retreats by seema rose
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!
My retreats are invigorating getaways for photographers who want to revive their passion for creativity, take a breather before the next big project, step into a loving community and to feel the joy of living in a bucket-list location in the company of like-minded souls. They are meticulously crafted, with handpicked experiences, the best culinary delights and hosted at absolutely stunning, boutique venues.
These retreats were born from a deep purpose - to support and inspire creatives in the photography industry. After seeking a deeper meaning in my food photography journey, I felt a true calling to offer others a safe, welcoming space - a place for genuine collaborations and friendships to navigate the challenges of a
creative career together.
Unlike most retreats for creatives, which are focused on teaching specific skills of their craft, the purpose of my retreats is not the same - it is not so much about learning hard skills, but more about becoming a part of an encouraging, nurturing community, reconnecting with yourself and finding your creative voice again.
I have hosted 4 retreats so far - 2 in Florence along with a friend of mine, a 3rd one, my first solo retreat, in beautiful Cotswolds, UK in May last year and my latest one in enchanting Bali, this May. I was accompanied by amazing groups of creative minds and brilliant photographers, who I am fortunate to call my friends now. 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 the stunning images!
And now, I am super excited about my upcoming retreat in stunning Puglia, Italy, where sun-bleached towns, endless olive groves and quiet coastlines come together in a timeless rhythm of light, history and everyday beauty! Read more about Puglia here. I am beyond thrilled to host my retreat in this bucket-list destination. This retreat is completely sold out but I hope you will come back her to see our memories of Puglia and also to keep track of where my next retreat would be❤️. Stay tune!
Puglia, Italy
Oct 25-30, 2025
a foodie haven & a photographer’s dream!
In the sun-drenched southeast of Italy, where olive groves stretch to the horizon and whitewashed towns cling to hillsides above azure seas, lies Puglia, a land of timeless beauty and raw, unfiltered character. Often called the “heel of Italy’s boot”, this region offers a rich canvas for photographers: textures, contrasts, light and storytelling in every frame.
Whether you're drawn to weathered stone walls, golden fields at dusk or the expressive faces of locals during a village festa, Puglia invites you to slow down and see the world differently - one frame at a time.
Puglia’s landscape is a gift to the photographer’s eye. Unlike much of Italy’s mountainous terrain, the region’s flat plains and gentle hills give way to open skies and cinematic light, especially in the golden hours. Every town in Puglia is a character unto itself - layered, textured and quietly cinematic.
Fishermen in wooden boats, salt-worn doors in seaside villages, tide-washed textures - it's a place where slow living and visual storytelling go hand in hand. Inland, the rhythm changes: golden fields, thousand-year-old olive trees and sleepy piazzas where time stands still.
Puglia’s beauty is more than skin-deep - it’s alive in its people, its food, its festivals. Portrait photographers will find rich opportunities in candid street scenes, market stalls, and the warmth of the locals. It’s a region where storytelling through imagery feels natural and necessary.
The cuisine in Puglia is born not from extravagance but from necessity - what Italians call "cucina povera", and it’s exactly this humble authenticity that makes it so compelling. In Puglia, food doesn’t try to impress. It simply is fresh, honest and full of heart. Cheese here is something sacred. Burrata, born in Puglia, is the crown jewel: a delicate pouch of mozzarella that spills its creamy heart onto plates of roasted vegetables or crusty bread.
To eat in Puglia is to taste tradition. It’s a love letter written in flour and olive oil, in tomato and sea salt, in hands that still know how to make pasta without a machine. It’s not just food, it’s the memory of the land, served on a plate.
Join me, camera in hand, and immerse yourself in a place where every frame tells a story and every meal is a moment of joy in this haven for food lovers.
our home in puglia
Just as Marrakech has its riads or Kyoto has its machiya, the characteristic boutique hospitality form of Puglia is a “Masseria”, a typically whitewashed stone farmhouse converted into a low-key yet luxurious small, boutique accommodation. Masseria Le Torri is a fine example of the genre.
It is a 17th century farmhouse which embodies slow living perfectly, from the casual, laid-back atmosphere and the lush garden, to the rustic rooms with beautiful details. The extensive estate of Masseria Le Torri is enchanting and impressive: everywhere you look you see and smell fragrant fruit trees, which depending on the season, are full of sweet cherries, lemons and olives.
The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, with transparent and light fabrics, roughly plastered walls, beautiful chandeliers and silky soft sheets. Each room is just a little different, but with the same ingredients for the interior: soft colors, natural materials such as wood and stone, traditional details that are still visible here and there, and a touch of refinement.
Masseria Le Tori is a 15-minute drive from Polignano a Mare, a charming and atmospheric town that is built on rugged cliffs. Keep your camera ready, because there are many photogenic spots here!
The capital city Bari, with its historic city centre, is a 40-minute drive away.
DETAILS OF THE RETREAT
Where: Puglia, Italy
Location: Masseria Le Torri, Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Dates: Saturday October 25th - Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Tentative Itinerary - this is being refined to add some more special touches for an exceptional experience!
Day 1 - Saturday, Oct 25th
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Guests arrive by 4pm
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Welcome drinks, bites
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Dinner at Masseria prepared by our private chef. Indulge in delicious Apulian cuisine, cooked fresh with local produce
Day 2 - Sunday, Oct 26th
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Breakfast
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Group pic
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Pasta making class at Masseria, followed by lunch
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Afternoon - An invigorating session on Colors & Emotions, by our very own queen of editing, Roberta
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Evening - Wine tasting & dinner
Day 3 - Monday, Oct 27th
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Breakfast
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Drive to Bari
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Color walk through charming old town, we visit the famous Strada Arco Basso to watch the nonnas making Oricchiette, free time to photograph
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Lunch in Bari
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Drive back to Polignano a Mare
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Explore the gorgeous coastline
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Dinner & drinks in Polignano a Mare
Day 4 - Tuesday, Oct 28th
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Breakfast
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Drive to Alberobello
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Free time to shoot (color walk). Marvel at the "trulli", the iconic cone shaped houses in this fascinating town
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Lunch in Alberobello
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Drive to Ostuni, the "White City". Enjoy photography in this stunning "insta-worthy" town
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Dinner in Ostuni
Day 5 - Wednesday, Oct 29th
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Breakfast
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Drive to Matera
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Spend the day in Matera exploring this fascinating third oldest city in the world, named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
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Back at the Masseria by 7.30pm for a beautiful dinner prepared by our Chef, accompanied by some soulful, traditional music
Day 6 - Thursday, Oct 30th
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Breakfast
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Goodbyes
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We could continue to hang out together until your travel out of Puglia
INVESTMENT:
There are 7 suites for the guests, each with one double king size bed, which can be separated into 2 single beds, and an ensuite bathroom.
- Cost for sharing a room with one person is EUR 3,450 each. If you prefer a room to yourself, the cost is EUR 4,250. Early bird discounts were applicable if booked by July 31st, 2025.
- All rooms are now sold out, sorry:(
The cost includes:
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Accommodation for the duration of the retreat
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All meals, sightseeing tours & transportation for sightseeing
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Transportation upon arrival from Bari Airport to Masseria Le Torri
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Cooking class
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Wine tasting
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Food tours
It does not include:
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Flight costs, taxes, baggage fees, cost of visas & travel insurance
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Transportation from Masseria Le Torri on departure. I can assist you with the arrangements though. We can also car pool together
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Expenses related to shopping
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Meals/items/activities bought individually by you
memories from
bali, the cotswolds & florence
creative retreats
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.
I can't believe we met only two years ago. You are one of the most encouraging people for everyone else, cheering others on and always wante=ing to help guide them. I don't know what I will do with my photography passion yet, but I want you to know that you have helped me, both directly and indirectly. Even from afar I feel you energising me and making me feel like I can do anything. And you know what? You have proved to all of us that we can do anything because you can do everything. You have an idea and you just make it happen. You're awesome! I am so happy to know you and I hope we know each other for many years to come. Love you!
Andi (@andislaby_photo)
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.
The way you touch people's hearts & make peoplefeel included is something I will keep learning from for forever. You have the gift to lead with a pure heart & make people feel seen. Please never stop doing what you do & keep upir dreams high in the clouds.I aspire to be such a powerful woman as you are & you are a role model.
Lea (@brandedwithlea)
I don't know where to start. Maybe from the day we met in Parma? Iy's not easy for me to feel at ease with someone. But I immediately felt at ease with you. Which made me understand you are so special. I also don't always feel at ease with a group but I felt so connected with these beautiful souls this week. You are so unique. Take advantage of this gift. Keep doing what you are doing. Please:). I love you!
Roberta (@roberta.dallalba)
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?
We have experienced big changes in our lives post Covid. We have been readjusting our personal and professional dynamics like we have never done before. 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. While my upcoming retreat in Puglia is sold out, there will be more exciting retreats in the future. Please fill out the form below if you would like to receive updates. I assure you, it will be a transformative experience so don't miss out on this opportunity for a unique getaway with fellow photographers. I look forward to creating beautiful memories with you!
