“Dream” - Alba Retreat
9-13 April 2026, Villa Arniano, Tuscany
What you can expect
Join life coach, Claudia Guinness, for a long weekend in Tuscany designed to help you pause, reconnect, and remember the part of yourself that knows how to dream.
The theme of this retreat is to help you reconnect with your imagination.
Through thoughtfully curated activities and coaching workshops, you’ll rediscover what brings you joy, what you want for your future and how to take meaningful steps towards it in a grounded and realistic way.
Alba means dawn in Italian, and this retreat aims to recreate that early-morning feeling: the quiet moment before the world wakes up, when you’re still in a dreamlike state and can choose how you want to step into the day. At Alba we want to create that sense of space: a gentle step away from the intensity of daily life so you can hear yourself again.
At the heart of Alba is community. You’ll meet others on similar journeys, building friendships rooted in kindness, presence, fun, and vulnerability. It’s a chance to connect as people, not job titles, and enjoy the simplicity of being together in a beautiful place.
Accommodation: Stay in the beautiful Villa Arniano, Tuscany.
Incredible Italian Food: Savour meals that nourish your body, mind, and soul, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.
Transformative Coaching Workshops: Through guided sessions and creative exercises, we’ll explore what’s truly important to you, uncover your goals for the future, and identify how to align your daily life with your aspirations. These workshops will help you gain clarity, build confidence, and feel inspired to take meaningful action towards your dreams.
Cooking Lesson: Take part in a pasta-making class, where you’ll master authentic Italian techniques while having fun and getting hands on in the kitchen.
Movement classes: Enjoy classes to move your body mindfully and feel fully present in a beautiful setting.
Guided Walks: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, letting nature rejuvenate and inspire you.
Free Time: Whether you want to relax, journal, or wander through Arniano’s stunning surroundings, you’ll have time to unwind in your own way.
Fun Activities and Connection: Enjoy relaxed lunches, engaging dinners, and moments to simply hang out, share meaningful conversations and become part of a growing community.
Reimagine Your Tech Habits: Explore your relationship with technology by experimenting with phone free periods, noticing how stepping away from screens impacts your energy, creativity, and connection.
This is for anyone who
Wants to learn about themselves and uncover what brings them purpose and joy.
Feels ready to step away from busyness and recharge in a peaceful setting.
Wants to reconnect with their spark and dream about what might be possible next.
Is feeling stuck or uncertain about the future and wants to find a clearer, more hopeful direction.
Is looking to build meaningful connections.
Loves adventure, values presence, and enjoys movement and time spent in nature.
sample schedule
7:00am: Movement Class
8:30am: Breakfast
10:00am: Hike
1:00pm: Picnic Lunch
3:00pm: Dream Workshop
7:45pm Dinner
Room Prices
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Emperor-sized bed with views over the valley towards Montalcino. Private en suite bathroom with bath and separate shower
£2,800 sole occupancy
£2,600 early bird pricing until end of December
*This price is halved if you share with a friend.
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Luxury double bed with views over the valley towards Montalcino. Private en suite bathroom with shower only
£2,500 sole occupancy
£2,300 early bird pricing until end of December
*This price is halved if you share with a friend.
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Luxury double bed with views over the valley towards Montalcino. Private en suite bathroom with bath and separate shower
£2,600 sole occupancy
£2,400 early bird pricing until end of December
*This price is halved if you share with a friend.
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Luxury double bed with views of the olive grove. Use of large shared bathroom featuring bath and separate showercription
£2,300 sole occupancy
£2,100 early bird pricing until end of December
*This price is halved if you share with a friend.
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Luxury twin beds with views of the olive grove. Use of large shared bathroom featuring bath and separate shower
£1,300 per person
£1,100 early bird pricing until end of December
*Shared occupancy.
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Double four poster bed with views of the olive grove. Use of upstairs large shared bathroom featuring bath and separate shower.
£2,300 sole occupancy
£2,100 early bird pricing until end of December
*This price is halved if you share with a friend.
*All prices are full board, inclusive of accommodation, locally sourced meals, all drinks, coaching work, guided walks by mountain leader. Enquire below for further information.
“This retreat was more than I had even hoped for. It felt like a warm hug, a moment of rejuvenation, and also a jolt of inspiration. I came away with so much for Claudia and the space she held for us all. Her home is wildly beautiful so even just being in the environment felt like a gift, but the way she curated the retreat to guide you on a gentle journey of reflection and redirection was perfect. For me, the people are really what makes a ‘holiday’ and the people she attracted to this trip were all incredible. All so different, but each very open and kind and accomplished in their own ways, I learned so much from everyone. I’ve already recommended to many people in my network that they should join a future Alba Retreat, and maybe I’ll do so again myself! 10/10 experience!”
— Sade
“The Alba retreat in Tuscany was absolutely beautiful and life-changing! From the moment I arrived, Claudia made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. She, Henry and Ellie were the most incredible hosts—their warmth and hospitality created an atmosphere that felt like coming home. The house and setting were absolutely breathtaking. The guided sessions offered quality time and space to reflect, which inspired me to take real action in my life and live more aligned with my values. And somehow, amidst all that depth, there was still so much joy, fun, and laughter with everyone. The food was extraordinary—truly one of the highlights! What made this experience truly magical were the people. Everyone was so incredibly kind, warm, and open-hearted — from all walks of life, yet so much the same. The energy of the weekend was authentic and inspiring in a way that reminded me of all the beauty and goodness that exists in the world. I'm forever grateful for this experience. Somehow, Claudia has managed to create something so rare and special—an experience that's truly transformative and soul-nourishing. If you're looking for something real and meaningful, this is it.”
— Tayler
“What a beautiful place to take a breath. To connect with others, with nature, with yourself. I didn’t go with big questions, but rather an intention to pause and examine life to make sure that I was moving in the right direction. The guided exercises and the time spent in conversation with others brought me back to core values and what truly matters. And the exercises make you think of ways and tools to align daily life with that. But it was also just a lovely time- walking around the fields, collecting little treasures. Having amazing meals and wine with new friends (the actual MOST amazing food by Chef Ellie). Sitting by a cosy fire to read and write.”
— Ana
"After a circular hike in the Tuscan hills, we dressed for our closing evening, the villa buzzing with excitement. A fire was lit outside as we clinked glasses in honour of our brief but profoundly meaningful union that had delivered on its promise: the chance to rest and reconnect. Not a total reinvention of the self, more a soft reboot. Charged with optimism, we read our anonymous reflections out loud from scraps of paper. Mine was last: “How rare and beautiful it is that a group of strangers can come together and find the space to be themselves. Who could ask for more?”
Alex Barlow for Conde Nast Traveller
About Villa Arniano
Villa Arniano is a romantic and secluded traditional stone-and-brick Tuscan farmhouse that dates back to the 18th century, located just thirty minutes from Siena. Converted by a British interior designer, the villa embodies a perfect blend of grand bohemian chic and simple Italian style, designed to be a beautiful and comfortable home.
Nestled in a rolling landscape of green-black cypresses and picturesque hilltop villages, Villa Arniano offers panoramic views across the best of rural southern Tuscany. This idyllic setting is perfect for a relaxing stay, where guests will fall in love with the villa's charm and serene surroundings.
The elegant and chic interiors feature white-washed walls and ancient, characterful stone floors, marrying Italian grandeur with unpretentious relaxedness. The casual ease that graces the house is deeply welcoming, making it cosy and comfortable.
Villa Arniano truly offers a unique experience, combining elegance and comfort in a stunning rural setting that captures the essence of Tuscany's beauty and charm.
“I’m not sure what I expected when I headed off on Claudia’s retreat. I guess I imagined reading a few books and eating some good food. But it was so much more than I could have imagined - all I can say is I absolutely loved it. Everything about it. Of course the location and the house - but the people, the life coaching, the experiences were all something I will take with me in my life. I learnt so much about myself and others. I cried with laughter, felt love for my temporary family in the Tuscan hills and came home feeling lighter and content. I made some real changes in my life, that I have kept to and have made a huge difference. Do yourself a favour, book it book it, you won’t regret it.”
— Helen
“I had the most amazing time on The Alba Retreat, it truly exceeded all my expectations. The experience gave me the chance to pause, reflect, and gain a deeper understanding of myself in ways I hadn’t imagined. One of the most powerful aspects was connecting with others on the same journey, learning from their stories, sharing insights, and feeling genuinely supported throughout. And to top it all off, we were surrounded by the most stunning natural beauty, which made every moment feel even more grounding and special. I came away feeling recharged, inspired, and so grateful for the experience. Thank you Claudia & the Alba Community.”
— Lu
“Attending the retreat was a transformative experience. I arrived feeling burnout and stuck and unsure of my next steps. The supportive community, expert guidance and coaching workshops helped me reconnect with my purpose and gain clarity. Nestled away, surrounded by the rolling hills of Siena, I was able to slow down, unwind and reconnect with myself, as well as others in a warm and nurturing environment. I left feeling re-energised and hopeful to create meaningful change in my life. I can't recommend this retreat highly enough; it was truly life-changing.”
— Emily
From within Europe fly to Florence or Pisa. A taxi from Florence to Arniano costs €220 and takes 1.5 hours. Pisa is 2 hours away.
From the US and rest of the world fly to Rome. A taxi from Rome to Arniano costs €450 and takes 3 hours.
We recommend hiring a car and sharing with other guests. Or you can catch the train to our nearest town of Buonconvento from where we will collect you. Train schedules are on Trenitalia and Trainline.
How to get there.
