The Vita Bella Team
Passionate Minds | Unforgettable Retreats
Our team is the heart of our mission, united by dedication and a shared vision. Each member contributes a unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives, driving our commitment to excellence. With their passion, creativity, and expertise, we craft unforgettable experiences for our retreat guests.
Our Founder & CEO
Jane Reeves
Jane Reeves is the Founder and Creative Director of Vita Bella Retreats, where she creates thoughtfully curated experiences in Italy centered around creativity, culture, beauty, and connection.
A former yoga studio owner, teacher, author, and lifelong seeker of meaningful experiences, Jane has spent more than a decade bringing people together in some of Italy's most inspiring places. Through Vita Bella Retreats, she partners with exceptional teachers, writers, artists, and thought leaders to create intimate gatherings that nourish both personal growth and genuine human connection.
Jane believes that beauty, presence, creativity, and authentic connection are not luxuries, but essential ingredients for a meaningful life. Her work is guided by the conviction that when people step away from the demands of everyday life and gather in inspiring places, something remarkable becomes possible: deeper conversations, renewed purpose, lasting friendships, and a greater sense of belonging.
When she's not hosting retreats in Italy, Jane can be found dreaming up new experiences, writing, spending time with loved ones or exploring the beauty of everyday life.
Sarah Minor
Retreat Manager
Sarah is a self-proclaimed "Jaxck-of-All-Trades" with a background in marketing and photography. She is a mom of two beautiful littles, an avid reader, loves going for walks, and spending time with her family. She has an obsession with Harry Potter and ACOTAR and will happily discuss at length. More at sarahminor.co.
Alison Chino
On-Site Retreat Manager/Writer
Alison Chino is an American writer living in England. When she's not at home, you can find her on a long distance trail, seeing the world one footstep at a time. More at alisonchino.com.
Bri DiGesare
On-Site Retreat Manager/Massage Therapist
Bri is an American massage therapist who has been calling Italy home since 2016. Holding a current Michigan Massage License, she brings her extensive expertise and warm Midwestern charm to the serene Tuscan hills.
In addition to her luxurious massage treatments, Bri is a Yin Yoga teacher, Mindfulness practitioner, and Reiki healer. Her holistic approach to wellness aims to nurture both body and mind. Passionate about travel and Italian culture, Bri spends her days in Florence, enjoying la dolce vita with her partner, their two lovable cats, and the occasional adventure on the back of his motorcycle.
Leslie Elgart Balzer
On-Site Retreat Manager
Leslie is all about people, relationships, and getting things done. With a background that spans real estate, marketing, hospitality, and team leadership, she brings an authentic, hands-on approach to every role.
Leslie’s strength lies in her collaborative style and easy communication skills, keeping the customer’s experience her primary focus.
Curious by nature, Leslie is passionate about travel, books, nature, and personal
growth.
Meredith Cooley
Website Design
Meredith is a New Hampshire-based website designer with a passion for clean, modern, and functional design. With a dual degree in fine arts and biology, a master’s in nursing, and nearly two decades in community health, she brings a unique perspective to her work.
Meredith collaborates with small businesses and entrepreneurs to create authentic websites that connect with audiences and reflect each client’s vision. More at meredithcooley.com.
Barbara
Transportation
BB Services was created in 2016 with the desire to discover the beautiful Tuscany as well as the rest of Italy. They specialize in transfers to and from Airports, Ports, Railway Stations; City Tour, Food and Wine Tours and Shopping Tours; Shuttle Services for Weddings, Conferences; Deliveries of documents and everything that requires confidentiality-all with our personable staff.
Staff at Fattoria del Colle
Retreat Staff
Fattoria del Colle, a XVIth century estate located in Tuscany, comprises a country inn, a restaurant, a fitness center with spa. It is nestled in a region still miraculously unchanged and offers guests weekends in Tuscany with the experience of reliving history.
The number of women who staff Donatella Cinelli’s Fattoria del Colle estate is very high. In fact, the Casato Prime Donne winery is entirely run by women, a unique case in the whole of Italy. The rest of the team is made up of competent and gutsy men and women who take care of tourist hospitality, restoration, and follow the vineyards and the winery all the way to the bottled wine.