Illuminare Retreat (2024)

30/01/2024

From the time you walk through the doors of your first Illuminare Retreat, I hope you feel it. The sense of calm. The feeling of every piece of your experience being thought out for you. A feeling of welcoming arms and a listening ear. The sense that you’re in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. The feeling that this time is for you.

As each day unfolds, your shoulders will loosen more and more. You may find yourself laughing harder than you have in a long time. You may find yourself tearing up. You’ll definitely find yourself eating something incredible & looking up or out to say “wowwwww” with amazement at the incredible world & culture around you.

My hope is that you leave each retreat feeing some level of renewal internally. Maybe you just needed time to collect your own thoughts away from the noises of “regular” life. It could be that you needed to get inspired - and what a better place to gather that inspiration. Or you simply needed a break - a break away from normal & into the extrodinary. Maybe it’s just to be taken care of for a week. To feel seen.

-

Photos by

27/01/2024

It’s been awhile since I’ve introduced myself here, and with lots of new faces around I thought it would be a good time to do so!  My name is Amanda & I’m the gal behind Illuminare Retreat. I’m a wife, mom of 4, and business owner in my 40s (my daughter often reminds me I’m “middle aged” now). I’ve spent close to 20 years as a professional photographer (and still am).

Illuminare began in 2018 as a retreat that (at the time) focused on helping creative business owners. It was a wonderful time, however in following my gut it quickly morphed into something vastly different.

Within a few years it became clear to me what my REAL passion was within Illuminare. And it was not in talking business with other business owners. It was in creating curated experiences for women overseas. Women who may be a business owner - but they also may be a stay at home mom. Or maybe working in the corporate world. Maybe freshly retired. Maybe newly divorced. Or maybe newly married. Maybe with children; Maybe without.  One thing was for sure: The women I most encountered in life NEEDED time for themselves. Whatever their situation was. A time not just to “get away” - but a time to focus on doing something just for them. A time to get inspired & encouraged in a beautiful setting. To be taken care of, spoiled, and surprized.

To arrive in a location not as so-and-so’s mom, or wife, or employee… but just as herself. Sans titles.

After a lifetime of travel around the world, a 2 decade career in the events industry, and as an empath who almost became a therapist - it’s no wonder that I am where I am.

It’s a gift to travel abroad with the women who sign up for my retreats. They come from all walks of life & ages. Many of whom would never have connected without this shared experience. And while they may come from different backgrounds, religions, political perspectives, income levels, and everything else that seems to divide us at home - for that glorious week abroad we set all of that aside. And we are just WOMEN. Women on our own personal journey, yet together in support and fun for a week of exploring.

So grateful to travel with you!

26/01/2024

Come on in, we’re so glad you’re here.

Stepping into our Spanish Villa is such a treat. We’re located directly across the street from Parque de Maria Luisa in Seville. It’s a stunning park full of lush palms, orange trees, vines, and Mediterranean pines. (Our rooftop - a great place for your morning coffee or evening nightcap - overlooks the park).

But back to inside our villa…. Our mansion (let’s call a spade a spade here) is nestled in a residential area just far away from the hustle and bustle to be quiet, while still close enough to walk almost anywhere. This comes in especially handy during your free time during the retreat where you can either relax at home (maybe take a stroll through “our” park) - or hop out into the town to wander through beautiful Seville (don’t forget there will be Christmas lights & Christmas markets!)

Aníbal González is the mastermind behind our villa. He also built the incredible Plaza de Espana, which is just a 10 minute walk from our villa. The plaza is one of the most beautiful ones in all of Europe in my opinion. The architecture and detail is just breathtaking.  It’s such a treat to know that the same brilliant mind that made that beautiful square also made our home for the retreat! The tile work in our villa is exactly what you’d hope to have at a home in Andalusia. A beautiful entryway leads to an incredible staircase up to most of the bedrooms in the villa, while downstairs has a gorgeous living room and dining room for relaxing and chatting over a Tinto de Verano with your new friends.

We have just a few spots left for this retreat & I can’t wait to see who snags them up! Read all the details at the link in bio.

22/01/2024

Here’s what we’ve got cookin’ this year!

We’re just a few months away from our first retreat of the year to Paris! We have a beautiful apartment in the Palais Royal in Paris - such a privileged spot. I’m currently elbows deep in planning all of the details for that retreat as it nears & it's going to be so good!!

In September, I have two back-to-back groups joining me in Puglia, in Southern Italy! There we are staying at a gorgeous (fully staffed) villa. We’ll explore this region and it's quaint towns together slowly, while also focusing on R&R time and enjoying the two pools on our private property (spritz by the pool, anyone?)

A few weeks after returning from that retreat, I’m hopping over to France to join our group in Provence! We’re at a stunning old farmhouse that is staffed by the nearby 5 star hotel. A great mixture of service yet privacy. We’ll bounce around the countryside to see the beautiful towns that make up what Provence is known well for. (Personally, I can’t wait for the markets & shopping some French antiques!)

Just a month after returning from that retreat, it’s time to go to Spain! We’re staying back in a fan-favorite villa. This home is a former Royal Palace, built by the most famous architect in this part of Spain. (Watching the local’s eyes light up when we tell them who made our private villa is for the week is pretty fun!). Here we’ll taste & see all that makes Seville “the gem of Spain” - all the while enjoying the Christmas markets! From the ancient architecture in the city to the escape into the woods (former retreat members know what I’m talking about)… this is a favorite retreat of mine.  What a year! I can’t wait to travel with so many new-to-me faces this year, while also having back again many, many past retreat friends! If you’d like to join us this year, there are just a few spots left for the retreat to Spain as it just opened last week! Everything else is sold out.

Considering 2025? The first two retreats for next year are already sold out. There will be more to launch for next year - likely will announce those this Spring.

xo & happy traveling!

20/01/2024

Join us as we explore the magical city of Seville... at Christmas time! Shop the holiday markets, take in the smell of roasted chestnuts, and then step into the largest Gothic church in the world. See the twinkling Christmas lights against the backdrop of the oldest royal palace in Europe that is still in use today. This and so much more.

Only a few spots remaining.

18/01/2024

"If you are not clicking book retreat immediately, you are missing out. I came on my first retreat, hoping to take in a beautiful, welcoming, adventurous -yet relaxing experience. I left not knowing how to travel again without Illuminare! The five star travel experience Amanda provides will have you questioning how you’ll ever plan another trip without her!
Book the trip, gain everything" 🤍
-Heather, Spain Retreat Attendee 2023

Thank you so much for such a kind review, Heather. 😭 Fun fact: While she was still in Spain on her first retreat, Heather booked her next retreat with us! Can’t wait to travel with her again this year!  WAITLIST: You have through today with exclusive access to take one of the final spots for Seville this December. Tomorrow the retreat will open up to the public! 
The link with the details is in your email. DMs are open for any questions. So excited for this one & the group we already have is such a great one! 🤩

Photos by my friend

17/01/2024

I took a group to Seville last October and when I tell you it was one of my favorite trips ever.... I can't express what a wonderful time we had. Not only is Seville simply STUNNING, but we're working again with our absolutely beautiful accommodations (a former royal palace - need I say more) AND my gem of a contact on the ground whom I promise you'll fall in love with as he helps lead us through some amazing day trips around to incredible secret gems.

Add to that - It's the beginning of the Christmas season! Seville has a beautiful Christmas Market (multiple actually) throughout the city. Picture the holiday lights, shopping in the Christmas Market stalls, the smell of roasted chestnuts around every bend.... and all in weather around 65 degrees. Pretty darn perfect.

This retreat pre-launched last night to the small group who listed their email addresses in a poll with me here on Instagram as being interested in this pop-up retreat offering ... and is already over half sold out this morning. 🤯

WAITLIST MEMBERS: This will show up in your inbox TODAY with the link to register so be on the lookout!

Eeek! So excited to break my own rules and add this to the 2024 retreat season. I'm so excited to get to travel with more of you this year, and show you the absolute GEM that is Seville 🤍

16/01/2024

Come sit with us.
A *new* 2024 retreat is launching soon. 🤩

Stay tuned.

14/12/2023

And just like that. 😅
THANK YOU to everyone who not only registered for these retreats, but also sent love, encouragement, and shared with their friends. It means so much!

Ladies- I'm SO thrilled to toast with this view and all of you! Cheers to what will be a wonderful retreat! 🥂

14/12/2023

Good news for a few people today... the Florence, Italy retreat has a few remaining spots and is now OPEN to the public for signups! Click the link in bio and scroll down to Florence, Jan 2025. Click the link in the comment section here for all the info and to register 🤍

13/12/2023

Well that was fast. The Porto retreat sold out in 30 min this morning. Can't wait to travel with this group of ladies!! Lots of new faces on this one - looking forward to meeting you all!

WAITLIST: there are FOUR spots left for Florence, Italy as of right now. An amazing retreat - can't wait to see who snags those final spots!

12/12/2023

WAITLIST: Doors open tomorrow at 9am EST. Which door will you choose?  
🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal: Accommodations: Immerse yourself in a 17th-century boutique hotel - old, rustic, and oozing charm!
 Adventure Awaits: Get ready to explore the hilly and picturesque streets of Porto, perfect for those who love a good walk.
 🍷 Wine Enthusiasts: A must for wine lovers! Experience the Douro Valley on a magical wine tour, with additional tastings in Porto.

⚠️ Not Your Cup of Tea if: ❌ Not up for lots of walking or in shape for hilly terrains. ❌ If you're not a wine aficionado, as wine is woven into the fabric of this retreat.

🇮🇹 Florence, Italy: Accommodations: Indulge in luxury with the best view of Ponte Vecchio from our stunning apartment.
 Leisurely Strolls: Enjoy exploring with a flatter terrain around the grounds of Florence, with a smaller, intimate group.
 🍝 Foodie's Delight: While wine is still on the menu (obviously), this retreat leans more towards delectable Tuscan cuisine.

⚠️ Not Your Cup of Tea if: ❌ You can’t cope with weather in the 50s ❌ Prefer a larger group dynamic or are not a fan of Italian delicacies.

Which One's Right for You? -Choose Porto if you're a wine enthusiast, love rustic charm, and are up for a walking adventure!
 -Opt for Florence if you're a foodie, enjoy smaller group settings, and desire a touch of luxury with your breathtaking views.

Remember, each retreat is crafted with unique experiences in mind. Each will be packed with fun & surprises.

Eeeek - can’t wait to see who joins these!

11/12/2023

Considering Porto? This one is for you!

A few reminders :
If you are a Waitlist member, you should have received two emails this weekend with the links to both retreats that are opening for registration this week. (Please check your junk mail if you missed these!). Please read through those links, there are lots of FAQs, and more detailed information there!

Registration will open at 9 AM EST on Wednesday, December 13. The link to register will be emailed to the waitlist at that time. The registration will then open to the general public at 9 AM on Thursday, the 14th.

I do expect these spots to move quickly, as there are very limited spots available.

please reach out with any questions at all! I am more than happy to help! ❤️

11/12/2023

Considering Florence? This one is for you!

A few reminders :
If you are a Waitlist member, you should have received two emails this weekend with the links to both retreats that are opening for registration this week. (Please check your junk mail if you missed these!). Please read through those links, there are lots of FAQs, and more detailed information there!

Registration will open at 9 AM EST on Wednesday, December 13. The link to register will be emailed to the waitlist at that time. The registration will then open to the general public at 9 AM on Thursday, the 14th.

I do expect these spots to move quickly, as there are very limited spots available.

please reach out with any questions at all! I am more than happy to help! ❤️

10/12/2023

My face sending out emails yesterday…. ;)

Yesterday I announced TWO new retreats that are opening for signups this Wednesday the 13th!  Up to this point, I’ve only launched one retreat at a time, but because these two retreats are so close in timeframe I wanted to open them at the same time. For those of you planning to join us, hopefully this helps you check them both out & make a decision on which is calling you!

A reminder that ALL of the information for these retreats has been sent to our waitlist as of yesterday. Please check your junk folder if you haven’t seen this email come through. This will open to the public for registration on the 14th.

Have questions while you’re deciding which is the right one for you? Keep tuned in here over the next few days while I share a little more info about each retreat AND know you can always email your questions over to me anytime! 
I can’t believe we’re already talking 2025 retreats, but it’s basically already 2024 (what?!) and I like to launch these a year in advance to give our ladies the most time to plan (especially those of you with kiddos - I understand that life well!), save, and pump yourself up to taking some serious time for YOU.

Photo by

09/12/2023

SURPRISE! 😍🎅🏼

Details & Registration coming soon....

(Again, waitlist will get first access)

08/12/2023

Dear Santa.... 😍

In January 2025 we are headed to the beautiful city of Florence Italy for a week of exploring the art and cuisine of this absolutely stunning town (in the silence of "down season" which means no crowds! 👏🏻)

Signups will launch SOON. As always, the waitlist will get "first dibs" so be sure to join that if you haven't already!

Can't wait to see who joins this one!

07/12/2023

We are getting VERY close to announcing our next retreat for signups! Here's what you need to know:

-2024 retreats are all fully booked

-The next retreat to be announced will be for early 2025

-Think of a normally bustling city quiet (just for us 😉). Experiencing the area like locals. Think cute coats and fashionable scarves. Think food. Think of more food. That's not enough. 🤤

-We will be limited to 9 guests in total. I anticipate those spots will go rather quickly

-Deposits will be $800

-There will be 2 guests to a room. Come with a friend, or make a new roommate friend with a fellow attendee!

More info to come soon. 💫

23/11/2023

THANKFUL. Waking up this Thanksgiving morning with so much gratitude.

Illuminare Retreats had 4 wonderful groups of ladies attend 4 amazing locations this year. Each retreat different than the next. From a luxurious villa in Tuscany, to adventuring through Southern Spain, to exploring the wine region along the Val d'Orcia in Italy, to suprised packed time in Rome.

I'm so grateful for these beautiful souls who have traveled with me this year (some more than once this year, too!). THANK YOU for trusting me, having great attitudes, and being willing to dive in wholeheartedly to the wild ride of exploration I've set out for you. Some of you joined these retreats already as a friend of mine, while many others I didn't know - or didn't know well - and I'm so thankful to now call you all friends.

A massive amount of gratitude as well for my partners abroad. Those who take such great care of my crew along the way, showing them the magic of your countries and showering us with kindness. Couldn't do any of this without each of you.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

22/11/2023

Day 5, Part Three: On the final evening of our retreat, once the ladies were done with their portraits & having a relaxed day at the villa - we went into party mode.

Cocktail hour was spent with an amazing band in our villa before dinner (which was of course delicious) over a stunning autumn-inspired tablescape. Then back to the living room for a little more (okay, a lot more) singing & dancing until sleep beckoned us one by one.

The perfect ending to a perfect retreat. Full of laughter, incredible food, new friendships, surprises around every corner, lingering relaxed evenings and adventure filled mornings.

Ladies, it was simply an honor to host you all. I couldn’t have imagined ending this year with another group. Thank you for making this retreat one for the books - and I can’t wait to see many of you on future retreats. D&B forever. Xo

Photos by our girl

22/11/2023

Day 5, Part Two: This post makes me so happy to make. It was such a joy for me to flip into photographer mode for just a bit to photograph portraits of each of my beautiful attendees!

- our villa home for the week - has been stayed in by royalty and rockstars. And as I told the attendees on day one, they are as well. Royalty to their kids. Rockstars to their spouses and friends. I wanted them to feel like that during their time with me.

Makeup by my friend

Photography by me-

21/11/2023

Day Five, Part One: On our last full day of the retreat, I surprised the ladies with a few fun things.

First up was bringing in a makeup artist from Rome. This day was so relaxing - we stayed at the villa the entire day. The ladies were glammed up for a beautiful outdoor lunch. Some spent their afternoon journaling or reading while others walked through the gardens.

Throughout the afternoon, I took portraits of each attendee. If you don't know, I've been a professional photographer for almost 20 years - but this is the first time I've included portraits for the guests at a retreat. I felt this villa experience called for them to all feel extra special.

Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 of this final (perfect) day.

Photos by my dear friend

21/11/2023

Day Four of the retreat was spent enjoying the sights of nearby Siena. Guests had free time to do a little shopping or relax with a spritz in a piazza. Many of course checked out Siena's incredible Duomo.

We learned so much about Siena's contradas from our tour guide before heading off to fill our bellies.

First up, a wine tasting in a Etruscan tomb... followed by a delicious dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Photos by

18/11/2023

Day Three, Part Two:
After a day spent hunting (and eating!) truffles, some of us decided to venture up the back of our villa's property.

Behind our villa, perched up on high, is a former hermitage. Around 300 (very rocky) steps lead to the top. The hike up requires a few stops for some of us (myself included) but the view from the top was well worth it. Looking back down at our villa and into the Tuscan countryside.

After a beautiful walk back down with the night sky showing off, we opted for cocktail hour and dinner inside PJ party style - wearing the beautiful robes.

We may have also traipsed around the property afterward on a ghost hunt.... 🤣 All in all, a wonderful day.

Photos by

15/11/2023

On Day 3, we left the villa early for a morning in the woods. We went truffle hunting (in the rain, it was such a vibe) with Massimo and his pup.

Massimo is an expert truffle hunter and taught us so much on what to look for in identifying fake truffle verses the (delicious) real deal.

We were lucky to find the treasured white truffle during our hunt, too!

Afterward, back to Massimo's truffle house for a cooking tutorial and (incredible) lunch by his family.

Photos by

14/11/2023

Day 2, Part Two: After a day at the castle looking at incredible art (and tasting the best art in Tuscany... 🍷) we arrived back to our villa for a painting class!

Our instructor Linda worked us through a watercolor class where the attendees showed their creative side. So many beautiful Tuscan landscapes! 😍

Our night was ended by cocktail hour followed by another perfect meal.

Photos by

13/11/2023

On the second day of our Tuscany retreat, I surprised the ladies with a visit to Italy's oldest winery (...and the second oldest in the world!)

There we were treated to a wine tasting in a private room in the castle (where typically guests aren't permitted).

We learned so much about the history of the property, the wines, and the family that has kept this going for 32 generations. (Our eyes are on a future Baroness! 💪)

Photos by

12/11/2023

Guests were welcomed on Day One with an aperitif in the gardens. Our property is packed full of stunning gems (a complete feast for the eyes). After cocktails and canapés, we went indoors for a little surprise gifting (I felt this trip called for Italian Luxury...)

We wrapped up some fireside chats and moves to the dining room. There we enjoyed an incredible dinner in our villa, made perfect by our private staff.

A wonderful retreat start day 🤍

Photos by

12/11/2023

We have arrived. (No, really... 😍)
Yesterday kicked off the Fall Tuscany retreat! Stay tuned for lots more....

Attendee journals and door tags designed by
Illuminare branding designed by

Photos by

26/10/2023

Day Six: The Camino, Part One

The Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, is an ancient network of trails that pilgrims have been walking for over a thousand years. “They” say that you don’t find the Camino, the Camino finds you.  It surely found me a few years back & made its way into my heart - beckoning me to come hit its trails. When putting together this particular retreat, I knew I needed to work in some time on the Camino.

So, for one day of the retreat, we walked the Via De La Plata in Southern Spain. Each attendee walked with something different in mind. Some hit the trail with no particular idea of what this day might mean to them, but left with something special & just for them building in their hearts.

As we began our journey, a rainbow appeared. What beautiful & symbolic timing. The trail would prove to be pretty magical in many ways for us. Combining literally perfect walking weather with incredible landscape. Ending in a very steep uphill climb to the end of our day’s journey. A challenging last few steps, but ones filled with purpose & a wonderful sense of satisfaction at the top.

Our incredible guide Manni (more to come on him in later posts) led the way as we got a tiny bite-sized taste of what “true” pilgrims do for days, weeks, or months on end as they walk the full Camino.

….More to come about this day in a Part Two post.

Photos by

Illuminare Retreat

30/01/2024

27/01/2024

26/01/2024

22/01/2024

20/01/2024

18/01/2024

17/01/2024

16/01/2024

14/12/2023

14/12/2023

13/12/2023

12/12/2023

11/12/2023

11/12/2023

10/12/2023

09/12/2023

08/12/2023

07/12/2023

23/11/2023

22/11/2023

22/11/2023

21/11/2023

21/11/2023

18/11/2023

15/11/2023

14/11/2023

13/11/2023

12/11/2023

12/11/2023

26/10/2023

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share