There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita creative lifestyle retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For those who would like a private bedroom:
$5900 US DOLLARS
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For those who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$4900 US DOLLARS
There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita creative lifestyle retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For those who would like a private bedroom:
$5900 US DOLLARS
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For those who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$4900 US DOLLARS
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS: March 12th at 09:00 Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com once registration opens and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received. A $500 US Dollar deposit is due at registration.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book: single or double.
• What email address(es) we should send the $500 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from Prone to Wander Retreats Inc for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for a $500 non-refundable booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, you will be instructed on how to proceed in the registration process.
After receiving your PayPal deposit, the balance of your retreat payment will be paid to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
While we welcome payments in full, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. does offer equal instalment plans. For this retreat, clients may choose from the following options:
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025 and July 1, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025, June 1, 2025, Aug 1, 2025
• 6 instalments, with the payments due on the first of the month each month from: April 1, 2025 through to September 1, 2025
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc has a firm cancellation policy; payments are committed and non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable until Sept 1, 2025. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS: March 12th at 09:00 Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com once registration opens and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received. A $500 US Dollar deposit is due at registration.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book: single or double.
• What email address(es) we should send the $500 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from Prone to Wander Retreats Inc for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for a $500 non-refundable booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, you will be instructed on how to proceed in the registration process.
After receiving your PayPal deposit, the balance of your retreat payment will be paid to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
While we welcome payments in full, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. does offer equal instalment plans. For this retreat, clients may choose from the following options:
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025 and July 1, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025, June 1, 2025, Aug 1, 2025
• 6 instalments, with the payments due on the first of the month each month from: April 1, 2025 through to September 1, 2025
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc has a firm cancellation policy; payments are committed and non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable until Sept 1, 2025. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
How to Register
When creative women gather, we have a unique capacity to encourage and support each other, and within the framework of being away from home, our vulnerability allows us to bond in a magical, joyful way.
With a focus on artistic and creative expression, culinary explorations, and market shopping, La Dolce Vita Retreat will give each attendee the opportunity to be a part of a joyfully inspiring, supportive, encouraging environment all while seeing some of the "must see" sights, learning from talented artists and eating the best Italian food you've ever had!
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, make, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow creative women to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the market, our art workshops with Marian Parsons and Maria Giannini, dinner with our next door neighbour in her fairytale castle, or our pizza lesson. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off and reignite your creative passions!
When creative women gather, we have a unique capacity to encourage and support each other, and within the framework of being away from home, our vulnerability allows us to bond in a magical, joyful way.
With a focus on artistic and creative expression, culinary explorations, and market shopping, La Dolce Vita Retreat will give each attendee the opportunity to be a part of a joyfully inspiring, supportive, encouraging environment all while seeing some of the "must see" sights, learning from talented artists and eating the best Italian food you've ever had!
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details. Your job is very simple - come, eat, make, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow creative women to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the market, our art workshops with Marian Parsons and Maria Giannini, dinner with our next door neighbour in her fairytale castle, or our pizza lesson. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off and reignite your creative passions!
Since 2014, Carolyn Peeler has hosted "La Dolce Vita", her flagship creative lifestyle retreat in Tuscany, where a fusion of creativity and community leaves each attendee feeling warmly welcomed and inspired!
Joining Carolyn will be her special guest, artist Marian Parsons.
Marian is a painter, seamstress, home decorator, art instructor, and author. She shows, by example, how fulfilling it is to live a multi-disciplined creative life.
Combining arts + crafts with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable,
this retreat is specifically designed to inspire and fill the well of creative women.
Combining arts + crafts with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable,
this retreat is specifically designed to inspire and fill the well of creative women.
While we will enjoy many of the retreat activities at our home base, there will also be
several day trips, including visits to an antique market and a weekly general market.
We believe that creativity extends to the culinary arts and are certain that the
vibrant food culture of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
We believe that creativity extends to the culinary arts and are certain that the
vibrant food culture of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
meals & culinary explorations
meals & culinary explorations
Under the direction of Orsa, a PhD in culinary anthropology and our private chef, retreat meals will feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Imagine digging into a plate of perfectly al dente pasta dressed with Orsa's pink pesto - a recipe that is always in high demand by retreat attendees, or visiting a 0km farm that produces its own grains, cheese, vegetables and fruit for an educational and engaging pizza lesson.
In addition to the above, we will also enjoy a fairytale private dinner at a 17th century castle and winery where each course will be accompanied by one of the excellent wines they produce.
We promise, you're going to eat well when gathering 'round our table!
During our week together, we will stay at a family run boutique
hotel in the Tuscan countryside, which will be booked exclusively for our group.
During our week together, we will stay at a family run boutique hotel in the Tuscan countryside, which will be booked exclusively for our group.
the venue
retreat VENUE & Rooms
Our home base is an olive oil producing, family run farm located 14 km from the medieval city of Siena. Surrounded by its olive groves and located in the heart of a terrain dotted with forests, natural springs, and historical and artistic heritage sites, it's nestled in an area that has been declared a “Site of Community Importance” by the European Community.
There are both single and double bedrooms available.
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat October 4 - 11, 2025 includes the following:
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition October 4-11, 2025
includes the following:
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners.
• One creative workshop with our featured guest, Marian Parsons
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Arezzo.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A pizza workshop at a stunning 0km farm where we will learn to make a fantastic pizza dough, then try our hand at being a pizzaiola!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• A private gathering at the home of Carolyn's Italian friend, Paola where guests will have an unforgettable view of the major landmarks of Siena.
• Exclusive use of the gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina.
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
• One creative workshop with our featured guest, Marian Parsons
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Arezzo.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A pizza workshop at a stunning 0km farm where we will learn to make a fantastic pizza dough, then try our hand at being a pizzaiola!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• A private gathering at the home of Carolyn's Italian friend, Paola where guests will have an unforgettable view of the major landmarks of Siena.
• Exclusive use of the gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina.
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.
The following items are not included in your retreat registration:
• Airfare, including baggage fees.
• Transfers to/from the airport, or downtown Florence, to our event location. (We will recommend a transfer service
and anticipate that attendees will organize amongst themselves to ride-share in order to reduce costs.)
• Insurance: cancellation, medical, etc. for the trip.
• Meals outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary and alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
During our week together we will re-ignite your creativity through hands-on
workshops and visits to visually stunning locations that will inspire your senses.
During our week together we will re-ignite your creativity through hands-on
workshops and visits to visually stunning locations that will inspire your senses.
While we will enjoy many of the retreat activities at our home base, there will also be
several day trips, including visits to an antique market and a weekly general market.
Under the instruction of special guest, Marian Parsons and 6th generation book binder/paper marbler Maria Giannini, we will spend two days being inspired and supported as we play with art supplies and make creative souvenirs of our time exploring Tuscany together.
Whether you exercise your creative muse through: needle and thread, decorating and design, brush and paint, flour and butter, antiques and vintage, flowers and soil, camera and lens, paper and glue, or beads and gemstones, La Dolce Vita welcomes you as we encourage, inspire, and celebrate your creative journey.
Our group will enjoy two day trips to visit local markets: first, the Arezzo antique market followed by the Siena weekly market later in the week, which will be filled with locals purchasing food, clothing, and housewares.
creative workshops
city and market visits
creative workshops
OCTOBER 4 - 11, 2025
pricing
Are you a woman who could use a dose of magic and inspiration to restore and reignite your creativity? Are you tired of always being the one to plan your holidays, and would love to allow someone to take care of all the details so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy your dream Tuscan Creative escape? If so, join us this October at La Dolce Vita.
La Dolce Vita retreat
this retreat is sold out. Please
send us an email to join the no obligation wait list.
This retreat is SOLD OUT. Please send us an email to join the no obligation wait list.
what to expect
meet marian
meet Marian
what to expect
city & market visits
A: The Florence Peretola (FLR) Airport is the closest and is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes away from the retreat location. Depending on flight cost, and your desire to see other areas of Italy, you may also consider flying into Rome, Pisa, or even Milan.
A: Transportation to and from the retreat is not included in your retreat tuition. We have a transfer company who we will recommend to you, and encourage the group to consider coordinating their arrival schedules in order to minimize the cost per person. Or, for those who would like to rent a car, you will find ample parking at the retreat venue.
A: You are welcome to arrive at the estate any time after 15:00 (3 PM) on the first day of the retreat you register to attend. Our welcome banquet, which is the kick off for La Dolce Vita, will begin later in the evening.
A: You will kindly be asked to check out by 09:30 AM. Should the apartments at the estate not be booked the next day, it is possible that we may be able to push the vacate time a bit later, but we will not know that until closer to the retreat date.
A: Yes, all apartments have wifi. That being said, this is the countryside of Italy, the wifi is spotty – and with our group all trying to use devices, it can be hit or miss (often mainly miss) as to getting online reliably. So, we can not guarantee that you will have consistent access to the web. We will share recommendations for picking up an inexpensive local SIM card for those staying in Florence pre-retreat, or recommend purchasing an e-SIM before leaving home. Either option will allow you to purchase a data plan for your smart phone that will offer you consistent coverage while you are in Italy.
A: The Tuscan region is a popular tourist stop in Italy, so many of the people, especially in the towns, will speak English. It has never been a huge impediment for the attendees of La Dolce Vita. Usually if the specific person you are trying to communicate with does not speak English, you can ask around and find someone who will kindly agree to translate.
A: While on tour, we encourage all guests to monitor their own well-being and take precautions and preventative measures as recommended by their doctors. If a guest is exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with a contagious illness (such as a cold, flu, Covid, etc.) while on a Prone to Wander Retreat, they will be encouraged to isolate and/or wear a mask in any enclosed settings (bus, interior spaces) while with the group. Please be prepared by packing along your own N95/KN95 masks. Guests agree to support the well-being of all fellow travelers by taking personal accountability for their own health.
Q: If I'd like to arrive in Tuscany early, do you have any suggestions for where I could spend a few days before the retreat begins?
A: For those who are able to take the extra time, we would strongly urge you to consider arriving in Italy a day or two before La Dolce Vita starts. This is both to avoid the possibility of a flight delay which could eat into your precious retreat time, and so that you have time to adjust to the time difference. For North Americans, Italy is 6 – 9 hours ahead of their home time zone, so that extra day or two will really help your body catch up. As for where to stay, most retreat guests who come early choose to enjoy Florence for a day or two. I have multipage PDFs which I share in our private Facebook group with Florence hotel, restaurant, and shopping recommendations.
A: Due to the challenges of logistics, and the up front costs of hosting our retreats, Prone to Wander Retreats, Inc. has a firm no refund policy. We strongly encourage attendees purchase cancellation insurance to protect their investment. However, your spot is fully transferable to a friend or family member, up until a cut off date, typically approximately 6-8 weeks before the retreat (the specific date will be listed in the contract for each retreat).
What previous attendees are saying about our retreats
"The experience turned out to be so much more than I anticipated. Upon arrival I was surprised by the beauty of the 17th century farm. From the veranda I greatly enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding garden and the countryside in the distance. Tasteful meals from the loveable staff, served at an enchantingly laid table. Imagine meeting new friends in Tuscany and sharing stories over a fine bottle of Italian wine…!
Every day brought a surprise from our good humoured host Carolyn. Buying vintage jewelry at the antique market in Cortona together with some of “the girls”, a special dinner and wine tasting at a castle, the paper marbling workshop, the farewell dinner... were some of the many highlights of my stay.
I left my adventure re-inspired and I’m ready for more!"
• HELLA MOODY FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
read more testimonials
"I would tell anyone considering this retreat to GO FOR IT! My expectations were exceeded in every way.
It was as if someone looked into my mind and created an experience that included all of my favorite things, from shopping, to creating, to cooking classes, and many unexpected surprises, including forging friendships with the other attendees. It was obvious from the moment I arrived that every detail had been considered and Carolyn was the ultimate vacation party planner."
• AMY MARSHALL FROM BELGIUM •
read more testimonials
"Carolyn walks you through every aspect of your travel before you leave home. Have a question, your email is answered promptly.
There is a sisterhood that develops as creative women come together. The workshops are fun and informative. Don't consider yourself creative? Come anyway just for fun and pure joy.
I've had a few experiences that I say are worth every penny; Eleven Madison Park, Outstanding in the Field and La Dolce Vita Retreat. One of the best experiences of my life."
• MICHELE WHITE FROM NEW YORK •
read more testimonials
"I attended La Dolce Vita for the first time in 2019. I had never done anything like this before and went in with some reservations traveling alone. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Every single person was so warm and welcoming.
Carolyn does absolutely everything with excellence. Every small little detail is planned out to perfection. I had special dietary needs and that was all pre planned and perfect.
I own Whim So Doodle, a scrapbooking store in Florida, and spend time with many artists but this took everything I have ever done to the next level. It was the most relaxing getaway I have ever had and it filled my soul. What a treat. Carolyn I don’t know anyone who can do what you do with the level of excellence in which you do it. "
• JILL OROBELLO FROM FLORIDA •
read more testimonials
"La Dolce Vita retreat was a recharge week in the middle of my busy year. One week in a beautiful place that after half an hour felt like home, with lovely ladies from all over the world.
Carolyn and her team pay attention to the small details that make each day special. Delicious food, enjoyable activities, amazing hosts - the best combination that made this week unforgettable for me. I am sure that I'll be back for a future La Dolce Vita retreat."
• RIKI NUDLER FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
read more testimonials
"I know what you’re asking yourself, will this be all that I expect? I mean, I’ve paid good money for this. I’ve travelled a long way. At least, I know that’s what ran through my head at first, but I took the leap. And this adventure turned out to be more than I could have ever dreamed - better than the description on the website.
Carolyn is a wonderfully kind and fun loving host and has a fantastic team supporting her. The setting was beautiful and every event we had was well planned. I’ve made great friends.
I know you want me to tell you everything we did, but no, that would spoil everything! The magic of this trip is that you will wake up every day to discover a great adventure. Go and enjoy yourself. You won’t want to leave."
• LINDA HAYES FROM CALIFORNIA •
read more testimonials
"From the moment Carolyn came to greet us with a big smile and a hug…. (I love hugs), I felt at home.
It was a week full of amazing cooking, photography, wine testing, trips to antique markets, flower arrangements class and much more. I loved every minute while making new friends and treasured memories. Thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful meals.
If you have the opportunity to join a retreat overseas, this is the one, you must go! You will not regret your decision. Carolyn, you are such a kind and caring person. Looking forward to seeing you again."
• RITA READE FROM CALIFORNIA •
read more testimonials
"I appreciated that the scheduling was very easy, allowing ample time for breakfast with no rushing to catch a bus or make a tour. All of the activities had a level of quality that made me feel very privileged to be there and the info we got before the trip was so helpful: exchanging money, Florence airport, Transport (shuttle vans), private Facebook page, what to pack. For someone like me who had never been to Italy, each of these things gave me such peace of mind.
The goal of immersion into everyday life was fully realized. I feel re-oriented to a lifestyle I can create at home. Warmth. Hospitality. Simplicity. Quality. Pride."
• KAREN FLOREK FROM CALIFORNIA •
read more testimonials
"With a balance of city and country, elegance and authenticity, we were treated to local foods, wines, and tastes of the Italian "Sweet Life", including estate tours, antique markets and lessons in crafting, cooking, and photography. It was a visual, social and gastronomical feast, highlighted by the rich interaction of interesting people: Leaders, locals, and lovely ladies - none of whom will be forgotten.
I'm grateful for a most excellent experience, and the many delightful surprises that were added to our days! Photographs, friendships and a head full of memories: yet another RE-treat! I absolutely recommend taking advantage of this opportunity for yourself!"
• ELIZABETH CECCHETTINI FROM NORTH CAROLINA •
read more testimonials
