Imagine...
The Beautiful Tuscan countryside
A crackling log fire if the sun chooses to rest.
Amazing home cooked Italian food with local wines to delight
Morning mist drifting over the valley as you breathe, rest, and return to yourself.
Sometimes, fate just knows best
Our search for the perfect Tuscan retreat location ended quite unexpectedly: a casual lunch with friends led to a suggestion for their cousins' place—Villa Fontelunga. Within two weeks, we were there, completely enchanted by the wonder of the Villa and the unforgettable hospitality of owners Philip and Paolo. Within the year we had hosted our first retreat, confirming this place is nothing short of magical.
From the moment you arrive, you feel a profound sense of peace. Villa Fontelunga is less a hotel and more a beautifully styled home. It’s the perfect mix of stylish design and cozy comfort, with beautiful double en-suite rooms that offer breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. Nestled in a private Olive Grove near Pozzo della Chiana, just a one hour drive from Florence Airport.
Why Mindful Escapes Was Created
Mindful Escapes was born from a deep understanding of what true healing requires — space, stillness, and the freedom to be heard. After many years working with clients at my private practice - Talking Minds Counselling in St Albans Hertfordshire I saw a recurring truth: 50 minutes a week often isn’t enough. Many people need more — more time, more care, more distance from the noise of everyday life.
So, I created a retreat that offers just that. Set in exquisite surroundings, Mindful Escapes is designed to be a sanctuary — where nourishing food, local wine, and beauty are woven together with compassion and calm. Here, guests are supported by experienced therapists, life coaches and mindfulness practitioners — all hand-picked for their empathy, warmth and skill.
You’ll be invited to rest deeply, to read, to reflect, to reconnect with yourself. Slow mornings lead into mindful coaching, gentle yoga nidra, and afternoons exploring hilltop villages, with their ancient stone lanes, sweeping views and timeless rhythm. There are long lunches in family-run trattorias, a visit to a vineyard to taste the harvest, and even a joyful Italian cookery class to stir the senses.
Every moment is curated to help you let go of what weighs you down — and return home feeling lighter, clearer, energised and at peace.
Take a look at the upcoming 2026 retreats.
This space was created for you. You deserve it.
Heartache to Happiness
Sunday 22nd March - Thursday 26th March 2026
Struggling from divorce or separation. If you are looking for ways of coping with this life changing event then come and join us in Tuscany. Coping strategies, support, peace and a beautiful calm space guaranteed.
Emotional and Wellbeing
Sunday 18th October - Thursday 22nd October 2026
If you are feeling stuck, anxious in a rut and need motivation and a life plan this is the retreat for you. Get yourself ready for 2027!
Heartache to Happiness - Day Retreat
Sunday the 26th of January 2026
Location - St Michaels Manor Hotel, St Albans Herts
A shortened version of our full retreat for divorced or separated people struggling with the aftermath of their separation.
Group & Corporate Retreats
Escape the ordinary with a bespoke retreat in the heart of Tuscany, crafted exclusively for your group or team.
If you would like more information about our retreats before you book please email
Our Retreats for 2026
Click the titles for more details
Reviews - from recent retreats
“Welcomed into someone's home on a beautiful estate (like a warm hug)""I felt privileged to be sharing Paolo’s mothers’ recipes like being invited into the family.""Feeling the sun on my face while doing mindfulness (which I had never done before) looking out at a beautiful view are the moments I will remember." (Michael)
The sound of the water by the pool and the wind in the trees etc was lovely while doing mindfulness sessions. Celine has a beautiful welsh accent (hurray for the Welsh).
Stunning - A true escape into a little piece of Tuscany
This has been the most divine escape. Literally everything has been restorative for me. The experiences, the hosts, and of course the incredible Hotel Fontelunga. If you need to reset, if you need to find peace, if you need to work something out, I do not hesitate in recommending Mindful Escapes. Well done Carole, Claire and Celene.
- Sara
The retreat helped me refocus my attention on myself which I haven't done in years.
The support Carole and Claire gave was amazing and they were so much fun.
Celene encouraged me to try mindfulness which I found amazing. I learned a lot about myself. Thank you everyone at Mindful Escapes -- Becky
This retreat was a unique blend of wellbeing related activities with an authentic experience of Italian culture and food. The dinners at Borgo 69 were super and it was nice to mix with the local Italian neighbours. The setting could not have been more beautiful or our hosts Paolo and Philip the owners of Villa Fontelunga more accommodating. Perfect combination of emotional and physical wellbeing and own unscheduled time. Thank you - would love to come back.
- Katrina
An amazing peaceful retreat where you can choose how much you want to do. “You do you” (Babs)
I would highly recommend this retreat and the wonderful ladies Carole, Claire and Celene who ran it all.
The venue was perfect, homely, stylish and very Italian!!!
I felt relaxed, recharged and thoroughly spoiled. These ladies worked hard to ensure you felt special.
- Nikki
These are the reviews we received from our last retreat.
All our lovely clients said they would recommend others to Mindful Escapes.
Thank you for your lovely comments and your company in March 2025
