Silhouettes of tall, narrow trees against a partly cloudy sky at dusk with the moon visible, and mist or fog near the horizon.

September 14–21, 2026

One Stitch At A Time

A Jivamukti Yoga Retreat in Tuscany

Yoga • Thermal Spa • Slow Fashion • Sacred Art in Siena

6 nights, 7 days
+ 1 day and 1 night in Siena

Colorful stained glass window depicting biblical scenes, surrounded by white statues on either side.

A lit candle next to a vase of purple and yellow flowers on a wooden surface with scattered crystals and rocks.

Reserve Your Spot

Silhouetted trees and a house against a cloudy sunset sky.

A group of people walking along a gravel pathway in a scenic outdoor setting with tall cypress trees and a stone building with shuttered windows on the left.

The Experience

A yoga retreat nestled within a historic 12th-century agricultural estate in the Province of Siena.

Devoted to deep immersion in yoga and holistic wellness, this year introduces a new contemplative practice: slow, intentional stitching as a form of meditation. Through daily yoga, reflections on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, quiet hand-stitching, rest beneath the Tuscan sun, and early-morning walking meditation, we reclaim the calm that everyday life scatters. As we unwind from strain and overwork, we shift from hustling for worth toward rooting ourselves in the quiet power of our own wisdom and truth.

The Facilitators

Mary Brown

Mary’s teaching draws from 22 years of active instruction supported by 30 years of study in anatomy and physiology as a holistic health practitioner, and enriched by her studies in Chinese medicine.
Yoga is where Mary finds her deepest sense of home and belonging so guiding others on retreats in Italy- where her ancestry is rooted and where she also feels a deep sense of place, comes naturally and brings her the greatest joy.
Her approach is rooted in the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga—Ahimsa (compassion), Bhakti (devotion), Dhyana (meditation), Nada (deep listening), and Shastra (study of ancient teachings).
She weaves ancient wisdom with contemporary practices offering an artful blend of movement, stillness, sound, philosophy, precise alignment cues, awareness practices, and deep rest.
Wendi Wagner

Wagner (RYT 500) has been teaching Movement, Yoga, and Somatic Practices since 1998. Her areas of research and focus include Polyvagal Theory and Vagus System Support; Mindfulness and Meditation; Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices; and The Yoga Sutra. Recently, she completed her RYT-500 with Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda. She is a graduate of Katie Silcox’s Shakti School and an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Mentor.
Wendi’s Academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Dance, Master of Liberal Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies (2002) and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance (2008). She was a Dance Educator in Roanoke City Schools from 1996-2016. From 2015-2020 she was a senior teacher in Uttara Yoga's 200 hour Teacher Training Program. Some of her most inspiring mentors include Indu Arora, Janet Evergreen, Ganesh Mohan, Gunther Niessen, Indra and A.G. Mohan, Katie Silcox, and Thomas DeFrantz.

A stone castle tower with battlements surrounded by tall cypress and other trees, with a rustic villa in front, under a clear blue sky.

Spannocchia: Retreat Location & Grounds

Situated in the Province of Siena, the retreat takes place at Spannocchia, a 1,100-acre historic agricultural estate just 30 minutes from Siena and 1.5 hours from Florence. The estate sits within the Alto Merse Reserve, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and cypress-lined hills.

A historic estate dating back to the 12th century, Spannocchia features ancient architecture—its tower, aristocratic villa, and beautifully restored farmhouses—creating an atmosphere that transports guests to another time.

Spannocchia is deeply committed to preserving its historic estate while championing sustainable living. The property produces certified organic olive oil and wine, and its vibrant vegetable garden—framed by fragrant herb beds and flourishing flower gardens—provides the freshest seasonal ingredients for authentic Tuscan cuisine. Rooted in tradition, Spannocchia honors the rhythms and rituals of Tuscan life, safeguarding them for generations to come.

Rows of leafy green vegetables growing in a garden with drip irrigation, foggy background with trees.

Meals and Nourishment

Meals at Spannocchia are a celebration of place and tradition. Classic Italian dishes are prepared with care using fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the estate. The kitchen, surrounded by blooming gardens, is a place of warmth and graciousness as the culinary team transforms these fresh offerings into abundant, lovingly crafted meals.

**All food sensitivities are accommodated.

Retreat Highlights

Stitching: Slow Fashion as Meditation

Cultivate mindfulness through slow, intentional hand stitching as you create a simple wearable garment. Set aside the familiar pull of busyness and let needle and thread guide you into a slower way of being. This zero-waste sewing project is accessible even for complete beginners.

You’ll leave with: a handmade garment, a reusable pattern, and a tangible reminder of your time in Tuscany.

Spannocchia offers a variety of cozy indoor and outdoor places to stitch. All materials and guidance provided.

**Please note that all activities are optional.

Retreat Highlights

Thermal Spa: Petrioli Springs

A rejuvenative afternoon at the Petrioli thermal spa invites you to slow down even further, helping dissolve travel weariness and fostering deep rest and contentment. Set amid the quiet Tuscan hills, the warm mineral-rich waters offer a soothing pause—an invitation to unwind, soften, and simply be.

**You may choose to schedule a wellness treatment or simply soak in the healing thermal waters. (Spannocchia also offers wellness treatments.)

Retreat Highlights

Day and Night In Siena

After dropping off your luggage at your hotel (transportation provided), our one-day, one-night journey in Siena begins with a visit to the city’s crowning jewel—the magnificent Cathedral—and the museums included in the OPA SI Pass. An authentic Italian lunch in the iconic Piazza del Campo follows, offering time to savor and reflect on our experience.

After lunch, we’ll officially check into our hotels and take a restorative pause to refresh. We’ll gather again in the late afternoon for an unhurried stroll through Siena’s car-free streets, soaking in medieval architecture and historic piazzas, or perhaps browsing small gift shops, indulging in gelato, or lingering over an espresso or glass of wine.

No day in Siena would be complete without visiting Basilica San Domenico, the church of St. Catherine, and wandering to the nearby Fortezza Medicea—a 16th-century fortress turned public park, with wide walking paths and sweeping views over the city.

We’ll conclude the day with a relaxing dinner, celebrating our last evening together in Tuscany.

On Monday morning, there will be a little time for a stroll before departing @11:00 to Florence SMN train station.