Keepers of Tradition & Culture in Travel

Dolce Far Niente: A Return to Rhythm, Rest, and Self

Life Beyond the Room, in collaboration with Flight of Fancy Travel, brings you a retreat in the Tuscan countryside.

6 days

This retreat is an invitation into a slower, more intentional Italy, one shaped by land, tradition, and the quiet luxury of presence. Designed as an immersive journey through Lazio and the Tuscan countryside, the experience unfolds at a gentle rhythm, where place, people, and time naturally come into alignment.

Rather than following a rigid structure, the retreat is guided by the landscapes themselves: their history, their flavors, and the subtle rituals of daily life. Thoughtful guidance and facilitation are present throughout, offering a steady, grounding presence while leaving ample space for personal discovery, reflection, and connection.

The journey begins just beyond Rome, in a Renaissance hill town surrounded by forests and volcanic lakes, where history, architecture, and nature exist in perfect balance. Here, guests ease into the Italian rhythm—walking stone streets, savoring regional cuisine, and rediscovering the pleasure of unhurried moments. Food becomes a language of place and care, setting the tone for the days ahead.

From there, the retreat continues into the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Val d’Orcia, a living tapestry of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and medieval villages. This is Tuscany in its most elemental form, where beauty is not staged, but lived, quietly and daily.

Days are intentionally spacious, blending gentle activity with deep rest. Guests explore the countryside by bike, taste wines shaped by land and seasons, and take part in hands-on culinary experiences rooted in long-held traditions. Time is left open for conversation, contemplation, and simple presence, whether soaking in thermal waters, wandering quiet village streets, or gathering around long tables as the light softens over the hills.

Evenings unfold communally, marked by shared meals, local flavors, and conversations that emerge naturally when distractions fade away. Over time, the group forms a small, temporary community, connected not by agenda, but by experience.

This retreat is not about doing more, but about feeling more. It is designed for travelers who seek depth over spectacle, who value authenticity over excess, and who understand that true luxury lies in connection: to place, to others, and to oneself.

The result is an experience that flows effortlessly, rooted in Italy’s landscapes and traditions, guided with intention, and designed to linger long after the journey ends.

What’s Included?
  • 5 nights in boutique accommodations in Val d’Orcia countryside
  • All breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners
  • Lunch and wine pairing in Tuscia
  • Wine & E-bike experience through the Val d’Orcia countryside
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting and lunch
  • Sunset picnic in Pienza
  • Ancient grains cooking class
  • Thermal Spa
  • Private transfers between destinations and for all scheduled activities
  • Local expert guides in each destination
  • LBR onsite facilitator
  • International airfares
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages not specified in the program
  • Additional excursions
  • Personal styling purchases and shopping expenses
  • A la Carte Spa Services

Meet Your Guide(s)

Alana Stoyas

Alana Stoyas is a travel architect and experience curator with a passion for designing journeys where culture, nature, and ease coexist effortlessly. Her approach to travel blends thoughtful planning with a spirit of discovery, creating experiences that feel both refined and deeply human. For this retreat, Alana brings her eye for detail and balance into the Tuscan countryside, shaping a journey where guests can slow down, connect, and experience Italy through its landscapes, flavors, and timeless rhythms.

,
Karen Hattaway

Born and raised in Rome, Karen’s approach to travel is rooted in a deep connection to Italy and its slower rhythms of life. She believes the most meaningful journeys happen when space is left for presence, simplicity, and authentic connection. For this retreat, her role is to thoughtfully curate and support the experience behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail flows with ease, so that Alana Stoyas’ vision remains at the heart of the journey.

Departures Available
October 25-30, 2026
Starting at
€ 8.000
Single Occupancy Adjustment
€8.300
Maximum Group Size
10

Meet Your Facilitator(s)

Alana Stoyas

Alana Stoyas is a travel architect and experience curator with a passion for designing journeys where culture, nature, and ease coexist effortlessly. Her approach to travel blends thoughtful planning with a spirit of discovery, creating experiences that feel both refined and deeply human. For this retreat, Alana brings her eye for detail and balance into the Tuscan countryside, shaping a journey where guests can slow down, connect, and experience Italy through its landscapes, flavors, and timeless rhythms.

,
Karen Hattaway

Born and raised in Rome, Karen’s approach to travel is rooted in a deep connection to Italy and its slower rhythms of life. She believes the most meaningful journeys happen when space is left for presence, simplicity, and authentic connection. For this retreat, her role is to thoughtfully curate and support the experience behind the scenes, ensuring that every detail flows with ease, so that Alana Stoyas’ vision remains at the heart of the journey.

Rich, Meaningful, Memorable Travel Awaits

Life Beyond the Room (LBR) is a sensorial™ travel concierge dedicated to creating custom, unique itineraries for travelers seeking authentic experiences immersed in the lifestyle, flavors, and culture of each region. Our local managers live in the destination countries and speak the local languages, allowing us to create incredible partnerships so our travelers can step off the beaten path, beyond the hotel room, and discover places unknown to most tourists.

Our commitment to sustainability ensures that your impact is positive. You will have the trip of a lifetime while making a long-lasting positive impact on the places you visit and the people you encounter. You will meet as a guest and leave as a friend! If you have questions about this group trip or are interested in custom travel design, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Group photo of Life Beyond the Room's Preferred Travellers

Preferred Traveler Program

The Life Beyond the Room preferred traveler program allows our frequent travelers to pay for their trips over time via a monthly subscription. Perks include discounts, access to exclusive destinations, and more!

Credits never expire and can be redeemed at any time towards a small group trip of your choice or any custom trip!

Group photo of Life Beyond the Room's Preferred Travellers

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