Standing on the edge of Nardò, Monastero dell’Incoronata has been part of the city’s landscape for centuries. The church beside it was built in 1599, and in 1634 the monastery was entrusted to the Augustinian order, whose presence shaped life within these walls for generations. Today, after a careful restoration, the monastery has been brought back to life while preserving the quiet beauty and simplicity that has long defined it.

When guests arrive, they’ll first see the church to the right, beside the monastery, a reminder of the centuries of faith that have shaped this place. Passing through the entrance gate, they’ll enter a peaceful courtyard garden before stepping inside spaces filled with natural light, thoughtful craftsmanship, and details that honour the building’s history.

The restoration of the monastery was done with care. The architecture remains simple and restrained, faithful to the building’s monastic roots. Rooms are peaceful and uncluttered. Antiques and traditional textiles sit comfortably alongside modern comforts. The result is an elevated, yet simplistic, luxury.

The first time I walked through the monastery I knew that this was where a brand new retreat offering, which I had harboured in my heart for years, belonged.

Part of it was the beauty of the restoration. Part of it was the scale of the property, which feels intimate enough for our group to enjoy as a shared home for the week. Part of it was the atmosphere itself. But perhaps most of all, it was the feeling that this was a place with a storied history of faith and community.

For centuries, these walls have witnessed prayer, work, hospitality, and fellowship. Countless people have passed through these cloisters before us. And for one week, our group will become part of that story. I love that thought. For a brief moment in the long life of this monastery, Cor Unum will write a chapter of its own.

There will be conversations around the table. New friendships. Creative work. Laughter echoing through the cloisters. Quiet moments of reflection in the gardens. Shared meals. Shared stories. Shared faith.

And then, our week will come to an end. But for a little while, this beautiful place will become our home.

The People Behind the Monastery

The beauty of the monastery is undeniable, but what makes it extra special is the family behind it. Maria Grazia, her husband Paolo, daughter Chiara, and son Walter possess a warmth that is difficult to describe. There is a generosity and hospitality in the way they care for others that is increasingly rare.

In 2017, I discovered their beautiful Masseria Potenti (farmhouse hotel) on Instagram and immediately added it to my travel itinerary for an upcoming trip to Puglia. As I explored the option of collaborating with them, I sadly discovered that their Masseria had too many guestrooms to be the base for the intimate retreats I host.

But, I knew there was something special about the family and so kept in contact, visiting them several times in a personal capacity, and have since brought my Puglia retreat groups to enjoy half or full day experiences hosted at their Masseria. You can imagine my excitement when I learned about their Monastery project from Chiara in 2024. As she shared how they were creating a place specifically designed for smaller groups and meaningful gatherings, I wondered if this might be the long awaited collaboration I dreamed of way back in 2017!

When I finally visited the completed project, everything clicked into place. I felt in my bones that this gorgeous property, its owners, and its story was tailor made for a Prone to Wander experience.

As we began dreaming about Cor Unum together, it quickly became clear that it was meant to be and that this was always where this new Prone to Wander Retreat experience, combining creativity, hospitality, and Christian faith, was supposed to be birthed.

The Rooms & Accessibility

During our retreat, our group will enjoy exclusive use of the monastery, allowing us to settle into its peaceful rhythm and truly make it our home for the week.

Each unique guest room reflects the same philosophy that guided the restoration as a whole, with a focus on: simplicity, authenticity, and thoughtful attention to detail. In keeping with the monastery’s history, the rooms are intentionally understated, with clean lines, natural materials, beautiful linens, and carefully chosen furnishings. Rather than feeling sparse, they embody a sense of quiet luxury; elegant, comfortable, and deeply restful.

All guest rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, and both double-occupancy and a limited number of single-occupancy rooms are available.

One of the most surprising features of the restoration is the inclusion of an elevator. Rarely found in historic properties of this kind, it allows all guest rooms to be accessed without the need to navigate stairs.

While guests will still need to be comfortable stepping on and off our transfer vehicles and participating in the walking that naturally accompanies exploring Italy, including visits to markets, historic towns, and local workshops, this retreat may be a wonderful option for those who prefer to avoid navigating multiple flights of stairs each day.

If you have specific accessibility questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to help you determine whether this retreat would be a good fit for your needs.