THE DETAILS
WHEN: May 11-16th, 2027
WHERE: Maniero Villa, Montecassiano, Le Marche, Italy
WHO: 9 women; we are keeping the retreat intimate on purpose so each woman gets our full attention and the full spectrum of this magical experience.
The ITALY RETREAT: LA DOLCE FERMATA
La Dolce Fermata is Italian for "the sweet pause." We chose it because that's exactly what this week is — a tender, intentional, delicious pause from the demands of normal life.
Self-Compassion Is The Antidote to Self-Abandonment
This retreat is centered around how self-compassion is the antidote to self-abandonment.
The purpose of this retreat is to unplug from our screens, slow down our pace, reconnect with the wisdom of our bodies, access healing through art therapy and somatic work, and restore self-compassion where self-abandonment has been.
Our mission here is to remind you that you belong to yourself first. And that belonging begins with intentional space for rest, reflection, and a calm nervous system.
Testimonials
“The Italy Retreat 2026 was truly one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had. Hailey and Heidi created something so intentional, thoughtful, and beautifully curated from beginning to end.”
Carolina C.
Texas
Who This Is For
This is for you if...
Who This Is For
You've been doing deep personal work for a while, or you started in the last year, and are really committed to improving your inner dialogue, manifesting more peace, and reprogramming limiting beliefs.
This retreat is just as much relaxation as it is deep, personal work within a group setting.
This retreat is for women who are excited to expand their capacity for both the good and the uncomfortable parts of themselves - to bring compassion to all parts and find liberation in the process.
Self-Abandonment
At some point in your life, your safety was more important than your sense of self. We will address these patterns with you and help you create internal safety again.
Self-Compassion
Better than self-esteem and even self-worth. Self-compassion is the primary tool for coming back to yourself over and over again. For remembering your light, capacity, strength, resilience, and for rebuilding self-trust.
Self-Discovery
This retreat is intentionally structured to support self-discovery in a safe and supportive environment. We will be there to hold the container for you, so you can explore without having to control, suppress, or abandon your truth.
Testimonial
“I'm leaving with intentional curriculum that was taught to us with heart and love throughout the entire week. Hailey has done a magnificent job of setting us up to receive and learn whatever we were meant to, and combined with the beauty of the villa... It's unbeatable.”
Deb h.
Washington
What To Expect
There will be...
- workshops that include meditations, journaling, art therapy, and somatic practices
- group breath work & reiki
- a group empowerment photoshoot with individual and group photos
- a private, fine-dining chef cooking every meal, snack, drink, dessert
- 4+ hours of free time every day for integration & rest
- a pool, sauna, and jacuzzi
- daily gentle movement/yoga
- deep bonding, and unforgettable memories
- 1 free day to explore the nearby beach town
Itinerary
Day 1.
Tues, May 11th
Shuttles pick us up near Rome Termini Station (downtown Rome) at 12 PM. Arrive at the villa around 3 PM. Welcome snacks. Opening ceremony. Dinner. Bedtime yoga nidra.
Day 2.
Wed, May 12th
Breakfast. Morning movement & intention. Workshop #1 & Group Breath Work. Lunch. Free time. Cooking class with our chef. Dinner.
Day 3.
Thurs, May 13th
Breakfast. Morning movement & intention. Workshop #2. Lunch. Free time. Workshop #3. Dinner.
Day 4.
Fri, May 14th
Breakfast. Morning movement & intention. Open day - option to pay for own shared taxi into the nearby beach town. Dinner & movie night back at the villa.
Day 5.
Sat, May 15th
Breakfast. Intention ceremony for photoshoot. Photoshoot. Lunch. Free time. Closing ceremony. Dinner in the garden.
Day 6.
Sun, May 16th
Breakfast. Pack. To-go lunches prepared by chef. Say goodbyes. Shuttles leave at 11 AM to go back to Rome.
Where are we staying?
We will be retreating at the beautiful Maniero, a luxury boutique villa in the hills of Le Marche, Italy (luh-mar-kay).
Le Marche is located in central Italy, bordering the Adriatic Sea. It is known for it’s history, olive oil, truffles, wine, caves, underground cities, and beautiful coast.
The owners of Maniero will be serving us during our stay, along with their favorite chef. They are a sweet couple from the Netherlands who speak Italian and have a genius for hospitality and attention to detail.
Testimonial
“I have a high-demand life, and the environment that hailey created here was safe, and exactly what I needed to explore what else I want from life. The experience of getting to unpack and unplug has left me clearer on where I want to go next with even more power and magnetism.”
Stephanie O.
Washington
Room Options
01.
Private Luxury Suite
*only 1 available
Stay in the villa's luxury suite. Over 600 sqft of gorgeous Italian decor. Huge private bathroom with rain shower, massive walk-in closet and vanity. King-size bed.
$6500
02.
Private
*only 1 available
Enjoy your own king-size bedroom and private bathroom on the top floor with a gorgeous view.
$6250
03.
Private Garden House
*only 1 available
A full casita with a small kitchen, living room, king-size bed, and bathroom. The Garden House is a separate guest house, about 50 yards from the main house, next to the garden. Perfect if you love extra alone time.
$6000
04.
Shared
*6 available
All shared rooms are beautifully decorated, with private bathrooms, and lots of space. Each room will only hold up to 2 people.
$5500
FAQ
Pricing?
Private Luxe Suite - $6500
Private Room - $6250
Shared rooms - $5500
Payment plans are available for up to 6 installments.
Paying in full will receive a discount.
Deposits are refundable within 7 days of payment. After those 7 days, deposits are non-refundable.
If you pay your deposit within 90 days of the retreat start date, nothing is refundable.
You can 100% transfer your deposit and payments (your ticket) to another guest up to 90 days before the retreat.
What is included in the ticket price?
- 5-night stay at a luxury Italian villa
- Empowerment photoshoot with Hailey
- Movement/yoga, and breath work with Heidi
- All food & drink
- All the amenities of the villa (pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, firepit, pickleball courts, outdoor cinema, beach volleyball, etc.)
- Seamless logistics, you don't have to plan or lift a finger
- Daily workshops with Hailey
- Transportation to & from Rome
- Other surprises ;)
Are flights a part of the price?
No, your flight(s) is not included in the ticket price. Shuttles to and from the airport are included.
Do I have to do everything on the itinerary?
Absolutely not! This is your retreat. Everything is optional.
I'm nervous about traveling. Help?
Totally normal. I have a giant shared Google Doc that you'll get access to once you pay your deposit. The doc has our full itinerary, travel tips, a packing list, links to helpful resources, what Italian phrases to know, where to fly into, what apps to use for trains and buses, and so much more.
We also have a group What'sApp message, where you can connect with the other retreaters and start to plan for travel with each other.
AND we will have a group zoom call several weeks before the retreat to go over logistics, questions, and anything else to ease travel nerves.
I don't really do yoga, is that a problem?
Not at all! Most of the intentional movement we'll be doing isn't really full yoga. Think of it more like deep stretching to tend to our bodies and to feel good.
What is not included in the ticket?
Private, 1:1 reiki sessions with Heidi. These will be $100 each, 4 spots available.
Private massages. Pricing and availability TBD.
Option to taxi to the nearby beach town on day 4.
Accomodations?
There is one private suite with a king bed. One private room with a king bed. One private guest house, the Garden House, with a small kitchen, living room, bathroom, and king-sized bed. Three shared rooms with two twin beds. All rooms have private bathrooms.
I want to come with a friend, can we be put in the same room?
Of course! There's a spot at the bottom of the intake form where you can state who you want to room with.
How many pictures will we receive?
There will be a blend of group photos and individual photos from the empowerment photoshoot. Everyone will receive 10-20+ images from this shoot, as well as all the photos Hailey takes of the retreat during the week.
I have food allergies, will that be okay?
Yes, we will have an excellent private chef accommodating our dietary needs. He is AMAZING!!
Do I need travel insurance?
YES. It's mandatory.
I don't meditate/I'm not good at meditating, is that a problem?
Not at all. Everything is optional. And, everything we'll be doing is gentle.
The whole point of having yoga and meditation is to give our minds and bodies (nervous systems) love, space, grace, and a break from our normal go-go-go routines.
Both yoga and meditation are a part of this retreat to help you slow down, relearn how to connect with your intuition/bodies/emotions, and listen to yourself.
No one is expecting you to be perfect or skilled at anything. All that matters is that you show up in a way that feels good to you and honors your needs/growth.
The Process
01.
Inquire or call
Click any of the buttons on this page to either go to the retreat application or to schedule a consult call. Once you fill out the application, you'll receive a confirmation email.
02.
Sign up
Inside the confirmation email, you can select to schedule a quick consult call or move forward with the proposal - sign the contract & pay the deposit.
03.
Support
Once your deposit is paid, you'll get access to the extensive Google Doc with all things travel planning - from a packing list to Italian phrases to know - and the What's App group chat. It's critical to me you feel supported & at ease.
04.
Zoom meeting
The last step before the retreat starts is that we'll have a zoom meeting with all of the guests about a month before the retreat, so we can get to know each other a bit, and I can go over any last minute questions, info, and logistics.
Meet the team
Hailey Aitkins
host & photographer
Hailey is the owner of Nota Lux, a wellness brand that uses photography as a healing tool. She has been a professional photographer for over 5 years, and has started stepping into coaching and leading workshops in the last year. Hailey’s mission is to help guide women back to themselves, where they can remember and reclaim their self-worth, peace, and success.
HEIDI MEYER
yoga, breath work, reiki
Heidi is the founder of Restorative Excavation Wellness and a somatic breathwork facilitator, meditation guide, Reiki practitioner, and 200-Hour certified yoga instructor dedicated to helping people come home to themselves. Her work weaves together breathwork, movement, and creative exploration to support nervous system regulation, emotional release, and deep self-connection.
All photos are at the actual Maniero villa, where we'll be staying, from the 2026 retreat.
Photo credits: Hailey Aitkins/Nota Lux/@nota.lux
Visit the villa website at https://www.manieromontecassiano.com/