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Retreat Handbook

Retreat Name & Date

  • Welcome and thank you for signing up to (retreat name and date).

  • Here is the information you need before & during the retreat.

  • Please keep this handy by saving the link on your phone. 

  • For any questions, please email: 

Quick Links

Getting There

Check-in at Villa (name of Villa + link) is on (day) the (date long form), starting at 4pm. You are allowed to arrive earlier at the Villa yet will not be able to check into your room until 4pm. In case you do arrive early, feel free to explore the grounds, hang around in the gardens and/or enjoy the swimming pool facilities. We will be there to welcome you and as from 4pm light snacks will be available in the dining room. Dinner will be served later in the evening. In case you arrive on an early flight, feel free to drop your luggage at the Villa (once arrived) and head out into the nearest town called San Casciano in Val di Pesa (5 minute taxi ride) or into Florence (30 min taxi ride).

For people arriving in the morning we recommend to leave your luggage at Villa (name) and head into the local town called San Casciano in Val di Pesa. The town is accessible by foot (30 minute walk). However we recommend booking a taxi (5 minutes) to drive you into town as the roads are windy and there is no pedestrian lane. 


Taxi pickups from the airport will be arranged for you by us. Airport pickups and drop offs will happen from and to Florence airport only. All you need to do is fill in the ‘Taxi pickup form’(add hyperlink) with your name, surname and flight arrival details. The taxi service at arrival and departure is (included/not included) in your retreat package and thus you (pay/not pay) the driver for this. You may choose to tip the driver if you so desire but are not expected to.

Airport pickups and drop offs will happen from and to Florence airport only!



In case you do want to fly into another airport, below is a chronological list of the most recommended airports to fly into.
* (FLR) Florence - 30 mins from our Villa
* (PSA) Pisa Airport - 1 hour drive
* (BLQ) Bologna - 1.5 hour drive
* (FCO) Rome - 3.5 hours drive or 1.5 hour train to Florence city
* (MXP) Milan - 3.5 hours drive or 2 hour train to Florence city



If within your means, we suggest you arrive a day or several day(s) early in Italy so you can relax and enjoy a smoother transition into the experience.

Airport pickups will happen between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. on (date). Our retreat ends on (date) (check-out is at 11 a.m.). We will arrange a car to drop you off at Florence airport 2.5 hours before your flight.

Currency

The local currency in Italy is the Euro €. Please make sure to have cash euros at hand at all times. Most shops or restaurants accept debit/credit card payments yet we highly recommend you to always have a minimal amount cash euros at hand, just in case. You may need it in for miscellaneous items or in case of emergency. You exchange euros either in advance in your country of residence, or can do so directly in the airport upon arrival. 


Electricity

Electricity in Italy is 220 Volts. Consider bringing a universal adapter so that you are able to charge your electronic devices. Computers and phones chargers usually have a wide-range wattage so there is no need to worry about your devices getting damaged. A simple universal electricity adapter will usually do the job as the Italian plug is standard in Europe.


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WiFI & Mobile Data

We highly recommend you to have mobile data at all times during the entire trip. This way you can always be up-to-date with last minute schedule changes in our group chat and/or be able to reach out to us in case of need at all times. There are different options for having mobile data on your phone in Italy:

1. Check if your current mobile provider has Italian data covered and/or upgrade your plan. Many times mobile providers have week or ten-day packs you can purchase. 
2. Buy a SIM card upon arrival in Italy and install it on your phone. Many phones nowadays have dual-SIM approved. 
3. Get an e-sim card. Our preferred company for e-sims is the ‘Airolo’ app. Simply install the app and choose an e-sim for Italy.

 

The entire process will take just a few minutes and prices range from 15 to 25 dollars depending on the amount of data you choose to purchase.



Wi-fi will be available at Villa (Name) all over the property but the connection is not always equally as strong in all areas. Another reason why mobile data on your phone is a great investment.

Packing List

  • Note: bedsheets & bath and towels are provided. Yoga mats will be available in the Villa

  • Casual comfortable clothes

  • Yoga practice clothes


  • Clothes you can wear for optional hiking 


  • Comfortable shoes as you may walk more then usual while city tripping


  • Sneakers or hiking shoes for optional hiking activities


  • A light sweater; maybe a heavier sweater for very early mornings & late evenings


  • Light rain jacket or windbreaker

  • Flip flops or sandals, easy to take on/off 
Comfortable shoes for walking long distances


  • Bathing suit or bikini 


  • Beach towel as the Villa does not want us to bring towels on outside excursions


  • Sun glasses, hat for sun protection, sunscreen lotion
Gels, lotions, balms, soap and body products


  • Sanitary napkins/tampons


  • Laundry detergent for your delicates


  • Insect repellent (natural) and/or mosquito machine.


  • Travel mug/tumbler for hot drinks & a reusable water bottle


  • Past medical history records (if applicable) and prescriptions


  • Medications, supplements or vitamins

  • Small backpack or tote bags are always useful


  • International/Universal Plug adapters 


  • SIM card with mobile data that works in Italy


  • Personal travel insurance, international health insurance, documents to prove you have health care coverage

  • Euros (€) in cash and ensure your debit/credit cards work outside of your home country. Check your limits for cash withdrawals. 

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