Retreats

Portofino, Italy

RESERVATIONS CLOSED

April 18 - 24, 2010

Itinerary [read more]

Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italy

There are few locations in the world with a more spectacular setting than the Hotel Splendido. It is located in an ancient villa situated on a hilltop overlooking the spectacular bay and tiny harbor of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, about 37km from Genoa Airport.

Originally built as a monastery, the four story building was attacked with such frequency in the sixteenth century by Saracene pirates that the monks abandoned it to the sheep that roamed the coastal hills. In the nineteenth century, Baron Baratta revived the wreck, converting it into a family summer house. Now one of the Orient Express Hotels, this five star facility is known for the special treatment provided by its extraordinary staff. A choice of junior suites or deluxe rooms, with spectacular views, will await the La Dolce Vita Retreat guests. You will be pampered from the time you arrive at the Genoa airport where a private luxury sedan will whisk you the short drive to Portofino. A welcome cocktail reception will introduce you to Janice Briggs and the very talented faculty she brings to the retreat.

Fun activities are scheduled including a sailboat regatta, with the winning boat crew receiving the La Dolce Vita Cup; a sunset cruise and great spa time.  But lots of time will be provided for leisure time and enjoying the gardens that run down the slopes beneath the hotel to the sea, with bushes of lavender and wild herbs that grow thickly under the old olive trees, all with intermittent secluded benches.

For women who enjoy traveling with their husbands, but also want to partake in the benefits of the La Dolce Vita Retreats program, the excellent concierge staff is able to arrange for daytime activities for the gentlemen, such as golf, sailing, fishing, museum/architectural tours, wine tasting, etc, all custom tailored to his interests.

Pricing [read more]

The total cost (with the exception of beverages except where noted as part of the program of events, such as wine tasting) from arrival at the Genoa Airport is:

$7,650* p/p double room, double occupancy 

1st Payment:   $1530, due upon signing
2nd Payment:  $3,060, due on or before December 8, 2009
Final Payment: $3,060 due on or before February 8, 2010

$9,250* double room, single occupancy 

1st Payment:   $1,850, due upon signing
2nd Payment:  $3,700, due on or before December 8, 2009
Final Payment: $3,700, due on or before February 8, 2010   

$8,850* p/p junior suite, double occupancy: 

1st Payment:   $1,770, due upon signing
2nd Payment:  $3,540, due on or before December 8, 2009
Final Payment: $3,540 due on or before February 8, 2010

$12,775* junior suite, single occupancy 

1st Payment:   $2,550, due upon signing
2nd Payment:  $5,110, due on or before December 8, 2009
Final Payment: $5,110 due on or before February 8, 2010

Special Offer:  TO BRING ALONG A NON-PARTICIPATING PARTNER (husband, daughter, mother, friend) to share your suite or room, including half board, and share your private Mercedes transfer to and from the airport, add $2000 to the single occupancy rates.

*Pricing is based on Euro exchange @ $1.35  Prices subject to change without notice. 

 

Activities [read more]

Each of the five annual retreats features a variety of mind-body activities that allow you to re-connect with your essential self. Our guest faculty you will lead discussions on techniques to nurture your mind, body and spirit and we will practice those modalities daily.

Activities for this retreat include the following:

  • Welcome cocktail reception – Sunday evening, followed by a gourmet dinner
  • Daily power walks or hikes
  • Daily Creativity workshops featuring  Janice Briggs, Life Coach: Dare to Dream; Mind Mapping; Creating the life of your dreams; Journaling and Self-discovery
  • Daily meditation and journaling classes
  • Sailing regatta
  • Watercolor creativity workshops with local artist Carla Cecere
  • Sunset cruise
  • Visits to Santa Margherita, San Fruttuoso and charming surrounding villages
  • Spa Treatment included for each guest
  • All meals included  (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners)
  • Feste di San Giorgio - Dinner at Chuflay Restaurant on the piazzetta with perfect view of the bonfire, festivities and fireworks.
  • Transfer to and from Genoa airport by luxury Mercedes sedan

 

The camaraderie of women is amazingly healing. Limited to no more than 20 guests, you will share your stories, forge new friendships, and re-discover your essential self. Your experience will be life altering.

Your days will be spent laughing, playing and exploring creative notions. You will tap into your inner childlike spirit.

Create your own reality. Be awed by your life. Discover your own dance!

Excursions [read more]

Match boat race on Portobello 35’ sailboats


Sunset cruise

Suggested Readings [read more]

Speaker Bios [read more]

Janice Briggs. Click here to see Janice's biography.

Carla Cecere. Click here to see Carla's biography.

Monica Macchelli. Click here to see Monica's biography.

Notes [read more]

All payments are final. We recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

Should you require assistance with airline reservations or pre- or post travel plans, we can proudly recommend the services of a number of agents.  Please inquire for an agent in your area.

Special offer:  BRING ALONG A NON-PARTICIPATING PARTNER (husband, daughter, mother, friend) to share your room or junior suite, including half-board, and share your Mercedes transfer to and from the airport, for an additional $2000 added to the single occupancy rates.