Tuscany Retreat
Lunigiana, Italy
3 - 7 June 2027
7 - 11 October 2027
InRetreat and La Fortezza are collaborating on two retreats in 2027, each thoughtfully curated to enliven the senses and guide you through an unforgettable experience of spring and autumn in northern Tuscany. You are invited to celebrity chef, Annette Joseph’s, private Tuscan home for an all-inclusive 4 night retreat, with delicious, playful, restful and soulful cultural excursions that are carefully matched to the regional seasonality. Renowned Firenze-based wordsmith, designer and calligrapher Betty Soldi will be guiding us through her signature ‘Inksperience’ creative workshop, which will be matched to the season and retreat theme. InRetreat founder, Nina, will lead us in daily Vinyasa flow and Yin sessions that are delicately attuned to the stunning natural environment, the chemistry of the intimate retreat group, and the music of the moment. Join us!
A celebration of the seasons in a restored medieval fortress
Anticipate a journey with…
A private Tuscan villa
La Fortezza (‘the Fortress’) is celebrity chef, Annette Joseph’s private Tuscan home. It is nestled in the heart of Northern Tuscany, in a region known as Lunigiana. The medieval stone compound sits on 27 acres, and on the grounds are Roman ruins, a river, and their private vineyard. The villa has breathtaking views of the Apuane Alps and the valley below. There are just 6 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, all tastefully decorated.
Delectable cuisine
The distinctive cuisine of the region we will retreat to, known as Lunigiana, is a rustic tradition that centres on simple ingredients like chestnut flour, wild herbs and ancient cooking methods using earthenware or cast-iron pans. Annette Joseph, our villa host, is a multi-published cooking sensation and it goes without saying that the food served at La Fortezza is incredible. Both spring and autumn retreats include an exclusive cooking workshop with Annette.
An exclusive ‘Inksperience’
Betty Soldi’s design atelier based in Firenze has been the site of many creative projects, working with high-level international brands such as Belmond, VSOE Orient Express, Gucci, Chopard, MiuMiu and Prada, to name a few. Betty has facilitated many workshops with InRetreat since 2022, in Italy, France and Morocco. She is able to weave the workshop deftly into our retreat theme and excels at playing with calligraphic language, artistic techniques, and words for depths of meaning and heights of inspiration.
A cultural immersion
Both the spring and autumn retreats have a thoughtfully selected buffet of authentic excursions. These experiences invite restful and playful joy on retreat, and provide a distinct sense of place. Annette and the La Fortezza team have extensive knowledge of Lunigiana and are able to guide us to the best secret locations and insider titbits. They provide an end-to-end, warm and inclusive hosting style, where every detail and delectable treat is provided for. You can truly just arrive, sit back, and savour - let us show you the best we know of Northern Tuscany!
A seasonal appreciation
The June spring retreat is inspired by the air element - we’ll step out into the mountains on a scenic hike, picnicking amongst the blossoms, we’ll journey to the coast for a restful seaside lunch, and we’ll energize our bodies in daily uplifting yoga. The October autumn retreat is inspired by the water element - we’ll be guided on a truffle hunt in the abundant mountain forests, we’ll savour La Fortezza’s organic wines, and we’ll nourish body and soul in soft, fluid yoga flows.
The unspoilt Apuane Alps
This rugged mountain range in Northern Tuscany is recognised as a UNESCO protected national heritage site, and is famed for the beauty of its white marble, quarried since Etrurian times (8th - 3rd centuries BCE) and used by Renaissance artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo. The area is steeped in geological history and has a distinct cultural flavour. In spring we will have a memorable guided hike near the villa, with a picnic lunch, served by La Fortezza staff. In Autumn, we’ll embark on a guided truffle hunting excursion!
Guest reviews on InRetreat
“Nina is such a beautiful, genuine and caring individual who wants everyone to have the best possible experience. It is clear how much thought and detail goes into her planning and execution of her retreats. She brings a new meaning to the word, curated. She brings the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation to these retreats. She leaves no stone unturned. I cannot advocate enough to what a beautiful experience she creates for everyone involved. Nina has created something very special and you will leave her retreat feeling very energized and fulfilled.”
— ELENA, 2024“My experience at Manshausen was truly transformational. The combination of inspiring yoga sessions and immersive Artic adventures created a powerful balance of restoration and exhilaration. Surrounded by Norway’s dramatic landscape, I felt deeply grounded, present, and connected to nature. I left feeling clearer, stronger, and profoundly renewed."
— SHANNON, 2026“I truly appreciated that this was a small group retreat—it gave me the opportunity to really connect with the other participants. What a blessing it was to meet such inspiring women. The retreat was designed to celebrate friendship and life’s milestones. Since booking, so much has changed—especially as I’ve taken on new professional roles that brought moments of imbalance and self-doubt. Experiencing InRetreat at this time has renewed my energy and given me the tools to embrace life with confidence and gratitude."
— BRITTA, 2026“This was a truly transformative experience. From stunning landscapes to energizing yoga, diverse artistic exploration, mountain hikes and exceptional cuisine, every element came together beautifully. Nina's serene demeanor and skillful guidance during meditation and yoga created a profoundly grounding atmosphere. I left feeling deeply fulfilled and reconnected with myself.”
— DEBBIE, 2025“Our InRetreat trip to India was everything I hoped for and more! Every aspect of the trip - the accommodation, food and cultural experiences - was carefully curated to nourish and to awaken our senses. Alongside Nina’s skilful, playful and heart-opening yoga practices and the deeply rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments we were able to rest, re-connect with ourselves and become alive to the magic of India. A truly memorable retreat.”
— JOANNE, 2025“Although I personally didn’t want to miss a single moment of the practices Nina offered, there was always complete freedom to skip a session if someone needed rest or had different needs. The retreat provided plenty of space for personal time and flexibility, allowing everyone to shape their days in a way that felt right for them. The group was another highlight—such a wonderful mix of ages and backgrounds. I formed deep connections, felt truly inspired by others, and at the same time it all remained light, joyful, and fun. I wholeheartedly recommend Nina’s retreats and can’t wait to join the next one.”
— JANINE, 2025
Where this retreat is located
LUNIGIANA, TUSCANY
The mountainous region of Northern Tuscany known as Lunigiana dates back to Etruscan times. It remains unspoilt by tourism and offers an array of landscapes, wilderness areas and small villages. The area starts at the Apennines and stretches to the Magra River. The name of the region arises from the ancient city and Roman colony called Luni, which was the main urban centre on the northern Tuscan coast. Fittingly, the symbol of Lunigiana is a crescent moon (‘luna’) held in a bear’s claw. What is most striking about this region is its remoteness - the mountains are never far away, and form a stunning backdrop to most of the small villages and towns. Average temperatures in June: maximum 24°C/ 75°F - minimum 14°C/ 57°F. Average temperatures in October: maximum 20°C/ 68°F - minimum 11°C/ 51°F.
LA FORTEZZA
The Fortress, Annette’s private Tuscan summer home, is a medieval stone compound that sits on 27 acres. On the grounds are Roman ruins, a river, and the vineyard. The Fortress has a breathtaking view of the Apennine mountains & the marble-topped Apuane Alps, and the valley below. Olive groves, chestnut trees, and fruit orchards surround the property. The Fortress was a medieval defensive tower in a region that had over 120 castles and kingdoms to protect in the 12th to the 15th century. On the property, there are three outbuildings, three dining terraces, and a private living quarters. La Fortezza’s own wines are served, and they are all totally organic and grown sustainably. There are six beautifully appointed guest rooms all with their own private bathrooms.
Travel & booking details
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3 - 7 JUNE 2027 ~ ‘SPRING TUSCANY RETREAT’
4 nights accommodation at La Fortezza
All meals and beverages, including all alcoholic beverages
Twice daily yoga with Nina Butler
Guided hike with picnic lunch
An exclusive Betty Soldi creative workshop
La Fortezza wine tasting
Cooking class with Annette Joseph
Half day trip to Forte dei Marmi and lunch at a local restaurant
Pizza party on our last evening
Gift bag
7 - 11 OCTOBER 2027 ~ ‘AUTUMN TUSCANY RETREAT’
4 nights accommodation at La Fortezza
All meals and beverages, including all alcoholic beverages
Twice daily yoga with Nina Butler
Guided truffle hunting excursion & 4 course truffle lunch
An exclusive Betty Soldi creative workshop
La Fortezza wine tasting
Cooking class with Annette Joseph
Pizza party on our last evening
Gift bag
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JUNE & OCTOBER 2027 ~ ‘SPRING & AUTUMN RETREAT’
Flights to/from Italy and taxis to/from La Fortezza
Visas
Spa treatments and gift purchases
Gratuities
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ARRIVAL
We advise you to fly into Florence Airport, Peretola, formally Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR). The best way to reach La Fortezza is by car and we will help facilitate car hire sharing in the group, should it be requested. Alternatively, we can recommend a taxi company that can drive you to the venue. Check in to La Fortezza from 15:00.
DEPARTURE
Check out and departures are from 10:00am.
If you require any assistance with further travel arrangements, or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
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All inclusive package 3 - 7 JUNE 2027
Per person: US$ 4,000
Deposit: US$ 2,000
All inclusive package 7 - 11 OCTOBER 2027
Per person: US$ 4,000
Deposit: US$ 2,000
Book directly with La Fortezza. CLICK HERE: REQUEST TO BOOK
Your InRetreat guide
Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence.
Ask Nina a question
