A practice of mindfulness, expansion, and inclusion Travel changes us in quiet, lasting ways. Not because of how far we go, but because of how present we become when we arrive. When we step outside our familiar rhythms, our senses wake up. We notice the texture of light on stone, the cadence of a language we don’t yet understand, the generosity of a shared table. Travel gently loosens the grip of autopilot and invites us back into the body and into listening, observing, and r

This year shifted something deeply meaningful within me. A health scare arrived unexpectedly early in the year, the kind of thing that stops you in your tracks, reroutes your attention, and rearranges your priorities without asking permission. It was quite serious and I made it through. I am grateful beyond words, still processing, reflecting. It was as if life cracked open a small door and said,  Look here. Pay attention. This matters. Stay in the light.   I have always trie

A Region of Light, Stone & Olive Oil Tucked into the heel of Italy’s boot,   Puglia   is a region of glowing golden limestone, endless olive groves, cobalt seas, and timeless villages that still belong to the locals. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, Puglia offers something more grounded—authenticity, slowness, and a deep connection to Italy’s soulful south. From the   baroque elegance of Lecce   to the rugged coastlines of Salento and the simple,

At Vita Bella Retreats, we hold space for reflection — not just in Italy, but in all the ways we move through the world. Recently, I’ve been thinking deeply about how we communicate online (when we text, send emails, and especially through reviews) how the tone of our words can ripple far beyond a screen. In our digital age, everyone has a platform. With a few taps of a keyboard, a person’s heart-centered work can be lifted up or dismantled. Reviews can absolutely help others

In between trips to Italy, I love to return to La Vita Bella through books and films. Especially in the winter when the nights are long,...

What comes to your mind when you dream of Italy? Maybe it’s art museums, Tuscan hill towns, Venetian canals, vineyards, olive trees or...

Italy Books One of the best way to visit a country is to do so through the eyes of someone else. When I can’t be in Italy, the next best...

Florence is a city that speaks in hushed tones and hidden details. Its grandeur is obvious—the Duomo’s dome, the Uffizi’s masterpieces,...

Rome is a city where art, drama, and passion are part of the everyday. So it’s no surprise that opera—Italy’s most theatrical art...

After over a decade of hosting transformative retreats in the heart of Italy, we are thrilled to announce a new name that truly reflects...

Jane's Quick Guide to Train Travel in Italy

Quick guide to visiting Rome in the Jubilee Year 2025

Dear Retreat Participants, Welcome to this special journey in Italy! As we prepare to embark on this retreat together, I want to take a...

As our 2024 retreat season in beautiful Italy draws to a close, I find myself filled with profound gratitude. Thank you for choosing to...

Traveling internationally can be an exhilarating experience, but unforeseen situations—medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost...

Pema Chödrön’s book,   When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times,   was first published in   1996. I devoured it in one...

Italy offers a rich cultural experience unlike any other modern country. The ooh and aah factor is high! Italy has a globally cherished,...

Running an international retreat business is not for the faint of heart. In truth there are thousands of details that go into each and...

A New Trail in Pienza On almost all of my retreats, we take a day trip to Pienza . It’s always been one of my favorite Tuscan hilltowns...

Traveling to Florence feels like stepping into an open-air museum. The city is alive with history, art, and a sense of timelessness....