La Dolce Vita is a comfortable, relaxed, welcoming retreat that celebrates creative living.

With a focus on artistic and creative expression, culinary explorations, and market shopping, this women’s gathering will give each attendee the opportunity to participate in a supportive, encouraging environment.

The Sweet Life

When translated, La Dolce Vita means “the sweet life” and throughout our week together we will indeed be enjoying a sweet time in Italy! Carolyn has planned an intimate, laid back retreat, punctuated by fun workshops and outings. She utilizes her network of kind-spirited locals who will welcome and interact with you as if you are family friends who have come for a visit.

What to expect

While La Dolce Vita aims to exceed your expectations, it is not a five star experience with room service, maid service and daily towel changes. Our luxuries are of a different sort; a peaceful walk in the garden, inspirational creative workshops and excursions, the fragrance of fresh herbs, sleeping sheltered behind the walls of a building that has seen the passage of time, and birds welcoming each morning with a song. Attendees should be comfortable with the idea that there are no room attendants to make the beds each morning, and that the shared kitchens and bathrooms will only be as clean as you keep them.

Italy

A visit to Italy can be a life affirming, wonderful experience, but only for those who go into it with an open mind and positive outlook. Things will not be the same as in North America… but that’s the point, right?

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and
permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Mary Ritter Beard

It is the change in the “ideas of living” that make a visit to Italy so life changing. While the coffee may be strong, and finding a wifi signal is sometimes a challenge, the country is off the charts inspiring. There is a vibrant, celebrated food culture which is lauded the world over, it is home to stunning cathedrals that make you feel small when you stand in their shadows, and the sense of history you get wandering through streets and buildings that are centuries old is something that simply can’t be found in North America.

Activities

While we have activities planned each day, there has been a concentrated effort to balance guided  activities with free time to allow each attendee to truly live in the moment and experience Tuscany at their own pace.  If for any reason you wish to skip any of the activities, that is your prerogative. Our goal is that you have the time of your life, so please feel welcome to participate as much, or as little, as you want.

At its heart, La Dolce Vita is a week-long celebration of creativity and community. It is a place where women gather and through planned activities and special touches feel valued, encouraged, and inspired. As you consider joining us this year, or in the future, you are most welcome.