WELCOME TO MY CREATIVE RETREAT
Are you a creator, a foodie, an entrepreneur, a dreamer who is looking at taking a break in an inspiring destination to unwind and refresh, and to connect with amazing new people? You've come to the right place! A year ago, my friend Alessandra Mignardi and I - who are passionate about food photography and love connecting with people, came up with the idea of hosting creative retreats, where people could see a new place, meet like-minded individuals and rejuvenate their minds.
We took that idea forward and hosted 2 successful creative retreats in the beautiful city of Florence! We were accompanied by amazing groups of creative minds and brilliant photographers. We had an absolutely fabulous time, with heart-to-heart conversations, great food and wine, loads of laughter, and a totally relaxed and revitalising stay.
Check out our photos!
There is another exciting retreat which I am hosting solo this May in beautiful Cotswolds, England (scroll down or click here for details).
This Cotswolds retreat is completely sold out. Stay tuned for the next one - I have exciting plans going forward!
memories from
florence creative retreat
may & October 2023
TESTIMONIALS
Johanna Karlsson (@throughherkitchenwindow)
Attending this retreat was so special in so many ways. The people, the atmosphere, the long talks, the food, the friendship, Florence, Valdirose and of course the hosts. I was going there with no expectations other then getting to know people and maybe take some photos. I went home with so many beautiful memories, friendships for life and new inspiration and courage. Seema and Alessandra are also the best hosts. Everything was so well planned both for activities and food. You just had to tag along and enjoy the company of the others. They are both very warm and loving persons and they just made you feel comfortable at once.I can highly recommend going to one of their retreats. I will definitely go again in future. Don’t hesitate, don’t be afraid of not knowing anyone there. Just go and it will be amazing.
Haniyeh Nikoo (@haniyeh.nikoo)
I had the pleasure to be among the creatives who joined the first retreat planned by dear Seema and Alexandra. They went above and beyond to make the retreat extra special and magical. From the choice of location, to the food and activities were all well thought and amazing. They even surprised me with a beautiful cake and made my birthday that happened to be during the retreat, a memorable one. I am forever grateful for such a beautiful, bonding and special gathering they planned!
The creative retreat at Valdirose, hosted by Seema and Alessandra not only met, but exceeded my expectations at every turn. Their attention to detail was flawless. Nothing was left to chance. As a creative with an event planning background, I appreciate the care they took to make sure all my needs were met, from accommodating my vegan diet, to helping me find ice for my nagging achilles. I was able to let my cares flow down the River Arno and simply bask in the warm company, excellent food, and super fun outings. I highly reccomend this retreat and give them 2 huge thumbs up!
Carol Clayton (@carolsvegankitchen)
Lucia Marecak (@foodlight.io)
I joined Seema's retreat in October 2022. It was my first retreat as participant. I decided to join as I was looking for something to help me re-energize, find my (somehow) lost passion for photography, and inspire me to move forward in my business. The retreat was fantastic, and it helped me so much. Not only did I get my energy and inspiration back, but I also got to meet like-minded creatives, and we became friends. After the retreat, I also started photographing more often and I've established a few collaborations with participants from the workshop. Seema is a wonderful host, and I hope to join her retreat again in the future.
Belinda Hausner (@belindathebaker)
Loved the experience! It’s just the way you are. How you act, how you understand everybody and how you let everybody be as he/she is. I made new friends and I came back with a lot of positive energy and thoughts. A face-to-face meeting with fellow creatives is amazing! Haven’t had that good feeling in meetings before. I could be as I am.
Suze (@gourmetglow)
Emotions are peculiar things, uncontrollable and unforeseen, they envelop you when you least expect it. From the minute I set foot on Valdirose soil, I was swathed in the most genuine hug by both Seema & Ale. They are such beautiful souls that emit such warmth and love, it’s so hard to cry tears of joy. From start to finish, not only was the retreat so meticulously planned it ran like clockwork, the attention to detail was phenomenal. Individual gift bags, handtied and named, set a precedent for how we all would be treated throughout, not so much like royalty, that’s too aloof, but like close knit family. The food, the fun and the laughter will be my takeaway memories, compounded by the love and bond between us all. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the newfound soul mates I have in my life, all from different backgrounds but all bound by the emotions we felt at this retreat. Everything was of the highest quality from the food to the accommodation to the attention to detail. If you are looking to boost your self-esteem whilst being submerged in a cacophony of inspiration, friendship, and joy than these retreats will sate your soul. I am already saving for the next one! I can’t thank you enough my dear friends.
I had the absolute pleasure of joining the food photography retreat in May, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcome and was treated like a queen. The host was so natural in creating a sense of connection with all of us which made the retreat feel like a meeting with long-lost friends. The retreat took place in a stunning old Tuscan villa which was perfect for relaxation and inspiration. What truly made this retreat special was the amount of attention the hosts put into making us feel special. We didn't have to worry about a thing during the retreat, and those tiny surprises we didn't expect were just the cherry on top of the cake. I left the retreat with lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. If you are passionate about spending a relaxing creative time in a place that screams history and indulgence, then I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat. Trust me, the friendly atmosphere in an incredible place like Tuscany will not disappoint you.
Anja Burgar (@useyournoodles)
It’s not everyday that we have a chance to be a part of an experience that touches our heart in the most inexplicable way bringing us joy, making us feel like a united tribe, inspiring us to be limitless and connecting us back to our passion like never before. The Florence retreat at Valdirose was that magical experience for me. The venue was so tastefully selected that from the moment I stepped in, I was lost in its charm. The food was so beautifully curated that it gave me a taste of true Italy. The activities were so thoughtfully organised that they sparked laughter but also deep conversations. Those 4 days at the retreat were epic, dreamy, memorable, life changing, blissful, fun, soul fulfilling & downright mind blowing. I went in with some expectations but Seema & Ale blew me away with their attention to detail and thoughtfulness. Everything was so well orchestrated that it created a synergy like never before. Even though I’d not met many of the others, the retreat felt like an old friends reunion. This retreat has a special place in my heart and shall remain there for years to come.
Dyutima Jha (@dyutima_myfoodlens)
Micheile Henderson (@micheile_oliviestrauss)
The retreat was a beautiful experience. Seema and Alessandra were so welcoming, as were the other attendees. Everything detail was so well organised. How refreshing it was to be among like-minded creatives. I’m not usually one for in-person events, but attending the retreat was one of the best decisions I’ve made. There were amazing excursions, the location was breathtaking and yet the memories I cherish the most are the moments at the table listening and sharing experiences with the group. I felt, and still feel a special connection to the group. I’ve got my calendar already marked for the next retreat.
welcome to the cotswolds, england
may 13-17, 2024
I am completely inspired and refreshed, and ready for the next retreat! I have always wanted to visit the Cotswolds and what better way to see this picturesque place than with my fellow creatives! The dates are May 13-17, 2024. This retreat is completely sold out. We are going to have an amazing, inspired trip together! Watch this space for more updates on my next retreat!
ABOUT THE COTSWOLDS
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in southern England which runs through the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset. It covers almost 800 square miles of beautiful scenery, with chocolate box villages, vibrant market towns, miles and miles of countryside walks and lots of things to do. You will find quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone, magnificent palaces, castles and country houses. The Cotswolds is also richly rural with more than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore, ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, and 4,000 miles of historic Cotswold stone walls dividing up the landscape. It is truly one of the most instagrammable places!
ABOUT MANOR FARMHOUSE
Our home for this retreat will be the Manor Farmhouse. A luxury Cotswold farmhouse on a private country estate, Manor Farmhouse, Conderton has 8 bedrooms and 8 bath/shower rooms for guests to relax and enjoy luxurious stay in a homely, rural setting. This beautiful property is nestled in a picturesque hamlet, with easy walking access from the pretty terraces into the orchard behind and directly onto the beautiful slopes of Bredon Hill. Each room is tastefully designed and provides a serene space to unwind and rejunate. We will have everything we need to experience real country living; walks, tranquil views and access to the estate parkland towards the slopes of Bredon Hill.
DETAILS OF THE RETREAT
Where: The Cotswold, England
Location: Manor Farmhouse
Dates: Monday May 13 - Friday May 17, 2024
The Itinerary:
Day 1
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Guests arrive by 5pm
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Wine, canapés & lots of conversations :)
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Dinner prepared exclusively for us by our private chef Alex Risdale
Day 2
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Breakfast by Alex
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Group photo
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Photographing a styled lunch scene
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Lunch by Alex
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A special session about Creative Mindset with the one & only Bea Lubas
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Dinner at Manor Farmhouse by Alex
DAY 3
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Breakfast by Alex
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Day tour to Cotswolds. We will visit Dover's Hill, Chipping Campden and Snowshill in the morning before stopping for lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water. Dover’s Hill is a natural amphitheatre on a spur of the Cotswolds. The hill has glorious views over the surrounding countryside. Chipping Campden is a small market town within the Cotswolds district of Gloucestershire. It is most noted for its long and wide high street through the town centre, dating from the 14th century to the 17th century and its beautiful wool church of St James. Snowshill, charmingly set with the Cotswold hills rising steeply around the village on three sides, is known for its exceptional unspoilt beauty and for the views over the Severn Vale to the west. Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is famous for its honey-coloured stone architecture, low bridges and idyllic village scenes.
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Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 4
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Breakfast by Alex
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Wine & lunch experience at Woodchester Valley. We will have a private guided tour of their vineyard and winery to learn about the complete process of viticulture and winemaking, a tutored tasting of 4 or more wines, followed by lunch there
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Cotswolds walking tour & shopping - from the vineyard, we will head to Bibury & Stow-on-the-Wold in the afternoon. Bibury is a charming Cotswold village often referred to as one of the most picturesque villages in England. Stow-on-the-Wold is a delightful market town, perhaps the best known of the small Cotswolds towns. While walking around Stow-on-the-Wold, we will have the opportunity to do some shopping / antique perusing
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Back by late afternoon. Time to relax & have conversations
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Dinner at Manor House by Alex
DAY 5
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Breakfast by Alex
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Goodbyes
The package includes:
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Accommodation for the duration of the retreat in a beautiful cottage in twin-sharing rooms
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All meals
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Sightseeing & tours
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Wine & lunch experience
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Transportation for sightseeing
It does not include:
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Flight costs, taxes and baggage fees
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Travel insurance
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Transportation to and from Manor House on arrival and departure. I can assist you with the arrangements though, depending upon what's your entry & exit points
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Expenses related to shopping
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Meals/items/activities bought individually by you
What should you bring with you:
This is a beautiful location and Cotswolds provides fabulous photo opportunities. As mentioned, it is one of the most instagrammable places! So, if you are a passionate photographer, please do bring your camera. I assure you, there will be lots of photo ops.
what is a retreat?
A retreat is a travel, learning, and rejuvenating experience, hosted in a peaceful and inspiring location. It's the coming together of a small group of creatives to escape from their normal routines, exchange ideas with like-minded people, create soul-satisfying memories together and refresh and recharge themselves in the process. It is not a workshop, in that, there won’t be any formal teaching or learning. We can learn about each other and our journeys via candid conversations.
why do you need a retreat?
It has been a tough few years for all of us during and post Covid. We have experienced big changes in our lives. We have been readjusting our personal and professional dynamics like we have never done before. But it has not been all gloom and doom. We have learnt to see value in the simple things; things that make our hearts sing. Self-care is one of them. We all need to be kind to ourselves and nurture our spirit - in whichever field it may be. Now, people are looking for more meaningful connections. A retreat provides a perfect setting to achieve this. A beautiful and inspiring location, great food and drinks, an opportunity to taste the real flavour of a new city, to meet some amazing new people, to re-energise your spirit and find your creative flow.
would you join me on this creative journey?
I would love for you to join me. The Cotswolds retreat in May is completely booked. If you are interested in coming along on my next retreat, please fill out the form below to waitlist yourself. You will be among the first to know about the details. Spaces will be limited, so don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience a unique getaway with fellow photographers. I look forward to creating beautiful memories with you! Watch this space:).
