About Puglia 

For this late summer retreat, we’re heading all the way to the bottom of Italy’s heel: Puglia. Our retreat takes place in the Salento region of Puglia: a rough-cut version of the best that Italy has to offer. There’s no camera-toting tourists here, no tourbuses, and no English menus.  This is a dry, ochre-hued land of olive groves and cliff-jumping kids, too languid to have much of a scene. The food is homely and unfussy. Salento is hot, dry and remote, retaining a flavour of its Greek past.

This retreat is all about embracing late summer: ripe apricots and lazy afternoon spritz', boat adventures and cliff jumps.

The Villa

Our private 19th century villa is the summer Dukes residence.  It’s a historic and whimsical villa, surrounded by a large garden of pine, olives and palms. The entrance to the villa is magnificent: a private alley lined with century old trees.  We’re just steps from small port of Tricasse, with it small fishing boats and the clear Adriatic water. The water is so calm and clean, it’s lovely to take a dip in the late afternoon.    

We'll practice yoga on the outdoor terrace under the centuries-old olive trees.  We already have yoga mats, you just show up! 

Le Camere, The Rooms.  Each room is unique, with it's own charm. Some rooms have ocean view, some garden view.  You can opt for a single or double room. Please note that this is a 19th century summer residence. Its whimsical, carefree and fabulous. If you are looking for resort experience, like a JW Mariott, this is simply not the retreat for you. If you are looking for understated sophistication and to live out your Talented Mr. Ripley fantasy, then this is the retreat for you! Space for this retreat is limited to 18 students.   

La Cucina, The Food. For breakfast, expect local eggs, local cheeses, homemade jam, fresh brewed coffee, local melon. For lunch, expect cured local meats, rocket salad with summer ripe figs, apricots + honey. For dinner, expect traditional Pugliese fare: lots of vegetarian options, handmade Orichette pastas, grilled local veggies, and ancient grains.  Local wine is included, from our friend's fabulous winery.  We work with two Italian cooks who knows the local markets, so the food will be spectacular. The menu items listed above are just to give you an idea. 

How To Arrive. There are two airports in Puglia: Bari and Brindisi.  Brindisi is the easier option, it's 1 hour drive to our villa. You could also fly into Bari, it's just a longer drive (2.5 hours). Depending on if you're travelling alone or with a friend, the easiest option for most people is to rent a car.  If you don't feel comfortable renting a car (or just don't want to), we can pair you with someone else arriving at the same time, so that you can drive together.  Renting a car in Puglia is extremely easy & affordable.   If you have time before or after the retreat, we recommend a couple nights in Lecce or around Ostuni.  

Activities. Our villa is in the mini seaside town of Tricase Porto.  Our villa is walking distance to the crystal blue sea. The water is ideal to swim in. Anton only likes to swim in warm water and he's obsessed with the water here.  :) There's a cute cafe right by us, where you can walk to for a cappuccino or a spritz, as well as couple fabulous Italian restaurants. There are plenty of gorgeous places nearby to explore: baroque towns, secret swimming spots, and traditional ceramic artisans.

What's Not Included? Extras like massage (unless you bribe Tony with a Negroni!), boats, car rentals, three meals out, and your international travel.