Far Niente – Essential Happiness Retreat
in Marta's Home
Santa Maria del Guidice, Tuscany, Italy
September 21-28, 2018

Finding Santa Maria del Giudice was a heck of a gift, and the biggest gift of all was finding Marta's Guesthouse - and really, Marta, in this village I had never heard of. Some of you may remember the story. In case you don't --- here it is.

Some things are just meant to be, and within days of being wrapped in the warmth and beauty of this place, I knew I wanted to share it. I guess that after years of talking about "The Tuscan Villa" during my Lighten Up! class, I was bound to find one!

I warmly invite you to join me in Marta's home.

Picture
Marta's Guesthouse
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
I first landed in the small (small) village of Santa Maria del Guidice because I had found a very inexpensive Airbnb, and thought it would be a great place from which to explore Tuscany. I was correct in my estimation of the location,  even though the Airbnb turned out to be less than stellar.

Santa Maria is a gem of a place, and as I walked its streets, I often could not believe my luck. It is incredibly beautiful. Tiny streets, enough doors, shutters and cats to make your camera sigh in delight. Olive tree covered hills, a thousand year old church, and not a tourist in site.

When the sun goes down and the golden light hits the hills, there is nothing like it.

It is very quiet, very authentic, and there is very little "to do" until... we take the bus in one direction and end in Pisa or in the other direction and end up in Lucca!  That's right, twenty  minutes from this sleepy Tuscan village are two of the greatest cities in Tuscany. It is hard for me to believe that given its location it has remained so rustic, but it has - and let's not ruin it.
 THE COURSE
During our time together, I will share with you my “Essential Happiness Program."

The course is designed to challenge you as well as support you. Throughout the week, you will be guided towards discovering (or re-discovering) a new level of intimacy with your authentic self. You will  learn  simple and powerful tools to help you create a life that lines up with your "true you,"  tools which you will  be able to share with other people in your life, as well.

Increased levels of Creativity, Self Expression, Joy, Connection, and Calm Power are the by products of this intensive course.

Mostly, You will be reminded of the magic of life, and how to dance with it.

OUR HOME
Marta's Guesthouse,  in addition to being a Michelin award winning  lodging, is very much Marta's home. It is large, it is a bit exotic, it is comfortable, and I have sometimes felt as though I was part of a movie, while spending time there.

In addition to the house, the garden is a joy and it will be a perfect place for us to enjoy our yoga class, if the weather says it's ok.

For our pleasure, most breakfasts and lunches – as well as our welcome and goodbye dinners - will be prepared for us at home by Marta. Be ready to be delighted!

During our time off, we will be able to hike in the olive tree covered hills,  explore the beautiful and enchanting town of Lucca, or just relax at home.

Please note that Marta has three very sweet cats who come in and out of the house.


In order to maximize your bliss, as well as the assimilation of the work,
you are invited to participate in some movement sessions, including a yoga class.
TUITION & ROOMS
GROUND FLOOR:
SANTA MARIA COUPLE'S SUITE
A large bed, and your very own bathroom. For two people.
$3,740

FIRST FLOOR:
LUCCA & FIRENZE ROOMS
A nice queen bed just for you, your own bathroom and access to the terrace with a view of the hills 
$2,295

VIAREGGIO & CARRARA ROOMS
A queen bed of your own, as well as your own bathroom
$2,210

PISA ROOM
This is a small single room, with a twin bed, a toilet, and a  sink. Use the shared shower on second floor
$1,940

SECOND FLOOR:
VENEZIA ROOM
Three twin beds, with a shared bathroom on the landing.
$1,870 per person

VERONA ROOM
Two beds and shared bathroom on the landing.
$1,870 per person

VICENZA ROOM
One queen bed for one person, and a shared bath,
$2,040

There are two shared bathrooms on the second floor.
Your tuition includes:
- My full Essential Happiness Program, with a couple of extra surprises
- Seven nights in Marta's home
- Homemade prepared breakfasts and lunches on class days, as well as  two dinners.
- Yoga class

Mostly, it includes TRANSFORMATION.

Your tuition does not include:
- Transportation to and from the Retreat
- meals away from home
- alcohol
- any tour

- Receive a 10% discount when you complete your registration and payment by March 1st.
- Retreat alumni receive a 10% discount.
(both discounts cannot be combined)

Following your Retreat, and to maximize its benefits, I also offer a Post Retreat Coaching Package

Because the space is limited, we recommend you reserve your spot early, with your 50% deposit.

The balance is due 60 days before we leave. Please note that your deposit and your tuition are non refundable, although they may be transferable.

***We  recommend that you purchase travel insurance which covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and trip cancellation.***
As always, we have made sure to create a balance of class time and “play, rest or explore” time.
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore with our group or go out on your own, if you’d like.

My promise to you is that you will leave with a full heart, AND deeply altered.


“I would not have believed I could change my life in one short week. I did. It works. If you are unsure about attending, do it. You will not regret it, and you too will be amazed and grateful.”
The Essential Happiness Retreat is infused with both practical tools and magic. The combination is exceptionally unique and offers a life changing experience. Going back home with a full heart and a basket loaded with tools feels wonderful.

I truly love and am happy with myself. I didn’t know how much this Retreat could help me, but I knew something good was bound to happen. My primary reason for signing up was to fulfill a lifelong dream of returning to France. Anything I got out the Retreat would be the frosting on the cake. It was more than the best frosting, it was the whole cake and bakery shop.


A week in France, isolated from the maddening crowd, gave me a much needed opportunity for personal growth. Surrounded by beauty and like minded individuals, I was given a gift and now possess a fabulous array of tools to foray into everyday life! I am refreshed, realigned, and ready for anything life throws my way!


Sweet, beautiful, magic, full of laughter, ease, learning. A few tears, and deep, rich thought. Easy days and deep days at the villa. Sweet and exciting days out in the world. Trust and discovery, exploration and kindness. Newness, and beauty around every corner.
This was nothing short of life-changing. There are moments when you can say “this was me before, and this is me after,” and this Retreat is one of these times. I am leaving energized and of course - happy! Thank you, thank you.

If you are looking for the perfect balance of work and play, this Retreat is for you.Not only do you get to learn amazing, life-altering tools, you get a chance to practice them among the other participants who quickly feel like family. My toolbox and my heart are full.

Everything about this trip was thought provoking. Even on the fun day field trips, we talked about tools, and about how they directly applied. Thank you!

The Retreat is a time to be given powerful tools to lead a more authentic life. Learning and laughter, combined with comradery and friendship - in another culture - lay the ground work for magical change in your life.

An inspiring week. See the beauty of Southern France, relax at a lovely villa, and also gain new insights to make your life more full of purpose and joy. Maybe the best feedback as to how worthwhile I consider it to be, is that this my third Essential Happiness Retreat!
“ANYONE reading this. IT IS A LIFE CHANGER. Go. If you can, go.
Laura Lavigne sees life in a way that will pull you out of old patterns and WAKE YOU UP. Go.”