Tuscany 2027
8-day Tuscany Retreat with alan watt
(limited to 12 writers)
MAY 15TH - 22ND, 2027
(registration opens July 1st at 9am PT)
Join us for the experience of a lifetime. Outside of Florence sits a working winery and olive farm, recipient of the tourism industry’s Certificate of Excellence, and one of the top-rated villas in Tuscany.
the serious work of play
“Life is too important to take seriously.” — Oscar Wilde
We live in a culture that has turned everything into a commodity, where the conversation has shifted from ideas to results — weekend box office grosses, film rights, book sales, agents.
And with social media and all its noise, it has become increasingly difficult to do the serious work of play in making your art.
The creative act is not an academic endeavor.
Making art is, at its core, a primal act. And when we allow the thrill of creation to be the reward, we move in the direction of creating something meaningful.
We must approach our work with a beginner’s mind, an open heart, an almost defiant sense of wonder and delight.
You are not the author. You are the channel for a truth that lives within you. You carry a unique set of experiences and a singular understanding of the world — and that understanding is valid.
Don’t try to rid yourself of your fears. It won’t work.
And besides, your fears are the very thing pushing you to make your art. The desire to write is really the desire to resolve something you are seeking to understand.
Your job as an artist is to play.
Hemingway said that even as his world was falling apart around him, there was a small voice inside saying, my God, isn’t this fascinating? That is the place from which we approach our art. Not from certainty, but from curiosity and a sense of play.
And the fact is we cannot do this alone.
We need to find our tribe — a community of like-minded artists who share our defiant sense of joy and wonder.
That’s what Tuscany is about.
Come play.
Experience the exhilaration of putting process before result, and rediscover the reason you started writing in the first place.
Let go becoming a better writer, so your true voice can emerge.
Registration opens on July 1st at 9am PT.
Come join us in Tuscany.
what to expect
Daily Writing and Reflection
Morning sessions to unlock your voice and explore your creative edges.
One-on-One Mentorship with Alan
Personalized support and insight to help you deepen your creative practice.
Group Discussions and Workshops
Safe, open conversations around creativity, joy, resistance, and process.
Time for Rest and Exploration
Space to read, write, walk, or simply be in the beauty of Tuscany.
A Supportive Creative Community
Artists, writers, and seekers coming together in a shared spirit of joy and growth.
Oh, and Fabulous Meals
Si, but of course it would not be Tuscany without delicious food, no?!
a day in the life
Morning
6 – 10 morning writing time
8 – 10 breakfast
10 – 11:30 workshop
Afternoon
12 – 1 lunch
1 – 4 personal writing time
4 – 4:40 group writing
4:40 – 5 snacks (happy hour)
Evening
5 – 6 workshop/discussion
6:15 – 7:30 supper
7:30 nightly salon
8:30 after dinner group stroll
who is this retreat for?
Writers, artists, and anyone with a desire to create
- Those seeking renewal, clarity, and a new way of approaching their work
- Anyone feeling disconnected from their creative practice
- You, if you’re ready to meet your truest creative self—with joy, honesty, and openness
No experience is required—only a willingness to show up.
why we go on retreat
A story from Alan on how the lab retreats got started.
For years, my students had been asking me when I was going to take them on a retreat. Frankly, I’d been on creative retreats, and while I enjoyed the camaraderie, I was never a big fan of communal bathrooms.
But then I started to imagine the retreat I would love to go on.
I wanted beautiful surroundings, and a small enough group that we could all connect and share our work. I wanted amazing food and wine. I wanted classy private ensuites. (Why does being an artist have to mean roughing it?) And I wanted it to be as affordable as possible.
I started to think, This could be fun.
The first retreat was in the spring of 2016 at the Ojai retreat center, a magical spot. There were six of us – a very special group of writers. The workshops went deep, and each night we went out and visited one of their top restaurants.
It was unlike any retreat any of them had been on. I consulted Bob at Point de Chêne, a terrific boutique wine store, and he hooked us up with some really great regional wines that we popped open at some of the restaurants.
At the end of the week, we sat toasting each other as the sun set over the mountains (Ojai’s pink moment), when someone said, “Let’s go to Europe next.” And I thought, I rather love this idea.
Ireturned home and started doing research. My mother is Italian, and her favorite city in the world is Florence. She’d taken us there as children. I had fond memories of the surrounding region of Tuscany, the rolling hills and stunning architecture.
I knew what I was looking for. And so, I trolled all of the sites, and probably looked at a hundred villas before I found it. The rooms were tasteful and lovely, but more than that, they offered the necessary prerequisite: I wanted every writer to have their own private room with their own personal ensuite bathroom.
I began speaking with the owner, Nicola. And to my delight, he was both charming and very accommodating, and has since become a dear friend. He not only runs the villa, but has become our 24-7 concierge, meeting our guests every need, from door-to-door laundry service, to spontaneous drives into town for an afternoon cappuccino.
From the moment you arrive, I want you to feel safe and supported so that you’re free to do the work you came here to do. We all spend so much time doing and giving. Tuscany is about taking a pause and allowing yourself to receive.
Ibelieve that our sole purpose as artists is to build a body of work. I believe that life is short and that we’re here to make memories. Come join us in Tuscany and celebrate the wonder of your creative imagination.
why writers love the Tuscany retreat
“Tuscany surpassed anything I could have imagined. I was led to places I would not have gone without this community of writers and Alan at the helm. I surprised myself in the best of ways. I fell back in love with my story!”
“Being at one of the most beautiful villas in all of Tuscany was a distant second to Alan’s powerful and insightful teaching. The workshops transformed my understanding of the writing process.”
“The retreat was fantastic, better than I imagined. Alan is an amazing teacher — so full of wisdom and kindness, an unfailingly humane guide. For the first time in years, I’m excited about writing again.”
“The Tuscany retreat is a life-changing event! Experiencing Alan’s teaching every day allowed me to go deeper and gain a new level of clarity and insight. I highly recommend this retreat.”
“This retreat was like a dream. The villa, the food, the skies, the workshops, the writing, every bit of it magical. The awareness and opening up of my story would not be possible without Al’s insight and support. My gratitude for this amazing experience, as well as Al’s beautiful way of teaching, is immeasurable. Enjoy life – It’s Oh, So Good!”
“Al’s teaching style is sure to wake you up to your writing no matter where you are in the process. He has a deep sense of story and will illuminate it for you. The retreat was exactly what I needed to get on track. I truly believe I would not have ever finished my memoir if not for taking that step… I would do it every year if I could.”
“The retreat was incredible for all the expected reasons, the time to write and the food and drink. It was magical for what I wasn’t expecting – the chance to connect with the most amazing people that Al always seems to attract.”
“Attending the Tuscany Retreat truly was a game-changer for me. The friendships, camaraderie, and love from gifted writers was absolutely priceless. One important lesson I took away from the workshop is that I am not the only sensitive, vulnerable writer! I loved the opportunity to talk to other writers and share strengths, weaknesses, and fears.”
“I LOVED TUSCANY and felt so happy to be part of it. This retreat moved my story and confidence about my story forward in such important ways. For that, most of all, I am eternally grateful.”
“This was my third retreat with Al in Tuscany, and each experience has been uniquely valuable in helping me move closer to a breakthrough in my writing. The retreat has been instrumental in helping me gain clarity around both the theme and structure of my work in progress. I can’t wait to go back.”
“I learned to trust my voice and take more risks with my writing — to go deeper into my characters and tell their stories — with Al’s insightful and gentle teaching and coaching amidst new and beautiful friendships with fellow writers, fueled by Tuscany and its fantastic food, wine, and hospitality from our concierge.”
“So grateful for so much! The serene landscape, the friends, the amazingly light pasta and yummy concoctions. And, the transformational shift happened! My friends here see the change. Thank you from the bottom (if there is one) of my heart!”
“Signing up for Tuscany was a huge leap outside my comfort zone — but I landed in very comfortable surroundings and enjoyed the added comfort of being surrounded by other writers struggling through the same process. I felt stretched and spoiled at the same time. All in all, I’m glad I went. It was definitely worth the risk.”
“We felt safe to share our stories, to give ourselves permission to open up and bare our souls. To laugh, to cry, to be held by the loving support of others. Al has a healing presence, he offers a safe place where we can be transported off this planet for a while and return a different person with the motivation to work towards and achieve our souls’ desire. I found Love and Freedom.”
“Our Captain, Dear Captain,
Thank you for nourishing us with wine and wisdom,
For guiding the wind into our sails,
and uncovering our treasures.
My memories would not be a story without you.”
“Alan is part midwife, part story-shaman and full on hospitality overseer. All of our needs were generously supported from point of arrival, transportation and welcoming. The food and wine was beyond my expectations… The content Alan shares with us all comes straight from his love and expertise as a writer as well as his open, loving heart. I’ll be back!”
“I thoroughly enjoyed Al Watt’s Tuscany retreat in 2022! What a wonderful way to drop deep into the writing process – beautiful scenery, engaged writers, morning workshops with Al, time for napping, exploring and writing, and delicious food. We certainly were under the Tuscan sun!”
“An extraordinary week that gave me far more than writing tools. Al’s guidance was invaluable, but the real gift was the community, the meaningful conversations, and the shared experiences. I left with a clearer sense of why I write and a renewed sense of purpose!”
“The writing retreat in Tuscany was a truly extraordinary experience. The combination of Alan’s thoughtful workshops, an exceptional community of writers, and the beauty of Tuscany created the perfect environment to make real progress on our books.”
“This writing retreat was a transformative experience for me. Alan offered personalized guidance that helped us identify the strengths and weaknesses of our work and how to make it the best it could be. No detail was overlooked, from the spectacular setting in Tuscany and the delicious food prepared by local chefs to, above all, the warmth, diversity, and talent of my fellow participants.”
“If you are seeking clarity in your story, your writing, or even your life, I can’t think of a better way to find it than on this retreat in Tuscany. Alan has created the perfect setting for such an endeavor. I met fascinating people, ate delicious food, and was the beneficiary of Alan’s expert, gentle and thoughtful guidance and instruction.”
details
The retreat includes daily workshops, nightly salons, gourmet meals accompanied by superb regional wines, private bedroom with ensuite, and courtesy shuttle to and from the villa. Travel not included.
Early registration by Nov. 30, 2026:
Single Room $4,995 (regular price $5,700)
Shared Room (1 writer + guest) $7,600 (regular price $8,300)
Shared Room (2 writers) $8,200 (regular price $9,200)
Payment Schedule:
- $1,000 refundable* deposit to hold your space.
- $1,500 due by Sept. 1, 2026.
- Remainder due by Feb. 15, 2027.
*refundable through Aug. 31, 2026, less $50 processing fee.
questions about the Tuscany retreat?
tuscany retreat staff
Alan Watt, Writing Teacher
When I was seven my mother took me to Florence, her favorite city, near where her ancestors lived. I have been drawn to this part of Italy my whole life – the food, the people, the land and the architecture. This is a place to slow down and go deep. This is a place where magic happens.
Nicola Carafa, Villa Owner/Concierge
Podere le Rondini has been in our family for generations. I am an olive farmer and a wine-maker. We opened the villa sixteen years ago as a place for people from around the world to enjoy the countryside and experience the beauty and serenity of this special place.
Alessandro Muratore, Chef
My desire is to tell the story of a territory through an ingredient, a wine, a dish. I aim to convey respect for our land, Tuscany, expressing ourselves with the art of good food and tailor-made services, creating a narrative that enhances conviviality and sharing.
Valeria Notaro, Pastry Chef
I was born in a small town in Calabria. At nineteen I left to study in Florence. I have always loved art in all its forms and I have always had the need to create with dance, painting, photography and now also with cooking. I believe that all this is my place in the world.
Carolina Stavro, Sous Chef
After working in fashion for 15 years, I felt compelled to discover my true passions and purpose beyond societal expectations. Two years ago, I left fashion to start a private chef business with my partner Alessandro in the Tuscan countryside. This career change allowed me to reconnect with nature, slow down, and focus on meditation and self-reflection, leading me to find genuine happiness within myself.
Ilaria Solibella, Massage Therapist
Through contact, I try to convey to the people who trust in my hands the possibility of listening to each other with love and kindness to support that part that needs to be seen and recognized in order to express itself. I believe in the infinite possibilities and in the essence of things as a return to ourselves, to our profound nature that guides us on the path of life.
Allegra Condon, Co-Tuscany Coordinator
I’ll be your stateside contact to help get things organized and answer any questions you may have.
