You are worth much more than your productivity
Imagine a day — no, a week — with no list of things 'to do', where your only task is to embrace the sweetness of doing nothing.
Time slows down as you rest under the Tuscan sun, listening to the hum of the cicadas, gaze melting into the terraced hillsides with their softly swaying olive trees. Sip a glass of Chianti in the courtyard, smell the scent of fresh rosemary on your fingertips, and surrender the impulse to be productive.
Every exhale is an invitation to let go, just be, turning presence into a masterpiece.
This is the sweetness of doing nothing.
It isn't laziness. It isn't lethargy. It is a sensual engagement with all that is. A deep, embodied appreciation of the beauty bursting open in the palm of your hands like a sun-ripened peach plucked right off the tree.
Il dolce far niente isn't really about doing nothing. It's about engaging fully with everything that you oh, so, intentionally choose to do.
'If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon
in a perfectly useless manner,
you have touched the art of truly living.'
Have you been feeling
Trapped in the relentless culture of hustle and grind?
Exhausted by the constant need to be doing a dozen different things at one time?
Over-Stimulated by the incessant onslaught of notifications, messages, and breaking news?
Disenchanted by the lack of reward for your years of self-sacrifice?
Do you identify as
a Creative missing that spark of inspiration due to chronic stress?
an Entrepreneur ready to call in more abundance and a healthier dance between life and business?
a Caregiver required to constantly prioritize the well-being of others over your own?
in Transition navigating a significant change in life — either do to sudden loss or sudden gain?
Are you ready to
Shift from Dreaming to Deciding
Growth requires a willingness to ease out of stagnant routine, identify what is misaligned, and welcome change like a spring breeze.
Embody your Beliefs
Invite the sweetness of the Tuscan countryside to seep into your soul one slow meander, soft sigh, and gentle sip at a time.
Nurture Belonging
Retire from the path of the solitary seeker. Bond with devoted practitioners and reaffirm the inherent value of simply being alive.
Be Surprised
Let life reveal its magic by setting aside expectations long enough for wonder and delight to arise spontaneously.
Experience the inexplicable bliss
of doing nothing at all.
Il Dolce Far Niente
a week of deep rediscovery through slowing down, growing quiet, and embracing the magic of every moment.
21- 27 June, 2027
Rufina, Tuscany, Italy
The sweetness of doing nothing
...or at least very little
prayers of the tradition
meditation
tantric yoga āsana
slow walks through the countryside
quiet time poolside
meals prepared and enjoyed in community
summer fruit harvest
exploration of medieval hilltop towns
horse riding through vineyards
wine tasting in a castle
sunset dinners
fireside ritual
another way to be
There is more to life than productivity, performance, and efficiency. The value of a day is not determined by how much 'doing' is crammed into it. A life well lived is marked by the way you feel and the feelings you've inspired in other people. These feelings come from sacred moments in time when you are fully present to yourself and your surroundings. When the world and your mind grow quiet enough for the magic to become apparent. When the senses are so attuned that your heart aches with the raw, tender, beauty of the world.
This is il dolce far niente.
Your Host & Guide
Natalie Backman
Tantric Yoga has given me a beautiful lens through which to experience myself — and the world. It has provided me both a belief in the inherent goodness of human beings, and a system of practice which transforms that belief into a lived reality.
I practice and teach this sacred system for the same reason — to help myself, and others, realize the gift of our humanity by laying claim to uncompromisable freedom and fulfillment that is everlasting.
Tantric Yoga is a spiritual path which requires our willing participation. It is something we do, as well as ascribe to. It asks us to take responsibility for our experience of life and gives us the tools to do so. This is how we determine the nature of our reality and become creators of our destiny.
As a teacher and guide I utilize Vishoka Meditation, Mantra Japa and recitation, Prāna oriented āsana, philosophical study, and community contemplation.
I have been practicing yoga for over twenty years and teaching for twelve. My teachers have been Tracee Stanley, Rod Stryker, and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. Everything I practice and share is from my personal embodiment of the philosophies and methodologies stewarded by the Himalayan Tradition. I hold the status of 500-hour E-RYT, which barely reflects the countless hours and years of continuous practice and study. I run both a 200 and a 300-hour virtual Tantric Yoga Teacher Training, guide virtual daily meditation sādhanās every other month, offer professional mentorship to fellow teachers as well as private guidance for dedicated students. I host retreats, workshops, and practice intensives around the world, though predominantly from my home in Tuscany, Italy.
My passion lies in empowering myself and others to take responsibility for our experience of life — to realize that we hold the power to create the life of our dreams or to stay stuck in our suffering. Tantric Yoga of Himalayan Tradition provides the means for joy and liberation. I would love to share my passion for this wisdom, the system, and the total-life benefits with you. Together we can heal not only ourselves, we can heal the world.
Together WE RISE.
Natalie is a devotee of the Himalayan Tradition guided by the wisdom and compassion of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait.
The Himalayan Tradition is an ancient, unbroken lineage of yoga, meditation, and spiritual philosophy originating from the masters of the Himalayan Mountains. It seamlessly unifies the practical system of Patanjali’s Yoga Sūtras, the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, and the practices and rituals of Tantra into a comprehensive path of self-realization. Rather than enforcing rigid dogmas, this lineage encourages us to 'love all, hate none — embrace all, exclude none'.
In the Himalayan Tradition, human birth is considered the greatest gift — and not realizing this gift, the greatest tragedy. The Tradition invites us to thoroughly explore our inner landscape while navigating the outer world through selfless service — fully engaging our humanity, while remaining untarnished by it.
We are a Śakta Tradition of the school of Śrī Vidyā — meaning we experience absolutely reality as a wise, compassionate, and ferociously loving — Divine Mother.
Jai Mā
Unrest gives way to Inner Peace
For many of us the idea of slowing down, growing quiet, becoming still sounds lovely in theory, but in practice can be completely terrifying.
This is a very common experience of the human psyche.
We are conditioned to numb ourselves from our feelings, distract ourselves from our thoughts, suppress our inner longings, chase external validation, and buy our way to happiness. The yogis and tantrikas have always known that all of that outward chasing and inner avoidance only creates greater restlessness.
It is the compassionate inward journey that eventually yields true and lasting peace.
What is the nature of this journey?
For me it includes Tantric āsana, Vishoka Meditation, tender and honest self-inquiry, simple rituals of devotion, and communion with the sacred through mantra japa and recitation.
la vita è bella
If you are looking for an action packed, Instagram-able overview of Italy — this is not what you are seeking.
If — instead — your soul craves a chance to
reset your inner rhythms to the steady hum of the cicadas
unfurl your bound up roots and commune with ancient oak and olive trees
unclench your shoulders and melt under the Tuscan summer sun
expose your tongue to the sumptuous sweetness of fruit and veggies fresh from the garden
snooze in the afternoon lulled by the stream running along the valley floor
sip and savor life rather than gulp it down
meet yourself in an entirely new way —
fully grounded, fully opened, fully rested, fully awake.
This retreat was designed especially for you.
be embraced by
The Magic of Tuscany
Excursions
Add-Ons for the Days You Desire An adventure
Some days you will be perfectly content to wander the property, curl up with a cappuccino and your favorite book, cuddle with the animals, and snooze in the sun.
Other days you may crave a bit more adventure!
For those days, I offer these — some of my favorite — local adventures.
Horse Riding through Olive Groves
Wine Tasting in a Local Castle
Picnic & Swim at a Nearby Waterfall
Pilgrimage to La Verna — Monastary of San Francesco
Hike through the Forests of Casentino or Camaldoli
Explore & Experience a Medieval Hilltop Town
If you wish to experience Florence, I highly recommend arriving to Tuscany early or extending your stay. It is a glorious city, but is a bit too hectic to be conducive with the nature and intent of this particular retreat.
Il Dolce Far Niente
Savor the Sweetness of Doing Nothing
In Tuscany
7 Nights | 21-27 June 2027
Rufina, Tuscany
Lodging, Food, Yoga & Meditation are all included.
Two room options | Shared and Single
Shared room cost — €1,600 *early bird
Single room cost — €2,000 *early bird
Shared room cost — €1,850 *price increase 1 January, 2027
Single room cost — €2,250 *price increase 1 January, 2027
€500 non refundable deposit to reserve your space
Early bird balance due 1 January, 2027
Regular price balance due 1 May, 2027
Retreat to the Healing Hills of Tuscany
La Fontaccia will be your home away from home for the week — a magical property with hundreds of olive trees and a beautifully restored stone farmhouse which has been in Elisabetta's family for centuries. My home is a short walk up the hill from La Fontaccia and that is where we will enjoy our daily practices, relaxing in the swimming pool, strolling through the forest, and connecting over long drawn out meals. Between La Fontaccia and our home — affectionately known as l'abraccio della Madre — you will have nearly 50 acres of Tuscan countryside to explore.
Occasionally we will venture out for intimate experiences with the people, history, land, and culture of Tuscany.
Agriturismo La Fontaccia
an Olive Farm with warm world-class hospitality
La Fontaccia | a few centuries ago, generations of men and women began building this place with stones taken from the outcropping rocks. Once upon a time La Fontaccia housed numerous farming families in the main house along with outbuildings such as stables and barns for the animals.
The house was surrounded by a large, sunny property terraced with high dry stone walls built with the hands of those who cultivated this land. This was a simple respectable life characterized by communion between humans and nature, with its times and seasons. Country life in this region has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, a tradition of hard work and delicious recipes invented with what nature and labor brought to the kitchen .
The farm first appears in the Florentine Land Registry of 1427. Somewhere between 1832 and 1835 it became known as Fontaccia, and finally La Fontaccia. Life on the farm evolved over the years, reaching its current form in 1923. It was the Second World War that forced its way into every home and farm, laying the foundation for epochal change. Reconstruction brought with it industrial progress and a new concept of well-being that attracted people to the big cities and led to the end of sharecropping. La Fontaccia, after years of gradual decline, was finally abandoned in the 1980s. In the same decade, Elisabetta and Samuele, were born in the city of Florence
Meet Elisabetta and Samuele
We discovered La Fontaccia while escaping the stress of the city, finding refuge in the only accessible part of the farm. A few parties with friends and the peace of nature convinced us that this place could be something more than a crumbling family property. The allure of the ivy-grown ruin and the wild nature encroaching on what were once tidy farmlands gave way to sorrow and nostalgia. Hence the idea of restoring this place to its full dignity was formed.The entire family has been involved, and with the help of the European Union, we began the renovation, striving to respect the original structure, forms, and materials, while incorporating new technologies capable of reducing environmental impact. We reclaimed the uncultivated land and planted new olive trees, reopening the farm. After years of work, we welcomed our first guests in 2014.
Born and raised in Florence, with urban habits and customs, we both enrolled in university — Economics for Elisabetta and Architecture for Samuele. During that time, we met and became a couple. Living in Tuscany, in families who have passed down regional recipes and dishes, means always having an idea of the countryside in mind. In many ways the rural world has always been present in the history of this city. Even today, many Florentine families have a house in the countryside, descendants of those who worked on the farms.
Give yourself something to look forward to
Take the first step toward reclaiming the sweetness in your life — or perhaps discovering it for the first time. This simple step may be the start of a journey toward a whole new way of being. Slow down. Breathe. And start visualizing yourself in beautiful Tuscany.
Reserve Your Room
In a world driven by productivity and hustle, il dolce far niente is a quiet rebellion. It invites us to choose to remove ourself from daily stress to enjoy life simply as it is.
Lean into the simple beauty and joy your soul is calling for.
Spaces for this intimate retreat are limited to keep it cozy.
Place your deposit of €500 to secure your space. Then choose to pay in full by 1 January, 2027 for the early bird price or by 1 May, for the normal price. Payment plan available.
Flexible Payment Plan Options
Secure your space with a €500 non-refundable deposit. Divide the remaining balance into monthly installments.
For early bird price — pay in full by 1 January 2027
For regular price — pay in full by 1 May 2027
Step 1 | Secure Space Pay €500 deposit
Step 2 | Monthly Installments Spread the remaining cost over equal monthly payments
Step 3 | Final Balance Complete final installment by
1 January, 2027 for early bird price
- or -
1 May, for regular price
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment
Why is the price in Euro?
With shifting conversions it is less stressful to navigate the euro than the USD. As all of my expenses for the retreat (lodging, food, rental cars, excursions) will be payable in euro, to keep it simple and consistent I ask that the retreat be paid at the current exchange rate of Euro and USD. The current exchange is 1.16 Euro to 1 USD. I use this conversion calendar, and you can, too!
How does the payment plan work?
First, to reserve your space, pay your deposit of €500 (payable via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo or WISE - CC is available but with an additional transaction fee). Then divide the balance into monthly payments which conclude either 1 January, 2027 — to lock in the early bird price, or 1 May, 2027 for the normal price.
For example — if you book a shared room and divide the payments between September through May, your plan would be
€1850 - €500 deposit = €1350 / 9 monthly installments = €150 / month *payments made on the 1st of every month.
How can I make my payments?
I am happy to receive payments through Zelle, Vemmo, PayPal or WISE. WISE is best for international transfers. Please select the option with minimal fees for transactions. Payment by credit card is available for 'payments in full' with an additional transaction fee. Once you choose to register, I will reach out and we will explore the best option for you — including optional payment plans.
Can I change my payment plan details later?Yes. While the final balance cutoff date is strictly fixed (1 January for early bird / 1 May for regular price) you can pay your remaining balance early or adjust your monthly automatic billing rate at any time by contacting me.
Travel to Tuscany
What airport should I fly into?
Book your flight into Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), which is the closest airport to the retreat venue. Alternatively, you can fly into Pisa International Airport (PSA), Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), or Fiumicino Airport in Rome (FCE) and take a train into Florence's Santa Maria Novella Train Station. You will be responsible for bringing yourself to the Rufina train station where you will be scooped up and driven to La Fontaccia. Transfer between the train station to La Fontaccia is included in the cost of the retreat on arrival and departure days (21 June and 27 June). If you plan to arrive early or leave late, individual transportation will be provided at an additional cost of €20.
How do I travel by public transit from Peretola Airport to Rufina?
The trip takes about 1 hour and consists of two straightforward legs —
-
Step 1 (Airport to Train Station): Board the T2 Tram Line directly outside the airport arrivals terminal. Ride it for about 20 minutes and exit at the Alamanni - Stazione Santa Maria Novella stop. Tickets cost €2.00 and must be purchased from the platform machines before boarding.
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Step 2 (Train Station to Rufina): Enter the Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) main station and board a direct Trenitalia Regionale (REG) train heading toward Rufina (Typically the final destination on that line is Borgo San Lorenzo). The direct train ride takes between 33 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €4.00.
Are local transfers within Tuscany included in the package?
Once you arrive at the train station in Rufina, all of your transportation is covered. You are responsible for your journey to that point, then we'll take over! We will travel in air-conditioned cars for our day trips to nearby medieval hilltop towns and the surrounding Rufina region.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Travelers from outside the EU/Schengen Area require a valid passport and may need an ETIAS travel authorization. I will send you a step-by-step European entry guide 6 months before departure.
Pro-tips for Train Travel in Italy
Ticket Validation | Paper tickets for the tram must be validated in the yellow or green stamping machines on the tram to avoid severe local transit fines.
Train Ticket Apps | I highly recommend using an app like Trainline to book all of your train tickets. You will avoid long lines, the need to validate your regional train tickets, and receive live updates.
Train Strikes | Italy does enjoy the occasional well-organized train strike. I will do my best to notify you of any pre-scheduled train strikes and provide a viable work-around. I do recommend planning in advance and I am very happy to help you navigate the system.
Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
We stay in a beautifully restored, historic countryside estate nestled in the hills of Rufina, a region world-renowned for its distinct Chianti wines. The property features authentic Tuscan stone architecture, panoramic views of the Sieve River Valley, acres of olive groves and forests to explore, an outdoor swimming pool (at my house), and dedicated spaces for our daily practice.
How does roommate matching work for the 'Shared Room' option?
If you travel alone and select a shared room, I will pair you with a fellow participant of the same gender whose personality and privacy preferences are similar to yours. I will also host a virtual meet-and-greet before the trip so you can get to know each other. You are welcome to request a specific roommate in advance.
Can I upgrade from a shared room to a private room later?
Upgrades depend entirely on availability. La Fontaccia has limited rooms and this retreat is quite popular, so I cannot guarantee availability. I highly recommend booking the Private Room tier immediately if you require privacy.
Can I arrive early or stay late?
Yes, absolutely, but I recommend making arrangements to do so as immediately as possible. June is a busy season for La Fontaccia, so their rooms fill well in advance. To guarantee that you can access the room you'll be staying in for the retreat either before or after the retreat itself, I will connect you immediately with Samuele and Elisabetta to arrange to extend your stay. Please note that anything outside of the retreat will come at an extra cost that is payable directly to La Fontaccia. If you plan to extend your stay by more than a couple of days, I highly recommend also renting a car as we are in the countryside and getting to local restaurants is a hilly journey. At La Fontaccia, breakfast is included in their daily rate, but dinner is not. Dinner is prepared approximately 3 times a week and you will need to communicate with Sam and Betta to be sure you are included in those offerings. They are delightful to work with, but prior and thorough communication will be required.
Is laundry available on the retreat?
Yes, La Fontaccia offers a laundry service at a very reasonable rate. They ask that you place your items in a bag with your name on it, leave it with them at breakfast, and you will receive the items back the following day.
Is it safe to drink the water and eat the food?
Absolutely. Tap water in Rufina is perfectly safe and clean to drink. Our farm-to-table meals are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients specializing in clean, nutritious, and predominantly vegetarian Tuscan countryside cuisine.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options are fully available. Please ensure you submit your dietary requirements to me with at least one week prior notice before the retreat begins so Elisabetta can prepare the menu accordingly. I will send a form in advance in which you can provide all of the pertinent details for your specific needs.
Practice & Physical Fitness
Do I need advanced yoga or meditation experience?
No, though if the retreat inspires you to commit more fully to your practice before arriving, that is great! I am very happy to meet you wherever you are in your practice, from absolute novice to advanced. Daily yoga and meditation will be curated for you, just a you are.
If you DO wish to develop your practice before arriving, I can either work with you privately or recommend group offerings to strengthen your physical yoga practice and/or meditation. These come at an additional cost, of course, but I can work with you to curate something that will make your experience on the retreat even more enjoyable and satisfying.
How physically demanding is this retreat?
This retreat requires mild to moderate physical fitness. You should be comfortable walking 1 to 2 miles through cobblestone streets, navigating inclined gravel paths and vineyard terrains in Rufina, climbing villa stairs, and standing during wine tastings.
What should I wear during the retreat?
Bring comfortable, breathable layers for yoga practice. For excursions, casual chic layers are ideal. Please note that modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is strictly required when entering historical churches and cathedrals in Florence and surrounding villages.
Payments, Cancellations & Safety
What is the cancellation policy?
The initial €500 deposit is non-refundable as it immediately secures your room, rental cars, etc for the retreat. Cancellations made at least 6 months prior to the retreat start date receive a 50% refund of the total cost, minus the non-refundable deposit. If I am able to replace you on the retreat, I can refund the total minus the deposit. This will be addressed on a case by case basis.
Is travel insurance required?
Comprehensive international travel insurance is strongly encouraged. To protect your investment, I highly recommend a policy that covers unexpected trip cancellations, flight delays, baggage loss, and international medical emergencies.
More Questions?
Please feel free to send any additional questions you currently have — prior to booking the retreat — by using the link below.
I will organize at an informational gathering / meet and greet via Zoom six months prior to the retreat and again one month prior. I am also happy to help you with your travel plans. I have developed some expertise when it comes to 'budget friendly travel' over the years.