April 11 – 17, 2027
La Dogana · Lake Trasimeno · Umbria, Italy
Travel to Italy
With Taylor & Laraye
Offered by mother and daughter.
A week of slow days, morning movement, delicious food,
and the particular magic of the Italian countryside — shared with an incredible group of women.
A full indulgence of the senses, where you don't have to plan any of the details.
Come back to the beauty of life.
Come back to yourself.
Most of us are living overly busy, disconnected, and isolated lives. This retreat is an invitation to finally slow down long enough to let beauty sink in.
This retreat is for the woman who has been dreaming of Italy, or dreaming of going back. Who wants to experience something new, something beautiful, something authentic, but doesn't want to do it alone. Who wants to be surrounded by women who feel like home, in a place that feels like a dream.
A full indulgence of the senses, where you don't have to plan any of the details.
Six nights at La Dogana, a historic 4th-generation estate on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, on the ancient border of Umbria and Tuscany. Led by mother and daughter, LaRaye and Taylor, two women who know how to hold space, how to travel well, and how to make sure no one ever feels like a stranger at the table. A group of women gathering to experience Italy the way it was meant to be experienced. Slowly. Fully. Together.
Days built around the simplest, most nourishing things: food prepared with care, morning movement, afternoons exploring nearby villages, olive oil and wine tastings, pasta making classes, laughter around the table, rest and relaxation. A trip that asks nothing of you except to be present and sink in.
This is a week given entirely over to the kind of living that most of us only dream of. Intentional, deeply nourishing, slow, beautiful days in the Italian countryside.
This retreat is designed for women who hold a reverence for the earth, for beauty, for new experiences, for what it means to live fully alive. You will feel safe here, seen here, spending time with people who are genuinely trying to live well, and return home not just rested, but restored in the best possible way. And you will leave carrying something you cannot quite name…only that it has changed you, and you are grateful.
What this is
La Dogana, Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
La Dogana is a 19th-century historic estate resting along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, the ancient threshold between Umbria and Tuscany.
A fourth-generation villa, it has been lovingly held within the same family and is now run by the wonderful Lucia,
whose presence is felt in every thoughtful detail. Surrounded by 4,000 olive trees, the estate opens to a pool overlooking the lake, lush gardens, and cascading wisteria in bloom, all intentionally tended by a remarkable team of women. Each year, La Dogana produces its own organic olive oil by hand, while meals are prepared onsite using the freshest local ingredients, honoring the rhythms of the land.
Days unfold at a luxurious, unhurried pace. At La Dogana, time softens, and the experience feels nothing short of a dream.
Florence is where we will begin our adventure. We advise guests to arrive in Florence 2-3 days before we begin our time at La Dogana.
This way you can acclimate to the time change. We will also offer site seeing, hotels, and restaurant recommendations.
We will host a group dinner on April 10th in Florence.
During our time togehter we will explore the nearby villages of Cortona & Montepulciano.
Who We Are
Taylor
I often joke that I have so many places in this world I want to visit, yet I keep returning to Italy. Something about this country cracked me open. It's not just the breathtaking landscapes or the impossibly delicious food, though those alone would be enough. It's the commitment to family, to tradition, to place, to beauty, to community. It's the way a meal can last three hours. It’s the art of the morning cappucino and talking with your hands. It's the olio nuovo drizzled over toasted pane with a pinch of salt that somehow becomes the best thing you've ever eaten - because the ingredients are so alive, so full of tradition, infused with the spirit of the people and the place they come from.
Italy indulges every sense. Every bite, every sip, every landscape invites you to slow down and savor life. Immersing yourself in that kind of beauty nourishes the heart and deepens your sense of what is sacred. I feel the most embodied, happy, healthy, and connected when I am there, and I return as often as I possibly can, each time learning something new, and leaving a little more like my authentic self. Italy has taught me that true wealth lies in a life well-lived, and that when we slow down enough to actually be present for it, life becomes more abundant, more connected, more alive.
To bring other women into that experience feels like the highest privilege and my greatest dream.
By training I come from high-end hospitality and event production. By calling I am a retreat facilitator, seasonal cook, herbalist, flower essence practitioner, fitness expert, health coach, and student of living well. I grew up inside my mother's wellness space, Elan, in Marin, California, which means I have been beautifully shown how to hold space for women my entire life.
LaRaye
LaRaye has spent decades creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and free to return to themselves. As a movement teacher, personal trainer, business owner, mother, and wellness guide, her gift is presence - the rare ability to meet people exactly where they are and help them find their way back to their own bodies. Dynamic, powerful, and a natural leader, LaRaye has been an inspiration to countless women throughout her career. She is always the life of the party, her energy is infectious, her generosity is unmatched, and her dedication to fitness and wellbeing is the kind that moves people to change their own lives.
She is also Taylor's mother, which means their work together carries something that cannot be manufactured. A genuine love for each other, a shared language built over a lifetime, and the particular warmth that only comes from two people who are truly living out their purposes.
Traveling together is one of their greatest joys.
Italy is one of their favorite destinations.
Hosting this retreat together feels, to both of them, like the most natural thing in the world.
RETREAT WEEK SCHEDULE
Each retreat reveals itself in its own time.
While the heart of the experience remains intact, certain moments may gently shift in response to the people who gather, leaving room for serendipity, creative connection, and the natural rhythm of the days.
Day 111 April 2027
1.00 pm Pick up guests at Florence Santa Maria Novella train station
2.30 pm Stop at the supermarket before arriving in the venue
3.oo pm Guests arrival, apartment check-in
6.30 pm Welcome Dinner
Before bed grounding journaling practice / meditation
DAY 212 April 2027
7.45 - 9.00 am Morning movement & intention setting practice
9.00 - 9.30 am Breakfast
10.30 am Free time to settle into place: walk the grounds, relax by the pool, read, write.
We will also hold optional group activities during the afternoon.
7.30 pm Dinner
Before bed stretch
DAY 313 April 2027
8.00 - 9.00 am Morning movement
9.00 - 9.30 am Breakfast
10.30 - 4.30 pm Cortona town tour followed by olive oil mill visit and tasting
7.30 pm Dinner
Before bed group circle
DAY 414 April 2027
8.00 - 9.00 am Morning movement & journal practice
9.00 - 9.30 am Breakfast
10.30 am Visit into the venue small historic museum
11.00 am - 12.30 pm Cooking class with the chef: fresh pasta!
12.30 - 2.00 pm Lunch
Free time: swim, rest, walk the grounds, socialize, or alone time.
7.30 pm Dinner
Before bed group circle
DAY 515 April 2027
8.00 - 9.00 am Morning Movement
9.00 - 9.30 am Breakfast
10.30 - 5.30 pm Montepulciano town visit followed by Pienza second town visit
7.30 pm Dinner
Before bed stretch & journal reflection
DAY 616 April 2027
8.00 - 9.00 am Morning movement & gentle breath work
9.00 - 9.30 am Breakfast
10.30 - 4.00 pm Free time: optional E-bike tour, kayak at the lake, or hike
*Tarot by the pool with Taylor & Lucia
4.00 - 6.00 pm Walking tour to neighbor’s beautiful winery: visit and tasting
7.30 pm Dinner
Before bed final sit together/reflection/closing practice
DAY 717 April 2027
Final Breakfast
Bus shuttle departure to Florence Train Station
we reccommendArriving to Florence 2-3 days prior to heading to La Dogana.
We will offer places to visit, sight seeing, shopping, where to stay, and where to eat.
We will host a welcome aperitivo on April 1oth in Florence.
Limited Spots Available.
One of them could be yours.
April 11–17, 2027 at La Dogana ~ Lake Trasimeno, Italy
How To Reserve Your Place:
Step 1 — Secure your spot: $1,000 payment
A non-refundable $1,000 payment reserves your place at the retreat. Please note this payment is separate from and in addition to the accommodation costs outlined in Step 2 below.
Payment options:
— Venmo: @elanfitness
— Credit card via this link (please note a 3% processing fee applies to card payments)
Once your payment is received, you will get a confirmation email with next steps, including a Google Form to confirm your booking details and room preference. La Dogana will then take over coordination directly - handling your room booking and all additional payments from there.
Step 2 — Book your room directly with La Dogana
After your spot is secured, La Dogana will coordinate your accommodation booking directly with you. Room payments are made directly to La Dogana in euros, on the following schedule:
— 50% due at the time of booking
— Remaining 50% due in February 2027 (approximately 2 months before the retreat)
Room options:
Shared Bedroom in Shared Apartment: €2040
Private Bedroom (shared bathroom): €2340
Entire Apartment Option: €2640 per person
All accommodation payments are in euros and handled directly between you and La Dogana. Current exchange rates apply at the time of payment.
Due to the intimate nature of this gathering, your deposit is non-refundable, as it holds your place and represents our commitment to each other. We highly encourage purchasing travel insurance so that if life has other plans, you are fully protected.
Please also read through La Dogana’s Term’s & Conditions
Questions are welcome, reach out to Taylor for more information - info@thegoldenyarrow.com
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Premium lodging with high-quality amenities
6 nights accommodation in a shared or private apartment
6 breakfasts
6 dinners
3 lunches at the estate
1 aperitivo welcome in Florence on April 10th
Expert facilitation throughout the retreat
Guided morning movement practices, hiking, and meditations (optional but encouraged)
Evening rituals and reflective practices
Private transfers to and from the Florence train station
2 guided town visits with free time for exploration and shopping in Cortona and Montepulciano
Olive oil mill visit and tasting
Pasta cooking class
Wine tasting at a private winery
Exclusive use of the entire villa and its grounds
Spacious time for rest and integration
Heating and air conditioning
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Most apartments offer lake views, shared gardens, and access to the pool and dining area.
Guests have the choice of a private or shared apartment.
All the apartments include:
Kitchen: gas stove, dishes and cookware, cutlery and glasses (including wine glasses), small fridge, Italian moka (coffee pot), 100% natural and organic dish soap, one kitchen cloth and bin bags.
Bedrooms & bathrooms: bed linen, bathroom towels, toilet paper rolls, 100% natural and organic body soap and shampoo, extra pillows and blankets, a hair dryer (one per apartment).
More: a washbowl, drying rack, broom, dustpan, bucket and floor cloth. Heating is centralized and can be turned on upon request at reception. All windows have screens to prevent mosquitos.
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against any unexpected changes or cancellations.
Please note that airfare is not included, nor are any additional transfers outside of those specified in the package. The included transportation consists of the private transfers to and from La Dogana and the Florence train station.
Any travel arrangements or itinerary plans made outside of the scheduled retreat dates are the responsibility of each guest. Taylor is happy to assist in curating personalized itineraries for any travel before or after the retreat for an additional cost.
We recommend flying into Florence (FLR) directly, or into Rome (FCO) and taking the high-speed train to Florence - a scenic and easy 1.5 hour ride that is a beautiful introduction to Italy in itself.
We highly recommend arriving in Florence 2–3 days before April 11th to settle in, acclimate to the time change, and soak up the city before we head to the countryside together.
We are also hosting an optional welcome aperitivo in Florence on the evening of April 10th - a beautiful way to meet the group before the retreat officially begins. Details to follow, but plan to be in the city by 5pm on April 10th to participate.
The retreat officially begins the following day. La Dogana will be picking us all up as a group directly from Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station on the morning of April 11th, and will drop the group back at the station on April 17th at the end of our week together.
Guests will need to arrange their own accommodations for the evening of April 10th. We will provide a curated list of recommended places to stay, alongside details for the hosted welcome aperitivi in Florence that evening.
Guests should also plan for additional personal spending, including shopping, optional experiences such as an E bike or kayak rental, and any meals enjoyed off the estate while we are exploring the villages.
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April in Tuscany and Umbria is one of the most beautiful times to be in Italy. SPRING! The countryside is impossibly green, wildflowers are everywhere, and the weather is mild. Warm enough for long afternoons outside, cool enough in the evenings to want a glass of something red by the fire. Expect temperatures roughly between 50–75°F , with the occasional spring shower that only makes the wisteria smell more amazing.
What to bring:
Pack in layers - the days are lovely, but mornings and evenings carry a chill. Think linen and cotton for daytime, a light jacket or wrap for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes you genuinely love because you will be using them. A pair of nicer shoes for dinners out. A rain jacket that doesn't make you sad to carry. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat for afternoon walks through the olive groves, and a journal because you will want one.Leave room in your suitcase. You will want to bring things home!
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Yes! All dietary preferences, allergies, and relevant health considerations will be documented through a pre-trip intake form. This allows us to thoughtfully accommodate your needs and ensure a smooth, well-cared-for experience throughout the journey.
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We want to ensure that every guest can participate comfortably and fully enjoy the experience. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that a moderate level of physical mobility is recommended. Daily activities may include walking up to two miles, often on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets, as well as navigating stairs and gently sloped paths throughout the estate and surrounding towns.
The retreat will also include optional morning movement practices and gentle hiking excursions, all of which are encouraged but never required. Guests are always welcome to participate at a pace that feels best for them.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility or physical requirements, we encourage you to reach out prior to booking. We are happy to discuss whether this experience is the right fit for you and your needs.
For those seeking a more individualized pace, we are also happy to curate a personalized, concierge-style itinerary for a solo or private experience.
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A virtual orientation via Zoom will be held prior to departure to review trip details, answer questions, and help you prepare. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow travelers and step into the journey feeling informed and excited.
In advance of departure, we’ll also provide thoughtfully prepared to-do lists, packing guidance, and all essential details to ensure a smooth and well-supported experience.
Sink into the Art
Italian Slow Living
Let taylor Plan Your Trip
Many guests will arrive at the retreat having never been to Italy, or having only scratched the surface. If you would like to extend your trip before or after the retreat, or if Italy is calling you beyond this week, I am offering personalized Italy travel planning as an optional add-on service.
Having spent years traveling through Italy's regions, from the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside, to the food markets of Bologna, to the coastal villages of the Mediterranean, and beyond. I have developed the kind of knowledge that only comes from time, curiosity, and a genuine love for the place.
I know where to stay that feels like a secret. I know which family-run trattoria will change your life. I know the difference between the Italy that tourists see and the Italy that stays with you forever.
This is a personal service with no generic itineraries, everything is tailored to who you are, how you like to travel, and what you most want to feel.
What's included:
A personal consultation to understand your travel style and wishes
Custom day-by-day itinerary for your chosen regions
Curated hotel, agriturismo, and villa recommendations
Restaurant and dining guides - from the morning cappuccino, markets, family-run trattorias, to special occasion dinners
Hidden gems, local experiences, and best-kept secrets
Ongoing support and questions as your trip approaches
Interested? Reach out and let's talk about your Italy dream - info@thegoldenyarrow.com