There are two booking categories available for
Prone to Wander: Puglia

SINGLE BOOKING RATE

For those who would like a private bedroom:
$5200 US DOLLARS
payable to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc.

or

DOUBLE BOOKING RATE

For guests who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$4400 US DOLLARS
payable to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc.

There are two booking categories available for
Prone to Wander: Puglia

SINGLE BOOKING RATE

For those who would like a private bedroom:
$5200 US DOLLARS
payable to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc

or

DOUBLE BOOKING RATE

For guests who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$4400 US DOLLARS
payable to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc

The late designer Yves Saint Laurent was thirty years old when he first visited Morocco. He immediately fell in love with the country for its culture, colours, and setting. He said “Marrakech, for me, is paradise”.

I concur on many levels. Marrakech is a city that inspires and educates. It is a crossroad where Arab, Bedouin, and European influences converge, and its Medina (old town) has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a cacophony of colour, a maze of alleyways and streets, both affluence and poverty, and souks (markets) populated by vendors who are constantly cajoling passersby to shop their wares.

It is spices, pottery, lanterns, tiles, carpets, and oils.

It is a city that is the very definition of sensory overload, of that there is no doubt..

But underneath the marvellous chaos, Marrakech is a city that rewards those who arrive with an adventurous, easy-going spirit with an insight to a world and culture far removed from our own. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about; growth, education, and off-the-charts inspiration.









Puglia is wild, rugged, and rustic.⁣ It is lime washed buildings, sandy beaches, turquoise water, ancient pottery, and cacti.

It is mile after mile of scrub fields interrupted by olive groves that erupt from the rocky red soil.

It is modern cities with apartment blocks that look like they come direct from a 1970s movie set and ancient cities that ooze charm and history.

Located at the heel of Italy's boot. It has been a vacation hot spot for Italians for decades, but it is only in the recent past that it has gained traction for international travellers.

Your hostess, Carolyn Peeler has been designing and leading international women's retreats for over a decade.

Her first retreat, in 2014, brought women to Tuscany, and in 2022 she added Marrakech to her event line up.

She combines book and online research with on the ground reconnaissance to guarantee that her offerings will speak to the heart of fellow creative, travel-loving women.

As she designed this retreat, at the forefront of Carolyn's mind was the desire to collaborate with local creatives who caught her vision for an event where community and creativity merge, and where each guest is made to feel a part of the family.


Puglia is wild, rugged, and rustic.⁣ It is lime washed buildings, sandy beaches, turquoise water, ancient pottery, and cacti.

It is mile after mile of scrub fields interrupted by olive groves that erupt from the rocky red soil.

It is modern cities with apartment blocks that look like they come direct from a 1970s movie set and ancient cities that ooze charm and history.

Located at the heel of Italy's boot. It has been a vacation hot spot for Italians for decades, but it is only in the recent past that it has gained traction for international travellers.

After being intrigued and captivated by the rustic earthiness of the region during her first visit in 2017, Carolyn
knew that someday she would add a retreat in Puglia to the Prone to Wander family.
That day is finally here, and Carolyn has planned a week to remember! 

After being intrigued and captivated by the rustic earthiness of the region during her first visit in 2017, Carolyn knew that someday she would add a retreat in Puglia to the Prone to Wander family. That day is finally here, and Carolyn has planned a week to remember! 

Being introduced to the culinary traditions and local dishes of a region is a given at a Prone to Wander gathering, and during our time together you will be introduced to the "cucina povera" of Puglia.

Being introduced to the culinary traditions and local dishes of a region is a given at a Prone to Wander
gathering, and during our time together you will be introduced to the "cucina povera" of Puglia.

our meals and culinary excursions

meals & culinary explorations

With a combination of a private chef at our host property, and local farms and restaurants preparing our meals, your culinary immersion into the cuisine of Puglia will be absolute!

From the pasta shape seen all 'round the region, orecchiette,  to simple frise, meat bombettes, and pasticciotto,  Puglia's food culture differentiates itself from the Italy you might know from previous trips to the Northern or Central regions of the country.

Come prepared to eat seasonal fare, made simply with great passion and dedication to quality ingredients.












During our week in Puglia, we will stay at a working Masseria (farm), which produces
cheese, eggs, grains, and olive oil from its livestock and land. Its owner has a passion for preserving the past
and she has used her talent to design memorable, antique filled, communal spaces, which we will enjoy.

During our week in Puglia, we will stay at a working Masseria (farm), which produces cheese, eggs, grains, and olive oil from its livestock and land. Its owner has a passion for preserving the past and she has used her talent to design memorable, antique filled, communal spaces, which we will enjoy.

the rooms & venue

rooms + venue

Your registration to Prone to Wander: Puglia May 6 - 13, 2025 includes the following:

Your registration to Prone to Wander: Puglia May 6 - 13, 2025 includes the following:

• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners.

• A welcome gift, including your custom retreat magazine.

• A visit to the Ostuni antique market; one of Puglia's largest antique markets located in the historical centre of the white city, 

• One "Taste of Puglia" Cooking Lesson 

• An exclusive spa visit to a beautiful Masseria where each guest will have two hours to enjoy the sauna, hammam, hydro therapy tub, and Scottish shower. Additional services, such as massage, can be purchased directly from the spa, a la carte, as available.

• A tour of one of the most historic ceramic studios in Grottaglie, where we will learn how the artisans make and decorate their signature pieces. After the tour, we will spend the morning in the city enjoying the shops and studios that fill its artisanal core. Followed by a group lunch.

•  A visit to the Lecce weekly market, where you will find food, clothing, and housewares.

• A foraging and focaccia culinary lesson at a historical Masseria where you will be entranced by the beauty and creativity of the chatelains of the property.

• An exploration of the cheeses of Puglia with the owner of our retreat venue, who is a cheese producer and certified cheese expert!

• Time to explore the beautiful cities of: Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and Gallipoli.

• A memorable farewell pizza party, featuring authentic wood-fired pizza straight from the garden’s rustic pizza oven. There’s nothing quite like the smoky, charred perfection of wood-fired pizza - it's the real deal, bursting with flavor and a true taste of Italy’s culinary heart. It’s the perfect way to wrap up our unforgettable retreat!

• 7 nights accommodation in a single or double room, based on your requested booking category.

• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.

• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners.

• A welcome gift, including your custom retreat magazine.

• A visit to the Ostuni antique market; one of Puglia's largest antique markets located in the historical centre of the white city, 

• One "Taste of Puglia" Cooking Lesson 

• An exclusive spa visit to a beautiful Masseria where each guest will have two hours to enjoy the sauna, hammam, hydro therapy tub. and Scottish shower. Additional services, such as massage, can be purchased a la carte, as available.

• A tour of one of the most historic ceramic studios in Grotteglie, where we will learn how the artisans make and decorate their signature pieces. After the tour, we will spend the morning in the city enjoying the shops and studios that fill it's artisinal core. Followed by a group lunch.

• A visit to the Lecce weekly market, filled with food, clothing, and housewares.

• A foraging and focaccia culinary lesson at a historical Masseria where you will be entranced by the beauty and creativity of the chatelains of the property.

• An exploration of the cheeses of Puglia with the owner of our retreat venue, who is a certified cheese expert!

• A farewell pizza party in the wood burning pizza oven in the garden.

• Excursions to explore Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and Gallipoli.

• 7 nights accommodation in a single or double room, based on your requested booking category.

• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.

The following items are not included in your retreat registration:

• Airfare, including any baggage fees.

• Transportation outside of that listed as a part of the program.

• Insurance: cancellation, medical, etc. for the trip.

• Between meal snacks, meals outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary, and alcoholic beverages.

• Souvenirs, phone calls, spa services, laundry, etc.

• Tips and gratuities.

Prone to Wander: Puglia will combine city exploration, market visits, culinary lessons, and a very
special private spa visit to offer a week that will restore and inspire the spirit.

Prone to Wander: Puglia will combine city exploration, market visits, culinary lessons, and a very special private spa visit to offer a week that will restore and inspire the spirit.

Activities 

MAY 6 - 13, 2025

If you're a woman who enjoys travel through the lens of creativity, Carolyn Peeler invites you to journey to the heel of Italy's boot with her this spring.

There, you will experience a region that seems light years away from the rolling hills of Tuscany and busyness of Rome. Let our team of local hosts, artisans, and experts introduce you to Puglia, a destination that rewards curious travellers with stunning scenery, charming white washed villages, amazing coastline, and memorable foods.
 

Prone to wander: Puglia

General Registration opens
February 5 at 09:00 AM PST

General Registration opens February 5 at 09:00 AM PST

learn about PUGLIA

why puglia?

As we explore Puglia from east to west, visiting cities on both the Adriatic to Ionian coasts, our time together will be punctuated by sightseeing and workshops that will help us get to know this ancient land, its traditions, and people.
 
Whether we are visiting an antique market, enjoying culinary lessons, or touring a world famous ceramic studio, the activities have been planned to maximize your enjoyment of this special region of Italy.



activities

Located twenty minutes outside of Lecce, aka: "Florence of the South", our group will enjoy the exclusive use of a 16th century farmhouse as our base.

From the greenhouse situated in the centre of the Masseria's courtyard, which is highly styled and looks straight from the pages of a  decor magazine, to the pizza oven in the garden, this property has charm in spades and was renovated with care and attention to detail.

There are both single and double occupancy rooms available.

pricing:

pricing:

GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS: February 5 at 09:00 (AM) Pacific Standard Time.

To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com (dot 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: February 15, 2025 and March 15, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: February 15, 2025, March 15, 2025, April 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 March 15, 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: February 5 at 09:00 (AM) Pacific Standard 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: February 15, 2025 and March 15, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: February 15, 2025, March 15, 2025, April 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 March 15, 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

Q: What airport should I fly into?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: The Brindisi (BDS) Airport is the closest to our retreat location, aproximately a 30 minute drive from our venue. Depending on flight cost, and your desire to see other areas of Italy, you may also consider flying into Bari airport (BRI) which is approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes north of the retreat location, or Rome, if you were up for renting a car, or taking the train south to Puglia.

Q: If I'd like to arrive in Puglia early, do you have any suggestions for where I could spend a few days before the retreat begins?

A: Coming in a day or two early is a fantastic idea, both to mitigate the possibility of a flight delay eating into retreat time, and to give you time to get over jet lag. I absolutely adore Lecce and its historical center. It's a walkable city and is nicknamed "Florence of the South" for a reason! Alternatively, Matera while technically not in Puglia, is a one of a kind city, with unforgettable cave hotels. It's a must-see!

Q: How should I get to the retreat?

A: Transportation to and from the retreat is not included in your retreat tuition. You could consider renting a car as the countryside driving is very easy - or, we will recommend a transfer company, and encourage the group to consider coordinating their arrival schedules in order to carpool and minimize the cost per person.

Q: When should I arrive at the venue for the beginning of the retreat?

A: You are welcome to arrive at the Masseria any time after 3:30 PM on the first day of the retreat. Our welcome banquet, which is the kick off for Prone to Wander: Puglia, will begin later in the evening.

Q: What time do we have to leave the Masseria on the final day?

A: You will kindly be asked to check out by 10:00 AM at the end of your retreat. Should the apartments at the Masseria 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 the night before,  as the Masseria's bookings are open 24/7.

Q: Is there internet service at the retreat location?

A: Yes, all bedrooms have wifi. That being said, this is the countryside of Italy, the wifi is very 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 give recommendations for picking up an inexpensive local SIM card for those coming in a few days early pre-retreat, which will allow you to purchase a data plan for your smart phone that will offer you consistent coverage while you are in Italy, or you can use roaming on your current phone plan.

Q: I don’t speak Italian; will I find it hard to communicate with people during our excursions?

A: In contrast to more heavily touristed regions of Italy, it can occasionally be difficult to find English speakers in Puglia. However, if you encounter a language barrier, it is often possible to ask around and find someone willing to assist with translation, or to communicate effectively through gestures. Carolyn has not found this to be a significant obstacle during her travels in the region.

Q: What happens if I get sick during the retreat?

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.

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 •

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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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