One aspect of La Dolce Vita which is eagerly anticipated by attendees are the days filled with creativity! Carolyn envisions a retreat where women of all skill levels enjoy flexing their creative muscles while learning, or improving, their working knowledge in a variety of different creative fields.

You don’t have to be a expert, dabbler, or even have ever tried a specific type of art to participate in the workshops. Part of the joy of La Dolce Vita is exploring creativity in a variety of mediums. While some of our attendees have included passionate creatives who own their own companies, studios, restaurants and culinary businesses, we have also welcomed many whose last art project was in elementary school!

From tablescapes and culinary creativity, to arts and crafts, La Dolce Vita meets you where you are and encourages you to enjoy exercising the creative part of your brain.

May 16-23, 2026 Retreat workshops:

At this retreat we are pleased to offer two featured creative workshops.

The first, a painting workshop, will be lead by our special guest, Mary Gregory: “Inspired by the golden hills, olive green, and misty mornings of Tuscany, this workshop invites you to slow down and really see. We’ll begin with a guided color study, capturing the essence of the landscape in swatches and mixed tones. In the afternoon, we’ll turn that palette into a painted scene, an intuitive, personal interpretation of the beauty that surrounds us.”

The second will be led by Florentine sixth generation bookbinder and paper marble artist Maria Giannini. Under her capable, and often hilarious, direction guests will try their hand at this historical art.

These workshops will be a hands-on, immersive experience where attendees will flex their creative acumen.

Retreat attendees may be asked to bring a basic set of supplies for the workshops (ie, scissors, glue stick, paintbrush, watercolour paint set). They will be emailed the supply list, should there be one, shortly before the retreat.