"Going to a retreat in Tuscany seemed like a fantasy. Doing so on a farm and vineyard while learning from the fabulous Marion Roach Smith was a dream I am still waking up from. I know it happened because so much has stayed and will stay with me forever, especially Marion’s generous style and all she sought to impart during our time together. Her commitment, sense of humor, connection to students, and genuine desire for us to absorb all we could is unlike any other learning experience I’ve had. Indeed, as Marion notes: “Memoir is the single greatest portal to self-discovery!”

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Thanks to Jane at Vita Bella Retreats and her engaging and welcoming partners at Fattoria Del Colle near the medieval village of Trequanda, a group of us had an incredible opportunity to experience an idyllic 16th-century estate led by the pioneering Donatella Cocinelli, whose Tuscan wineries are renowned both for their wines and for the women who run them. From a wine history tour replete with fun facts and excellent wines to making the local pasta called pici with the engaging chefs and other team members to eating exquisite Tuscan meals, some of them from the recipes of Tuscan Nonna’s, we had a most immersive experience. 

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Thanks again, Jane, for your passion for la Bella Italia and your recommendations and guides, including ones that led me to outstanding tours and the superb hotel Eitch Borromini, along with its two terrace restaurants, masterful views, and glorious food. 

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I can’t think of a better way to celebrate life than to give ourselves the gift of time for reflection, for connection with nature, and, in my case, for continued spiritual growth. To cap it all off, I found myself in the right place at the perfect time to see the new pope, the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV. "

- Adriana Mateus
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"My week in Tuscany was everything I hoped for.  Starting with the learning, Marian Roach Smith is a brilliant and engaging teacher and coach. Her methods are based on a lifetime of hard work and success. She makes the concepts of writing good memoir understandable and kept the instruction fun and surprising. The workshop drew a smart, focused, and friendly group of writers who got excited about the material and weren’t above helping each other along.  The setting was idyllic. Every direction you looked there was a beautiful vista. The facilities were just right, not luxurious but not primitive either. It felt like old world history was at hand, right there alongside the wi-fi and our laptops. Jane was the ideal cruise director, always at hand without hovering, while anticipating and facilitating our every need along the way.  So glad I made the trip."  

- Joseph
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"I recently had one of the most delightful experiences of my life at Fattoria Del Colle. It was a memoir writing retreat led by world renowned memoir coach and author Marion Roach Smith, hosted by Jane Reeves of Vita Bella Retreats. We were on a working farm and vineyard tucked away in the breathtaking hills of Tuscany. Our accommodations were cozy and comfortable in rustic buildings. We were working in a converted barn with windows on all sides, so we were surrounded by gorgeous views. The chef made us incredible meals of traditional Tuscan cuisine, and of course, they included fresh, homemade pasta. It was great that we got to help make the pasta ourselves. I loved the class time as well. The class was engaging and productive and inspirational! Marion was great, more than anything, it was FUN thanks to her unique sense of humor. Jane was the perfect host, and was full of helpful tips. She knows the area really well and was an indispensable source of information and help with anything we needed. She was not deterred when one of the guests got Covid. They made some adjustments so that we all remained healthy and minor disruptions to our plans.  I encourage you to go on any retreat with her. You will not be disappointed."

- Stephen
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"What does Jane know? Jane knows how to run a retreat. 
 

From getting us there with a chartered bus from and back to the Rome airport, to selecting the site, the all-inclusive Fattoria Del Colle, plus a mid-week field trip to Pienza (an UNESCO world heritage site) we were all set. It was wonderful to know the meals and accommodations were arranged beforehand, so we could concentrate on our writing workshop with the experienced and generous leader, Marion Roach Smith. Would I go again? Yes. Yes, I would." 

- Ellie O'Leary
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"I’m so grateful to Jane for making my time at the retreat in Tuscany not only memorable, but deeply restorative. She was an incredibly thoughtful and caring organizer. I was navigating a new medical condition, and Jane went out of her way to ensure I had the food and accommodations I needed. That kind of attentiveness made all the difference.

I also did yoga with her, with the idyllic Tuscan landscape in the background; it was easily one of my favorite moments of the retreat. The trip to the charming town of Pienza was a lot of fun as well. Of course, Marion’s courses were every bit as inspiring and informative as I’d hoped—so glad I got to learn from the best.

This retreat was a rare gift, with new friendships and ideas formed, and I’m grateful to Jane for offering such a meaningful experience. She truly makes your time miles away from home feel well worth it."

- Mina Lee
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"Fattoria del Colle was an outstanding experience. Accommodation, location, bus service with Massimo and his wife to and from the airport, to Pienza and to another outing to a Michelin star restaurant in Taquando, also restaurant manager Alfredo and his kitchen staff and the team at reception, the wine tour, the daily room service all together were an extraordinary experience to say the least. The family history and how it connected to their farm, beliefs and wine making are impressive and enriching to know.

The trip to Pienza was not only enriching to learn about its history but great for shopping on local products and wonderful bonding time with members of the group. Though it was a rainy day we had a great time not to be missed.

Marion’s classes gave me the necessary insight into what memoir writing requires and I left with a structure to work on my book. I could not have asked for more and will follow up with my enrolment to her online Master Class. Definitely will love to join further writers’ retreats from her.

Jane made interceptions with yoga movements, which made us feel at ease and helped stay focused during class. She was amazing in making us all feel at ease, at home, and well taken care of. No nutrition issue was too small and any individual need of any group member was taken seriously.

A huge thank you to Marion and Jane as well as to Fattoria del Colle personnel and team!"

- Gudrun
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

“'Come with me to Italy.' This was not only an invitation from Jane Reeves but an awesome time of personal reflection, rejuvenation, and inspiration to find my memoir in my life story. From the moment I said 'Yes', the experience was truly exceptional. The pre-visit planning, arrangements, and information updates was so very useful. Jane was always available, just a text message away.

Set in the beautiful Tuscany Valley, Fattoria del Colle was truly exceptional. The staff, accommodation, food, and teaching facilities were extraordinary. I spent hours just absorbing the surroundings of the room, the location, and how beautiful life can be outside of the operating theatre!

Marion’s classes were another class of its own. Truly a master class of how to find your memoir in your life story. Her operational style of delivery was truly exceptional. Thank you to Marion for helping me find what I was searching for.

Jane, your repeated concerns that all was going well reminded me of my senior operation theatre sister who made sure the whole process started and ended well. Thank you to all that made this experience a truly Italian one."

- Dr. Charles Lee
Finding Memoir in Your Life Story 2025 Retreat Guest

"My experience attending a Vita Bella Retreat was 10 out of 10. Would hands down do it again!​ Accommodations were wonderful. The food was delicious and I appreciate how hard the staff worked to serve us.  Loved our trip to Pienza! What a charming town. I could spend a week there. I loved it all! The writing content was fabulous, the setting was amazing, the people were great! 

The kindness and joy of Jane, the format of the teaching, the wine, the dance parties, the gorgeous setting."

-  Joan
2024 Retreat Guest

"I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Jane’s Retreats in Tuscany. I was there as a member of Kelly’s team for her ‘Timing Your Life with Astrology’ retreat.  The food, the location, the staff, the energy… all top-notch. Jane and Jesse worked extremely hard to make it all run smoothly. 

The villa has everything you need to relax and recharge. Its rustic charm and expansive grounds allow you to sink into a piece of what life might have been like in 18th century Tuscany. Our room was cozy and spacious. The classroom space in ‘the barn’ has everything you need for a day full of learning. The natural light made it feel like you were learning outdoors. The sunset vista over the Tuscan fields is nothing short of magical. The food and wine experience at dinner (thank you, Alfredo!) were next level.

Overall, the experience was five star. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for rich learning in a rustic Tuscan setting!"

- Peter
Timing Your Life with Astrology 2024 Retreat Guest

"My experience was fabulous and I felt so well cared for and creatively engaged. When I arrived I was curious as to how so much energy in our group would translate into focus on each of our writing. As the retreat progressed, I loved most how caring and attentive each woman and one man was on a personal level. 

I very much appreciated being re-located to a hub room so convenient to the classes and the restaurant. Not only were my needs for handrails eliminated, but the help I received from a participant and our lovely manager Jane in re-settling me was over-and-above kindly given. I am a grand appreciator at being served and enjoying perfect proportions of exquisitely prepared meals.  Every single meal—from breakfast to lunch to dinner met more than my expectations.  I loved every bite, from the variety at breakfast to the hot pasta fare at lunch to the fish and delicacies, including the wild boar.  Fabulous, cheerful gourmet cook and waitresses.  I couldn't have asked for more.  The schedule, fit in with me personally, being an early riser. I wasn't rushed, and the schedule allowed for conversation and walks and just plain fun and dance!"

- Georgina 
2024 Retreat Guest

"I stepped off the bus and onto the land for the first time. "This is a special place," a voice whispered in my head. I took a deep breath of cool air, redolent of spring rain and aromatic with newly awakened flora.

Sweeping my gaze to the right, I felt my eyes wide to take in the beauty of Orcia Valley. The hills rolled seamlessly into one another, an ocean of contrasting spring greens. Vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees enchanted underneath a multidimensional sky. "I have arrived."

My week at Fattoria del Colle was a fairytale within a dream. I took long walks down winding country roads, through vineyards and gardens, into labyrinths and over hillsides. I reconnected with my inner artist and captured daily moments with paint and brush. Each night ended with a four-course dinner of traditional Italian gastronomy, and we drank organic wine produced from grapes that grew in fields just outside the restaurant windows."

For those who are seeking rest
For those who delight in the natural world
For those on a quest to go within
For those in need of time and space in beauty
Vita Bella Retreats!

-Lee
Full Moon Over Toscana Retreat Guest 2024

"This retreat exceeded anything I could’ve possibly dreamt of. Kelly’s teaching made me feel empowered and in touch with who I am on a deeper level. Her teachings helped me better understand how to approach the year ahead with a sense of clarity and intention. I felt completely immersed in the beauty and magic of Fattoria Del Colle. The food was incredible (the gluten and dairy-free meals were some of the best I’ve ever had)!

Jane truly is radiant! I felt so much joy merely being in her presence. Jane created a space where I felt relaxed, could let my guard down, and feel at ease to enjoy being in the moment. I didn’t expect to connect with such kindred spirits from all over the world! The heart-to-heart conversations and experiences we shared is something I’ll treasure forever. One of the best weeks of my life! I can’t wait to come back!"

-Rowan
Timing Your Life with Astrology Retreat Guest 2024

"My time at Fattoria Del Colle with Jane and Mara was an experience I will cherish forever. Jane is full of light and her vibrant and welcoming energy made me feel at home the moment I arrived. The setting at Fattoria is truly indescribable. From the rustic centuries old rooms to the winding pebble pathways that lead to secret hidden gardens, a glorious pool overlooking the Tuscan countryside, the quaint chapel, organic farm and the newly updated observatory where we sipped wine and watched the most incredible sunsets (in 5D).

The friendships that were nurtured here I will forever be grateful for. Jane has created an experience that will truly make your heart full."

-Andrea
Wild Adoration: Tuscany Retreat Guest 2023

"If you are lucky enough to witness the morning mists across the Tuscan countryside from Fattoria del Colle, sip their award-winning wines and savor the expertly prepared and presented culinary delights at one of Vita Bella's retreats, you are indeed fortunate. And that was just the background to the 2023 retreat I attended.

Jane was able to capture those morning mists of magic that touched every aspect of our retreat and wove a tapestry of friendship, unforgettable memories and life-transforming growth that was remarkable and truly magical.

It was far beyond anything I was even hoping for. Thank you to both of you!"

- Emille
2023 Retreat Guest

"Wonderful retreat! I made wonderful friends and enjoyed the gorgeous Tuscan scenery in this incredible women owned and operated villa. The food was authentically Italian. The wine flowed and the location felt like a trip back in time to the 1500s. Bravo to the attentive and professional wait staff that tended to our every need, including all our dietary requirements (of which there were many). I would totally do this trip again. Many thanks to Jane (and Nina Manolson) for making this happen!"

-Nan
Body-Peace & Aging Retreat Retreat Guest 2023

"Fattoria del Colle, is a magical, mystical, supremely quiet location filled with olive trees, stunning sunsets, cappuccinos on-demand, warm, gracious hosts, delicious wine and a rich history. It's the perfect place to unplug from the banality of daily life and enjoy all the new sensory experiences that Italy has to offer. It was the perfect place to connect authentically with myself and with so many other creative, self-aware, curious, passionate people.

This was the ultimate 40th birthday gift that I gave myself and I am so grateful."

-Elyse
Wild Adoration: Tuscany Retreat Guest 2023

"I attended a Vita Bella retreat in Tuscany. The experience was life-altering on multiple levels. Throughout the week, there was an aura of serenity and self-care.  The wine, food and accommodations were Italy at its most authentic, with a breathtaking backdrop of incredible vistas in every direction. Jane, a true professional, exudes warmth and kindness. Her dedication was evident in every detail.

The  experience was enriching and powerful. If one has the opportunity, I highly recommend attending a Vita Bella Tuscany retreat."

-Leslie
2023 Retreat Guest

"Beauty everywhere. Beauty is what first comes to mind when I remember being at Mara’s retreat at Fattoria del Colle. The clear light and gentle curves of the Tuscan hillside. The sounds of birdsong, wind in the trees, and the silence of peace. The delicious food set before us at each meal, all prepared fresh and paired with wines and desserts. The feeling of falling asleep while looking out of my window at stars and treetops. Walking and stretching and writing and painting and breathing in the softest freshest air. Dancing. Surrounded by old and new friends and all of nature."

-Sarah
Wild Adoration: Tuscany Retreat Guest 2023

"Hands down, this was the best retreat I’ve been on. It was everything I hoped it would be, and then some. I was slightly nervous about the accommodations situation as well as the planned menu but truly, everything was amazing. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, with the energy of traditional Italy combined with modern updates and thoughtful extras like fluffy towels and extra pillows. And the food – THE FOOD. I loved how the menu was traditional Italian but not “tourist Italian” – veggie hearty, savory, and delicious! And the kitchen staff was more than willing to accommodate specific needs of the group. One of the best parts was the made-to-order Italian cappuccinos each morning!

There was a well-balanced amount of structured learning time and rest/reflection time, and the grounds were absolutely beautiful, perfect for a relaxing walk or a contemplative cup of tea overlooking the Tuscan sunset. It was obvious how much attention was paid to details in the planning of the retreat, to ensure the best experience for the guests!  

Jane, you are such a light – I was so filled with joy to be around you. I would highly recommend your retreats to anyone interested in having the experience of a lifetime!"

- Jessica
2022 Retreat Guest

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"Working with Mara in Italy was a truly special experience. Fattoria del Colle was the perfect setting to relax and focus on taking care of myself. The cappuccinos, the delicious and nourishing meals, the wine, and the magical views… all of it exceeded my hopes!

The days were a good balance between doing inner work and exploring the grounds and surrounding area. The sessions with Mara encouraged gentle tending to myself and sharing within a safe space. I'm so glad I went and hope to retreat to Italy with Mara again in the future!"

- Leigh
Wild Adoration: Tuscany guest 2023

"Tarot in Tuscany was a life changer after 3 long years of waiting due to Covid. Jane Reeves was sure to keep things safe and the trip was absolutely worth the wait!

A great balance of fun, learning and relaxing made this magical and the people were the icing on the cake."

- Merry
Tarot Retreat Guest 2022

"What a profound experience!! Sign up for a Vita Bella retreat. It just might change your life!!"

- Dale
2022 Retreat Guest

"Jane, Thank you so much for the beautiful Tuscany Tarot retreat you organized!  I am really looking forward to joining another one of your retreats in the future and just really appreciate you, your beautiful energy and gifts you bring. With love and gratitude, Jestina."

- Jestina
2022 Retreat Guest

“Last minute I decided to join Jane’s Tuscan Tarot retreat. It was truly a wonderful experience. The lessons were fantastic, and really increased my knowledge of Tarot.

The setting was majestic, and every meal was more delicious than the next. Jane pours her soul into her retreats. She ensures every detail is perfect to make for a memorable experience. She is present and available at all times to take care of any request that may come up! I hope this is not my last Vita Bella retreat!”

- Lauren
2022 Retreat Guest

“At the age of 61, I had thought my dream of a journey to the Tuscan hills had passed me by. When the opportunity to sign up for a writing retreat organized by Jane Reeves came in front of me, I grabbed it. It has been a life changing event for me. I have never felt so supported – every need was taken care of. 

The memories I gathered at Fattoria del Colle will be ones I cherish forever. I wasn’t a visitor there that week, I was part of a big Italian family in the most beautiful setting. I found a circle of belonging among the others who attended from all over the world. That means I must go again. And so should you!”

-Amy
2022 Retreat Guest

"Jane has an uncanny ability to create just the right balance of welcoming and attending to multiple details. She is warm, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. So often when a retreat or event goes well, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what elements made it work. Yet with Jane each detail is intentional in the way it creates an environment conducive to retreat. Jane brings experience, knowledge and a love of providing inviting spaces."

- Jennifer
2022 Retreat Guest