A Restorative Wellness Retreat at Oliveto Estate, Civitanova, Italy

Sunrise over the Adriatic from Villa Olivo.

From the moment we arrived, the retreat felt intentionally unhurried. After a long day of travel, we were welcomed with a cocktail and Italian snacks, and there was a shared sense of relief and quiet excitement among the group. It was the kind of arrival that immediately softened everyone and made it easy to step out of daily responsibilities and simply be present.

Pebble shoreline along the Adriatic Sea, Italy.

Days began with a morning workout in a light-filled studio overlooking the Adriatic Sea, starting on the second day and continuing through departure. What made these sessions feel special was the tone. Movement was guided without constant correction, creating a supportive atmosphere that felt grounding rather than performative. Each session flowed naturally into a fresh, farm-to-table brunch prepared by a private chef. One unexpected favorite quickly emerged: pasta for breakfast, affectionately dubbed “breakfast pasta,” which became a highlight of our mornings.

Exterior of the main villa. Soft places to reflect.

Evenings were equally thoughtful. Nightly chef-created meals were enjoyed together, unhurried and deeply satisfying. Between sessions, time was spent resting, walking through lavender fields, or using the on-site spa, which included a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Additional experiences such as a sound bath, candle making with a local artisan, selecting handmade Italian hats, and truffle hunting in a nearby town were woven in gently. The truffle outing ended with a relaxed meal featuring local dishes and wines, reinforcing the sense of place.

Wine making tour

Truffle hunting moment with the little hunter

What stayed with me most was how complete and supported the experience felt. Every detail, from movement and meals to logistics and downtime, removed the need to plan or manage. Women ranging from their twenties through their seventies attended, and the retreat held everyone with the same sense of ease. I left feeling clearer, more grounded, and better equipped to carry that care into everyday life. This retreat is especially well-suited for women seeking a reset that feels generous, thoughtful, and quietly transformative.

Olive harvest

Pasta making after truffle hunting

Travel to the area is straightforward. You can fly into several Italian airports and take the train to Civitanova Marche, with transportation to and from the station easily arranged. This makes arrival feel smooth, even after a long journey.

The town follows a traditional Italian rhythm, with many shops closing in the afternoon. This naturally becomes an ideal time for rest, spa treatments, or a massage. Spa practitioners are brought on site throughout the retreat for facials and massages, making it easy to build restoration into the day without leaving the estate.

If you’d like to explore beyond the retreat, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Both sandy and rocky beaches are nearby, each with a different feel, but reaching them requires a short drive. The concierge can also assist with arranging day experiences such as wine tastings and truffle hunting, all sourced through local producers and businesses.

While my experience was part of a retreat hosted by the M/Body team, the estate itself is available for other groups to host retreats as well. The property consists of two villas that can also be rented separately, making it a flexible option for wellness gatherings, small group travel, or private stays. I’m happy to help clients explore which set-up would be the best fit based on their travel goals.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.