Frames of Italy: An Italian Journey of Beauty, Cuisine, and Photography

5.001 review

Ostuni, BR, Italia

Up to 4 in group

3 Days Package (2 nights)

Retreat Highlights

Nature, self-connection and self-improvement.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Eleonora

Luigi

Eleonora Meneghini

Eleonora Meneghini (NORA) is a writer, producer and travel guide born in Verona in 1984. After her studies in art and geography at the university, she has started her career as a fashion model and actress for commercial advertisings and fashion campaigns. Thanks to this job she had the opportunity to visit many countries and places, expanding her true love, the travels. In 2019, during a long trip to Jordan country, she wrote the book “Giordania, dai beduini ai taxi”, that she calls "a story guide", a book with tips for travellers and a personal view on the Country. That was the starting point of the collaboration with the italian visual artist LU (Luigi Miano). Together, with deep knowledge of the power of art and creativity, they start to retreats and travels in south Italy and all over Europe. She also hosts a podcast called “L’improbabilità della vita”, between Italy and London, that talks about the lives of many female artists and figures who changed the history of culture and art. She lives between south Italy, Verona and all over Europe, hosting therapeutic art retreats organizing and leading tailored travels and continuing her producer work into the art world.

Luigi Miano

Luigi Miano (LU) is a visual artist, photographer and director born in south Italy, in the summer of 1988. He has started his work as a portrait and fashion photographer when he was 20 y/o in Milan, working for many magazines and brands. Later on his career, he has started his personal research to expand his knowledge about photography and art. Exploring the visual arts he has started to be involved into art performaces, diaries writings and studies about inner-energies, sexuality, identity. His latest project is named “Diaries”, a series of photographs, drawings and writings in connection with many subjects; self-portraits, studies about love and identity, about solitude and modern society. He actually lives moving between Italy and Europe, working on therapeutic art workshops and self-improvement retreats.

Details of this retreat

Italian Experience:

Step into a journey of discovery, where you’ll connect with the art of living well. Over three unforgettable days, you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of Apulia, explore the stunning nature, taste the Italian culinary traditions, and dive deep into a self-consciousness adventure with the help of art and photography. Accompanying us throughout this retreat will be a professional fashion photographer, who will document your journey with his artistic lens. From timeless black-and-white portraits to candid moments, every participant will take home a visual story of this extraordinary experience.

The Destination: Ostuni, the White City
Nestled in the enchanting heart of Puglia, Ostuni stands as a jewel of Mediterranean beauty. Known as the "White City" for its labyrinth of whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop, this historic town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Wander through its picturesque alleys, lose yourself in the romantic charm of ancient courtyards, and bask in the authentic Italian atmosphere of this unforgettable location.

The Art and Photographic Experience:

Throughout the retreat, various and different tailored art activities will accompaign you to dive deep into yourself and explore sides of yourself. A fashion photographer will accompany us to capture the spirit of this Italian journey. Participants will receive a stunning black-and-white portrait that celebrates their essence and elegance, along with an array of candid photographs documenting the highlights of the experience. Sessions of intuitive drawing will give you the sense of exploration of yourself through your body and spirit. These keepsakes will serve as beautiful reminders of your time in Italy and the transformative moments shared with fellow participants.

Schedule

Each participant will receive a tailored schedule and routines created on their personal needs and desires.

Day 1: Arrival and Village Walk

- 02:00 PM Check-in and welcome reception at the accommodation. Settle into your room and relax.
- Introduction to the retreat. Meet the participants and the photographer who will accompany you throughout the journey.
- Evening walk through the village. Discover the charm of the village lights and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Ostuni at night.
- Italian welcome dinner, featuring specialties and wine.

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Day 2: Exploration and Indoor Art Session

- Italian breakfast to start the day.
- Morning hike along one of the scenic seaside. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
- Lunch with freshly made regional dishes.
- Indoor art session: Explore self-expression through intuitive drawing and photography, guided by the artist and photographer.
- Time to relax and unwind with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Dinner together savoring authentic local cuisine.

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Day 3: Beauty Routine and Farewell

- Morning beauty routine session, focusing on practical self-care tips and rituals to integrate into daily life.
- Italian breakfast with local delicacies and fresh coffee.
- Time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace, capturing last moments of the retreat.
- Closing session: Group reflection and sharing final thoughts on the transformative experience.
- Farewell lunch with the group, celebrating the connections made during the retreat.
- 02:00 PM Check-out and departure.

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We will start from a simple draft schedule and then the participant will be accompained into adding or removing activities/sessions based on his needs.

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

le44, Ostuni, BR, Italia

Directions

The closest airports are Bari and Brindisi. There are shuttle buses at the airports that takes you to the central station.
Bus/train: Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, Ostuni.

Accommodation

You will be hosted in a beautiful typical venue.

Program Price

Early bookings - 15 days in advance

Couple discount

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

You will be hosted in a beautiful and typical venue, with easily reachable services.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Each meal you will enjoy is made with natural ingredients, fresh made using local ingredients.

What's Included

- Meals.
- A personalized workbook/diary to record your reflections, tips, and things learned/observed during the retreat.
- Visual arts diaries material made with the artist, a timeless black-and-white portrait photograph.
- Nature explorations and walks.
- Street food tasting.
- Cooking class and Tiramisù making + recipe
- Beauty care treatments + tips

What's Not Included

We can decide together under your personal suggestions what to include, if not listed in "what's included" list.

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Samantha • Oct 17, 2023

5.0

Verified

An amazing exploration of creativity and authenticity

Lu and Nora's art therapy retreat was perfect for supporting and deepening my spiritual journey. Through an exploration of creativity and vulnerability, I was able to better connect with my authenticity. The activities and schedule were perfectly tailored and adapted, so our time together felt meaningful, organic and productive. I could not have hoped for more, thank you :)