What is Respiro Italia?

Rooted in the Italian way of living — presence, beauty, rhythm, and connection — Respiro Italia invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and come back into relationship with your body, your life, and what matters most now.

This is a space created specifically for women in midlife — women navigating change, evolution, caregiving, career shifts, aging parents, identity, and the quiet (or loud) inner knowing that something more is calling.

At Respiro Italia, the days unfold intentionally. Mornings begin with movement and breath to awaken the body. Meals are shared slowly, around the table, with nourishing food and meaningful conversation. Afternoons offer spaciousness — time to rest, reflect, explore, or simply be. Evenings invite connection, laughter, and depth, without pressure or performance.

What makes Respiro Italia different is not just what we do — it’s how it feels.

It feels:
    •    Grounded, not rushed
    •    Elevated, yet deeply human
    •    Intimate, supportive, and safe
    •    Like there is always a seat for you at the table

Who is this retreat for?

Women seeking renewal, connection, and agency over their health—whether traveling solo, with friends, or stepping into a new chapter of life.

Here, women speak openly about longevity, health, purpose, family, careers, grief, joy, and what it means to create the next chapter with intention. Nothing needs to be fixed. Nothing needs to be proven. You arrive exactly as you are.

Respiro Italia is about radical agency over your well-being, honoring your body’s wisdom, and backcasting the life you want to live — not someday, but now.

You will leave feeling:
    •    Clearer in your body
    •    Calmer in your nervous system
    •    Reconnected to yourself
    •    Supported by meaningful community
    •    Inspired to carry this way of living home with you

Respiro Italia is a pause —
a breath —
and a return to what’s essential.

Can I come alone?

Yes. Many women arrive solo and leave with lifelong friendships. Connection is woven naturally into the experience.

What makes Respiro Italia different?

This is not a packed itinerary or a performance-based wellness retreat. Respiro Italia is spacious, soulful, science-informed, and designed for sustainable vitality.

What does a typical day look like?

If you’re slightly curious….heres a general overview of what the Spring Respiro Retreat will look like.

Since the sun rises a bit earlier in the spring, we’ll start the day with an opening intention-setting followed by a form of morning movement / Barre Flow / Jamie to ground and energize us.

There will be space built in for journaling, breaks, and longevity sessions : health : wellness before we gather for a beautiful brunch with our private chef.

Afternoons will be lightly curated for those who want a bit more adventure or creative play. The retreat will offer one optional experience each day—some guests may want to do them all, others might choose just a couple. It’s completely up to each person and how they want to balance activity with rest and relaxation (picture sipping espresso under the olive trees…).

In the evenings, if we’ve done a hike or a full day of activity, we may offer restorative movement before dinner. Dinner itself will be a curated experience by our private chef, enjoyed at the estate. Nights will be soft and low-key—think fire pit chats, light conversation, and a slower pace to match the later sunsets and the season’s rhythm.

Authentic Italian dishes will be prepared by a Michelin trained 5 star chef — and hands down was the highlight of our last retreat.

It’s all about personal balance and finding one own ideal schedule (naps are very welcome too!) the estate will offer in-house spa treatments as well (booked in advance if requested and has a hot tub / steam room / hot sauna / workout facilities.

What types of movement are offered?

Depending on the retreat you sign up for Barre, Yoga, Pilates, gentle movement, and optional restorative yoga—accessible and adaptable for all levels.

Do I need prior Barre, Yoga or Pilates experience?

Not at all. All sessions are welcoming, supportive, and modification-friendly.

Are there workshops?

Yes. Workshops integrate longevity, nourishment, mindset, and sustainable wellness practices you can take home.

What is the food experience like?

Seasonal, nourishing Italian cuisine prepared by a local  Michelin-trained chef—simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying. Light breakfast, Brunch and Dinner will be provided.

Will I Have Free Time?

Yes — and it’s intentional.

Each day at Respiro Italia is thoughtfully curated with movement, breathwork, nourishment, and meaningful conversation, while also honoring spaciousness. You will always have dedicated free time built into the schedule.

How you choose to spend that time is entirely yours. Some women rest by the pool, journal, or simply breathe in the Italian air. Others choose to explore the surroundings, enjoy the beach, or book a personalized experience through our concierge.

Think of Respiro Italia as the perfect balance between guided experience and personal freedom — curated, yet never rushed.

What Is the Pace of a Respiro Italia Retreat?

The pace is intentional, grounded, and aligned with the rhythm of Italy.

While each retreat has a gentle daily structure, the overall flow is unhurried and nourishing. Mornings invite clarity and movement, afternoons offer space and restoration, and evenings are designed for connection around the table.

We believe the pace of a retreat should reflect the energy of the place — and in Italy, that means presence, depth, and ease. Nothing is forced, and everything is an invitation.

If you’re wondering whether the pace is right for you, I’d love to connect and help you feel confident that this experience meets you exactly where you are.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes. Please share dietary requirements in advance. Mediterranean, vegan, pescatarian, gluten free.

Is alcohol served?

No alcohol is included in the retreat, however wine may be offered at select dinners. Participation is always optional. There is an Ala carte cantina to purchase your own wine if you choose to do so.

Where in Italy is the retreat held?

Le Marche region, selected for authenticity, beauty, and tranquility. Exact details are shared upon registration.

Are accommodations shared or private?

Both are available – upon checkout and confirmation. 

Is airfare included?

No. Guests are responsible for booking their own flights.

Is transportation provided once I arrive?

Unless included in an elevated off-site excursion  transportation is not included, however we will help accommodate upon request.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is highly recommended, however not required. Travel insurance is purchased independently.

How many women attend each retreat?

Groups are intentionally intimate—typically 10-15 women.

How Do I Reserve My Spot?

At Respiro Italia, alignment matters.

Before reserving your place, you will personally connect with Karen LaFond, Founder and Host of Respiro Italia. This conversation ensures that the retreat is a true win and match on both sides — energetically, emotionally, and experientially.

We encourage you to explore the website fully prior to your call. The site is designed to answer most logistical questions and provide a clear understanding of the elevated experience, flow, and intention behind Respiro Italia.

The personal call typically lasts approximately 30 minutes and is an open, exploratory conversation. During this time, Karen will:

    •    Walk you through the retreat agenda

    •    Answer any outstanding questions

    •    Ensure you fully understand what the Respiro Italia experience encompasses

    •    Share the retreat not just through details, but through the feeling and lived experience of a retreat member

Once you both feel aligned and in agreement, a deposit is required to secure your space.

The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the retreat.

Respiro Italia is intentionally curated, and each guest is thoughtfully welcomed. This ensures the experience, the group, and the journey feel expansive, supportive, and deeply aligned for everyone involved.

When is final payment due?

A non-refundable deposit secures your place. Full payment is due 90 before the retreat. Payments are nonrefundable due to intimate setting and elevated experiences that are booked well in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Deposits are non-refundable. No refunds are issued within 90 days of the retreat. See/read Policy and Waiver prior to booking.

What Kind of Accommodations Can I Expect?

Expect beautiful, boutique-style accommodations that feel both refined and welcoming.

We carefully select authentic Italian properties that prioritize comfort, elegance, and a sense of calm — places that invite you to exhale the moment you arrive. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed, communal spaces encourage connection, and every detail supports rest, renewal, and longevity.

This is not about excess — it’s about quality, intention, and feeling deeply cared for.

What should I pack?

A detailed packing guide will be provided closer to departure.

What will I leave with?

A restored nervous system, meaningful connections, practical longevity tools, and a renewed relationship with your future self.