Rooted Reflections
50021 Barberino Val d'Elsa, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Up to 16 in group
August 17 - 24, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- Rediscover yourself after too long of feeling disconnected
- A perfect setting to disconnect and bask in the splendor of Tuscany's natural wonders.
- Have a wonderful time learning a different practice than your own
- Unwind and recharge
- Drop out of “normal life” for a period
- A place where you can care for yourself without distractions
- Get a rare opportunity to really unplug
- Decompress from everyday busy life and remind yourself about healthy habits for body and mind
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Daniele started taking Bikram yoga classes 10 years ago when she was looking for something to help balance her life as a single parent and a teacher for NYC public schools. She quickly fell in love with that practice, and eventually moved on to Vinyasa and Hatha practices, eventually deciding she wanted to be a yoga teacher. In 2014, she received her 200-hour certification from Pure Yoga, ultimately committing to share the yoga lifestyle with the world. In 2017, she began to focus her work on yoga therapy through two different lenses – Ayurveda and the Chakra system. Then entered her love of potion-making, and in 2018 she began to develop a number of Ayurvedic skincare products for both herself and her clients. To this day, her mission has always remained the same: to help people learn to embrace their individuality and find balance from within.
Details of this retreat
Introducing Rooted Reflections, a life-changing experience for women who wish to find the balance that they need, that perfect harmony for which they’ve been searching, through connection to their inner selves and an exploration into their roots.
During this retreat, as you're led through a journey to connect with the influences that have molded who you are and immerse in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, you'll discover the inner energy that fuels and propels positive transformations. Through the grounding practice of yoga, the introspective essence of meditation, complemented by culinary and cultural encounters to broaden your perspective, and specialized exercises designed to liberate what you've carried for too long, you'll uncover pathways to reconnect with the deeply rooted, concealed aspects of yourself.
Rooted Reflections is a celebration of ancestry and experience. You'll explore the culture of Tuscany, taking in the simultaneously dynamic and unchanging, ancient and vibrant nature of Italy's magnificent towns and countryside.
The retreat will take place August 17-24 of 2024 at Podere Celli, a timeless, exquisite villa located in western Chianti. Within thirty minutes' drive of the bustling Renaissance city of San Gimignano and less than an hour from Florence and Siena, Podere Celli combines the seclusion vital to deep work with access to the beautifully complex and rich culture of Tuscany.
During this retreat, as you're led through a journey to connect with the influences that have molded who you are and immerse in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, you'll discover the inner energy that fuels and propels positive transformations. Through the grounding practice of yoga, the introspective essence of meditation, complemented by culinary and cultural encounters to broaden your perspective, and specialized exercises designed to liberate what you've carried for too long, you'll uncover pathways to reconnect with the deeply rooted, concealed aspects of yourself.
Rooted Reflections is a celebration of ancestry and experience. You'll explore the culture of Tuscany, taking in the simultaneously dynamic and unchanging, ancient and vibrant nature of Italy's magnificent towns and countryside.
The retreat will take place August 17-24 of 2024 at Podere Celli, a timeless, exquisite villa located in western Chianti. Within thirty minutes' drive of the bustling Renaissance city of San Gimignano and less than an hour from Florence and Siena, Podere Celli combines the seclusion vital to deep work with access to the beautifully complex and rich culture of Tuscany.
Schedule
Saturday, August 17 (Day 1) Arrival:
Morning/Afternoon:
Guests arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, the Florence Airport.
Meet and Greet with Daniele: Lunch in Florence and an introduction to the retreat.
4pm check-in at Podere Celli, with a curated welcome bag from your retreat hostess.
Settle in and relax at the villa until our welcome ceremony.
Evening at Podere Celli:
Welcome ceremony and reception with oils, bruschetta, meats and wine.
Introductions and icebreaking for guests.
Dinner at the villa to kick off the retreat.
Sunday, August 18 (Day 2): “Who Am I?”
Exploring Origin with a Relaxing Day at Podere Celli
Morning:
Opening ceremony: Introduction to Personal Anthropology.
Yoga and meditation: Connecting to Self.
Breakfast at the villa.
Workshop and/or creative session: Who Am I?
-exploring self expression through activities like painting or creative writing.
Journaling, and quiet reflection.
Afternoon:
Italian language class.
Lunch served at the villa.
Personal time for relaxation, exploring the villa, enjoying the pool.
Evening:
Dinner at the villa.
Around the fire: personal storytelling and art.
Ancestral storytelling and/or guided meditation session focusing on familial narratives and cultural heritage within Podere Celli's tranquil ambiance.
Monday, August 19 (Day 3): “Where Do I Come From?”
Embracing Chianti's Natural Harmony
Morning:
Morning yoga session meditation based on a sharing/collective experience. Connecting with each other.
Breakfast at the villa.
Mid-morning:
Nature walk in Chianti, focusing on mindfulness and connection with nature.
Lunch break in town.
Afternoon:
Explore Chianti's olive groves and their history for an immersive experience.
Olive tasting.
Evening:
Working dinner at the villa; sharing the parts of our experience that felt familiar to us or remind us of where we came from.
Evening free for relaxation and reflection.
Tuesday, August 20 (Day 4): “History and the Fruits of Culture”
Castello di Brolio Wine Tour
Morning/Mid-Morning:
Breakfast/lunch at the villa.
Afternoon:
Depart for Castello di Brolio after lunch.
Guided tour of vineyards and castle; history of the wine/wine-making
Evening:
Wine tasting at the castle.
Sunset tour with dinner served at the castle.
Return to the villa.
Wednesday, August 21 (Day 5): “Where we see our history in ourselves?”
San Gimignano and Culinary Exploration
Morning:
Breakfast at the villa.
Yoga session focused on our history reflected in ourselves.
Departure to San Gimignano from Podere Celli for a guided tour.
Explore the charming streets and medieval legacy of San Gimignano.
Visit historical sites, e.g.,
The Duomo
Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Afternoon:
Leisure time in San Gimignano, for lunch at local trattorias or personal exploration.
Evening:
Culinary adventure with a hands-on cooking class (saffron) in San Gimignano.
Thursday, August 22 (Day 6): “Cultural history and its impact on our values”
Florence
Morning:
Wake up early: Yoga Meditation; workshop during breakfast at the villa.
Travel to Florence
Visit Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.
Explore Uffizi Gallery.
Visit Mercato di San Lorenzo for souvenirs.
Experience Mercato Centrale for local food and goods.
Explore Piazza del Duomo and its attractions.
Afternoon:
Lunch at a local trattoria in Florence.
Walk across Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for scenic views.
Evening:
Dinner in Florence.
Return to Chianti in the evening.
Friday, August 23 (Day 7): “Connections and Revelations”
Siena & Farewell Celebration
Morning:
Breakfast at the villa
Departure to Siena for a walking tour.
Guided Siena tour visiting landmarks. Possible points of interest:
Piazza del Campo: This famous square is the heart of Siena and is renowned for its unique shell shape. It hosts the Palio, a historic horse race, and is surrounded by cafes and medieval buildings.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): A stunning Gothic cathedral with intricate architecture, including the façade, baptistery, and a remarkable interior. Don't miss the panoramic view from the top of the cathedral.
Torre del Mangia: Climb to the top of this tower in Piazza del Campo for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Siena's Palaces: Explore the historic palaces such as Palazzo Pubblico, which houses the Civic Museum, and Palazzo Salimbeni, home to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, one of the world's oldest banks.
Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana: This museum adjacent to the cathedral displays important works of art removed from the Duomo for conservation.
Basilica of San Domenico: Visit this church to see works by important Italian artists and the head relic of St. Catherine of Siena.
Explore local markets showcasing traditional crafts and products.
Afternoon:
Daytime exploration, wandering through Siena.
Lunch in town
Evening:
Return to Chianti, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural experiences gained.
Evening closing ceremony and farewell dinner at the villa, celebrating the retreat's profound moments and connections forged.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW STORY? What is your legacy? What are you leaving behind? What new patterns are you creating/not repeating? Ancestral altar; how to build one. Ancestor elevation ritual add-on.
Saturday, August 24 (Day 8): Departure
Departure day
Morning/Afternoon:
Guests arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, the Florence Airport.
Meet and Greet with Daniele: Lunch in Florence and an introduction to the retreat.
4pm check-in at Podere Celli, with a curated welcome bag from your retreat hostess.
Settle in and relax at the villa until our welcome ceremony.
Evening at Podere Celli:
Welcome ceremony and reception with oils, bruschetta, meats and wine.
Introductions and icebreaking for guests.
Dinner at the villa to kick off the retreat.
Sunday, August 18 (Day 2): “Who Am I?”
Exploring Origin with a Relaxing Day at Podere Celli
Morning:
Opening ceremony: Introduction to Personal Anthropology.
Yoga and meditation: Connecting to Self.
Breakfast at the villa.
Workshop and/or creative session: Who Am I?
-exploring self expression through activities like painting or creative writing.
Journaling, and quiet reflection.
Afternoon:
Italian language class.
Lunch served at the villa.
Personal time for relaxation, exploring the villa, enjoying the pool.
Evening:
Dinner at the villa.
Around the fire: personal storytelling and art.
Ancestral storytelling and/or guided meditation session focusing on familial narratives and cultural heritage within Podere Celli's tranquil ambiance.
Monday, August 19 (Day 3): “Where Do I Come From?”
Embracing Chianti's Natural Harmony
Morning:
Morning yoga session meditation based on a sharing/collective experience. Connecting with each other.
Breakfast at the villa.
Mid-morning:
Nature walk in Chianti, focusing on mindfulness and connection with nature.
Lunch break in town.
Afternoon:
Explore Chianti's olive groves and their history for an immersive experience.
Olive tasting.
Evening:
Working dinner at the villa; sharing the parts of our experience that felt familiar to us or remind us of where we came from.
Evening free for relaxation and reflection.
Tuesday, August 20 (Day 4): “History and the Fruits of Culture”
Castello di Brolio Wine Tour
Morning/Mid-Morning:
Breakfast/lunch at the villa.
Afternoon:
Depart for Castello di Brolio after lunch.
Guided tour of vineyards and castle; history of the wine/wine-making
Evening:
Wine tasting at the castle.
Sunset tour with dinner served at the castle.
Return to the villa.
Wednesday, August 21 (Day 5): “Where we see our history in ourselves?”
San Gimignano and Culinary Exploration
Morning:
Breakfast at the villa.
Yoga session focused on our history reflected in ourselves.
Departure to San Gimignano from Podere Celli for a guided tour.
Explore the charming streets and medieval legacy of San Gimignano.
Visit historical sites, e.g.,
The Duomo
Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Afternoon:
Leisure time in San Gimignano, for lunch at local trattorias or personal exploration.
Evening:
Culinary adventure with a hands-on cooking class (saffron) in San Gimignano.
Thursday, August 22 (Day 6): “Cultural history and its impact on our values”
Florence
Morning:
Wake up early: Yoga Meditation; workshop during breakfast at the villa.
Travel to Florence
Visit Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.
Explore Uffizi Gallery.
Visit Mercato di San Lorenzo for souvenirs.
Experience Mercato Centrale for local food and goods.
Explore Piazza del Duomo and its attractions.
Afternoon:
Lunch at a local trattoria in Florence.
Walk across Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for scenic views.
Evening:
Dinner in Florence.
Return to Chianti in the evening.
Friday, August 23 (Day 7): “Connections and Revelations”
Siena & Farewell Celebration
Morning:
Breakfast at the villa
Departure to Siena for a walking tour.
Guided Siena tour visiting landmarks. Possible points of interest:
Piazza del Campo: This famous square is the heart of Siena and is renowned for its unique shell shape. It hosts the Palio, a historic horse race, and is surrounded by cafes and medieval buildings.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): A stunning Gothic cathedral with intricate architecture, including the façade, baptistery, and a remarkable interior. Don't miss the panoramic view from the top of the cathedral.
Torre del Mangia: Climb to the top of this tower in Piazza del Campo for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Siena's Palaces: Explore the historic palaces such as Palazzo Pubblico, which houses the Civic Museum, and Palazzo Salimbeni, home to the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, one of the world's oldest banks.
Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana: This museum adjacent to the cathedral displays important works of art removed from the Duomo for conservation.
Basilica of San Domenico: Visit this church to see works by important Italian artists and the head relic of St. Catherine of Siena.
Explore local markets showcasing traditional crafts and products.
Afternoon:
Daytime exploration, wandering through Siena.
Lunch in town
Evening:
Return to Chianti, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural experiences gained.
Evening closing ceremony and farewell dinner at the villa, celebrating the retreat's profound moments and connections forged.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW STORY? What is your legacy? What are you leaving behind? What new patterns are you creating/not repeating? Ancestral altar; how to build one. Ancestor elevation ritual add-on.
Saturday, August 24 (Day 8): Departure
Departure day
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Daniele Gates, 50021 Barberino Val d'Elsa, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Directions
You will be provided with ground transportation that will convey you in comfort from the airport to Florence to meet with Daniele. The group will be driven to Podere Celli for the villa’s 4pm check-in.
Accommodation
Indulge in the ultimate comfort and privacy with our private room option at Rooted Reflections. Each room offers a serene sanctuary adorned with either a king or California king bed, ensuring a restful night's sleep amidst the tranquil surroundings of Tuscany. Featuring private bathrooms equipped with either a luxurious tub or refreshing shower, our cozy accommodations exude authentic Tuscan charm, providing the perfect retreat after a day of exploration and self-discovery. Retreat to your private haven and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the Tuscan countryside or experience camaraderie and connection with our shared room option at Rooted Reflections. Each shared room is designed for intimate comfort, accommodating only two guests. You can either book with a friend or be matched with a like-minded individual for a unique shared experience. Thoughtfully furnished with comfortable twin beds, our shared rooms foster a sense of community while still providing personal space for relaxation. Shared bathrooms, complete with rejuvenating showers, promote a communal atmosphere where guests can bond and share experiences. Additionally, one of our shared rooms offers the added luxury of a bathtub for indulgent moments of relaxation. Trust our team to assess and arrange room placements to ensure a harmonious and enriching retreat experience in the heart of Tuscany's breathtaking landscape.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort and privacy with our private room option at Rooted Reflections. Each room offers a serene sanctuary adorned with either a king or California king bed, ensuring a restful night's sleep amidst the tranquil surroundings of Tuscany. Featuring private bathrooms equipped with either a luxurious tub or refreshing shower, our cozy accommodations exude authentic Tuscan charm, providing the perfect retreat after a day of exploration and self-discovery. Retreat to your private haven and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the Tuscan countryside.
Experience camaraderie and connection with our shared room option at Rooted Reflections. Each shared room is designed for intimate comfort, accommodating only two guests. You can either book with a friend or be matched with a like-minded individual for a unique shared experience. Thoughtfully furnished with comfortable twin beds, our shared rooms foster a sense of community while still providing personal space for relaxation. Shared bathrooms, complete with rejuvenating showers, promote a communal atmosphere where guests can bond and share experiences. Additionally, one of our shared rooms offers the added luxury of a bathtub for indulgent moments of relaxation. Trust our team to assess and arrange room placements to ensure a harmonious and enriching retreat experience in the heart of Tuscany's breathtaking landscape.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Podere Celli is an exquisite Tuscan villa in the western Chianti countryside, with old stone walls, murals on the walls, and a serene timelessness that permeates its lovely tranquility.
At the same time, the villa has been modernized for comfort, with air-conditioning, internet connection, a beautiful pool with a comfortable pergola nearby, and a comfortable, relaxing sauna.
At the same time, the villa has been modernized for comfort, with air-conditioning, internet connection, a beautiful pool with a comfortable pergola nearby, and a comfortable, relaxing sauna.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Food is medicine, nourishment, comfort. It connects us to culture, to the land, and to family.
All meals at Podere Celli will be prepared fresh from whole ingredients by our onsite chef. We will adhe
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Daily yoga classes
- Daily meditation classes
- Welcome drink
- Cooking class
- Group excursions/activities
- Specialized workshops
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Wifi connection
- Transportation during the retreat
- Delicious and nutritious meals
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Flights costs
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary
- Some off-site meals
