating & flowing

Saturday is dedicated to awakening your inner spark. We begin with a gentle Hatha Yoga wake-up and breakfast, followed by our Watercolor Workshop, where we’ll translate our emotions into color. After lunch and some rest, the energy shifts as we let go in a liberating hour of Ecstatic Dance, closing the day with a nourishing dinner and shared stories under the Tuscan sky.

DAY 3

harvesting & blooming

Our final day is about integration and the beauty of sound. After a slow breakfast, we gather in the Shala for some magic: a Yin Yoga session accompanied by a live harp. We’ll then take a moment to pack our bags with hearts full of memories before sitting down for a final farewell lunch. We conclude our journey in the early afternoon with a closing circle, departing with a renewed sense of peace and a beautiful ‘blooming’ within.

BENEFITS

BELONGING

Building a life in a new country is a beautiful adventure, but the daily effort of navigating a new language and culture can be exhausting. Root & Bloom is your sanctuary from that effort. Here, you can finally “land” among a community of fellow expats who truly understand your journey. Surrounded by attentive Italian hospitality, this is a safe space to let your guard down, speak your heart, and rediscover the ease of belonging to a tribe

ATTUNEMENT

ATTUNEMENT

Through the stillness of the countryside and the vibrant life of the Tuscan hills, you will learn to stay present with your feelings, allowing them to gently surface in an environment as safe as an embrace. As you walk among the olive trees, let your awareness adjust to the natural pace of the land, guided by the subtle silence of the valley. Feel the present moment pulsate with life: the rhythm of your breath, the rustle of the leaves, and the ancient pulse of the earth beneath you. In this shared experience, you are invited to simply observe your emotions as they arise, becoming wholly present and one with the world around you

CREATIVITY

CREATIVITY

Through the gentle pace of this retreat, you will have the rare opportunity to touch the deep cords of your own creativity. With expert guidance to lead the way, we will use the vibrant flora of the Tuscan hills as our model, translating the natural world onto the page through delicate watercolor work.
This is more than a workshop; it is a dedicated space to give yourself the gift of time. You are invited to let your creative side go, allowing your intuition to flow as freely as the water on your brush. Under experienced hands, you will find the safety to explore, to play, and to discover the unique beauty that emerges when you finally allow your inner artist to speak

MOVEMENT

MOVEMENT

At the heart of our journey is the belief that every meaningful movement begins in stillness. Before the first stretch of Yoga, the first step into the countryside, or the first beat of the Ecstatic Dance, there is a quiet point of origin—a place where we simply are.
We invite you to settle into this deep silence until you feel truly at ease. From this steady ground, we begin to move: flowing through the mindful rhythm of Yoga, walking with awareness through the ancient silver of the olive groves, and finally letting go in the liberating pulse of Ecstatic Dance.
What if you only allowed your next movement to happen once you felt completely at home in the stillness?

WILLPOWER

WILLPOWER

The ultimate gift of this journey is the quiet emergence of your own willpower. True strength doesn’t come from pushing harder; it grows from the space we create when we finally feel at ease with stillness.
By letting go of the “busy-ness” through the flow of movement and the freedom of creativity, you clear the path for something deeper.

In this sanctuary of rest and expression, the resistance fades away. What remains is a clear, steady inner resolve—a natural blooming that happens when you are no longer fighting the current.

ATTUNEMENT

WHAT IS INCLUDED

– Three 1 hour yoga sessions

– Yoga mats & props

– 1 hour live harp music

– Opening and Closing circles

– Guided cocoa circles

– 1 creative watercolor guided activity

– 1 hour ecstatic dance session

– 2 nights shared accommodation

– 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners (unlimited water, tea and coffee)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

– Flights

– A/R Trip to the location

– Tourist Visa

– Taxis, laundry

– Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance

BONUSES

Access to a Private Retreat Facebook Group – so we can connect pre-trip (you can ask questions and receive update-to-date trip info) and then we’ll stay connected post-trip – and of course swap photos!
Pre-Trip Group Call – you’ll have the chance to meet everyone in the group, maybe team up to share rooms or simply organise your transfer together

INCLUDE ME!

I AM IN

YOUR HOSTS

Meet Mari

The Heart of Sorripa Evolution Centre

After Mother Nature herself, the soul behind this stunning location is Mari. Having spent years traveling the globe, practicing yoga, and meditating in far-off corners, she eventually lost her heart to this specific piece of Tuscan earth and decided to call it home.

Mari’s vision was to create more than just …

… a sanctuary for herself; she dreamed of a space where others could land, reconnect, and explore their own unique path to spirituality—always held in a light of peace and kindness. The moment you step onto the property, her warmth makes you feel as though you’ve always belonged here.

Her Venetian roots travel with her through her passion for Murano glass. For Mari, the patient craft of creating colorful, precious jewels is her own moving meditation—a way inward that mirrors the vibrant beauty she shares with everyone who visits.

Meet Me

Your Yoga Instructor & Facilitator

My journey is a thread woven between different worlds. After calling Ireland home for ten years, I learned firsthand what it means to rebuild the concept of “belonging” far from one’s original roots. This decade abroad made me deeply sensitive to the expat experience—the challenges of integration, the search for a tribe, and the eventual discovery that “home” is not an address, but a state of being we carry within us.

My relationship with Yoga began just like my life: in motion. For the past six and a half years…

…I have shared my teachings across borders and landscapes, driven by the belief that looking inward is the only way to find authentic answers and a true sense of connection with others.

Off the mat, I am fueled by a restless curiosity. Travel is my lifeblood, but it is in the quiet of the countryside that I find my truest self. Whether I am dancing or walking in the wild, the sight of a bird or an animal in its natural habitat still fills me with the pure, vibrant enthusiasm of a child. I believe that movement, when paired with the silence of the earth, is the most powerful medicine for the soul.

Meet Giulia

The Magic of The Strings

The sound of the harp is more than just music; it is a bridge to the soul. Giulia joins our retreat to weave a tapestry of magical sound. For her, the harp is not merely an instrument—it has been her anchor, her greatest passion, and a profound source of healing throughout her life’s journey.

Having experienced the transformative power of music firsthand …

… Giulia believes deeply in the harp’s unique ability to soothe the nervous system and open the heart. The resonance of the strings carries a rare combination of strength and sweetness, creating a sonic embrace that allows the mind to quiet and the body to truly let go.

During our Yin Yoga session, Giulia will guide us through a landscape of vibration and grace. Her music is an invitation to sink deeper into the stillness, acting as a gentle companion to your breath and your emotions. To listen to her play is to remember the magic that exists in the present moment.

Meet Valentina

The Art of The Flow

For Valentina Paolucci, the world has always been a canvas. Since her earliest childhood, drawing and painting have been her primary languages, a way to translate the beauty she sees into something tangible. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a dedicated journey of discovery. Through constant experimentation with diverse techniques and specialized training, she has refined not just her technical skill, but her unique artistic voice—a way of expressing the unspoken through color and light.

For several years now…

… Valentina has found her true home in watercolor, her greatest and most enduring love. She is drawn to the unique duality of the medium: the way it balances strength with delicacy, and vibrant intensity with ethereal transparency. It is an expressive technique that perfectly mirrors her own artistic sensibility—one that values both precision and the beauty of the unexpected.

In her work, Valentina finds a profound connection to the natural world. In her guidance, she doesn’t just teach you how to hold a brush; she invites you to tap into your own “creative flow,” helping you find the courage to let the colors bleed, blend, and bloom as you discover your own internal landscape.

Inspired by the journey of my students and the profound benefits they’ve found on the mat, I finally found the courage to create this space in the heart of the countryside. This retreat is a bridge—a long-awaited chance to take our practice deeper and live it fully ‘off the mat.’ I’ve poured my heart into this vision for you, and I eagerly await your arrival, ready to welcome you into this shared, creative adventure

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

FROM FLORENCE CITY

Day 1:

– Pickup: De Andrè tram stop (Florence)

– Drop off: Retreat Centre

€ 20 (max 4 passengers)

FROM RETREAT CENTRE

Day 3:

– Pickup: Retreat Centre

– Drop off: DeAndrè tram stop (Florence)

€ 20 (max 4 passengers)

FAQS

Do I need to be fit and/or an experienced yogi to join?

No matter where you are on your fitness journey, you are welcome as you are. You will return home feeling grounded, renewed and transformed.

do i need a visa to come to ITALY?

It depends on your nationality, but for most of our guests (US, UK, Canadian, Australian, etc.), you do not need a traditional visa for stays under 90 days. However, there are new digital requirements you must be aware of.
1. Visa-Exempt Countries (US, UK, CA, AU, etc.)
If you hold a passport from one of the 60+ visa-exempt countries, you can enter Italy for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Current Status (March 2026): You still do not need a visa.

2. The New Digital Border (EES)
As of April 10, 2026 (just a few days away!), the EU is moving to the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
What this means for you: Instead of a physical stamp in your passport, your entry will be recorded digitally.
At the Airport: You will be asked to provide biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) at a self-service kiosk upon arrival. It only takes a few minutes, but please allow for slightly longer queues at major airports like Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) during this rollout phase.

3. Passport Requirements
Regardless of whether you need a visa, your passport must meet these two “Golden Rules”:
Validity: It must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from Italy.
Age: It must have been issued within the last 10 years.

Note for Non-Visa-Exempt Guests: If you hold a passport from a country that does require a Schengen Visa (e.g., India, China, South Africa), Italy has launched a fully digital visa portal as of early 2026. You can now upload all documents and track your application online, making the process much faster.

This link could be useful to check your requirements: ???? Official “Visa for Italy” Checker

do I need insurance?

We recommend you buy travel insurance for reimbursements on any travel interruptions, as well as emergency medical expenses, as per insurance policy. Please note that clients will be directly responsible for any claims to be made directly with the insurance company.

do I need cash once at the retreat centre?

Yes, please plan to bring enough cash for your entire stay. While the world is becoming more digital, we do not have card facilities on-site, so we kindly ask you to prepare in advance.
What you will need cash for:
Remaining Balance: Any outstanding payment for your accommodation or the retreat itself must be settled in cash upon arrival.
Mari’s Jewelry Shop: Mari’s unique Murano glass creations are available for purchase exclusively in cash.
Wine & Beverages: If you wish to enjoy local Tuscan wines or other beverages during your stay, these will be settled in cash before you depart.

What is the weather like?

In the Chianti hills, May is a masterpiece of vibrant greens and blooming poppies. Here is what to expect for our time in San Casciano in Val di Pesa:
The Chianti Spring
Days: Pleasantly warm (18°C–22°C), perfect for t-shirts and light layers.
Evenings: Crisp and fresh (9°C–12°C), ideal for cozying up.
The “Imprevisto”: As with any corner of the world, nature follows its own rhythm. We invite you to embrace the imprevisto—the unexpected gift of a spring shower or a sudden breeze. While we cannot be held accountable for the weather, we are perfectly prepared for it!
Our Indoor Sanctuary
Rain or shine, the magic continues. Our property offers plenty of beautiful indoor space:
The Shala:
Our practice space is indoors and features a beautiful wood-burning stove, hopefully it will just be part of the cozy atmosphere, but it’s there if worse comes to worst.
The Apartments & Dining: All meals and gatherings can be moved inside the countryhouse.
Whatever the sky brings, you will be warm, dry, and tucked away in comfort.

what should I wear & what should I bring?

Think layers and comfort. The Chianti hills in May are beautiful, but the weather can be an imprevisto—warm in the sun and crisp once it sets.
For Practice: Layered yoga clothes and warm socks.
For the Countryside: Sturdy walking shoes for the grass, a light waterproof jacket, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
For the Soul: For your soul, bring a personal journal to catch the inspirations that bloom and, if you feel like indulging, that dinner dress you love—though if your soul calls for cozy loungewear instead, please honor that. We want you to feel exactly like yourself, whether you are dressed for elegance or pure comfort.
Note: We provide all yoga props (mats/bolsters) and all watercolor materials. You only need to bring yourself!

how do we keep in touch during the retreat?

We use WhatsApp to keep in touch throughout your retreat. If you don’t already have the app, please download it before you arrive and add me as a contact. My WhatsApp number is +39 3331175447.

is there wifi at the retreat centre?

Wifi is available at the retreat centre.

In what language will the sessions be held?

Our yoga and ecstatic dance sessions will be led in English, ensuring a shared language for our international community. While some of our guest facilitators are not fully fluent in English, I will be right there to provide live translation, making sure everyone receives all the necessary guidance for our artistic work and every detail of the retreat. You will be in excellent hands, as Mari, the wonderful owner of the center, is also fluent in English and always ready to help you feel at home

What else I need to know?

We are aware that having only one bathroom in the apartment for the two bedrooms and the living room sofa beds is a limit. To ensure everyone’s comfort, you have full access to two additional bathrooms with showers in the Yoga Shala—accessible at any time via a short walk through the garden.

is the conflict in the middle east going to impact my trip to italy?

We understand that global events can bring uncertainty. Italy remains a safe, welcoming destination, and as of March 2026, travel from North America and within Europe continues as usual, though you may notice standard increased security at major airports.
Our retreat in San Casciano is a quiet sanctuary far from the city bustle. We recommend keeping an eye on your local travel advisories and ensuring you have travel insurance for peace of mind, but we fully expect our time in the hills to remain a peaceful, undisturbed haven.

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