Retreat with with RACHEL
PUGLIA, ITALY
31st January to 6th February 2028
INSERT DESCRIPTION OF THE ART EXPERIENCE AND WORKSHOPS
ABOUT RACHEL
INSERT DESCRIPTION OF RACHEL
PUGLIA, THE RETREAT LOCATION
Puglia is the southernmost eastern region of Italy. Its coastline, the Adriatic in the east, the Ionian south and west, is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy, with silvery olive orchards stretching all the way to the long sandy beaches touched by the one of the clearest and cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. It is an ancient land, and one which was invaded many times in its history. One can still see towers built to ward off invaders centuries ago.
MASSERIA SPECULA - THE VENUE
Masseria Specula was built in 1611 and was the powerhouse of the local town Specchiarica for more than four centuries. Originally a working dairy farm, its stables once housed goats and cows, whose milk and cheese was bought by the local community. Then, from the 1950s onwards, the Masseria fell into disuse and was abandoned for seven decades.
For Carlo, its current owner, the place has always held a special significance. He knew the Masseria from childhood, when he would play in the abandoned building with his friends. Years later, he bought it from from a childhood friend whose family had owned it for generations. In 2023, Carlo began an ambitious restoration project, transforming the once-loved farm into the retreat centre it is today. A year later, Masseria Specula opened its doors, welcoming its first guests in 2024.
THE ROOMS
Private bathrooms | Wi-Fi | AC & Heating | Double beds or single beds
THE FOOD
We have a kitchen team like no other, which is made of grandmas in their 60s. They have not gone to hotel school, nor had previous jobs, but they learned to cook over a lifetime of being in their home kitchens, from the recipes their mothers taught them. Their recipes bring the authentic flavours of Puglia to life. We are proud to share their stories and their meals, with every retreat group that joins us around the table.
THE PROGRAM
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![A white building with multiple stories and small windows, illuminated by sunlight, located near a stone wall and arched in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.]()
DAY 1
Arrivals
Welcome drink and introduction to the history of the venue
Dinner
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![A calm body of water with a few birds floating on it, bordered by green bushes and trees, with a distant hilly shoreline under a cloudy sky.]()
DAY 2
Breakfast
Workshop with Úrsula
Lunch
Workshop with Úrsula
Free time
Dinner
Bonfire
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![A corner of a room with a black wooden table, a small wooden chair, a basket, and a framed picture on the table. There's a bottled water and an upside-down glass on a tray on the table. The wall is white with textured stone details, and sunlight creates shadows on the floor and table.]()
DAY 3
Breakfast
Workshop with Úrsula
Lunch
Workshop with Úrsula
Pasta making workshop
Dinner
Bonfire
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![Historical stone church with round clock and dome, surrounded by colorful flowers and a courtyard.]()
DAY 4
Breakfast
Excursion to Lecce
Lunch out in Lecce
Free time
Dinner
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![Watercolor painting of a forest scene with trees, birds, a fox, and a sitting figure, created on a sketchbook page, surrounded by art supplies on a wooden table.]()
DAY 5
Breakfast
Workshop with Úrsula
Lunch
Hike to the beach and flamingo salt lake
Dinner
Bonfire
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![Scenic view of white cliffs with caves along a turquoise harbor, ocean with boats, and clear water revealing rocks beneath.]()
DAY 6
Breakfast
Workshop with Úrsula
Lunch
Workshop with Úrsula
Wine Tasting
Dinner
Bonfire
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DAY 7
Breakfast
Goodbyes and departures
BOOK YOUR SPOT
Single room: € 3150
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Shared room at the main venue (shared with one other person): € 2400
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Reserve your spot with a €1000 deposit.
The remaining balance is due by the 31st December 2027
PLEASE DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL WE CONFIRM THAT THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF GUESTS FOR THIS RETREAT HAS BEEN REACHED, AND THEREFORE THE RETREAT IS CONFIRMED TO TAKE PLACE. IF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS NOT REACHED, A FULL REFUND WILL BE ISSUED.
What’s included:
Art classes.
Exclusive use of the entire property including all common areas, workshop spaces and exterior spaces.
Accommodation at Masseria Specula.
All meals at the venue.
Complimentary fruit, water, coffee, tea.
Self guided hikes to the beach or to a natural salt lake where flamingoes live.
Excursion to a sea turtle sanctuary.
Guided hike to a fisherman’s village.
Roundtrip airport transfer from/to Brindisi Airport (BDS).
All tourist taxes and fees.
What’s not included:
Airplane tickets.
Travel insurance.
Airport pick-up / drop-off from airports other than Brindisi Airport.
Meals outside of the venue.
Anything not listed in the “What’s Included“ section above.