Sharing Tuscany
There is no place quite like Tuscany — its winding gravel roads, its quaint medieval towns, and that secret kind of beauty that takes your breath away.
After all,
“Tuscany is not a place you see, it’s a place you feel” - Nikki Row
For my second women’s yoga retreat, I had no doubt in my mind where I wanted to go. It was Tuscany. For if anywhere defined The Unwind more, it was this beautiful region of Italy, one that many people bypass when visiting the big cities. Tuscany asks you to venture on the less traveled path and teaches you the art of slow living.
Oh yes, we would go to Tuscany.
Entering Tuscany
Four suitcases and fifteen hours later, we arrived at the small regional airport of Florence, Italy — the kind of airport where you step off the plane and feel that first breath of fresh air as you walk down the staircase to the singular terminal. Italy at last, Italy at last!
After securing our nine-seater rental van, Joe took the wheel and began our two-hour drive south.
Driving into the Tuscan region is beautiful; it reminds me of the drive we used to take from Phoenix to Sedona growing up. The backdrop starts off pretty, but nothing to write home about, and then, as you get closer, the scenery begins to transform into a breathtaking ensemble of colors and dreamy hues.
Through winding green roads, we finally arrived at our destination: the little town of San Casciano dei Bagni.
At the first left, we pulled into a driveway leading to a quaint bed & breakfast called Locanda Quattro Vesta. This humble little bed and breakfast sat within walking distance of the main town square and was owned by two siblings carrying on the legacy of their parents. It would be our home for the next couple of days before we moved into the villa atop the hills.
After such a long journey, we had finally arrived — and I felt that bubbling excitement knowing we were about to embark on a few days of exploration… a.k.a. scoping time!
More than ten years ago, I visited Tuscany for the first time with my Italian host family. They owned a small country home, and we spent the New Year there. It was unlike anywhere I had ever been before. I remember the endless rolling hills, eating salami by their wood fireplace, and celebrating the new year in the tiniest little town as homemade fireworks burst in the streets.
If Italy didn’t already have my heart—this gave it away.
So why did I choose San Casciano dei Bagni this time? Well, I fell for the villa (but I’ll get to that in a bit). For now, we weren’t checking in until Monday, which meant two full days to explore the surrounding landscapes, medieval towns, and local markets before the retreat began.
There’s only so much an online photo or google review can do, now it was time to get out and experience first hand!
Let’s scope it out!
If I could do scoping as a full-time gig, I would be thrilled! For this particular trip, we had a lot of ground to cover — about four to five towns within a 20–45 minute drive.
The whole fun of scoping is that it’s kind of like antiquing or thrifting: you never really know what you’re going to find, and that’s the joy of it. When you do come across a little hidden gem, you just know.
This is why I often struggle to give my guests a perfectly pre-planned “agenda,” as so many crave — because that’s the art of travel: the spontaneity, the unknowing, and the beauty that comes with it.
Some of the lovely towns we explored were Sarteano, Pienza, Cetona, and Radicofani.
—Oh, and I forgot to mention, scoping also includes plenty of eating and food gathering! For this retreat, we planned to host brunch each morning after yoga, complete with fresh fruit from the markets, yogurts from the grocery, and, of course, local bread from the bakery.
What I love most about Europe, is the pride and care with which small shops operate. If you wake up late, you’ll miss the bakery’s chocolate croissants; they’re open only until they sell out (which happens fast!). It’s not mass-produced — it’s one family, one individual, taking pride in their craft and sourcing.
And you can taste the difference.
Food teaches us so much about a culture, and I strive to support local food and family-run businesses wherever I travel. It’s what makes each place one of a kind.
The Road to Poggio Metacalli
When I was in the early process of finding a space to host The Unwind Tuscany, I kept coming back to one listing that felt like it was calling my name. The photos were lovely, but what really stayed with me were the words of past visitors: “Better than the photos.”“Surreal views.”“Simonetta’s kindness.” I knew I had found a special place.
It was Monday, the day before arrival, and my nerves were chit-chattin’ around. An advisory had gone out the night before, warning of severe rainfall on Tuesday. And while I’m used to a good downpour—coming from Florida—it’s different on these winding backroads, and I worried about the driving conditions.
From our humble bed and breakfast in town, we drove twenty minutes through unmarked roads. Let me tell you, that van really proved its worth! As we drove along, the brush and shrubbery grew denser, blocking what I imagined were the “breathtaking views,” and my anticipation started to build. There’s always that moment of Instagram vs. reality, and this was it.
After what felt like forever, the GPS announced, “Turn left.” Ahead of us stood an iron gate marking the entrance to the property. I rang the remote bell and said, “Buongiorno, siamo qui!” — Good day, we are here.
It didn’t take long to realize, upon pulling in, that this was the place. A vast quietness surrounded us as we stepped out of the car, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden hidden in the hills.
Moments later, a little dog came running toward us, and Simonetta appeared, shouting at it in Italian. I quickly called out,
“Sta bene, mi piace il cane!” — Don’t worry, I like dogs!
She gave me the warmest smile and a welcoming embrace.
Alas, siamo qui, siamo qui — we are here, we are here.
The character of this home was one of the things that first caught my eye when I began searching for a villa. The host and I had the chance to speak, and he shared how they had purchased the property in rough shape but worked meticulously to restore it — keeping the charm of traditional Tuscan architecture and design. The details and care they poured into it showed. This truly was the perfect place.
Over the next several hours, I worked to personalize our space. I gathered wildflowers, placed indulgent chocolates by the ceramic warthog, and prepared each woman’s room with her personalized welcome packet and a journal my dear friend had made especially for this retreat.
As the evening closed, all jitters and severe storm watches subsided. Tomorrow would be arrival day. I couldn’t wait to welcome the eight women making their way from across the world to join us for The Unwind Retreat 2025.
What a beautiful thing.
Arrival Day
There is something so magical about arriving in a new place, and for me, something equally magical about welcoming everyone’s different energy as it comes together. Of course, it doesn’t always feel magical; travel brings unexpected moments. Things go unplanned, wallets get forgotten, bags go amiss, the whole nine yards. But it’s how we adapt despite those bumps in the road that truly matters.
Just like I strive to welcome my students at the studio, on arrival day I aim to keep my energy grounded and be a warm presence for my travelees, a home away from home. I love to set an intention at the start of each retreat, before our first meal, as a moment to pause, breathe, and honor the fact that we made it here together.
It’s a moment of gratitude, acknowledgment, and recognition that, despite all the ifs, ands, and buts, WE SHOWED UP.
And indeed, what a magical thing that is!
For this retreat, our time together was six days and five nights.
Each day held space to relax, move our bodies, and discover the beauty around us.
In the mornings, I like to offer yoga — a slow and mindful way to begin the day and gently awaken the body. The classes I offer are intuitive, nurturing, and grounding.
Many women have told me they don’t think they can come to my retreat because “they don’t do yoga.” Maybe that’s a miss in my advertising, since I do call it a women’s yoga retreat. But really, I think it says more about the image yoga has taken on for so many: someone in a contorted posture balancing on their big toe. When in truth, yoga is a practice for everyone.
At The Unwind, I often have women who haven’t practiced in years alongside others who go to class daily. I remind everyone there’s no comparison, no competition, and no intensity required. More than anything, it’s about building consciousness — a way of practice and a way of treating ourselves and those around us.
So each day began with breath, yoga, and maybe a cup of coffee… or two.
On the first morning, we discovered an unbeknownst guest — a little red fox who, with curious eyes, scampered off as we opened the door for practice. With warm coffee in hand and the sound of fresh rain, some joined, some slept in, but all were here, exactly where they needed to be.
Wander On, Dear Ones
Our days were spent as I would want anyone to spend their time, discovering Italian culture through food and wine and getting lost in captivating towns that felt like far-off lands.
Early on in my youth, I began traveling with various study abroad groups. One of the things I learned quickly was how important free time was to me as a young traveler: time to peek into little shops that caught my eye, time to wander through open markets, and time to experience a place rather than move through it.
So naturally, on these retreats, I make free time essential.
One sweet memory I had was during our day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Pienza. My favorite part about this day was how each of us had our own unique experience. When we shared photos later, some had found a picturesque eatery overlooking the Val d’Orcia, others spoke of the cathedral that captivated them in the main piazza, and as for me, I returned to our chickpea soup lunch spot, the one where the owner loves to sass the customers but what more could you want, lunch and a show—worth every penny!
All in all, travel offers us each the rare gift of discovery, unearthing, uncovering our own experience. These momenets are priceless and often rare to get,
so wander on dear ones, wander on.
You may have heard the quote, “Good people attract good people,” so often in life, and I think it’s true. When you carry a certain radiance, when your intentions are clear, the world naturally begins to place kind souls in your path. Looking back at the trip, we met some truly loving people along the way.
Like the leather maker who carved ten heart-shaped pieces from his shop — small tokens to take a bit of Sarteano back home.
Or Guistina, our sweet Italian chef, who cooked for us each night with the kind of love that cannot be rushed.
As is wherever we go, it’s the connections we make, even with those who are different from us, that teach us, open us, and leave a lasting reminder that what brings us together is what matters most.
How do you put into words an experience like this?
The sound of birds in the morning.
The dewiness of the air.
The chatter of an elder couple walking hand in hand.
The clacking of shoes on cobblestone.
The smell of lavender.
The connection with so many beautiful humans.
Our days came and went, and a year of planning absorbed into the atmosphere.
But what remains is the beauty in it all — our memories, our keepsakes, the little threads that, over time, weave together into a canopy of moments that make up our lives.
And I am so grateful to have been a part of even one.
Arrivederci, Toscana.
Until next time.
