Shine Retreats
Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy
Joyful creative and cultural retreats on a country estate
Set in glorious countryside where Umbria meets Tuscany, Shine Retreats offer set-date breaks with various themes including writing, acting, Italian gastronomy and culture, and yoga and massage. You’ll be based at Siliano Alto, a 19th century farmhouse within a 1500-acre nature reserve. Walk or run along the ‘white roads’ that criss-cross the estate, take a dip in the pool, enjoy a massage and visit local attractions, including a winery. Private retreats are also available – choose your own adventures, activities and menus.
our Reviewer constance allfrey says:
‘Writing takes place in a vacuum where doubts can germinate (‘What the hell am I writing? Is this mad?’) so it felt precious and encouraging to get some answers’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Whether you choose an acting, writing or yoga retreat, they’re open to all levels - beginners are welcome. The hour-long loop walk is a great thing to do daily, and ideally alone. The place is pet-friendly – well behaved dogs are welcome and there are two resident cats, Puppy and Mr Fluffikins. If you have pet allergies, take a downstairs bedroom’
Experiences
Set-date retreats focus on different themes. Some cater to writers and actors – spend your days with experts from each profession, honing your skills, with some Pilates included for writers. Cookery and language lessons feature on a Tuscany-themed retreat. There are also massage and yoga breaks, offering tools to help you quieten your mind. On private retreats you can pick and choose activities.
There’s plenty of scope for rest. Relax under olive trees, take a daily nap (riposo) or enjoy treatments such as massages (including holistic, deep tissue, hot stone and lymphatic drainage), reflexology and kinesiology, and nutrition sessions.
You can join a trip to the Millennials to see 2000-year-old olive trees. Wander through Chiusi’s narrow streets and visit the cathedral and museum, then watch the sunset from a local winery. At Bagni San Fillipo climb the famous white rock and bathe in natural hot springs, then visit Pienza, a pretty town steeped in history.
Spaces
When possible, you’ll spend your time al fresco in the garden. The west-facing terrace is a lovely spot, overlooking cypress-lined roads and hilltop towns in the distance. A two-minute walk from the house, there are sun loungers by a pool, which is open from June until September.
The farmhouse has been lovingly renovated and the kitchen is at its heart – there you’ll find vases of sunflowers and bowls of vibrant fruit, as well as the large red table where you’ll gather for meals and writing classes. There are also sofas, where you can relax.
The artist studio space has floor-to-ceiling windows facing both east and west, offering amazing views. There’s also a dining room and a lounge. The six bedrooms - doubles with baths – are simple and rustic, with brick floors, natural hues, little posies of wildflowers, and sheepskin hot water bottles for nippy nights.
Sustenance
Chef Anna Stasiuk prepares wholesome and delightfully balanced menus with love – the granola, cashew and almond milk, chicken broth and even a delicious cacao and hazelnut Nutella are all homemade. All food allergies, intolerances and preferences are catered for.
Breakfast on eggs and overnight oats, caramelised pear and homemade almond butter. Lunch could be fennel and orange salad, or zucchini soup with feta and toasted seeds, while dinner favourites include porcini risotto with parmesan crisps, and baked fish on a bed of fennel and tomatoes. Guests are urged to sample non-alcoholic aperitivos. Alcoholic drinks are also on offer - poolside Negronis are to be savoured.
You’ll be taken to a local, off-the-beaten-track bar for morning coffee and to Lucca’s, a renowned sandwich shop. On a trip to Pienza, you can dine at Il Rossellino, a delightful restaurant where a sample menu includes carpaccio, wild boar tagliatelle and pecorino with truffle honey.
