The Ember Within:
Ignite Your PASSION and PURPOSE in Iceland’s LAND of FIRE and ICE
MAY 7TH - 13TH 2026
You’re Invited…
La Dolce Vita Retreat was set in the scenic hills of Tuscany, Italy and offered a curated week in a dreamy, expansive 16th century villa.
On this retreat, our guests met other like minded women who were ready to fill their cup and be entirely taken care of from start to finish.
From our private chef preparing daily meals to a photo shoot with an award winning photographer, guests truly felt special.
Imagine…
Waking up to a breathtaking view of the Tuscan hills, surrounded by space, peace, and mind refreshing calm. Your morning coffee and breakfast is prepared for you; things are moving at an easy pace that Tuscany so perfectly delivers.
The day’s itinerary includes scenic beauty of Tuscany, delicious food, maybe lounging by the private pool, and the sweet life pace that the area embodies. Perhaps today is the day you’ll visit a local vineyard complete with a decadent food and wine pairing, or a day trip to Florence or charming Fiesole’s Amphitheater with an unrivaled view of Florence and it’s surroundings.
You end your day with a dinner prepared by a private chef, laughs in the spectacular villa garden or one of the gorgeous indoor sitting rooms, and retire to your room feeling blissful, yet awakened.
Who is this for?
La Dolce Vita retreat is for the woman who embraces that she is worthy of time for herself, pampering, and pure relaxation.
She’s grateful for the life she’s created, but is in need of overdue self care and is ready to experience a week of the sweet life in Italy with a small group of other like-minded women.
Our ITINERARY
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May 4, 2025: Arrival in Italy
Check in to our stunning 16th century villa and take in the views.
Private Welcome Reception & Dinner.
Evening breath and meditation session (to calm the nervous system post travel).
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May 5, 2025: Relax and Unwind
Wake when you’re ready and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our private chef.
Optional mid morning Energetic practice (Yogalates) or just relax by the pool. Explore the area if you choose (the hamlet of Olmo is just a short walking distance away).
Light lunch prepared by our chef.
Massages for all attendees.
Evening: Lounging, laughing, music and a scrumptious dinner served.
Post dinner Yin practice.
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May 6, 2025: Vineyard Private Experience
Morning cafe/latte followed by late morning brunch prepared by our chef.
Morning Pilates (optional as always).
Afternoon - enjoy a private vineyard tour at the spectacular Tenuta Casanova. After our tour we will enjoy a ten course private dinner with wine pairing at Tenuta Casanova, timed perfectly at sunset. For more information, click here.
Spend the evening at leisure in the villa.
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May 7, 2025: Magical Day in Florence
Morning -Sunrise yoga, a light tasting of coffees, Italian pastries, and fruit.
Brunch prepared by our chef.
Late morning drive to Florence, spend the day shopping and/or visiting the sites at leisure (guidance and advice on where to shop and what to see will be offered); drivers provided.
Evening-Dinner in Florence at a restaurant of your choosing (this dinner is not included in the retreat package).
Return to our villa for relaxation, rest, and optional group circle breath work and sharing.
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May 8, 2025: Breathtaking Fiesole
Morning - Breakfast served by our chef
Morning Pilates
Late morning/early afternoon-travel to the hidden gem of Tuscany-Fiesole! We will explore ancient Roman ruins including the amphitheater. The stunning panoramic views will leave you in awe.
Evening-Late dinner at the villa.
For more information about Fiesole, click here.
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May 9, 2025: Cooking Class | Private Photo Shoot
Morning - breakfast served by our chef
Morning heart opening dynamic restorative practice coupled with Yogalates
Late morning - We will treat you to personal and private photos taken by our award winning photographer. Use the grounds and villa as you choose to capture magical images set against extraordinary backgrounds. If you desire, custom additional time and upgrade packages will be available. Click here to learn more about our photographer Ashleigh.
Afternoon: the group will take part in an exceptional private cooking class at the 12th century castle, Castello del Trebbio. Private dinner at the castle to follow.
Evening - Farewell dinner, Closing group practice (intention setting, transformative empowerment, and exchange of moments).
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May 10, 2025: Departure
Early breakfast buffet offerings followed by farewells. We will say our goodbyes and check out of the retreat villa in the morning.
Our HOME Away from HOME
Reserve Your SPACE
MAIN FLOOR
Master Suite
Private room with private ensuite bathroom, access to a wrap around deck, walk-in closet and vanity
*subject to service fees
$8999
PINK ROOM
Private Suite
Private room with private ensuite bathroom
LOFT
Private Suite
Private room with private ensuite bathroom, dressing room and seating area outside of room
*subject to service fees
$7999
*subject to service fees
$7999
BASEMENT
Private Suite
Private room with private ensuite bathroom
*subject to service fees
$7999
ASIAN ROOM
Private Room
Private room with shared bathroom and access to wrap around deck
*subject to service fees
$7777
BLUE ROOM
Private Room
Private room with shared bathroom and access to wrap around deck
*subject to service fees
$7777
MAIN FLOOR
Shared Suite
Two twin beds with private bathroom across the hall
*subject to service fees
$6999
BASEMENT
Shared Suite
Two twin beds with private ensuite bathroom
*subject to service fees
$6999
Meet THE TEAM
Sarah Mullen Hannett
Host and Founder
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Sarah Mullen Hannett, owner, founder, and host of The Wanderlust Retreats, is a world traveler and true wanderluster. She’s a Pilates instructor and Master Trainer who owns a Pilates studio in Reston, Virginia. There she brings her passion for fitness and wellness to others by teaching, supporting, and encouraging them down their path to better health.
Sarah understands the power of connection and believes in the transformative potential of women coming together to support and uplift one another. She understands deeply how overwhelming life can be as she journeys with one of her amazing sons through autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. It is in these communities that she has found comfort, strength, and forged friendships that will last a lifetime.
Whether you are seeking a transformative experience, a chance to reconnect with yourself, or an opportunity to form lifelong connections with like-minded women, Sarah looks forward to opening the doors to life balance, self appreciation, and inner strength at her retreats.
Jeanette Tachynsky
Coordinator
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Jeanette Tachynsky, is a multi passionate entrepreneur and founder of Embrace Retreats. As a Canadian, she currently resides in Ottawa, well that’s where she changes her suitcase, for now anyway.
Her passion for Event Management has allowed her to gain over 20 years of experience, collectively, as a Program Officer, Conference Planner, Hospitality Manager and Special Events Coordinator, International Retreat Planner and Host. She is always looking to excel in her career path and share her expertise as a leader, which allows her to express her existing skill set and gain new knowledge to share within the ever growing and developing wellness industry.
In addition to being a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance, Jeanette is also a meditation teacher and a Reiki Level 2 Practitioner. By fate she is an energy healer + medicine woman and shares these gifts when she feels called.
Her sense of humor, charismatic personality, and compassionate nature create an inviting environment for her students and clients. She holds space for those in her world to be their authentic selves; to be curious, to learn, to grow, to heal and to breathe.
Ashleigh Taylor
Photographer
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Ashleigh is a multi-award-winning photographer with a passion for capturing the essence of beauty, confidence, and joy in every woman.
Ashleigh is committed to making her clients shine in front of the camera, ensuring they see the best images of themselves.
Ashleigh’s photography has taken her around the globe—from the romantic landscapes of France, Italy & Ireland to the vibrant scenes of Egypt & Costa Rica, and throughout the mainland of the United States.
Ashleigh is excited to give you an empowering portrait experience in Italy so that you can look back at this time with fond memories and always remembering the powerful woman you are.
FAQ’s
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*Villa accommodations
*A private chef who will specially curate menus and prepare all breakfasts, five lunches, and five fabulous dinners.
*Daily maid service
*A private photo shoot with our award winning photographer at one or several locations
*A private tour and sunset dinner with wine pairing at a local vineyard
*Cooking class with an Italian chef
*Transportation to and from the day trip to Florence, Fiesole, vineyard, and the cooking class
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*airfare
*transportation to and from the villa (support and assistance booking will be available)
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Yes! You can pay in full or make a deposit and make payments spread out over 3-6 months (depending on when booking is confirmed).
Still have QUESTIONS?
Book a complimentary call with me to discuss the retreat further and see if it's a good fit for you.