Pilates & Palazzos Retreat
Meet us in Tuscany for the ultimate Pilates retreat! Experience Italy’s most popular destination behind-the-scenes for an all-inclusive, hybrid travel experience designed to move your body, stimulate your mind and share Italy’s soul. We’ll immerse ourselves in culture, cuisine and curated Tuscany countryside together.
At A Glance:
Price: (USD)
$6250: all inclusive, single occupancy
$4250: double occupancy (how to get this rate here).
Tour Dates:
Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17
Our tour is 5 full days & 4 nights. We meet up Monday morning (with optional Florence weekend add-on).
Where We Go:
Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Tuscan countryside, & more!
Weather:
Avg. temperature in Tuscany in May is around 20° C / 68° F but the days can be much warmer and the nights cooler! (Don’t worry, we’ll send a packing list)
“Pilates and travel provide the same outcome for a curious human: a chance to self reflect, feel connected and expand. We are combining the magic of Pilates with the wonders of Tuscany to bring you a retreat experience like no other.”
- Keri O’Meara, Muse Movement Owner and Pilates teacher
“Italy has many pleasures to offer but none so sublime as traveling with a group of kind, curious, progressive, badass [people]… seeing the country through your eyes was profound. ”
- Sara B., former traveler
Our Pilates Classes
During our retreat, we will be offering:
eight Pilates classes (Pilates Deep, Pilates Flow)
candlelit intention setting + movement workshop
post-travel stretching (after your flight & our countryside drives)
private, postural assessment consultation
optional, additional private classes will be bookable (not included in core offering).
All classes are optional and suitable for all levels of practice . Our teacher Keri is an expert at creating a collective movement experience that caters to all .
Classes take place in state-of-the-art facilities at our Tuscan Villa and will be lead by Keri O’Meara, Founder and Owner of Muse Movement studio, Teacher Training Programs and Pilates In Lisbon.
You can expect lyrical movement experiences designed to get your blood flowing, your joints mobilizing, your nervous regulating, and your centre connecting. The Pilates classes will feature small precise movements carefully sequenced with dynamic exercises do that you move gracefully, fluidly and intuitively through each transition. Get lost in the marriage of flow and breath work and allow your body, heart and mind to find connection. Every class will challenge you, work your whole body and leave you feeling strong, flexible and balanced.
Keri’s Pilates philosophy stems from mindful movement; feeling strong, embodied and creating spaces that celebrate all bodies, at all learning levels. (Because we can brag about her we can confirm that) Keri has transformed many women’s relationships to their bodies, be it their strength or their outlook. Throughout her 15+ year teaching career, she has taught multitudes of students, trained many teachers and completed extensive and specialized trainings in a variety of movement modalities. We feel lucky to have her to lead our classes!
“There are three things in this life that do wonders to regulate the nervous system: Pilates, connecting with people and Italy! This collab with Stellavision offers a healthy dose of all three for a travel experience that will move you- body, mind and heart. Nothing makes you feel more present than a tuscan sunset or breathing in sync with a roomful of friends. We can’t wait to welcome you to Tuscany!” - Keri
Itinerary
Pre-Tour FYI
Our retreat begins at 10am on Monday morning, so we recommend arriving in Florence by Sunday, May 12th. But - why not arrive earlier? We’re there to finesse your visit to the birthplace of the Renaissance! Stellavision will offer private planning services to all retreat attendees for the weekend in advance of Monday’s retreat. Need a hotel recommendation at a Stellavision rate? We’ve got your covered. Tickets and tours for some of Italy’s most unbelievable attractions? Ditto!
If you’d like to join the group earlier than Monday morning, Stellavision’s CEO Zoe will offer a behind-the-scenes experiences in Florence on Sunday afternoon, followed by a dinner hosted by her and our Pilates Retreat leader, Keri.
Please note, activities occurring before the Retreat’s Monday morning meet-up are designed to maximize your stay in Florence with some incredible access. They are not included in the Pilates and Palazzos Retreat pricing. More info and pricing will be sent to attendees.
Day 1
This morning we’re meeting up in Florence to begin our adventure! We’ll store our bags and enjoy some introductions before we take you to one of Firenze’s most beautiful Renaissance-art-laden museums.
Following a delicious osteria lunch, we’re boarding our bus and heading into Tuscany. A quick-ish trip later we reach our home base for the rest of the week: a sprawling creative agriturismo, a property that fuses old world charm and rolling hills with modern sensibilities and curation.
After checking in, don your Pilates duds for our first class insieme (that means together). Keri will lead us for a Pilates flow in our stunning studio, looking out over the Tuscan landscape. Having worked up our appetites, we’ll meet up after showers for a delicious dinner together.
Tonight, we’re reconvening for candlelit session, incorporating some light movement and intention setting. Welcome to Tuscany!
Day 2
Each morning in Tuscany starts with a Pilates class. You’ll begin your day moving your body, guided by an expert in a space offering views over the rolling Tuscan hills. We have a full sit-down, farm-fresh breakfast after class (and before every morning’s Pilates, you’ll have the opportunity to fuel up on fruit and yogurt.)
In the full flush of Tuscan spring, today you’ll be enjoying a flower-arranging workshop. From picking wildflowers to learning particular principles of a stunning bouquet, you’ll enjoy every aspect of assembling your blooms, the outcome of which will reside in your room for the rest of your stay! Keeping the vibes going, we’ll enjoy a floral themed lunch together before you have free time. While we’re in Tuscany there will be plenty of unwind time at the Villa where you can take advantage of the gorgeous spaces and property: bikes are available to cycle the estate, you can take a small walk to the working farm, vineyards and olive groves or a bigger hike through the landscape. The games room features a piano and pool table, there is a serene meditation space adjacent to our Pilates studio and the library has shelves of vintage reads.
This evening’s Pilates Deep class will be followed by a delicious dinner and a (optional) movie screening. On theme, of course.
Day 3
After our morning Pilates class today, we’re headed into the Tuscan countryside for some exploration. We’re hopping onto a bus and heading straight for Siena where, after a coffee break in one of the country’s most famous piazzas (hint: it’s round!) we’ll be meeting up with our guide Sezgi who will be showing us around the UNESCO-listed town and highlighting some specific Feminist history in the medieval town. Then,a small drive takes us towards the walled, medieval town of San Gimignano, famous for its many towers, historical center and surprisingly robust modern art presence. Before we explore though - well we wouldn’t bring you to Tuscany without partaking in that classic Italian activity: the wine tasting! We’ll visit a fifth generation winery that boasts unmatched views of the countryside. After a hearty lunch (and plenty of vino) we’ll tour the property and taste the last harvest’s (or the more aged) vintages. Dessert is in San Gimignano proper - we’re going to an award-winning gelateria. You’ll also have time to explore the beautiful locale. After a full day’s exploration, we’re headed home to our Villa.
We’ll regroup for a post-raodtrip stretch in our beautiful studio space before dinner together in the restaurant.
Day 4
By now, you’ll have settled into our retreat rhythms. Today’s first Pilates class extends your experience with a flow and morning movement designed to energize you as we stretch and welcome the Tuscan day from our outdoor Pilates platform, hovering over the rolling hills. Yesterday we inspired your mind with history and your tastebuds with vino. Today, we hope to activate your creative spirit. After our delicious breakfast we will be joined by Betty to get ‘inkspired’ with a calligraphy workshop. Famous throughout Italy, you will soon recognize her handwriting and have the opportunity to learn from the master! Perhaps you’ll pen some of the thoughts that have emerged here in Italy?
After a picnic lunch, the day is yours! From an energizing hike through the nature you’ve been immersed in to relaxing time at the pool, it’s very much a choose-your-own-adventure. We’ll approach our evening Pilates class tingling with windswept nature and creative energy. Whatever you pick, soak up the atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside. It is extraordinary. Tonight is our last cena (dinner) together so we’re getting a lil bit fancy with it! Don your dapper duds and meet us under the Tuscan…well, moon, for a final-night feast!
Day 5
This morning we’ll honor your week’s work with a final Pilates class in our Tuscan studio space. Pairing growth with relaxation is the optimal way to rest, rejuvenate and release and we hope you’ll come away from our trip satiated. But we’re not done yet! After breakfast and showers, we’ll assemble to learn one of Italy’s most beautiful languages: pasta-making. Take care! You will be making your own delicious lunch (with plenty of pro oversight of course). Expert chefs will guide our group through some classic shapes and techniques before we get to feast on the fruit of our labors.
After lunch, it’s time to bid the fondest farewell to our Villa and return to Florence. The drive isn’t too long but we know the memories will last a very, VERY long time.
With a drop-off point in central Florence this afternoon (approx 5pm), the tour will end. But from hotel recommendations and Stellavision rates to more tips to explore Firenze or beyond, we’re here to finesse your final day/s in Italy. Until next time, we’ll leave you with an effusive Italian goodbye: Ciao amici, ciao amori, tanti baci!!!
more pics? you got it!
What’s Included
All Accommodation
You’ll have your own, beautiful hotel room (aka single occupancy) for all nights in stunning boutique hotels. All our accommodations for this trip are luxe! Traveling with your sister? Friend? Partner? Find out more about double occupancy.
All Meals
I mean…where do we start? From fresh breakfasts to fine dining, street food and gelato stops; all your meals & snacks are included. If you have particular dietary needs, let us know and we will accommodate you, deliciously.
Alcohol
From chic cocktails to classic Italian aperitivi and wine with dinners, you’ll have plenty of reasons to say ‘Salute!’ Not a drinker? Not a problem. Please note: the booze is flowing but not unlimited.
Pilates Classes
Our 5 day trip offers eight Pilates classes, lead by an expert teacher and tailored to your experience. You’ll also receive a post-travel stretching and personal consultation with our Pro. Classes take place in state-of-the-art facilities at our Tuscan Villa.
All Internal Travel
All of our transportation is private and furnished with road trip essentials. Shall we have a ‘Tiny Dancer’ moment?
All Activities
We’ve curated a range of both classic and creative experiences to offer a unique and immersive experience of Italy. From culture to food, tours and sightseeing, you’ll experience it all - and always with a chic twist.
Experienced Staff
We’re taking care of all of the logistics so you can kick back and enjoy. You’ll be accompanied by a Tour Host who handles all logistics and a Pilates Pro who leads all classes. We’ll also be linking up with local guides and experts who specialize in the regions and sites we’ll visit.
Welcome Kit
Merch, maps and a few surprises await you upon check-in!
Double Occupancy Details:
We need both travelers to sign up independently. The first step is for the primary traveler to book their spot at the regular rate in order to secure your room.
Then, drop us an email (hi@stellavisiontravel.com) and we’ll coordinate the rest with you, step-by-step. We’ll be sending you a promo code and a special link so the 2nd traveler is booking IN your room, not a different room. The promo code for the 2nd traveler will ensure the two rates add up to $4250 per person.
Grazie mille for hanging with us through this extra admin step. The only other thing you’ll have to do is pack that suitcase and we’ll be taking good care of you from here.
Not Included
International Flights
You’ll meet us in Florence, where the tour starts and ends.
If you’d like to extend your vacation, you can get a special Stellavision rate for additional hotel nights before or after the tour at our partner hotels. Please just drop us a line to coordinate.
Travel Insurance
is mandatory on all Stellavision Tours. We’ve done a bunch of the legwork for you though, you can find suggestions here.
Personal Expenditures
Incidental hotel costs (mini-bar, phone calls, laundry etc.), personal shopping and any expenses accrued during free time (e.g. after-dinner) are not included in the tour price.
Private Pilates Classes
Pending availability and on a first come, first serve basis, private Pilates classes will be bookable with Keri. These may take place in the indoor or outdoor studio space. The rate is $95 for an hour’s class.
Travel Style
What can you expect from a Stellavision Tour? From journeying with a professional photographer to our travel values, find out how we do Italy:
Booking Terms & Conditions
All the fine - and not so fine -
print can be found here:
