Our recently renovated villa packs a punch of history intermingled with luxury.  Built in the 1600s, it was recently completely revamped (opened in late 2022) by a mixture of local architects and world-renowned interior designers.  The 10 bedrooms, 2 pools, multiple living & dining areas, both indoor and al fresco, assure that this is one retreat you won't forget.  Set on 7 acres of gardens, this oasis nestled in the sun-filled area of Southern Italy is all ours for the week.

Attendees can expect to enjoy a relaxed slow-paced retreat, matching the energy of the region.  We will head out to explore some of the local villages together - while also spending plenty of R&R time within our stunning, fully staffed, private accommodations.  This will be our third retreat to this incredible home and it is absolutely an Illuminare favorite.

From daily housekeeping service to our private in-house chef preparing a farm-to-table experience, you can expect to be taken care of at every turn.  If a relaxing Italian retreat is what you're looking for, you'll find it here.

Illuminare Retreats (named after the Italian word for "to light up") provide a curated & immersive travel experience for women from all walks of life.  In the company of new friends, you'll find time to relax & recharge - while also being inspired & renewing your sense of adventure.  Europe has a beautiful way of getting down deep into your soul & stirring alive passions you forgot were there.   Of reigniting ideas & bringing a new perspective to our lives. 

If you've been longing for clarity & inspiration in your life, this is for you.

Puglia contains a fair amount of walking (nothing strenuous) in hilltop towns on cobblestone.  This is uneven, sometimes a little slippery, and often times gently uphill.  Should not be an issue for most folks but if you have any instability on your feet or knee issues for instance, please bear this in mind.

Matera is essentially one big hill any which direction you go!  Again, nothing strenuous and you can absolutely take your time, but you do need to be steady on your feet & not suffer from any significant knee/back/hip issues to enjoy Matera in full. 

Please read through these important FAQs:

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

Women from all walks of life who need a little time away, reconnecting with themselves while being in a picturesque setting.  Specific to this retreat, attendees should come ready for a slow-paced week of relaxing & gentle exploration of the region.  Attendees can select to stay in either double accommodation rooms (2 beds) or single occupancy (limited quantity available).  Our attendees are eager to mix & mingle amongst their new friends throughout the day & over star-filled-sky dinners.

HOW MANY ATTENDEES WILL THERE BE?

The group will include up to 14-16 participants, plus the host Amanda

4 months prior to the trip, a Facebook group will be created for our retreat members to get to know each other, ask questions & share more about themselves.  This is a great time to discuss any transportation questions too, as you'll find several other travelers likely on a similar itinerary whom you can share rides with!

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE A SPECIAL DIET?

On the application, you'll see a spot to let us know any diet needs you have & we will absolutely do our best to meet those at all meals. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to email with questions.

**If you have serious dietary restrictions, please email before registering with your specific needs so we can assess if this is the right retreat for you.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Our retreat home is located approx. 50 minutes from both the Bari and Brindisi airports.  We can pass along private driver information for your airport transfer upon request.

Guests are responsible to get themselves both to the villa for the retreat as well as back after the retreat is over.  Travel is included during any group related activities where transport is required.

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?

In a word, incredible.
You will stay in a truly luxurious villa nestled in the countryside of Puglia.  Each detail has been thought of to ensure a relaxing stay.  We have the entire property to ourselves, but it is also fully staffed with daily housekeeping, turn down services, and a private local chef providing the vast majority of our meals.  There are (limited) single occupancy accommodations available, while the rest of the attendees will share a double occupancy room with a friend - or a new friend!  We believe that sharing builds our community & is part of this intimate retreat style experience!  Each attendee will have their own bed, and each room has its own ensuite bathroom.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please read the description of each suite to select the style that is right for you.  
Each suite has its own bathroom; some showers/tubs are in exposed area within each private suite (very typical for this region) so some discretion with asking your room mate to slip out while you shower may be needed.

(Please note:  I do have ONE room that has the option to have 3 people in the room among 3 beds.  If you are traveling with 2 other friends & are interested, email me directly)

Airfare & travel to/from our accommodations before & after retreat is not included.  

**You will see the option to add this on toward the end of your registration & check-out!!**

Matera, Italy is the third oldest constantly inhabited city in the world.  Folks say it looks more like Jerusalem than Jerusalem (Passion of the Christ was filmed here, and the Chosen just wrapped up filming there as well).

The homes are mostly all built as cave-dwellings into the side of limestone cliffs.  It is an absolutely incredible area, and one that deserves a few days time to really experience.

As an optional add-on, join us for 3 nights after our Puglia retreat ends as we explore Matera together!

Note:
-We will be staying in a small boutique hotel for our time there.  We will NOT have exclusive use of the hotel
-Most hotel rooms have the same exposed shower/bathroom areas as mentioned above with Puglia
-Transportation from Puglia TO Matera is included, as is breakfast plus one additional meal per day, and the Illuminare experiences you've come to know & look forward to!

The following fees are in addition to the Puglia retreat fees as outlined at the bottom of this page.  You must attend the Puglia retreat in order to join us in Matera.  However, adding on the Matera time is completely optional for our guests!

Add-on 3 nights in Matera for:
Twin room:  $2300
Single room:  $2600

Please note: We do have to have a minimum number of guests to complete this add-on.  If you sign up for our add-on days and we do not end up with enough interested participants, the deposit for Matera (and only Matera) will be refunded to you.