"The art of the Italians is in beauty" - Kahlil Gibran
Bella Figura (ˈbel-lə-fē-ˈgü-rä): Italian. Translation: beautiful figure.
Anyone you speak to will tell you there’s something special about Italia and her people. From the simplest meal to the way one carries themselves, beauty and pleasure are the primary focuses of the Italian lifestyle, and the heart of it is known as bella figura.
Translating to “beautiful figure,” bella figura is an Italian philosophy that promotes deep presence, self-care, and the simplicity of grace and delight. This way of life is about making every moment a pleasurable one that stimulates the five senses and leaves a lasting impression that uplifts and inspires. You know you’ve experienced bella figura when you notice the beauty in everything.
Bella Figura, the Spark Voyage inspired by this philosophy, is a co-creation of Paul Galloro and Meg Townsend’s adventures through Italy over the last three years. It is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure that allows you to surrender to the beauty of the country, embrace all it has to offer, and be completely nourished, mind, body, and soul.
Nestled somewhere within the rolling hills of Tuscany sits the most bio-diverse area of Italy, (and some would even say Europe) which will be the container of this experience. From mountains, to farmlands and former wetlands, the allure of this area is infinite and will captivate you at first glance. The Tuscan countryside is world-renowned for its magnificence and is ideal for enjoying the simplicity of life. This Land offers the opportunity to slow down and tune into the Italian pace of living as we bring together movement and mindfulness practices that allow our nervous system to rest and repair.
A major aspect of Bella Figura is the way we nourish our bodies. Through the high quality, delicious foods, our mealtime provides the optimal space for connection of the heart. Through the simple practice of enjoying the food we eat, you’ll find your inner landscape nourished on every level.
All are welcome. Come with an open heart and an open mind and the surrender to the beauty of Italia … one breath is all it takes.
A major aspect of Bella Figura is the way we nourish our bodies. Through the high quality, delicious foods, our mealtime provides the optimal space for connection of the heart. Through the simple practice of enjoying the food we eat, you’ll find your inner landscape nourished on every level.
All are welcome. Come with an open heart and an open mind and the surrender to the beauty of Italia … one breath is all it takes.
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bella figura includes:
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what's not included?
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**Upon receiving your deposit, we will send you an information packet that will include guidance on purchasing your flight
and how to get to Altopascio where we will begin and end our journey together!!**
and how to get to Altopascio where we will begin and end our journey together!!**
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Our Home in Tuscany: Villa Gourmet
Set in the countryside between Pisa and Florence, we make our home at Villa Gourmet, an 18th century Tuscan farmhouse, restored to the comforts of modern style. Some consider this to be one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany, yet it is tucked away from the
main tourist route, so you’ll find peace and quiet in and around our Tuscan home. The villa grounds boast an infinity salt-water pool, gorgeous gardens, a sun-deck, and many nooks to escape with your journal or a good book.
main tourist route, so you’ll find peace and quiet in and around our Tuscan home. The villa grounds boast an infinity salt-water pool, gorgeous gardens, a sun-deck, and many nooks to escape with your journal or a good book.
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Nourish Yourself
Any retreat experience in Italy must highlight phenomenal food. Tuscan cuisine, much like bella figura, is all about elegant simplicity. Using only the highest quality foods, you’ll be nourished with the freshest, highest quality food of the region. At Villa Gourmet, our meals are a family occasion. We have our own private chef, the amazingly talented Fabrizio Barghini, who will prepare the classic dishes of Italy that are crafted with the utmost precision and care. Fabrizio infuses every dish with his love for cooking and the joy he experiences in providing wholesome meals for his guests, you can taste it in every dish! We’ll also spend an afternoon in the kitchen with him learning all the secrets of making perfect Italian pasta. Be prepared for a fabulous evening as you tap into your inner chef and walk away with simple tips to take bella figura into your kitchen once you return home. If you’re wondering about tasting delicious Italian wines, the answer is yes! Wine is part of the Land in Italy, so if you’d like to mindfully experience a glass with your dinner, our host, Stefano Barghini, will have a selection of regional wines for purchase and you’re welcome to enjoy.
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bella figura
SPARK: BEAUTY
September 12-19, 2020
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Early Bird Pricing (ends April 15)
Double Room w/ shared bath: $2,297 (SOLD OUT) Double Room w/ private bath: $2,797 (SOLD OUT) Single Room w/ private bath $3,297 (SOLD OUT) |
Regular Pricing
Double Room w/ shared bath: $2,797 Double Room w/ private bath: $3,297 Single Room w/ private bath: $3,797 |
**ALL PRICES ARE IN USD**
Non-Refundable Deposit of $597 reserves your space
This Journey is SOLD OUT for 2020!!
Click the button below to be the first to know when we open registration for 2021!!
Non-Refundable Deposit of $597 reserves your space
This Journey is SOLD OUT for 2020!!
Click the button below to be the first to know when we open registration for 2021!!
YOUR TEACHERS
Meg TownsendMeg Townsend loves breathing in life to its fullest potential by traveling the world, exploring her creative gifts through singing and writing, going on photography adventures, dancing in thunderstorms, and teaching yoga. She first awakened to the power of travel and began her lifelong journey of falling in love with the world when venturing to Spain, France, and Ireland in high school. In the winter of 2014 after spending much time reflecting on how she wanted to deepen her teaching offerings, she began curating and guiding international yoga retreats. It's the aspect of her work she finds most rewarding.....seeing travelers transformed through their bold explorations of inner and outer worlds. Highlights from her travels include:
Meg’s yoga journey began at age 16 when she convinced her PhysEd teacher that class time would be better spent doing yoga in the locker room rather than attempting to sharpen her skills at basketball. For the next ten years she explored different styles of yoga and became enamored with the practice. Meg was invited to take part in her first yoga teacher training in 2008 and in 2010, met the teacher that introduced her to her bright, inner fire: Yogarupa Rod Stryker. She is forever grateful that these teachings altered the course of her life and is committed to serving the Sri Vidya Tantra lineage of the Himalayas through her practice and teaching. She has over 800 hrs of training in Hatha Yoga, Reiki, and Ayurveda. |
Paul GalloroPaul Galloro is a miracle worker. A miracle is defined as a shift in perception from fear to love, and he has made this shift in his life many times. One of the biggest shifts in his life happened after closing his yoga studio, selling his car, and packing up his belongings, and embarking on a three-month tour around the world to visit Italy, Thailand, and Australia. “It was like my own personal Divine Comedy, but in typical Paul fashion, I didn’t follow the format” he says about his experience. “I straight away arrived in heaven, tripped over myself and plummeted into the pits of hell where every fear of mine was used to beat me to a bloody pulp, and then somehow I dragged myself into limbo where I lay battered and completely bare.” At that point, Paul had to make a choice – to fold, or to choose Love.
The difference between a tourist and a traveller, according to Paul, is one comes to see and the other comes to Love. Here’s a few highlights of his time loving around the world:
Paul’s approach to lifestyle and wellness goes beyond the physical and is grounded in Spirit and Love. Being a lover of movement, he has trained in everything from cardio conditioning and functional strength to Pilates, hatha/vinyasa, Kundalini, and therapeutic yoga. The essence of his teaching is the true meaning of Namaste, which is an experience of our oneness. He teaches from a place of Love – love for (your)self and love for others – and every experience will help you connect to the truth of who you are. Spending time with Paul feels like being wrapped in a warm hug and will leave you sparkling long after your time together is done. |