Villa Lena, Tuscany will remain open until November 2022 with an exciting Autumnal program, including an October botanical retreat
Villa Lena, the popular artist retreat and agriturismo in rural Tuscany, is delighted to announce that its autumn season will extend into November this year, with an exciting program of Autumnal activations, including a botanical themed retreat 13th - 17th October.
TRUFFLE SEASON AT VILLA LENA (21st September till end of October)
Truffle hunting at Villa Lena is the most anticipated Autumn activity. Much of Villa Lena’s 500 hectares estate is sunlit dappled woodland teeming with life, including wild boars and of course the forest's diamonds- tartufi bianchi.
These ancient woodlands of Palaia that surround the hilltop Villa are the setting for the Truffle hunt. An experience that is not only beautiful, but takes you to the heart of an important autumnal tradition in Tuscany, and joining the ‘silent hunt’ means that you are not only searching for some of the best white truffles in Tuscany, but doing so with the most sincere respect for nature.
Villa Lena will host guests for traditional truffle hunts helmed by the highly skilled agriculture team and Lagotto Romagnola dogs. There will also be the opportunity to experience fresh truffles in the best possible way; finely shaved over homemade Tuscan pasta, accompanied by a glass of Villa Lena’s own sparkling rosé.
OCTOBER BOTANICAL RETREAT (13th - 17th October)
This October, Villa Lena will host a creative retreat that celebrates autumnal glory, nature and botany. This 5-day Tuscan adventure offers the chance for guests to immerse themselves in a retreat that bridges the gap between art and nature. Retreat goers are invited to experience the poetic aesthetic of botany, the joy of natural perfume and exploring the art of foraged ceramics with workshops led by Evalie Wagner, Merle Bergers of Lingua Planta and Abbie Adams.
Guests will be housed in Villa Lena’s luxury rooms that offer breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills. Within the program of events there will be plenty of space to explore and enjoy some time to yourself and the facilities Villa Lena has to offer, including a heated pool and tranquil yoga studio.
OPPIDAN WEEK FOR HALF-TERM (24th - 28th October)
This October half-term, Villa Lena presents the perfect destination for families to escape into the Tuscan Hills. For the third year in a row, Villa Lena is teaming up with Oppidan Education and their tutors for a unique program of inspiring, dynamic and educational activities for children of all ages, leaving plenty of time for parents to relax and unwind.
Oppidan is a UK-based mentoring company that creates an exciting and educational camp for kids of all ages, in line with Oppidan’s main goal to take learning outside the classroom, with each day providing a unique program of games, challenges, and mentoring. Apart from the group activities, one-on-one tutoring will be available if a little confidence boost is necessary before returning to school. Creativity is at the heart of Villa Lena, with families being offered a unique, dynamic, and sun-filled autumnal holiday experience.
Activities for kids during Oppidan week will include:
- Monday – Code crack Orienteering
This is orienteering with a twist. You will need to bring your navigation, code cracking, riddle rocking and map reading skills to complete this mission.
A creative morning to set you up for the day. Create characters, stories, costumes and a full-blown play in just one day!
- Wednesday – The Game of the gods
A game of the gods. No child has ever completed it before. Can you be the first group to step up to the plate and finally beat the gods at her own game? This is a super fun game show run by Oppidans team to get the kids to think outside the box and bond.
- Thursday – Dragon Egg hunt
You think trick or treating is fun? Well, you should try the Dragon egg hunt. Now that is a fun way to spend a morning.
Well, hello all you mini Elon Musks. Welcome to my layer. Are you brave enough to bring your ground break ideas to our dragons and see if you can get them to bite?
All the best,
HALLOWEEN WEEK (24th - 31st October)
Villa Lena will embrace the spooky season with a thrilling and magical week planned at the Tuscan estate. Guests are invited to discover the Medieval origins of Toiano and the legends around San Michele. Activities during Halloween week include a spooky treasure hunt among Villa Lena’s extensive art collection, plus a dragon-themed ceramics workshop with artist in residence, Abbie Adams, followed by a fire pit ceremony.
Villa Lena’s Yogi in residence, Madeleine Auvinen, will provide manifestation workshops and oracle readings for a real paranormal experience. For the kids, there will be family pumpkin carving, plus adventurous activities such as a Dragon Egg Hunt organized by Oppidan Education Camp.
Guests will also be invited to travel to the past and taste the authentic delicacies by joining the ‘Medieval Feast’ on the eve of the 29th at Villa Lena’s destination restaurant, Osteria San Michele which will be followed by a ‘Lunch on Fire’ on the 30th, set by the Front Villa with a magical bonfire and a DJ set to close the season in style.