october 3 - 10, 2026
If you love European antiques, and you've ever dreamed of travelling to Italy to purchase them directly from the source - then we invite you to join Carolyn Peeler and her special guest Melissa Parks, aka: social media's @megillicutti, for a week long adventure in Tuscany that will seriously scratch your European antiquing itch!
As we journey through the countryside, visiting markets, second hand shops, and dealer warehouses, you’ll rack up serious savings over North American antique prices, allowing you to come home with some amazing treasures from your time in Italy.
La Dolce Vita retreat: antiquing edition
This retreat is SOLD OUT. Please email us to join the no obligation wait list.
Pricing: from $5500 US Dollars
WATCH A SHORT VIDEO OF WHAT
TO EXPECT AT LA DOLCE VITA ANTIQUING EDITION
WATCH A SHORT VIDEO OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT LA DOLCE VITA ANTIQUING EDITION
There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For guests who would like a private bedroom:
$6500 US DOLLARS per person
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For guests who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$5500 US DOLLARS per person
There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For those who would like a private bedroom:
$6500 US DOLLARS per person
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For those who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$5500 US DOLLARS per person
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS:
JANUARY 31st at 09:00 (AM) Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com
and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received.
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.
• 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 the $500 booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, we will instruct you on how to proceed in the registration process.
Payments to Prone to Wander Retreats, inc. will be accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
There are payment plans available for clients who prefer to pay Prone to Wander Retreats, Inc. via equal instalment plans. You may choose from the following options:
• Payment in full, due Feb 15, 2026
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026, and June 1, 2026
• 4 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026; April 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; and August 1, 2026
• 7 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026; March 1, 2026; April 1, 2026; May 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; July 1, 2026; and August 1, 2026
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats, Inc. has a firm cancellation policy and your payments are 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 July 15, 2026. 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: JANUARY 31st at 09:00 Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com
and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received.
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.
• 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 the $500 booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, we will instruct you on how to proceed in the registration process.
Payments to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. will be accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
There are payment plans available for clients who prefer to pay Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. via equal instalment plans. You may choose from the following options:
• Payment in full, due Feb 15, 2026
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026, and June 1, 2026
• 4 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026; April 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; and August 1, 2026
• 7 instalments, with the payments due: Feb 15, 2026; March 1, 2026; April 1, 2026; May 1, 2026; June 1, 2026; July 1, 2026; and August 1, 2026
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. has a firm cancellation policy. Once you are registered, your payments are 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 July 15, 2026. 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
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers 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 markets and second hand shops, learning from special guest Melissa Parks, tossing pizza dough, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers 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 markets, dealer stores, and second hand shops, the memorable pizza making lesson at a 0km farm, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Joining Carolyn will be her special guest, antique dealer and published writer in "Flea Market Style" and "Lived-In Style" magazines, Melissa Parks. Her years of experience in antiquing and styling are the perfect match for this retreat!
Our itinerary takes advantage of Carolyn's twelve years of hosting retreats in Tuscany, the relationships she has built with her talented collaborators, and her personal experiences in shopping at Italian markets and transporting her purchases back home.
Combining antiquing with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable,
this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
Combining antiquing with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable, this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain
that the vibrant food culture and culinary history of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain that the vibrant food culture and
culinary history 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 whose recipe is always in high demand from prior retreat attendees, participating in a culinary lesson where you learn the secret to making mouth watering pizza dough, and sharing a memorable meal and wine pairing at a castle.
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
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.
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition
October 3-10, 2026 includes the following:
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition October 3-10, 2026 includes the following:
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners.
• Several casual "chats" with our featured guest, Melissa Parks over the course of our week.
• 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!
• Visits to antique stores and two warehouses of local antique dealers, along with visiting some of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• 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, 3 lunches, 7 dinners.
• Several casual "chats" with our special guest, Melissa Parks, over the course of our week.
• 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!
• Visits to antique stores and two warehouses of local antique dealers, along with visiting some of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• 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. (Please note: Out-of-country medical insurance is mandatory)
• Meals outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary and alcoholic beverages
• Shipping your antique purchases home (if needed)
• Tips and gratuities
In addition to visiting some special places discovered through Carolyn's own passion for antiquing,
our group will attend the largest antique market in Tuscany, in Arezzo.
In addition to visiting special places discovered through Carolyn's own passion for antiquing, our group will attend the largest antique market in Tuscany, in Arezzo.
During our shopping excursions, you will find a little bit of everything:
• textiles: grains sacks, bedding, clothing, lace, etc.
• lighting: chandeliers, sconces, lamps, etc.
• pottery: everything from large urns to small vases and bowels
• artwork: framed and unframed
• religious relics/statuary
• ephemera
• jewelry: costume and fine rings, earrings, necklaces, cuff links, etc.
• dolls
• books
• toys
MARKET & city visits
market & city visits
what to expect
but wait, there's more!
join the optional two night mercanteinfiera in parma extension, Oct 10 - 12, 2026
For those who want to soak up every antiquing opportunity that they can, we invite you to join us after the retreat for an optional two night add-on as we journey north from Siena to Parma, where we will visit the Fall edition of the twice annual Mercanteinfiera, a huge exhibition in the Parma convention centre, where dealers from around Italy will gather to sell their wares.
Immediately post retreat, we will take a chartered bus from our retreat base to Parma where we will stay at a large hotel close to the bus station.
Pricing will vary based on the number of clients who choose to add this extension. That said, we expect that the ballpark add on price will be between €550-670 euros based on double occupancy. Once we know how many clients plan to add the extension, the precise cost will be disclosed before clients are asked to commit.
meet MELISSA
meet MELISSA
what to expect
pricing:
A: The Florence Peretola (FLR) Airport is the closest and is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes away from the retreat venue. Depending on flight cost, and your desire to see other areas of Italy, you may also consider flying into Rome, Pisa, or even Milan.
If you decide to join the Parma extension, then you might want to look at an open-jaw ticket, flying into Florence and out of Bologna (BLQ). Bologna is just over 1 hour from Parma, whereas the Florence airport is about 2 hours away.
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: If your schedule allows, we strongly encourage you to arrive in Italy a day or two before La Dolce Vita begins. This helps buffer against potential flight delays that could cut into your retreat time and also gives your body a chance to adjust to the time difference. For North American travelers, Italy is 6–9 hours ahead, so that extra day or two can make a real difference. Most guests who arrive early choose to spend their time in Florence. I share detailed, multi-page PDFs with hotel, restaurant, and shopping recommendations in our private Facebook group to help you plan your stay.
Transportation to and from the retreat is not included in the retreat tuition. We will recommend a trusted transfer company, and we encourage guests to coordinate arrival times so they can carpool together and share transfer costs. For those who prefer to rent a car, there is ample parking available 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 leave the apartments by 9:00 AM the morning of the end of your retreat, and the estate 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: At this time, unfortunately, La Dolce Vita retreat is not suited for guests with mobility challenges. We will stay in a historic building that was constructed centuries before accessibility standards were in place. As a result, there are no elevators at our agriturismo, and all bedrooms are accessed by stairs.
In addition, guests should be comfortable walking approximately 2–5 miles at a normal pace without difficulty. This level of walking is part of our day trip to the antique market as well as our time exploring Siena.
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.
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
"La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat and buying trip was an outstanding experience from beginning to end. Every stop we visited was thoughtfully curated, providing access to exceptional pieces and highly respected dealers. Each dealer had their own distinctive collections of art, antiques, and curated goods. As the owner of an antique store in the United States, I found it especially valuable to observe the variety of shop displays, vignettes, and collecting styles, which offered fresh perspective and inspiration. The experience was a perfect balance between discovery, education, and hands-on buying. Beyond the treasures I found, the trip was an enriching exploration into the world of European antiques. It refined my own “buying-eye,” expanded my personal and my store’s collection, and made the buying process feel fun and rewarding."
• MARYBETH OF ROOTS & ROOST, FROM COLORADO •
"La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat and buying trip was an outstanding experience from beginning to end. Every stop we visited was thoughtfully curated, providing access to exceptional pieces and highly respected dealers. Each dealer had their own distinctive collections of art, antiques, and curated goods. As the owner of an antique store in the United States, I found it especially valuable to observe the variety of shop displays, vignettes, and collecting styles, which offered fresh perspective and inspiration. The experience was a perfect balance between discovery, education, and hands-on buying. Beyond the treasures I found, the trip was an enriching exploration into the world of European antiques. It refined my own “buying-eye,” expanded my personal and my store’s collection, and made the buying process feel fun and rewarding.
Carolyn is very focused on building community! The additional art and culinary classes elevated the retreat even further. Sharing meals with the artists, dealers and our hosts created meaningful connections, and time spent with the other participants deepened the sense of our collective. And immersing ourselves in the local culture—especially the food—while appreciating the history of the region made the experience as fulfilling personally as it was professionally."
• MARYBETH OF ROOTS & ROOST, FROM COLORADO •
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"My trip on the inaugural La Dolce Vita Antiquing Edition was a most memorable experience!
Arriving to our venue was a true delight. Our room was spacious and had a fabulous view of the countryside. All our meals prepared by Orsa were so delicious and accompanied with beautiful tablescapes by Carolyn.
Carolyn’s contacts and friends in Tuscany are what made this experience so unique and one-of-a kind. No where else would I have been able to dine at a private castle after touring their wine making facility.. and the intimate Italian marble paper-making class by a master craftswoman whose family is known among royalty for their papers was a once in a lifetime experience.
Those are just a few of the wonderful memories I have of my Prone to Wander retreat. Carolyn’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail made the week such a fun, creative and beautiful experience. I will return!"
• CELESTE WOO, FROM CALIFORNIA •
"My trip on the inaugural La Dolce Vita Antiquing Edition was a most memorable experience!
Arriving to our venue was a true delight. Our room was spacious and had a fabulous view of the countryside. All our meals prepared by Orsa were so delicious and accompanied with beautiful tablescapes by Carolyn.
Wandering the outdoor antique markets as well the private warehouses of antique dealers made for antiquing heaven!
Carolyn’s contacts and friends in Tuscany are what made this experience so unique and one-of-a kind. No where else would I have been able to dine at a private castle after touring their wine making facility.. and the intimate Italian marble paper-making class by a master craftswoman whose family is known among royalty for their papers was a once in a lifetime experience.
Those are just a few of the wonderful memories I have of my Prone to Wander retreat. Carolyn’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail made the week such a fun, creative and beautiful experience. I will return!"
• CELESTE WOO, FROM CALIFORNIA •
read more testimonials
"I attended the inaugural antiquing edition of La Dolce Vita Retreats last year and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire experience! Every detail of the retreat was carefully designed to embody what living passionately in the moment means, from amazing culinary gatherings to tours of stunning places to exciting workshops and outings. This trip truly opened my eyes to how I want to live, surrounded by beauty, adventure, and community!
As a lover of antiques and vintage, I was thrilled to find myself among the most amazing markets, warehouses, and stores that held treasures I couldn’t have ever imagined. The week was packed with excursions that exceeded my expectations and filled my suitcases! But the connections that I made on this retreat are what will stay with me forever. The women I met are now life long friends and our antiquating adventures have only just begun!
If you are considering this retreat, the answer is YES! I went solo and came away with a week full of joy, laughter, memories, mementos, deep connections, and a sisterhood I’d been missing. I promise you, it will be exactly what your heart and soul needs. And I’m eagerly anticipating the next one I attend!"
• JESSICA SAXTEN, FROM MONTANA •
"I attended the inaugural antiquing edition of La Dolce Vita Retreats last year and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire experience! Every detail of the retreat was carefully designed to embody what living passionately in the moment means, from amazing culinary gatherings to tours of stunning places to exciting workshops and outings. This trip truly opened my eyes to how I want to live, surrounded by beauty, adventure, and community!
As a lover of antiques and vintage, I was thrilled to find myself among the most amazing markets, warehouses, and stores that held treasures I couldn’t have ever imagined. The week was packed with excursions that exceeded my expectations and filled my suitcases! But the connections that I made on this retreat are what will stay with me forever. The women I met are now life long friends and our antiquating adventures have only just begun!
If you are considering this retreat, the answer is YES! I went solo and came away with a week full of joy, laughter, memories, mementos, deep connections, and a sisterhood I’d been missing. I promise you, it will be exactly what your heart and soul needs. And I’m eagerly anticipating the next one I attend!"
• JESSICA SAXTEN, FROM MONTANA •
read more testimonials
"Having attended one of Carolyn’s retreats back in 2016, I was so excited to get the chance to come to another in 2025.
Arriving at the villa in Tuscany (or whatever incredible destination she is hosting) is like arriving at your long distance best friend’s house. You immediately feel cared for, special, excited and somehow at home. Each heartfelt detail is very thoughtfully handled, crafted, and presented.
Given all of this intricate planning, organizing, and extreme preparation, it’s truly amazing that Carolyn is a constant source of stability, laughter, and calm spiritedness. She and her cohorts create a magical and singular experience of sisterhood, renewal, and creativity. Your inspiration and friendships linger far after you’re obliged to depart, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime and a yearning to go back.
Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the souvenirs. Make the art. Eat the pasta!"
• VALERIE JONES, FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"My trip to Morocco with Prone to Wander Retreats was, hands down, the most incredible and pampered adventure I’ve ever experienced.
Carolyn’s beautifully curated tour included everything I was looking for: safety, rich culture, exploration, exceptional food, unforgettable shopping, and plenty of pampering. Her Moroccan team—from the riad staff to our tour guide—was outstanding and never let us down.
Every experience felt thoughtfully researched and truly special, from a cooking class under a tent in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, to a luxurious spa day in the desert, to unforgettable dinners at Marrakech’s hottest restaurants.
I recommend Prone to Wander to everyone. I loved it so much that I signed up for another adventure!”
• KERRY ENGEL, FROM ALBERTA •
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"If you are so fortunate to attend a Marrakech retreat with Carolyn Peeler you will find it to be a nurturing, relaxing transformative space where no detail is left out including fabulous meals, interesting places to visit, and a wonderfully supportive group of women. You will find yourself, as I did, with a visionary feast of color, landscapes and architectural delights as well as having the opportunity to give back to some of the locals in a deeply meaningful way.
Carolyn has deep connections with people in Morocco that will enhance and further your connection with others and yourself. The Riads that Carolyn reserves are fantastic and beautiful with the warmth of locals deepening your experience. One of my favorite parts of the retreat is when we would arrive back at the Riads Carolyn would leave small presents for participants! So fun!
I would go back to Morocco with Carolyn in a heartbeat. And the shopping is wonderful! "
• CENA HOBAN, FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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"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 •
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Custom Retreats
If you are a club, family group, or organization, who would like a custom retreat or holiday itinerary planned just for you, let me know. I'd love to work alongside you to design the event of your dreams!
Marrakech
Marrakech is a city that will amaze, delight and stretch your travel acumen as you get to know its beautiful heritage buildings and palaces, kind locals, world class spas and restaurants, and the traditional artisans who call it home.
