Bookings are NOW open for 2026

Tuscany Art & Wellbeing Retreat

16th -21th October 2026

Early Bird Special when booking before 30th June 2025

Save AUD$1000 off the advertised price

For enquiries email us at info@thejourneyingwomen.com.au
Individual Payment Plans are available upon request.

Tuscany Art and Wellbeing Retreat 2026

16th-21st October

Join Antonia Perricone, Susanne North and Sheena Polese in Tuscany in the European Autumn season 2026 for 6 days / 5 nights of creativity, self nurturing and self expression. Immerse yourself in the surrounds of this beautiful Tuscan villa and enjoy a gentle daily routine of Yin Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, wellbeing activities, journalling, art education and creativity.

Villa Arancera is located in a strategic position in the heart of Tuscany, only 7 km from the city of Lucca. Guests can also reach: Forte dei Marmi in 20 minutes, Pisa in 30 minutes, Florence in 45 minutes and Siena in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

This will be an immersive and holistic experience to enhance your wellbeing through art making. 

It will be an adventure of discovery and self expression. You will leave reset and resourced with practical wellbeing tools for life.

It will be a rich sensory experience. Your senses will be heightened by the setting, the immersion in art, food, wine, Italian culture and the teachings that are available to you from your three experienced and qualified facilitators. You’ll have exposure to the culture, history, architecture, culinary, the elements, colours, smells, the season of Autumn and the earthiness of Tuscany which will be outside of your everyday life experience.

THE RETREAT WILL BE FACILITATED IN ENGLISH

Art Component

  • Exploring the Senses & Urban Sketching

  • Understanding Perspective in Art

  • Landscape and Texture in Tuscany

  • Working with Clay and Sculpture

  • Rubbings and Exploring Materials

  • Abstract Art

Wellbeing Component

  • Daily Yoga & Meditation: Led by Susanne North and Sheena Polese, focusing on stress relief through gentle breath work, Yin Yoga, QiGong, Tai Chi and mindfulness techniques to complement the creative process.

  • Mindfulness and Reflective practice: Each day will include morning and evening journaling prompts, encouraging participants to reflect on their art practice, personal growth, and the mindful aspects of the retreat.

  • Wellbeing Strategies to bring more joy and meaning into your life

Accommodation & Meals

  • The Villa: Participants will stay in a charming villa located in the heart of Tuscany, offering comfortable rooms (option of your own room with a double bed or twin share), scenic views, and a peaceful environment for creative reflection. The villa features large manicured grounds and will be equipped with all the necessary art supplies, as well as a shared communal space.

  • Meals: All breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners at the villa will be included. Additional meals at local restaurants are at the expense of the participants.

Additional Activities & Experiences:

  • Visits to Local Galleries: Explore Pietrasanta’s and Lucca’s art scene with guided visits to galleries showcasing contemporary sculptures, paintings, and fine art.

  • Local Art Shops and Boutiques: Time to explore the charming boutiques and shops in Pietrasanta, featuring works by local artists and artisans.

Experience The Transformative Power

Come and enjoy the immersion and allow your creative side to be nurtured (we all have one). Be free to express yourself without judgement or comparison. Make time for yourself to slow down, to go within and experience new aspects of yourself. Meet other like minded people at the same time. When women gather in this environment, a profound energy emerges that nurtures and revitalises a woman's sense of self, deepening her connection to her life and her humanity. We invite you to join us and experience this transformative power for yourself.

Discover your capacity for creativity through guided art-making, both on location and in the studio.

  • Learn about the evolution of modern art in Italy by exploring Italian art culture and the surrounding Tuscan region.

  • Experience villa life for 6 days, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, local culture, and art history.

  • Engage in daily mindfulness, meditation, Yin Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi to nurture mental clarity, creativity, and well-being.

  • Capture the essence of your environment by slowing down, drawing, and painting the breathtaking landscapes and urban scenes of Tuscany.

  • Receive personal guidance from experienced facilitators in art, mindfulness, meditation, positive psychology and wellbeing.

  • Explore the local art scene by visiting galleries and boutique art shops.

  • Explore local cuisine and bar culture by enjoying an aperitivo or morning coffee in the town centre, explore the laneways, galleries and historic features of the towns.

Accommodation & Prices

Deluxe Twin Room
Share

PRICE: AUD$4900 per person (excluding flights)

Early Bird Special when booking before 1 July 2025 AUD$3900 per person (excluding flights)


AUD$1000 deposit required to secure your place. After the initial deposit is paid to secure your spot, payment plans are available (we will contact you for your preference of payment plan).

THE ROOM & AMENITIES:

Elegant room with Villa or Infinity Pool view. Bright and spacious room with single beds, desk, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom decorated with hand painted tiles, shower or bath tub. Rooms are located on the first floor and furnished with an eclectic mix of ancient and modern pieces. Great attention to architectural details following tuscan tradition such as visible beams and the wooden fixtures scraped by local artisans.

  • DIMENSION: 15 – 18,5 sqm

  • FURNITURE: wardrobe with chest of drawers, desk and chair, pouffe, suitcase holder

  • BEDS: single beds also attachable into a king size and possibility of third bed

  • BATHROOM: with shower and bidet

  • VIEW: on surrounding hills and villas or on the Infinity Pool

  • LOCATION: first floor

  • AMENITIES:

    • WIFI

    • Air conditioning/heating

    • Hair-dryer

    • Bathroom soaps by BVLGARI

]

Deluxe Room Single
with a King Bed

PRICE: AUD$5900 per person (excluding flights)

Early Bird Special when booking before 1 July 2025 AUD$4900 per person (excluding flights)


AUD$1000 deposit required to secure your place. After the initial deposit is paid to secure your spot, payment plans are available (we will contact you for your preference of payment plan).

THE ROOM & AMENITIES:

Elegant room with Villa or Infinity Pool view. Bright and spacious room with single beds, desk, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom decorated with hand painted tiles, shower or bath tub. Rooms are located on the first floor and furnished with an eclectic mix of ancient and modern pieces. Great attention to architectural details following tuscan tradition such as visible beams and the wooden fixtures scraped by local artisans.

  • DIMENSION: 14 – 16 sqm

  • FURNITURE: wardrobe with chest of drawers, desk and chair, pouffe, suitcase holder

  • BED: king size bed

  • BATHROOM: with shower or bath tub and bidet

  • VIEW: on the Citrus Garden or on the Infinity Pool

  • LOCATION: first floor

  • AMENITIES:

    • WIFI

    • Air conditioning/heating

    • Hair-dryer

    • Bathroom soaps by BVLGARI

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation and Meals: All breakfasts are included, 3 x lunches and 3 x dinners. 

  • Art Materials: A basic art materials kit will be provided. Additional materials may be purchased on-site.

  • Not Included: 2 dinners/ 2 lunches, drinks at the villa (first night welcome cocktail included) and personal expenses.

  • Excursion to Lucca and Pietrasanta

  • Not included: Flights and airport transfers

Sample Daily Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM – Morning Meditation and Yin Yoga

  • 9:00 AM – Coffee and Breakfast

  • 10:30 AM – Art Workshop (e.g., sketching, painting, exploring materials)

  • 1:30 PM – Lunch at the Villa

  • 3:00 PM – Siesta / Rest

  • 6:00 PM – Aperitivo (light snacks and drinks and an evening session and conversation about art, wellbeing and their relationship to everyday living).

  • 7:30 PM – Dinner at the Villa (2-3 nights in local restaurants)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.⁠ ⁠Booking & Payment

1.1 A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1000 is required at the time of booking to secure your place.

1.2 The remaining balance must be paid in accordance with the agreed payment plan. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking without a refund.

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2.⁠ ⁠Cancellation & Refund Policy

2.1 No refunds will be given for any reason, including but not limited to personal circumstances, illness, travel disruptions, or change of mind.

2.2 If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to another person with our approval, provided they meet the retreat requirements. We hope you understand that due to the cost of administering any changes to participants’ names and billing, an administration cost of AUD$150.00 will incur.

2.3 If we cancel the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, we will offer a rescheduled date or a credit toward a future retreat.

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3.⁠ ⁠Travel Arrangements

3.1 Do not book flights or other travel arrangements until we confirm the retreat is going ahead. We are not responsible for any losses related to travel bookings made before confirmation.

3.2 Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cancellations, delays, medical expenses, and other unforeseen events.

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4.⁠ ⁠Health & Wellbeing

4.1 By booking, you confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the retreat activities.

4.2 You are responsible for informing us of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements before the retreat.

4.3 We are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions that may arise before, during, or after the retreat.

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5.⁠ ⁠Code of Conduct

5.1 To maintain a peaceful and respectful environment, all participants must follow the retreat guidelines and respect other attendees.

5.2 If a participant’s behaviour is deemed disruptive, harmful, or inappropriate, we reserve the right to remove them from the retreat without a refund.

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6.⁠ ⁠Liability

6.1 We are not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.

6.2 Participation in retreat activities is at your own risk. You acknowledge that we are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or health-related issues that may occur.

6.3 We are not responsible for any disruptions caused by external factors such as weather, travel strikes, or force major events.

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7.⁠ ⁠Photography & Marketing

7.1 We may take photographs or videos during the retreat for marketing purposes. By attending, you consent to their use unless you notify us in writing before the retreat.

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8.⁠ ⁠Agreement

By booking a retreat with us, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms &

Please contact us at info@thejourneyingwomen.com.au with any questions

We look forward to you joining us.

Please contact us at info@thejourneyingwomen.com.au with any questions.

Your Facilitators

Antonia Perricone-Mrljak graduated from Sydney College of the Arts in 2018. Since which, the artist’s profile has continued to build. Most recently, in 2023 published in the “Australian Abstract” book, in 2021, 2022 the artist was named a finalist in both the Paddington Art Prize and the Waverly Art Prize. In 2019 she undertook a major performance-based painting installation at Sydney Contemporary. Her work is widely collected in corporate and private collections across Australia. Her daily practice cycles through ideas of connection, liberation and identity upon the painted surface. The repetition of mark-making gives order to Perricone-Mrljak’s process, which is concerned with myriad layered emotional and cultural ideas. It is a cycle of recollection that refines her creative output, providing it with depth and intention. In this way, Perricone-Mrljak’s works become a palimpsest of personal experience and growth.

This mode of communication is instinctive for the artist and invites the viewer to connect with her work and reflect on their own experiences. Although highly personal, this effect is so closely interwoven with the repetition of mark making that the viewer is also able to access and draw comparisons to their own memories and experiences: marks built by memory, expressive and layered records that trace the line of the emotional landscape.

Susanne North is dedicated to supporting children, women and families through all seasons of life, helping them thrive from birth to the empty nest. Susanne is passionate about helping people to find more balance, joy and meaning in everything they do.

As a Family & Wellbeing Coach, her holistic approach draws from the disciplines of Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Practice, Neuroscience and Developmental Psychology. Susanne is a certified Meditation and Mindfulness teacher in the Vipassana tradition, having trained with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield and is also a certified Transformative Breathwork and Qi Gong Teacher.

Sheena Polese is committed to the growth and development of women, enabling them to live a fully engaged life aligned with their purpose and helping them overcome their struggles. Sheena holds a Masters degree in Science, Psychology of Coaching, Certifications in Adult Development and numerous psychometric tools and has a keen interest in human behaviour and how each individual is on their own journey to pursue getting their emotional and psychological needs met. Sheena uses a range of practices in her facilitation and coaching and incorporates both evidence based approaches and eastern practices of reflection and meditation. Sheena is a Yin Yoga and Reiki Teacher.