ITALY: TUSCANY 2025
INDULGE IN ITALY RETREAT
Terzo Di Danciano
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
June 7-14, 2025
with Melanie Caines
Italy is calling! Join Melanie for a glorious week of yoga, food, and adventures under the Tuscan sun. Kick back and relax in the Tuscan countryside surrounded by mulberry trees and olive groves: enjoy yoga twice a day, take a dip in the pool, explore the town of Cortona, go wine tasting in Montepulciano, and enjoy incredible Italian home-cooking. Treat yourself to this delicious week of la dolce vita: you deserve it.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 8-15 people
Exclusive use? Yes we will be the only guests at the property.
THE EXPERIENCE
Terzo Di Danciano is a small medieval hamlet immersed in a stunning rural setting. It overlooks the border between Umbria and Tuscany near the beautiful city of Cortona, renowned for its Etruscan origins.
We will have exclusive use of the whole property for our retreat week.
The spacious bedrooms and luminous living areas are made of natural handcrafted materials decorated with colors that radiate and maintain the patina and charm of centuries past. A stay at Terzo di Danciano unfolds as a journey in which all the senses are immersed in an experience of lightness and great beauty.
Our garden has ancient mulberry and olive trees from which we harvest olives to produce our own cold-pressed virgin olive oil. The garden unfolds in 3 cultivated terraces with stone wall perimeters and enjoys a breathtaking view of the valley.
The swimming pool located on the lowest terrace uses filtered rain water and is therefore particularly “sweet”. It is surrounded by a sunbathing deck of 100 mq paved in natural terra cotta and oriented towards the rising sun, offering an awesome daily spectacle.
The yoga studio is housed in The Bachificio. This beautiful building was originally created for the purpose of cultivating silkworms and wine production. The conservative restoration has preserved its original atmosphere giving it a feel closer to that of a castle than to an agricultural industrial construction. The yoga studio with its aged wooden floor and bare stone walls is remarkable for its beauty and impressive dimensions. The large, floor to ceiling windows allow retreat participants to enjoy the sunlight as well as the panoramic view of the lush green forest and rolling hills of the surrounding countryside.
The food: Mediterranean meals made with love, home-cooked food made with locally sourced, fresh, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy three incredible meals each day: a rich international breakfast, a buffet lunch, and a dinner on the large terrace under the stars (there will be meat and fish served a few time during the week as well as incredible vegetarian meals). We’ll also be treated to welcoming aperitivo with local Prosecco on our arrival day, a pizza party, and a festive celebratory dinner on our last night together.
The spa, nestled among the ancient stone walls of Terzo Di Danciano, is warm and welcoming. It is designed to pamper you in exclusive privacy, offering you our hot water pool made of travertine stone with hydromassage, the detoxifying hot-stone hammam, the infrared sauna, a spacious shower to cool off surrounded by plants and a relaxation area overlooking the forest outside. Each guest will enjoy two 90mins sessions during the week where they can use the Private Spa (whirlpool, infrared sauna, and Turkish bath).
Accommodations & fees
The main house is a magnificent 16th century construction. The floors, stairs, plasterwork, paint and vaults have all been renovated to preserve the unique radiant character of the environment rich in color and vibrant in identity. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom
The names of each of the bedrooms make a reference to elements of the classical Italian theater. ‘San Carlo’, in honor of the most important theater of this tradition in Naples, ‘Golfo Mistico’ (the Mystic Gulf), ‘Orchestra Rossa’ (Red Orchestra), ‘Platea Verde’ (Green Platea), ‘Orchestra Rosa’ (Pink Orchestra), ‘Le Quinte’ (The Wings), ‘Sipario Bianco’ (White Curtain), ‘Loggione’ (Gallery), and ‘Piccionaia’ (Loft Gallery).
All rooms have stunning views of the surrounding countryside with the exception of the ground floor accommodations that naturally have a somewhat more limited horizon.
Single Occupancy
€3025
Double Occupancy
€2775 per person
Triple Occupancy
€2625 per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Daily meditation & yoga twice a day with Melanie
- 7 nights accommodations
- 3 meals each day
- Two 90min spa sessions (use of the whirlpool, sauna, & Turkish bath)
- Wifi
- Transportation (group shuttle) from Terzo di Danciano to Cortona (Terontola) train station on departure day (June 14) at 10:30am
- Taxes/HST
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation to Terzo di Danciano on arrival day June 7
- Optional excursions
- Massages and holistic treatments
- Alcohol (wine is available onsite for purchase)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
EXCURSION TO PIENZA & MONTEPULCIANO
This will be an incredible full-day excursion to Pienza for cheese tasting, Montepulciano for wine tasting, a guided tour, and free time.
COOKING CLASS
MASSAGE TREATMENTS
How we spend our days
Morning Yoga
Breakfast
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Lunch
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Evening Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A €500 non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due December 7, 2024
• Remaining balance is due February 7, 2025
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
TRAVEL
FLIGHTS
The arrival day is Saturday, June 7 and the departure day is Saturday, June 14. The closest airports are Rome and Florence.
TRANSPORTATION
Terzo Di Danciano is a 2hr drive from Florence and 2.5hr drive from Rome. The nearest town is Cortona (approximately 30min drive). There are trains that travel from both Florence and Rome to Cortona.
If you’d like us to arrange ground transportation for you from the Cortona train station please let us know.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS?
Check out our FAQ section by scrolling down the page or you can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR retreat leader
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your expected departure date.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded..
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 1/2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
The Nova Yoga Retreat an amazing experience! The instructors created a very welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more relaxed than I was during this retreat. I challenged myself both physically and mentally and I felt stronger in both ways by the end of the week. I made new friends, learned new yoga skills, breathed in the epic beauty of the countryside and really enjoyed the excursions! A beautiful country and yoga retreat experienced with an amazing group of strong, vibrant women! I can’t wait to plan my next trip with Nova Yoga Retreats.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
Melanie has created a unique and magical experience that allows people of all ages to deepen their yoga practice in beautiful and comfortable locations. Mel makes you feel safe, able, and confident. She offers opportunities to modify all poses to accommodate your body. Her suggestions and "challenges" allow for growth in both body and mind. You leave the retreat feeling empowered and refreshed. I just returned from my second retreat with her, and am looking forward to planning my next one. Absolutely amazing experiences.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!
From the retreat lodgings to the food to the excursions and of course yoga for all levels and styles, it was a travel highlight of my life!
Highly ecommend this enriching yoga retreat experience. This was my second time attending a Nova Retreat, and I’m already looking forward to returning. It’s a truly enriching experience—an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect through yoga, mindfulness, and a warm, supportive community. The setting in Marrakesh adds a unique and magical dimension to the retreat. The culture, the atmosphere, and the beauty of the surroundings make it an unforgettable place to recharge. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone seeking rest, renewal, and inspiration to take this time for themselves—you won’t regret it.
I met some incredible people, ate some amazing food, and deepened my yoga practice. The tranquility and grounding was just what I needed. I would highly recommend Mel’s retreats for both the inexperienced and experienced traveller because you can really cater to what you want and need, and you will meet similar people with whom you can enjoy the journey.