Tuscany Retreat for Sensitive Souls
A regenerative yoga and cultural journey in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
September 11-18, 2027 · Monticello Amiata
w/ Melissa Renzi & Steph Bour
Tuscany Retreat for Sensitive Souls
A regenerative yoga and cultural journey in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
September 11-18, 2027
w/ Melissa Renzi & Steph Bour
Want to join us in Tuscany?
Sign up to hear when registration opens.
Savor the beauty, flavors, and rhythms of Tuscany
Imagine waking up in the quiet Tuscan countryside amid rolling hills and sun-dappled olive groves.
You nourish your body with gentle yoga and a fresh breakfast with foods from the farm.
There’s time explore centuries-old hilltop villages or soak in natural thermal baths, alongside time to relax and rest. Wander through the farm, swim in the pool, meditate at a secluded creek, or settle into a shady spot with a book.
Through the week, you share unhurried conversations with people who also experience the world deeply and differently.
Experience Tuscany at a gentler pace—with space to explore, connect, and honor your pace.
Tuscany Retreat Highlights
This 8-day yoga and cultural retreat includes:
Daily Yoga: Begin each day with accessible practices that awaken your body, center your mind, and balance your energy.
Regenerative Farm Walk: Explore the farm with our host and learn what bring its soil and flavorful food to life.
Pasta-Making : Gather in the farm’s country kitchen to learn the art of making homemade Tuscan tortelli.
Tuscan Villages: Explore charming hilltop villages, from Monteriggioni to Pienza and Bagno Vignoni.
Waterfalls & Thermal Baths: Enjoy lesser-known natural pools and thermal baths overlooking the Val d’Orcia.
Spacious Schedule: Enjoy plenty of time to rest, wander, or simply be, allowing each experience to settle and inspire.
A retreat for divergent minds, deep feelers, and quiet souls.
You don’t have to force yourself to keep up with an itinerary, socialize constantly, or pretend that crowds don’t affect you.
This retreat is grounded in neuro-affirming principles. There’s room for diverse sensory needs, energy levels, communication styles, and social rhythms—and no pressure to perform.
We create an environment where you can notice what you need, honor it, and still experience connection, beauty, and adventure.
Savor the beauty, flavors & rhythms of Tuscany
Imagine waking up in the quiet Tuscan countryside amid rolling hills and sun-dappled olive groves.
You nourish your body with gentle yoga and a fresh breakfast with foods from the farm.
There’s time explore centuries-old hilltop villages or soak in natural thermal baths, alongside time to relax and rest. Wander through the farm, swim in the pool, meditate at a secluded creek, or settle into a shady spot with a book.
Through the week, you share unhurried conversations with people who also experience the world deeply and differently.
Experience Tuscany at a gentler pace—with space to explore, connect, and honor your pace.
Tuscany Retreat Highlights
This 8-day yoga and cultural retreat includes:
Daily Yoga: Begin each day with accessible practices that awaken your body, center your mind, and balance your energy.
Regenerative Farm Walk: Explore the farm with our host and learn what bring its soil and flavorful food to life.
Pasta-Making : Gather in the farm’s country kitchen to learn the art of making homemade Tuscan tortelli.
Tuscan Villages: Explore charming hilltop villages, from Monteriggioni to Pienza and Bagno Vignoni.
Waterfalls & Thermal Baths: Enjoy lesser-known natural pools and thermal baths overlooking the Val d’Orcia.
Spacious Schedule: Enjoy plenty of time to rest, wander, or simply be, allowing each experience to settle and inspire.
A retreat for divergent minds, deep feelers, and quiet souls.
You don’t have to force yourself to keep up with an itinerary, socialize constantly, or pretend that crowds don’t affect you.
This retreat is grounded in neuro-affirming principles. There’s room for diverse sensory needs, energy levels, communication styles, and social rhythms—and no pressure to perform.
We create an environment where you can notice what you need, honor it, and still experience connection, beauty, and adventure.
At a Glance
Location
Monticello Amiata, (2.5 hrs from Rome)
Accommodations
Private & shared
rooms in a Tuscan villa
Trip Length
7 nights / 8 days
Sept. 11–18, 2027
Activity Level
Mostly mild with
options (see FAQs)
Group Size
12-15, including
Melissa & Steph
Retreat Cost
Starting at $2,699.00 USD per person
At a Glance
Location
Monticello Amiata
(2.5 hours from Rome)
Accommodations
Private & shared rooms in a Tuscan villa
Trip Length
7 nights / 8 days
Sept. 11-18, 2027
Activity Level
Mostly mild with accessible options
(see FAQs)
Group Size
12-15, including facilitators Melissa & Steph
Cost
Starting at $2,699.00 USD per person
The Land & Space
Villa and Farm
Our home for the week is Le Pianore, a family-run regenerative farm tucked into the Tuscan countryside near Monte Amiata, in the quieter Maremma region of southern Tuscany.
Here, life moves in rhythm with the seasons. Every detail from the restored villas from to land stewardship to the homegrown meals—is rooted in care.
Spaces to Explore
The grounds will be private for our group. You’ll find many spots to relax or explore, including:
- Saltwater swimming pool
- A natural “bio lake”
- Secluded creek
- Hiking trails
- Yoga space (indoor & outdoor)
- Vibrant gardens
The town of Monticello Amiata is a 40-min hike or 5 min by car.
Farm-Fresh Food
Meals blend Tuscan and international flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients from Le Pianore’s gardens and other local producers. The farm’s vegetables, fruits, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and artisanal preserves often make their way to the table.
The menu is mostly vegetarian, with meat served at some meals. Dietary needs can be accommodated.
The Land & Space
The Land & Space
Villa and Farm
Our home for the week is Le Pianore, a family-run regenerative farm tucked into the Tuscan countryside near Monte Amiata, in the quieter Maremma region of southern Tuscany.
Here, life moves in rhythm with the seasons. Every detail from the restored villas from to land stewardship to the homegrown meals—is rooted in care.
Spaces to Explore
The grounds will be private for our group. You’ll find many spots to relax or explore, including:
- Saltwater swimming pool
- A natural “bio lake”
- Secluded creek
- Hiking trails
- Yoga space (indoor & outdoor)
- Vibrant gardens
The town of Monticello Amiata is a 40-min hike or 5 min by car.
Farm-Fresh Food
Meals blend Tuscan and international flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients from Le Pianore’s gardens and other local producers. The farm’s vegetables, fruits, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and artisanal preserves often make their way to the table.
The menu is mostly vegetarian, with meat served at some meals. Dietary needs can be accommodated.
Thank you for a wonderful retreat to Tuscany bringing sensitive souls together. The farm setting for the retreat was beautiful, the food was delicious, and our hosts were super kind and caring. The itinerary for the week was nicely varied, including calm day trips and yoga classes, and there were ample opportunities for rest time between activities. It was an a idyllic week filled with connection, peace, and great memories.
– Ellen C.
Thank you for a wonderful retreat to Tuscany bringing sensitive souls together. The farm setting for the retreat was beautiful, the food was delicious, and our hosts were super kind and caring. The itinerary for the week was nicely varied, including calm day trips and yoga classes, and there were ample opportunities for rest time between activities. It was an a idyllic week filled with connection, peace, and great memories.
– Ellen C.
Meet Your Facilitators
Meet Your Facilitators
Our Approach to Yoga
Both Melissa and Steph teach yoga from a trauma-informed, body-positive lens rooted in accessibility choice. Their classes invite you to move at your own pace, with options to adapt, explore, or rest based on what feels supportive.
All bodies, abilities, and levels of experience levels are welcome.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Melissa Renzi (she/her)
Melissa is a social worker, yoga teacher, ecotherapy guide, and social justice activist based in Oak Park, IL. She creates choice-centered spaces where neurodivergent, sensitive people can feel grounded, supported, and empowered.
Her work is rooted in uplifting neurodiversity, building community, and advancing collective liberation. Through embodied practices, peer support, and retreats, she creates communities where difference is valued and each person’s unique gifts have a place. Since 2016, she’s led over 30 retreats across 8 countries and 7 U.S. states.
Stephanie is native of France, married to an Argentinian, and is raising her 2 Chicago-born children in her home in Barcelona. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Stephanie Bour (she/her)
Steph is a certified psychologically sensitive yoga teacher, women’s health specialist, and birth doula. With her soothing presence, Stephanie strives to establish a safe and nurturing space to support sensitive people on their journey toward greater well-being. She has been offering heart-centered practices for over a decade and she is passionate about accompanying people through life transitions.
Stephanie is native of France, married to an Argentinian, and is raising her 2 Chicago-born children in her home in Barcelona. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
The thing I appreciated the most was Melissa’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. I have mobility issues and I never felt like I couldn’t do something because of it, especially the yoga classes. I have been practicing yoga on and off for about 18 years and I have NEVER had a yoga teacher as invested in making yoga this accessible as Melissa. – Jackie P.
What’s Included
- 7 nights in Tuscan-style accommodation
- 3 farm-to-table meals per day (most days)
- Daily yoga w/ Melissa & Steph (1–2x/day)
- Facilitated sharing circles (2–3 evenings)
- Pasta-making class, on the farm
- Regenerative farm tour with our host
- Day Trip to Monteriggioni & Waterfall
- Day trip to Pienza & Bagno Vignoni
- Entrance to Thermal Baths (40 EUR value)
- Group transport for all included excursions
- Pre-retreat Meet & Greet (on Zoom)
- Post-retreat Integration Session (on Zoom)
- Private Signal group for guests to connect
- Trip Planning Packet w/ details & checklists
- Private venue, including pool, bio lake & yoga room
Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Italy
- Ground transport to/from retreat
- Two lunches on excursion days
- Travel insurance (required)
- ETIAS fee (€20, if applicable)
- Gratuities (recommended)
- Extra activities, massages, etc.
*We’ll arrange shared vans from Rome. See “Getting to the Venue“ in the FAQs below.
*To learn about ETIAS, see “Passport, Visas & ETIAS” in the FAQs.
Retreat Accommodations
Retreat Accommodations
The Farmhouse is the main villa offers 7 bedrooms—5 ensuite bathrooms and 2 that share a bathroom. Most of these rooms have direct access to the gardens. Rooms may be on the ground floor or 2nd floor.
The “Strawhouse” has 2 ensuite rooms. This newly built energy-efficient building offers spacious rooms with a shared sitting area between them. The building is across an open field (see photos below).
The Yurt has 1 full bed, 2 twins, and a private modern bathroom a few steps away. It is large and bright with a skylight and large windows looking out to the greenery. It is located near the Strawhouse, requiring short walk.
All rooms have at least one window with a screen for air flow.
Rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis.
Prices are per person in USD.
(Hover on the images to scroll for more photos.)
Deluxe Room · Ensuite
- 1 queen & 1 twin
- Private bath w/ shower & tub
- Private terrace for the room
- 2nd floor room inside the Farmhouse
Double $2,749 p.p.
Single $3,199 p.p.
Standard Room · Ensuite
- 1 king/queen bed, or 2 twin beds
- Private bathroom w/ shower
- Direct access to gardens
- Ground or 2nd floor (Farmhouse or Strawhouse)
Double $2,699 p.p.
Single $3,149 p.p.
Yurt · Private Bath
- 1 queen bed
- Private bathroom (about 20 ft away)
- Bright and spacious, tucked at the edge of the forest by the Strawhouse.
Double $2,599 p.p.
Single $2,899 p.p.
Standard Room · Shared Bath
- 1 single (twin or full) bed
- Shared bath w/ 1 other guest
- 2nd floor of the Farmhouse
Single Occupancy
$2,849 p.p.
Quad Room · Ensuite
- 4 twin beds
- Private bath on ground floo
- Listed rate is per person for 2 sharing. If 3 guests share the room, the rate will be reduced to $2,499/person.
Double $2,699 p.p.
Join us for a gentle journey through Tuscany!
June 1-8, 2026
See our NEW Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, please pay your deposit through WeTravel and we’ll arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Join us for a gentle journey through Tuscany!
June 1-8, 2026
See our NEW Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, please pay your deposit through WeTravel and we’ll arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Melissa was organized, accommodating and a beautiful person to connect with. She made the retreat exceptional. It was great to be surrounded with like-minded people, as we all felt we could easily open up and genuinely be ourselves.
Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.
Melissa is way more than just a trip organizer, she goes above and beyond to connect people together and creates an atmosphere of open-mindedness with other travelers, local people, and local experiences.
FAQs
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Read the full terms of our Yoga Retreat Agreement.
Registration, Payment & Cancellation Policy
To reserve a place on the retreat, you must complete registration and submit a $550.00 deposit via WeTravel.
Payment Schedule
- 50% of the balance is due 120 days before the retreat.
- Final balance is due 60 days before the retreat start date.
Reservations made within 60 days of the retreat require full payment at booking.
Deposit
- Deposits are refundable until December 11, 2026, less a $100 administrative fee.
- In lieu of a refund, you deposits may be transferred to another retreat within 12 months if requested by Dec. 11. In this case, no administrative fee will be charged.
- After December 11, 2026, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Participant Cancellations
To cancel, you must notify us in writing by email. The following terms apply:
- More than 120 days before retreat: Payments beyond the deposit are refundable.
- 60–119 days before retreat: Payments beyond the deposit are non-refundable but may be applied as a credit toward another retreat within 12 months, subject to availability.
- 59 days or less before retreat: All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Trip Cancelled / Postponed by Us
Please wait until we confirm the retreat before booking flights or other non-refundable travel arrangements. We will confirm before no later than 120 days before the retreat.
Read the full terms in our Yoga Retreat Agreement.
Getting to the Venue
Recommended Airport
We suggest flying into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and arriving at least one day before the retreat begins. FCO is roughly 2.5 hours from the retreat.
Transportation Options
Airport transfers are not included for this retreat. We’re offering the flexibility to pay for what suits you—rental car or shared ride.
We suggest renting a car if you want to explore in your free time. Taxis are not available near the retreat. Private transport can be arranged, but it’s expensive. We’ll have a chat group to connect if you want to share a rental car.
Shared Van
We will arrange vans from a hotel near Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The vans will depart at 12:30 p.m. on Sept 11th.
The van cost will depend on the number of passengers. Expect to pay €140-190/person round-trip (includes a tip for the driver).
Other Airports
If you plan to rent a car and extend your travel, the following airports are all between 2-3 hours from the retreat: Rome Ciampino (CIA), Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA), Perugia (PEG).
Venue Address
Località Le Pianore, 58044 Monticello Amiata GR, Italy
Check-In & Check-Out
Passports, Visas & ETIAS
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure. Passports must have 2 blank pages for the entry stamp.
Check the visa requirements for entry to Italy from your home country. If traveling from the U.S. or Canada, no visa is required for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new travel authorization that visa-exempt travelers will need to visit EU countries, including Italy. It is not a visa and is intended for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
As of August 2026, there is no official launch date for ETIAS. If the EU rolls out the program before your trip, you will need to complete an online application before your trip, and pay a fee of €20.
(Individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.)
Travel Insurance
Strongly Recommended
For the safety and financial protection of all participants, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Each participant should obtain a policy that includes trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical coverage.
While we don’t recommend a specific company or policy, we’ve partnered with InsureMyTrip to help you compare plans. Their recommendation engine helps travelers find the right fit, and their team provides support before, during, and after your trip—including help should you need to file a claim. (We may receive a small commission if you book through the link provided. You’re welcome to purchase your insurance through any provider you prefer!)
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
We recommend Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for maximum flexibility. CFAR is an optional upgrade to a standard policy that offers the highest level of protection if your plans change. Unlike standard trip cancellation insurance, which only reimburses you for specific covered reasons, CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all and receive a partial refund.
How CFAR Works
- It is purchased as an add-on to a regular travel insurance policy.
- It typically reimburses 50–75% of non-refundable costs (varies by policy).
- It must be purchased within 10–21 days of your first trip payment (varies by policy).
- You must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before departure.
To qualify for CFAR coverage, you must insure your deposit within the required timeframe. You do NOT need to insure your entire trip cost upfront. To keep your initial premium low, you can estimate your travel dates, insure your deposit, and adjust your total insured amount later as you make additional payments.
Accessibility
Property Accessibility
While the land of Le Pianore is mostly flat, it is set in the mountains with uneven terrain.
- There are a few steps to some bedrooms and common areas.
- A few steps do not have railings; there’s usually a workaround.
- The Farmhouse, dining area, and pool are in close each other.
- The Strawhouse and Yurt are a 1-minute walk across the grass.
If you’d like to talk through whether this retreat is a good fit for your needs, I’m always happy to connect!
Excursions
The outings together have been chosen with consideration for accessibility.
- The towns of Pienza, Monteriggioni, and Bagno Vignoni are mostly flat and human-scale.
- The waterfall pools require a short walk down some stairs from the road to the river.
Yoga
Melissa and Steph teach slow-paced classes that prioritize true accessibility and choice. Expect slow-paced movement with a variety of options so that you can explore what feels supportive for your body. No experience with yoga is necessary. Beginners to seasoned practitioners are welcome.
Weather
Le Pianore’s mountain setting offers a cooler climate than the lowlands. In mid-September, expect days in the mid 70s–mid 80s °F (23–29 °C), and cooler evenings in the low 60s °F (15–18 °C).
Who comes on these retreats?
Traits: Participants may identify as introverted, highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or a combination of these. Some simply appreciate the slower pace and flexibility to participate in ways that suit their intentions, energy, and social preferences.
- Introversion can mean preferring smaller groups, more solitude, or time to recharge after social interaction.
- High sensitivity involves deeper processing of sensory and emotions and being more affected by your environment.
- Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for ways of thinking, processing, communicating, or experiencing the world that differ from what’s considered typical. This can ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences.
Packing List
A full packing list, as well as a Trip Planning Packet with details you need to plan for your Tuscany retreat will be provided.
Dietary Needs / Restrictions
Le Pianore serves mostly vegetarian food, but meat dishes will be available. They can cater to most dietary needs. While they can accommodate gluten-free diets, they cannot guarantee that meals will be suitable for those with Celiac Disease. Reach out to discuss.
Still have questions?
Book a free phone chat or email Melissa at info@melissanoelrenzi.com.
Travel sensitively, connect with kindred spirits, and empower your quiet strengths
Join our community for special offers, and early access to our retreats!