Our Retreats
Graceful Explorers is a one-of-a-kind retreat designed for women who want to recharge, develop new skills, and challenge themselves in a supportive mountain setting. Over the course of seven days, you’ll experience a multi-day guided mountain trek, nature immersion, and reflective sessions designed to connect with your inner leader —all while surrounded by a group of inspiring, like-minded women.
This retreat combines physical challenges with some mountain education and light-touch leadership and coaching activities. You’ll learn mountain skills such as gear management, route planning and mountain awareness, whilst building confidence and self-reliance with every step. You’ll receive bespoke support to connect more deeply with yourself and your goals and to foster personal resilience.
Our 2025 Retreat Dates
Both our August and September retreats will take place at Villa Leonetti in n the heart of the Langhe in Piemonte and hiking in the Cuneo province of Northern Italy.
August 22 - 28, 2025
September 1 - 6, 2025
Note we required a minimum of 4 participants for each retreat for the event to proceed. We will confirm if the minimum is reached - at latest - 90 days before the start date to ensure you have time to make the appropriate travel arrangements.
Pricing
Our retreats are priced at €2495 per person, inclusive of shared 6 nights’ accommodation, meals and local transfers. See below for more details and exclusions.
Book before 15th April 2025 for a 15% Early Bird Discount
Come prepared to grow, recharge, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence to carry into your personal and professional life.
What does the week look like?
Day 1 Arrival & Welcome
You will arrive at Villa Leonetti, with time to get settled, and take a tour to discover all it has to offer. We will hold a short group session for introductions, and we will define collective intentions and share our individual motivations for the week.
Day 2 Settling In
We will start the day with optional morning yoga and mediation, followed by preparing your packs for the journey ahead. We will then go on a test hike filled with mountain education (how to pack, gear testing, mountain safety, etc). Our evening will include some time to relax by the pool, group lasagne making and a bonfire to close out our day.
Day 3 - 6 Expedition
After breakfast at the Villa, we will transfer to the trailhead (approx 1 hour) and start our multi-day hike in the Alpi Marittime located in the Cuneo province of Northern Italy. We will stay in authentic mountain huttes called rifugi for 3 nights, eating breakfast and dinners at the rifugi and having lunch on the mountain while hiking. We will have some time to reflect and journal together before the evening meal, and encourage participants to take time to reflect and relax each day. We will return to the Villa on the afternoon of Day 6, with time for one last group dinner at a local Osteria and some rest after our expedition.
Day 7 Close & Departure
After our last breakfast, we will hold a closing session to reflect on our journey as a group and individually, and say our goodbyes. Guests will depart late in the morning (transfers can be arranged).
This retreat isn’t just about hiking; you’ll learn about the mountains whilst exploring new horizons, both within yourself and in the world around you.
About you
Grateful Explorers Retreats are for women who:
Want a unique, empowering retreat experience in the stunning Italian mountains, combining adventure, leadership, coaching, and personal renewal.
Already enjoy nature and the outdoors, and regularly incorporate physical activity into their weekly routines.
Are eager to connect more deeply with the outdoors, and are excited to learn mountain skills like hiking preparation, gear management, and outdoor safety.
Want a balance of structured activities and restful moments, with daily opportunities for yoga, mindfulness, and reflection, alongside an adventurous multi-day mountain trek.
Value community and connection, and are looking forward to sharing experiences, challenges, and laughs with like-minded, adventurous individuals.
Are typically aged 30s to 60s but are united by their spirited, supportive, and open-minded approach to growth and adventure.
Who This Retreat Is Not For:
Those looking for an intense, physically demanding program focused on performance or competition.
Anyone seeking a highly regimented experience or restrictive approach to meals, activities, or relaxation.
Women uninterested in leadership development, mindfulness, or connecting with others in a group setting.
This retreat is designed for women who are ready to explore, grow, and embrace both the wild outside and the wild within—at their own pace and with plenty of support along the way.
What’s Included?
6 nights’ shared accommodation: 3 nights at Villa Leonetti with access to the pool, yoga studio and fire pit, and 3 nights at Italian mountain huts. Please note that a single supplement is available at Villa Leonetti - please contact us for more details.
All meals during the stay, starting with dinner on Day 1 and breakfast and a packed lunch on Day 7. Some wine will be provided with evening meals at Villa Leonetti.
Transfers to / from Alessandria, and all required transport during the retreat.
Yoga, meditation and daily guided reflection / journaling sessions.
Group preparation session before departure (via Zoom).
Bespoke coaching during retreat and on trail.
What’s Not Included?
International flights or trains to / from Italy.
Transfers to Alessandria - please let us know if you need help arranging transport from your arrival airport or train station. Public transport options are available, as are private transfers.
Required gear for the expedition, such as backpacks or waterproof jackets. We will provide you with a gear list before departure to help you prepare.
Additional snacks for the expedition - make sure to bring your own favourite trail treat for hiking. If you would like more substantial lunches on the trail you can request and purchase sandwiches to be made at the rifugi.
Wine and beer are available to purchase with dinner at the rifugi.