Retreats

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 Saracen 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. Only junior suites with spectacular ocean and bay 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. The spa package is wonderful with the Bene Benessimo program provided on the hotel grounds in private rooms. 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, we are able with the assistance of our travel agency partner, to arrange for daytime activities for the gentlemen, such as golf, sailing, fishing, museum/architectural tours, wine tasting, horseback riding, etc, all custom tailored to his interests.

The total all inclusive cost from arrival at the Genoa Airport is $11,500 single occupancy (with the exception of beverages except where noted as part of the program of events, such as wine tasting).  Pricing is based on $1.30/Euro. Prices subject to change without notice.

1st Payment: $2,300, due upon signing
2nd Payment: $4,600 due on or before December 8, 2008
Final Payment: $4,600 due on or before February 8, 2009

Girl Friend Getaway double occupancy rate is $8,550 per person 

1st payment of $1,710 due upon signing; 2nd payment of $3,420 due on or before December 8, 2008; Final payment of $3,420 due on or before February 8, 2009.

Each of the six 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!

Match boat race on Portobello 35’ sailboats
Sunset cruise
Visit to San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita and surrounding villages

To prepare for the adventure, a list of Suggested Readings such as short stories and poems will be listed for your reference.

Click on the links below to purchase it on Amazon.com.

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.