8 Days in Tuscany with Alan Watt
May 10 - May 17, 2025
May 19 - May 26, 2025
each retreat is limited to 12 writers
Join us for the experience of a lifetime. Outside of Florence, sits a working winery and olive farm, recipient of the tourism industry's Certificate of Excellence, and one of the top-rated villas in Tuscany.
welcome to Tuscany
A gentle breeze wafts through your open window. As you complete a satisfying writing session, your senses are awakened by the rich scent of grilled vegetables and Linguine alle Vongole emanating from the kitchen. You pass through the dining room where the table is being set for supper. A fire crackles. Your fellow writers sit lounging and enjoying a glass of Brunello. You join them, with the characters from your story still thrumming inside you. You're in that state of half-listening, half-absorbing, gradually returning to the world outside your imagination. You nibble a slice of pecorino on warm bread from the charcuterie plate and emit a deep sigh.
You're here.
And tonight, after supper, you will read a section from your work-in-progress to a rapt audience of fellow writers who are here to support you and share their encouragement.
Come join us on this once in a lifetime journey to the Tuscany countryside, and lose yourself in the world of your story.
Take a siesta, go for a swim in the pool, or just stroll through the property of olive trees and ancient vineyards. Quiet your mind, and listen to the story that lives fully and completely within you.
Laugh. Cry. Surrender to the truth of your story, and reconnect to the wider perspective that always leads you back to love.
Then fall asleep to the sounds of silence.
a day in the life
Morning
6 - 10 morning writing time
8 - 10 breakfast
10 - 11:30 workshop
Afternoon
12 - 1 lunch
1 - 4 personal writing time
4 - 4:40 group writing
4:40 - 5 snacks (happy hour)
Evening
5 - 6 workshop/discussion
6:15 - 7:30 supper
7:30 nightly salon
8:30 after dinner group stroll
step into your true power
To be an artist requires trusting something that you may not be able to articulate. It often exists, at least in the early stages, as a feeling tone, and when you try to explain it, it is met with bewilderment, even contempt.
Since you are the channel through which your story arises, your primary job is to practice kindness to yourself. Stepping into your true power is not about forcing an outcome, but rather, trusting that what you have to express is valid, even if it feels unformed, like it is existing just at the edges of your consciousness.
Stepping into your true power is an act of faith.
While this sounds empowering, and ultimately it is, it can also be temporarily destabilizing. Stepping into your true power is a subversive act. No one gives you permission to be true. It can feel strange at first, because it is not a destination, but a liminal space, a zone that you can become more adept at accessing. It is achingly vulnerable, and therefore it must be staunchly protected.
Stepping into your true power can feel lonely sometimes. You are occupying space now. You are taking a position.
You may discover that some people are uncomfortable with your new self. They preferred the person who blew off their writing to help them move a credenza.
Making art can look like an act of accumulation, whether it is words on a page, or layering paint on a canvas — but it is really an act of shedding everything that wasn’t true and distilling what you have to express to its nature. Look at the abstract expressionists, Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell, de Kooning, and notice how their work became simpler and more potent over the course of their career. At thirteen, Picasso could paint like Rembrandt, but by the end of his life no one could paint like him.
Stepping into your true power is an invitation to trust that you are uniquely qualified to express something the world has never seen before. But it demands that you take the risk of trusting your ordinary impulse to create something extraordinary.
- Daily writing workshops
- Nightly salons (reading your work)
- Your own private room with ensuite bathroom
- Gourmet meals accompanied by regional wines
- Concierge service
- In-room massage
- Shuttle service to and from the villa (from downtown Florence)
- PLUS a free 90-day workshop or story consult (novel, memoir, or screenplay, to take within 36 months of registering)
For years, my students had been asking me when I was going to take them on a retreat. Frankly, I'd been on creative retreats, and while I enjoyed the camaraderie, I was never a big fan of communal bathrooms.
But then I started to imagine the retreat I would love to go on.
I wanted beautiful surroundings, and a small enough group that we could all connect and share our work. I wanted amazing food and wine. I wanted classy private ensuites. (Why does being an artist have to mean roughing it?) And I wanted it to be as affordable as possible.
I started to think, This could be fun.
The first retreat was in the spring of 2016 at the Ojai retreat center, a magical spot. There were six of us – a very special group of writers. The workshops went deep, and each night we went out and visited one of their top restaurants.
It was unlike any retreat any of them had been on. I consulted Bob at Point de Chêne, a terrific boutique wine store, and he hooked us up with some really great regional wines that we popped open at some of the restaurants.
At the end of the week, we sat toasting each other as the sun set over the mountains (Ojai’s pink moment), when someone said, “Let’s go to Europe next.” And I thought, I rather love this idea.
I returned home and started doing research. My mother is Italian, and her favorite city in the world is Florence. She’d taken us there as children. I had fond memories of the surrounding region of Tuscany, the rolling hills and stunning architecture.
I knew what I was looking for. And so, I trolled all of the sites, and probably looked at a hundred villas before I found it. The rooms were tasteful and lovely, but more than that, they offered the necessary prerequisite: I wanted every writer to have their own private room with their own personal ensuite bathroom.
I began speaking with the owner, Nicola. And to my delight, he was both charming and very accommodating, and has since become a dear friend. He not only runs the villa, but has become our 24-7 concierge, meeting our guests every need, from door-to-door laundry service, to spontaneous drives into town for an afternoon cappuccino.
From the moment you arrive, I want you to feel safe and supported so that you're free to do the work you came here to do. We all spend so much time doing and giving. Tuscany is about taking a pause and allowing yourself to receive.
The Tuscany retreat is a hive of creativity and imagination - a place where you will meet some very special people from across the globe, and you will likely bond and forge relationships that will extend beyond the retreat itself.
I believe that our sole purpose as artists is to build a body of work. I believe that life is short and that we're here to make memories. Come join us in Tuscany and celebrate the wonder of your creative imagination.
why writers love the Tuscany retreat
“Tuscany surpassed anything I could have imagined. I was led to places I would not have gone without this community of writers and Alan at the helm. I surprised myself in the best of ways. I fell back in love with my story!”
Roma Maffia
“Being at one of the most beautiful villas in all of Tuscany was a distant second to Alan’s powerful and insightful teaching. The workshops transformed my understanding of the writing process.”
Leigh Collier
“The retreat was fantastic, better than I imagined. Alan is an amazing teacher — so full of wisdom and kindness, an unfailingly humane guide. For the first time in years, I’m excited about writing again.”
Bob Goettle
“The Tuscany retreat is a life-changing event! Experiencing Alan’s teaching every day allowed me to go deeper and gain a new level of clarity and insight. I highly recommend this retreat.”
Gail Nettels
“This retreat was like a dream. The villa, the food, the skies, the workshops, the writing, every bit of it magical. The awareness and opening up of my story would not be possible without Al’s insight and support. My gratitude for this amazing experience, as well as Al’s beautiful way of teaching, is immeasurable. Enjoy life – It’s Oh, So Good!”
Piper Norwood
“Alan Watt’s Tuscany writing retreat was a dream come true. Upon stepping out of the taxi at the Villa, I immediately felt a warm welcome from Alan and fellow writers, all of whom I had never met. Alan has a deep sense of story and a passion to match. His teaching style is sure to wake the writer up to their own story. No matter where you are with your writing, Alan will illuminate your path.”
Jessica Pappas
“The retreat was incredible for all the expected reasons, the time to write and the food and drink. It was magical for what I wasn’t expecting – the chance to connect with the most amazing people that Al always seems to attract.”
Homa Mojtabai
“Attending the Tuscany Retreat truly was a game-changer for me. The friendships, camaraderie, and love from gifted writers was absolutely priceless. One important lesson I took away from the workshop is that I am not the only sensitive, vulnerable writer! I loved the opportunity to talk to other writers and share strengths, weaknesses, and fears.”
Debra Bartashius
“I LOVED TUSCANY and felt so happy to be part of it. This retreat moved my story and confidence about my story forward in such important ways. For that, most of all, I am eternally grateful.”
Tara Carson
“I arrived in Italy feeling jet lagged and uncertain how to even proceed with my arduous memoir. Yet soon after arriving in Tuscany, my entire outlook changed. In a very safe, encouraging, and creative environment, my writing blossomed and my courage grew. Al’s unique way of approaching story led to a breakthrough that had alluded me for so long. Now I’m back home, writing up a storm, counting down the days until the next retreat.”
Rochelle Squires
“I learned to trust my voice and take more risks with my writing — to go deeper into my characters and tell their stories — with Al’s insightful and gentle teaching and coaching amidst new and beautiful friendships with fellow writers, fueled by Tuscany and its fantastic food, wine, and hospitality from our concierge.”
Charlotte Ito
“So grateful for so much! The serene landscape, the friends, the amazingly light pasta and yummy concoctions. And, the transformational shift happened! My friends here see the change. Thank you from the bottom (if there is one) of my heart!”
Chaia May
“Signing up for Tuscany was a huge leap outside my comfort zone — but I landed in very comfortable surroundings and enjoyed the added comfort of being surrounded by other writers struggling through the same process. I felt stretched and spoiled at the same time. All in all, I’m glad I went. It was definitely worth the risk.”
Jody Susan
“We felt safe to share our stories, to give ourselves permission to open up and bare our souls. To laugh, to cry, to be held by the loving support of others. Back in February a small voice inside of me encouraged me to take the risk and go on this Retreat. Was it worth it? It was the best thing that I have done for many years. Al has a healing presence, he offers a safe place where we can be transported off this planet for a while and return a different person with the motivation to work towards and achieve our souls’ desire. I found Love and Freedom.”
Carol Passemard
“Our Captain, Dear Captain,
Thank you for nourishing us with wine and wisdom,
For guiding the wind into our sails,
and uncovering our treasures.
My memories would not be a story without you.”
Tony Vitale
“Alan is part midwife, part story-shaman and full on hospitality overseer. All of our needs were generously supported from point of arrival, transportation and welcoming. Where we stayed was impeccable, a well nourished relationship between Alan and the owners/team at the villa made for a professional yet cozy sense of home. The food and wine was beyond my expectations as was the incredible circle of writers. The content Alan shares with us all comes straight from his love and expertise as a writer as well as his open, loving heart. I’ll be back!”
Linda Kay Stevens
Donna Smith
early reg. Sept 1 - Nov 30
The retreat includes daily workshops, nightly salons, gourmet meals accompanied by superb regional wines, private bedroom with ensuite, and courtesy shuttle to and from the villa. Travel not included.
Single Room $5700 (early reg $5000)
Shared Room (1 writer + guest) $8300 (early reg $7600)
Shared Room (2 writers) $9200 (early reg $8200)
Payment Schedule:
$2500 deposit per attendee
Remainder due Feb. 15th, 2025
The total cost (separate room and meals) for non-writer guests is $4,000, but they must be accompanied by a writer guest.
questions about the Tuscany retreat?
meet your staff
Alan Watt, Writing Teacher
When I was seven my mother took me to Florence, her favorite city, near where her ancestors lived. I have been drawn to this part of Italy my whole life - the food, the people, the land and the architecture. This is a place to slow down and go deep. This is a place where magic happens.
Alessandro Muratore, Chef
My desire is to tell the story of a territory through an ingredient, a wine, a dish. I aim to convey respect for our land, Tuscany, expressing ourselves with the art of good food and tailor-made services, creating a narrative that enhances conviviality and sharing.
Valeria Notaro, Pastry Chef
I was born in a small town in Calabria. At nineteen I left to study in Florence. I have always loved art in all its forms and I have always had the need to create with dance, painting, photography and now also with cooking. I believe that all this is my place in the world.
Carolina Stavro, Sous Chef
Born into a noble family, I experienced a challenging childhood due to family divisions. After working in fashion for 15 years, I felt compelled to discover my true passions and purpose beyond societal expectations. Two years ago, I left fashion to start a private chef business with my partner Alessandro in the Tuscan countryside. This career change allowed me to reconnect with nature, slow down, and focus on meditation and self-reflection, leading me to find genuine happiness within myself.
Nicola Carafa, Concierge
Podere le Rondini has been in our family for generations. I am an olive farmer and a wine-maker. We opened the villa sixteen years ago as a place for people from around the world to enjoy the countryside and experience the beauty and serenity of this special place.
Ilaria Solibella, Massage Therapist
Through contact, I try to convey to the people who trust in my hands the possibility of listening to each other with love and kindness to support that part that needs to be seen and recognized in order to express itself. I believe in the infinite possibilities and in the essence of things as a return to ourselves, to our profound nature that guides us on the path of life.
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