I have a lot of experience with yoga. Is this retreat for me?

Whether you are very experienced or not experienced with yoga, this is your opportunity to treat yourself by enjoying the warm company of others interested in fitness, yoga and writing. Don't forget that the meals are taken care of for you -- your days are dedicated toward cultivating your inner wellness.

I have a lot of experience as a writer. Is this retreat for me?

Absolutely! Since you are experienced, you have already learned the benefits of having time and space absolutely devoted to your craft without distraction. On top of that, the retreat will have you spending your morning hours setting vivid goals so that you become powerfully associated and enthusiastic, clear about your life. This peak associative state gets you to think and feel intensely both within and outside the realm of your writing project. Plus, you can be certain that the experience will be productive, fun, and unforgettable. Don’t forget also the energizing joy of being in company of a variety of readers and writers where each is capable of sharing their perspective.

I’m not much of a writer, but I have an interest in giving it a good shot. I’m concerned about spending two weeks writing. Should I do something to prepare myself?

The retreat is a substantive and supportive environment. Trust that if your application is approved, you have been invited to give it your all. To prepare, get excited. Then come as you truly are. When you find yourself in beautiful Italy enjoying warm company, you will come to believe that you are able to accomplish far more than you had previously thought possible.

How much is airfare?

Flights to Italy fluctuate, but in general it is best to book early, and you may want to start searching for affordable flights soon after you make your first downpayment. It is good also to sign up for frequent flier points or miles, since you will accrue a great deal of points traveling abroad and back.

Is everything included in the price?

Everything for the retreat (tuition, books, room and board) is included in the price. 

When do I receive the journal for the retreat?

Once you pay for the retreat, the journal will be mailed to you.

Oops! I paid for the course before my application was accepted. What should I do now?

In the event your application is declined, your payment will be refunded immediately.

What can I expect to learn?

Rest assured that the time and focus spent in such an encouraging atmosphere will pay off unforgettably. The knowledgeable program coordinators and your peers will provide consistent support and encouragement so that you achieve your goals. You can expect to have an unforgettable time, and you can expect to gather a lot of practical strategies so that you consistently develop your skills and offer what you have to the world both personally and through your writing.

Do I need to speak Italian?

No, but it may come in handy while traveling in Italy. Participants who speak little or no Italian are welcome to apply.

Is there an age limit?

Applicants must be at least eighteen.

Can I bring my friend or spouse?

The more the merrier! The rooms are double-occupancy. If you would like to bring your spouse or friend to the retreat, make sure you also specify that you would prefer he/she to be your roommate. In the event that you are more familiar with writing than your friend, be assured the coordinator and your peers can get them up to speed, and Italy will do the rest to inspire them.

It is not required that you have a list of publications or professional writing experience. Participants should have a basic familiarity and interest in writing in one or several forms. You should know basically where you are and where you'd like to be after participating in the retreat.

What range of skill level can I expect from my peers?

Expect the course participants to display a full range of skill level and expertise.

Yes, the rooms are doubles. Program participants are screened, so do not be excessively concerned about who you will share the room with. If you and a friend or spouse are both taking the retreat, please specify in your application and during payment that you prefer to stay in the same room.

It is a retreat, so you can think of the entire two weeks as time off. If you would like to take a break to take a day trip, that option is available, and it is up to you to coordinate it (getting a rental car, etc). You may want to get together as a group coordinate weekend plans to see whether other participants would like to take a day trip also.

Should I rent a car?

If you would like, though it may not come in handy unless you will be traveling on the weekend. If you would prefer not to rent a car, the program coordinator can provide transportation in the event of an emergency or if you would like to a nearby village to pick up something such as snacks or batteries for your camera (don't forget to bring a camera!).

How on earth should I pack for this trip?

Here are a few suggestions for items you may need:

• Comfortable clothes and shoes for daily activities such as hiking, running, jogging, lounging, yoga, and Pilates
• More formal clothes for dinners
  
• Copies of prescription medicines (put these in your carry-on luggage)
• Allergy medication if you have allergies
• Your passport
  
• Copy of your birth certificate (in the unlikely event you lose your passport)
• Extra contact lens solution (if applicable)
• A pair of sneakers or hiking boots
• Books (poolside reading) and a reading light (for nighttime reading under the stars, if you desire)
• Slippers and/or flip flops
• An umbrella (just in case)
  
• Swimsuit and beach towel
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Household electric current in Italy is 220 volts, so any item that uses other voltage can be used only with a converter. Hair driers and other appliances that use a lot of electrical power are discouraged