CIAO A TUTTI SARDINIA CREATIVITY RETREAT
with Weatherly Stroh and Lizzie Larock
SOLD OUT
Join Us In Sardinia
It's time to download that Italian language app, bust out those art supplies collecting dust in the corner, renew your passport, and save your spot in the Ciao Tutti Creativity Retreat with Weatherly Stroh and Lizzie Larock.
May 2, 2024 - May 9, 2024
Inspiring, Relaxing and Nourishing
This is your invitation to a 7-night creativity retreat at La Belle Etoile, in Sardinia, Italy, May 2-9, 2024.
We have an extraordinary week planned at this absolute gem of a location on the Mediterranean that you do not want to miss.
Are you drooling, yet, just thinking about spending this kind of relaxing, inspiring, nourishing week in Lucca, Italy with us?
If You’ve Been Craving a Getaway With Creative, Funny, Warm & Welcoming People
... in Italy, then put down that biscotto and save your spot before they all book up (because our retreats fill up faster than a Ferrari).
We are Weatherly & Lizzie, your Art of Life retreat hosts, and we can't wait to have you join us!
(photos: This is Weatherly & Lizzie by the sea in Cinque Terre)
Picture Yourself Waking Up Here...
..for a relaxing, fulfilling and soul nourishing week of sketching, creative iPhone photography, mindfulness/positive psychology, daily yoga, a cooking class, wine tasting, decadent meals and a sailboat excursion, all from this villa on the Mediterranean Sea with a group of creative, funny and warm people.
If our last retreats are any indication, you'll never want to leave this dreamy setting or this lovely group of people.
Painting & Sketching
Learn how to bring a landscape (or little moments) to life in your travel journal or sketchbook with Weatherly.
If you've always wanted to play with paint or it's been a few decades since you've held a paintbrush, our Sardinian backdrop is the perfect place for you. This is for everyone (trust us, we even have hilariously funny arty ideas for those who don't "think" they're an artist).
You truly do not need any experience to enjoy this part of the retreat. Permission to play with the creatively forgiving and fun medium of travel painting and simple sketching.
If you're an advanced painter and want to join us, let your creative side run wild with Italian inspiration (it'll be everywhere!). Weatherly is there to teach you, encourage you and inspire you. But this retreat is for EVERYONE regardless of their skill levels.
Photography & Writing
In Lizzie's iPhone photography, positive psychology and creative writing/journaling workshops, you'll learn how to be more curious, present, joyful and in awe much more often, all life skills that you will definitely want to use long after you return home. And who doesn't want to know how to work all those camera buttons and features on an iphone?
This is the art of capturing everyday moments in the most creative and accessible way.
The writing workshops are loose and fun with just a little intentional time to reflect and see your everyday life through a new lens.
The Art of Slowing Down and Savoring
You'll be fluent in the art of slowing down and savoring by the end of this retreat with plenty of downtime for la dolce far niente (translation: the sweetness of doing absolutely nothing).
While the relaxation of most vacations rubs off at the airport returning home, at this retreat, you'll learn the positive psychology and wellbeing tips to thrive long after you're back to the busyness of daily life.
We'll sail along the scenic island of sardinia
along with daily yoga, an Italian cooking class, wine tasting & more.
While it's tempting to never leave our gorgeous villa, we will enjoy a beautiful sailboat ride along the rocky cliffs and calm seas.
Beautiful experiences will be brought right to our door with a flavorful cooking class at the villa with our private chef, daily gentle yoga classes either in the yoga studio or by the pool and an Italian (swearing?) lesson just for fun.
There are plenty of optional activities you can enjoy as well like horseback rides along the beach, hikes along the cliffs, photowalks along the sand dunes, plein air painting or shopping and dining in the adorable nearby beach towns.
The Retreat Itinerary
- Thursday: Arrival aperitivo & welcome dinner.
- Friday
8am: breakfast
9am: yoga
10am: creativity workshops (mix and match choices of watercolor or gouache painting, sketching, and mindful iPhone photography)
1pm: Italian buffet al fresco lunch
3:30pm: afternoon free for plein-air painting, photowalks, journaling, panoramic hikes, reading poolside, dips in the ocean, optional excursions, *massages and il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).
6pm wine tasting
8pm sunset dinner on the veranda - Saturday:
8am: breakfast
9am: yoga
10am: creativity workshops
1pm: Italian buffet al fresco lunch
3pm: optional excursions (ideas: horseback riding*, hikes, sand dunes, water sports)
8pm: Drinks and dinner at Farra Pizzeria (included) - Sunday:
8am breakfast
9am yoga
10am creativity workshops
1pm Italian buffet al fresco lunch
4pm shopping and exploring historic Cagliari (transportation included).
7pm: Dinner* out (join the group or dine out on your own) and enjoy the town. - Monday: (sailing day)
8am: breakfast
9am: yoga
10am: board the boat
13:00: lunch on the boat
4:00pm: back to the villa
6:30pm: aperitivo
7:30pm dinner - Tuesday:
8am: breakfast
9am: yoga
10am: creativity workshops
1pm: Italian buffet al fresco lunch
2pm: massage appointments, relaxation time.
5pm: pasta making class
7:00pm: dinner - Wednesday:
8am: breakfast
9am: yoga
10am: creativity workshops
1pm: Italian buffet al fresco lunch.
Afternoon free to hike, visit other beaches, shopping.
7pm: Aperitivo and Art of Life last night Pizza Party on the lower terrace at the wood fired pizza oven. Make your own or just enjoy! - Thursday:
Departure Day
*Massages, horseback riding, additional excursions into town, and the dinner out in Cagliari are at your own cost (and anything you do outside of the planned retreat itinerary), but can easily be arranged by the Villa La Belle Etoile concierge.
A Private Chef...
...a pizza party & a cooking class.
What would a week in Italy be without the most delicious local flavors? We have a private chef at our villa, delicious and decadent meals planned, plus plenty of free time to explore Sardinian cuisine on your own.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the retreat along with nightly wines and aperitivi.
About Sardinia
With over 1100 miles of coastline, Sardinia is a stunning island in the Mediterranean Sea, just off of mainland of Italy.
It has some of the best beaches in the world, but also mountains, quaint villages, interesting archaelogical sites and water sports galore!
Spring is the best time of year to visit Sardinia, as the weather is nice, but not too hot, and the summer crowds won't be there, but the best part is that spring is when all of the Sardinian flowers bloom and every corner comes alive with the most beautiful shades of color.
Sardinia is a Blue Zone!
Besides its many shades of turqoise waters, Sardinia is actually one of five blue zones in the entire world.
A blue zone is a rare geographic region where the population boasts living a much happier and healthier lifestyle than most other regions in the world with a large part of the population living to be 100 years old!
They attribute this extraordinary longevity to the Sardinians' healthy food, a relaxed lifestyle, walking, gardening, commitment to family and friends and the delicious local wine - Cannoneau!
How to get there
It's right off the coast of Italy and there are direct flights from major European cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome to the airport in Cagliari, Sardinia.
From the Cagliari airport, it's an easy jaunt to our villa. We even take care of the transportation from Cagliaria airport to the villa (at select times on arrival day) to make it even easier.
About Weatherly Stroh
Weatherly has been a full-time artist for 12 years now, but has had a lifelong fascination with Italy.
Having spent two semesters of college in Florence and a semester of graduate school outside of Perugia, she makes a point of returning each year to paint en-plein-air.
Sadly her Italian is terrible, though she is fully adept at ordering her favorite gelato with lots of hand gestures and a smile.
Her favorite time of the day is the siesta, a practice she brought home with her from college and has perfected in her Florida art studio when time allows.
About Lizzie Larock
Lizzie is a writer, photographer and positive-psychology based coach.
She teaches creativity, writing and photography workshops through her signature Life Feast mashup of curiosity, awe, mindfulness, wonder & photography. She's taught everyone from 8 year olds to 78 year olds, CEOs, lawyers, accountants (and anyone else who doesn't think they are creative) how to find beauty in the tiniest details of everyday life.
Her creative retreats in Colorado have included everything from axe throwing to soundbath healing to making photo mantras out of alphabet soup.
Lizzie speaks French (not much help in Tuscany), but adores Italy, and considers herself a lifelong pizzatarian with an adoration of homemade pasta being a very close second in her well-fed heart!
Torre Delle Stelle History
In 1963, Edith Pelgrims de Bigard from Belgium discovered a little fishing town. She fell in love with the crystal clear waters and serenity of the bay, and decided to build her new home there.
She bought the two bays and surrounding land and named the town ‘Torre Delle Stelle’ (‘Tower of the Stars’). She built the roads and put in the electrical and water system that helped shape the area.
Torre Delle Stelle (Tower of the Stars) has become a charming holiday escape surrounded by 2 sandy beaches. It's nestled between the crystal clear sea and the surrounding hills of Sardinia. The town has a few restaurants and a cute church. It's known as a beautiful, quaint summer village in between the capital city of Cagliari and the vacation town of Villasimius. Its ideal location makes it a respite from the hustle and bustle of busier areas.
Keeping with the celestial theme, the roads in Torre Delle Stelle are all named after constellations.
In her favorite spot in the bay of Gennemari, Edith decided to build Villa La Belle Etoile (‘The Beautiful Star’ in French).
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there's no forced family fun on this retreat. It's your masterpiece. Do as much or as little as you want. There are plenty of opportunities for both full participation and full relaxation. And all of the activities are for any level. You don't have to be a painter, a photographer, a writer or any kind of creative to enjoy this retreat. This retreat is designed to bring out the creative joy in EVERYONE! You just need curiosity and a craving to spend a week in Italy connecting to yourself and a group of wonderful people.
- Villa La Belle Etoile is located in the town of Torre Delle Stelle which is about 26 km from the Cagliari airport on the island of Sardinia.
Sardinia is just off of the coast of Italy.
Transportation to the villa is included in the retreat at set times on arrival day. There are many direct flights from major European cities to Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy). - If you're arriving outside of our group transportation times, the Villa Belle Etoile concierge can assist with your transportation arrangements.
- Plan on arriving before our welcome dinner and cocktail party on Thursday, May 2 and departing in the morning on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
- 7 nights in our fully staffed luxury private beachfront villa with air-conditioned rooms and wifi.
- Transfers (at select times on arrival day) to/from Cagliari Airport.
- Exclusive use of our villa, private infinity pool & grounds, sun-beds, umbrellas & beach chairs.
- Private beach access.
- Welcome cocktail reception & dinner.
- Daily yoga class including mats & props.
- Daily creativity workshops with Weatherly and Lizzie on painting, photography, writing and positive psychology. Travel sketch books, journals and painting supplies are also included. Please plan on using your smart phone for photography. You can bring your own DSLR, as well, though it is not necessary for our photography workshops.
- Afternoon fresh pasta cooking class with our private chef.
- Scenic hikes, use of paddle boards, snorkeling gear, pool floats, windsurfing gear.
- All alcohol and soft drinks at our villa.
- All meals at our villa prepared by our 5-star private chef using ingredients from their farm.
- Private boat sailing experience with lunch & swimming (we'll be picked up and dropped off right on our own beach!).
- Inspiring excursions to beautiful locations such as Cagliari & Villasimius, including transfers.
- Wine tasting evening.
- Last night Art of Life celebratory Pizza Party with a pizzaiolo.
- Daily maid service and pool towels.
- Fun, friendship, creativity, cuisine & camaraderie!
Meals:
All meals at the villa (including wine and soft drinks at dinner), one dinner at Farra Pizzeria in Torre Delle Stelle and our lunch on the beautiful boat day are included for 6 full days of the retreat (breakfast, lunch and dinner), evening aperitivi (wine, non-alcoholic beverages) is also included. Arrival day, May 2, is our welcome cocktail party and dinner (no breakfast or lunch that day). We take care of all the meals and wine/ drinks at the villa. Our dinner out in the town of Cagliari will be at your own expense (and any other meals you choose to have outside of our retreat). You can join the group for dinner that night or find a spot on your own.
7-nights of Accommodations:
Our retreat participants will be staying in Villa La Belle Etoile which has 10 ensuite bedrooms.
Single rooms will have a supplemental fee. If you are traveling with a friend or partner with whom you are sharing a room, just let us know. And if you'd like to be paired up with someone to share a room, but aren't traveling with a friend or partner, we can assist in finding you someone to share a room with. There are several single bedded rooms available, along with doubles, kings and even a few rooms that can accommodate up to 3 people (ask for special pricing for 3), everything is reserved on a first reserved basis. So book early to have the most flexible bedroom options!
- Airfare is not included
- Trip insurance is not included and is recommended. Here is a resource if you need one.
- Meals or excursions or additional art supplies aren't included. One dinner out in Cagliari on our excursion is not included.
- Transportation to and from the Cagliari airport is included at set times on arrival day. If you're arriving outside of our transportation times, you can take a taxi or car to Villa La Belle Etoile. Our villa concierge can assist with any arrangements.
- Massage treatments are not included, but will be arranged in advance and offered at the villa for your relaxation.
- Additional excursions such as horseback riding are not included, but can be arranged for you through the Villa La Belle Etoile concierge.
If you will already be in Italy complimentary transportation can be arranged for you from the Lucca train station to Casa Berti (a 20-min ride).
Plan on arriving sometime before dinner on Saturday, September 30, 2023 and departing by 10am on Saturday, Oct 7, 2023.
The per person inclusive retreat price is for shared accommodations and all included meals/drinks at the villa, excursions, workshops, sailboat excursion, transportation and everything already detailed on the inclusions page for our retreat.
All room choices are on a first reserved basis. Please let us know when making your deposit which room type you would like to reserve and, if it's still available, we will save that room type for you. If your first choice is not available, we'll let you know your options.
Our Italy retreats have sold out very quickly in the past, so don't delay. This is an absolutely stunning location for a creative and relaxing vacation you won't want to miss! We don't know when Art of Life retreats will be back in Sardinia, so sign up for this incredible experience at an absolutely ideal time of year for the area.
Luxury Rooms:
$5485.00/person for a shared luxury room with ensuite bathroom in the main villa.
Superior Rooms:
$5285.00/person for a shared luxury room with ensuite bathroom in the main villa.
Deluxe Rooms:
$5085/person for a shared luxury room with ensuite bathroom in the main villa.
**Three of the rooms in the main villa can accommodate up to 3 guests. If you have a party of 3, and want to share a room, ask us for special pricing for your group of 3.
*For a single occupancy luxury room in the main villa: price is $6985
*For a single occupancy superior room in the main villa: price is $6785
*For a single occupancy deluxe room in the main villa: price is $6585
$1500 non-refundable deposit due at booking, 50% of balance due by February 1, 2024. Final balance due by March 1, 2024. We accept all major credits cards as well as Zelle payments. All payments are non-refundable. Please get travel insurance.
To reserve your spot at this gorgeous retreat, a non refundable deposit of $1500.00 is due upon registration. Your card on file will be charged for 50% of the total retreat price on January 31, 2024. Your final balance will be charged on March 1, 2024. All payments are non-refundable after February 1, 2024.
Because cancellations require us to fill the workshop on short notice, there are no refunds on the initial $1500.00 deposit.
If you cancel after the non-refundable date of February 1, 2024 and we are able to find participants to fill your canceled spot at full price, then you will receive a refund (less the initial $1500.00 deposit) within two weeks of the workshop’s conclusion. All refunds are subject to a 4% processing fee.
**We recommend using trip insurance if you have concerns that you will need to cancel.
- Accommodations for 7 nights at Villa La Belle Etoile or Villa Petit Etoile.
- Painting, photography, writing and mindfulness/positive psychology workshops with Weatherly Stroh & Lizzie Larock
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinners, snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages included (during aperitivi and dinner at the villa) . One dinner out in Torre Delle Stelle at Farra Pizzeria is also included. One pasta making cooking class with our private chef is included, as well. *please note that one dinner out during our optional excursion to Cagliari is at your own expense (and any other meals you choose to enjoy outside of our retreat experience).
- Group Excursions to select beaches, hikes, and shopping areas (with transportation) included.
- Our beautiful sailing boat day with a lovely lunch is also included.
- Daily gentle yoga classes with our local Italian instructor are included.
- yoga mats, sketchbook/travel journals, painting supplies are all included. ***You do not need to bring a fancy camera, either (smart phone is perfect for what we'll be doing), but if you want to bring a DSLR for the photography workshops, that's wonderful, too!
The total price for the retreat will vary based on which accommodations you choose. Prices depend on if you're in a luxury, superior or deluxe room, if you're in the main villa or La Petite Etoile and if you're choosing to upgrade with a single accommodation supplement.
Please see the "What is the price" section for all of the options. They range from $5085/person for a shared deluxe room to $6985/person for a single luxury room.
Book soon for the most options!
Just send an email to: weatherlystroh@gmail.com or lizzie@larockstarcreative.com and we are happy to answer your questions.
How Do I Sign Up?
Wonderful! We can't wait to be in Sardinia with you!
Your non-refundable $1500.00 deposit will save your spot at the retreat. Click the button below to book. 50% of the final retreat price balance will be due by Feb 1, 2024 with remaining balance due by March 1, 2024.
Your total retreat price depends on which type of accommodations you choose.
Shared Luxury Rooms:
$5485.00/person in a shared luxury room with ensuite bathroom.
*single occupancy supplement $1500
Shared Superior Rooms:
$5285.00/person for a shared superior room with ensuite bathroom.
*single occupancy supplement $1500
Shared Deluxe Rooms:
$5085/person for a shared deluxe room with ensuite bathroom.
*single occupancy supplement $1500 SOLD OUT
The per person retreat price includes all of the meals, transportation, workshops, and excursions noted on this page (plus a few surprises).
Availability is limited and our retreats have sold out very quickly in the past, so don't delay.
Reserve your spot, today. Our Art of Life retreats are an experience you do not want to miss out on. We can't wait to have you join us.
