The best locations for spiritual retreats in Tuscany
by
6 December 2018
If you want to spend some time relaxing, Tuscany is the right place for you. There are several hotels immersed in the green that will let their guests find a location for a spiritual retreat. In this article we’ll talk about the best four facilities for meditation.
Isola d’Elba, meditate in the middle of the Mediterranean
Hotel Santo Stefano is surrounded by the Mediterranean forest in spite of the fact that it’s 1km far from the seaside: it’s an ancient farmhouse in Portoferraio built on the top of a hill. Thanks to its privileged location it’s the perfect place for resting in tranquility in the middle of the nature. A lot of people choose this hotel for practicing yoga because of its offers: it provides the guests a Sivanada Yoga teacher for those who want to start this holistic discipline. The sessions take place among olive trees.
The choice of this type of yoga, less physical and more spiritual, matches perfectly the location which encourages reflection and contemplation. Beyond the possibility to practice yoga, the hotel provides other facilities and amenities for a total relax: it’s possible to walk in the forest with a guide or by yourself. In addition, you can learn some painting skills during the courses provided by the hotel.
Abbazia di Spineto as the perfect location for a spiritual retreat
With its 800 acres estate, its natural lake and over 1000 years of history, Abbazia di Spineto a Sarteano in Sarteano matches nature, peace and silence with spiritual moments and meditation. The abbey is at the border with Val d’Orcia, UNESCO heritage, which is a unique land far from the city chaos.
A spiritual retreat in the middle of Siena
The Hotel Alma Domus is not in the middle of the green, but it’s a great place for meditation anyway. It’s a religious building inside the Santuario di Santa Caterina. What surprises the most is the unbelievable silence despite the location, not far from Piazza del Campo: looking out from the balcony, guests can see the cathedral. The hotel is situated in an ancient emporium when in 1300 people used to make wool. It has 5 floors and it maintains some typical characteristics of the old workshop. Animals are forbidden in order to preserve the silence of the location that is often chosen by religious people for spiritual retreats. The Alma Domus is also the destination of pilgrims who want to walk the Via Francigena.
Chiara di Prumiano, where to find armony
The Chiara di Prumiano is not a classic hotel but it’s not even a simple bed&breakfast; its history and location make it one of the best facilities for spiritual retreats in Tuscany. It’s a villa built in ‘600 in the green between Florence and Siena. It’s located in Chianti, a silent place immersed in the nature. For this reason, the building has hosted also religious people beyond tourists. It maintains the original architecture but with some technological innovations that don’t disturb the natural context.
Immerse yourself in Rifugio Santicchio
Finally, a different option from the others. Rifugio Santicchio is located in Tuscany, near Arezzo. Guests are surrounded by beech woods that cover the entire area up till the Santuario di La Verna.
The Rifugio Santicchio is a typical farmhouse from the Middle Age. It used to be chosen by pilgrims walking along the via Major, nowadays it’s a destination for those who walk the Cammino di Assisi. Despite its simple style, Rifugio Santicchio is an excellence thanks to its privileged location, the beauty of the landscape and the spirituality. Beyond simplicity, comfort is an important point for the structure: rooms are well-finished and beds are comfortable. Guests can also enjoy a sauna, a swimming pool and a room with a fireplace where they can drink some herbal teas. The menu is made up of natural ingredients.
