Good living retreats

06/12/2022

Flipping through my newest cookbook and excited to see some recipes from Le Marche. Can’t wait to cook the Lasagna con Asparagi during our April retreat!

06/11/2022

Our 2023 Trip Catalog is Live! We have three exciting trips to choose from - each with its own unique theme. Swipe to see where we are headed…

22/04/2022

“Thank you so much for all you do to make the retreat an absolute joy to be a part of!” - L.M. Sicily 2021 Guest

We work hard before and during our retreats to make sure our guests thoroughly enjoy their week with us. It’s incredibly gratifying when we receive feedback like this and we know that our work paid off and the trip was a success.

Come experience our hospitality and joy of our trips. Now booking Yoga in Puglia this Summer and Cooking in Sicily in the Fall. Link in Bio.

20/04/2022

Our itinerary for this summer’s Puglia trip is set and our newsletter subscribers got the first peek. (If you aren’t a subscriber hop up to the link in bio to sign up) Stay tuned in the coming days as we reveal all that we will be doing, seeing, eating and drinking while in Puglia.

27/03/2022

Have questions about our Yoga Retreat in Puglia? Join Cara Piscitello, Katie Davidson and Tiffany Brooks this Friday evening at Tiffany’s studio to get the full scoop while enjoying some delicious Italian snacks and wine. 🍷

More details and link to RSVP in bio 👆

25/03/2022

Join Goodliving for a weeklong Yoga retreat this June in Southern Italy.
luxe accommodations in a historic villa daily yoga with Katie Davidson, CIYT authentic Italian cuisine paired with local wines and classic cocktails adventures and excursions on land + sea rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

The cost of this all-inclusive* retreats starts at just $2850/person (quad occupancy) or $3450/ person (double occupancy).

*Accommodation plus all meals, snacks, drinks [including wine + cocktails], outings transportation to outings, yoga classes and applicable taxes are included. Price does not include airfare, transfers, trip insurance or massage.

11/03/2022

Aperitivo – the Italian practice of leisurely enjoying a drink and some small bites in the early evening before dinner is best enjoyed in a piazza with plenty of people watching. The intent of this pre-dinner snack is to ‘open the stomach’ in preparation for the evening meal. ⁠
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It’s a much more refined version of the typical American happy hour (no $4 pitchers or $1 wings!). Caffes and bars in Italy will always serve your early evening Spritz or G+T with, at the minimum, a trio of snacks in small bowls – typically chips, green olives and nuts. Some establishments go even further with elaborate buffets at the counter or plentiful boards of tiny panini, breadsticks, salumi, cheese, olives, etc. brought to your table. ⁠
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As a college student living in Florence, friends and I purposefully sought out the bars with the biggest aperitivo spread and, being the cheap students that we were, turned that into “free dinner”.⁠

09/03/2022

Happy International Women’s Day! 🌼Tiny, yellow mimosa flowers are traditionally given to celebrate la Festa della Donna in Italy, but they don’t exist here in the so these ranunculus (ranunculi? ranunculuses?) will have to do.

25/02/2022

A short glimpse of spring here in the PNW followed by a blast of cold weather and a dusting of snow has me dreaming of soaking up some sun at Italian beaches this summer.⁠
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Italians really know how to do beaches right. The classic ‘lido’ has everything you need for a perfect day spent seaside – lounge chairs, umbrellas, showers, cocktails, great beach fare and even roving shopkeepers selling everything from hats to jewelry and inflatable toys. ⁠
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To me, the biggest advantage is avoiding my least favorite part of a day at the beach – packing and carrying everything you’ll need. Just show up with a towel, sunscreen and your book and you’re set for the day – no schlepping coolers and bags and chairs!⁠
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Join us in Puglia this June to experience the beauty and luxury of the classic Italian lido. What could be better than an invigorating morning yoga class followed by a relaxing day at the beach? ⁠
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Now booking our week long Yoga Retreat in Puglia, Italy from 26 June – 2 July. Click link in bio for more info.⁠
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20/02/2022

Lecce Part 2 - Lunch! ⁠
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At midday, Trattoria le Zie is packed not with tourists but locals on their lunch breaks - a sign to me that the restaurant is the real deal. ⁠
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As the name suggests, the trattoria is run by several aunts, "le zie" who you will find in the kitchen cooking up traditional recipes common to the region of Puglia. On the menu you'll find classic orecchiette with red sauce and meatballs (probably the best meatballs I've ever had, ciceria e tria (a handmade pasta with chickpeas) and fave bean puree. All this delicious food is served a in one of two small dining rooms, each filled with simple wooden chairs, white cloth covered tables and walls covered with a collage of framed photos and paintings. Between the food, the atmosphere and the aunts in the kitchen, you really feel like you're dining in someone's home. ⁠
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Come experience Trattoria Le Zie this summer with us! We will be headed there as part of our June retreat. Now booking! Link in bio!⁠
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18/02/2022

In the heart of the Salento in southern Puglia lies the picturesque city of Lecce. Often coined “The Florence of the South”, Lecce is filled with stunning architectural gems. ⁠
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A day spent wandering the city’s streets leads one on a tour of impressive Baroque churches surrounded by stately palazzos and modest stone buildings. Ornate ironwork adorns stone facades and flowers spill over balconies. ⁠
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At the center of city sits an ancient Roman amphitheater, its semicircular footprint ringed by buildings that span centuries. ⁠
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Want to explore Lecce for yourself? We will be touring the city as part of our trip this June. Now booking! Link in bio!⁠
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#⁠traveltoitaly

09/02/2022

In honor of - Memories of Pizzas Past.⁠
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1 Plain tomato pizza somewhere in the hills of Campania⁠
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2 Zucchini + Tomato Sfincione from Maidda in Noto, Sicily⁠
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3 Classic Margherita in Naples⁠
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4 DIY pizza night at our Ostuni retreat⁠
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5 From the ancient ovens in Altuamura⁠
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6 Sausage + Peppers Pie and a White Clam Pie (with just garlic and oil - no cheese!) from the famous Pepe's in New Haven, CT⁠
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7 NJ classic slice from the Seaside Heights boardwalk⁠

21/01/2022

Thanks to for the lovely chat and sweet tea towel. I’m excited to collaborate on some art-focused retreats in the near future!

08/12/2021

This September we journey to Sicily for a true culinary adventure together with Kevin Morse of Cairnspring Mills. Throughout our week together we will travel throughout the Southeastern region of Sicily as we learn of the island’s rich agricultural history as the “Granary of the Mediterranean” and explore ancient varieties of wheat like Tuminia, Rossello and Mallorca. We will follow the wheat from field to mill to kitchen - learning and cooking together to create traditional pastas, breads and baked goods.
luxe accommodations in a fabulous villa daily outings to mills, farms, wineries, etc (itinerary TBD) authentic Italian meals prepared by Cara or enjoyed at restaurants, all paired with local wines + cocktails cooking classes + hands on experiences a lovely group of travel companions

The cost for this all-inclusive* retreat is $3450 per person (double occupancy in a shared room with either 1 king or 2 twin beds)

*Accommodation plus all meals, snacks, drinks (including wine + cocktails), outings, transportation to and from outings and applicable taxes are included. Price does not include airfare, transportation to/from villa at beginning and end of trip, trip insurance and personal incidentals. See website for full details.

07/12/2021

We are back to Puglia! Join Goodliving for a weeklong Yoga Retreat this June in Southern Italy.
luxe accommodations in a fabulous villa twice daily yoga practice with Katie Davidson, CIYT authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Cara, paired with local wines + cocktails adventures and excursions on land and sea rest, relaxation + rejuvenation

The cost for this all-inclusive* retreat is $3650 per person (double occupancy in a shared room) or $2850 per person (quadruple occupancy in a shared room).

*Accommodation plus all meals, snacks, drinks (including wine + cocktails), outings, transportation to outings, yoga classes applicable taxes are included. Price does not include airfare, transportation to/from villa at beginning and end of trip, trip insurance and personal incidentals. See website for full details.

13/07/2021

Fabio’s Farm | Part 2 - Dinner! After our walk through the fields and orchards, the sun dipped behind the farmhouse leaving our dinner table in comfortable shade. Annarella had been busy in the kitchen as we walked the farm and we were greeted with a plate of watermelon served with mint and lemon (I will never eat watermelon without lemon again!), tiny black plums, oil cured olives and more almonds - all from the farm. Then came grilled eggplant and zucchini and caciocavallo cheese with honey from Annarella’s hives. Then came fried eggplant cutlets before the main attraction - Pasta alla Norma. We sat and chatted until after dark, enjoying some more nero d’avola and a sweet treat from before finally saying our goodbyes and heading back to our apartment. It was such a fabulous night - thank you for hosting us and I can’t wait to come back in October!

30/06/2021

Pasta, pasta, pasta! Here on Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands it’s pasta with tomatoes, capers, eggplant, seafood and baked ricotta in various delicious combinations. Haven’t had a bad one yet!

29/06/2021

To (somewhat) escape the heat of the centro, we headed for the trees and shade in the gardens of the Villa Borghese fora piccolo picnic - amazing pecorino fresco, mortadella + salami, vegetables, crusty bread, chilled wine and of course ants 🐜🐜. Perfection.

27/06/2021

Buongiorno Roma! Colazione da Roscioli.

02/06/2021

Over the past year, two of the things I missed the most were cooking for people and traveling. Needless to say, I am VERY excited to have a goodliving retreat on the books for this fall!
SICILY October 3-9, 2021 | A relaxing and laid back week in an exquisite villa with daily yoga with .davidson , fabulous food, fantastic wine and great company!
Only 4 of 12 spots left! Message or email for details!

28/04/2021

Just over twenty years have passed since I last visited Sicily (hence these *real* photos from a film camera!). It is so very exciting to be plotting a return this summer - this time with kids in tow! We will revisit old favorites like Vulcano and Siracusa and have some new adventures exploring and scouting the beautiful Baroque city of Noto for a future retreat!

16/05/2020

One year ago we were in Puglia - staying at the dreamy , touring Alberobello with and enjoying so many wonderful meals with new friends. Even though the weather wasn’t cooperative (everyone we met apologized and said it was the worst May weather ever) we still all had an amazing and unforgettable trip. We should be preparing for our return this June, but COVID forced us to cancel our plans. Italy, we miss you! We will return as soon as we can! // Italia ci manca, torneremo il più presto possibile!

07/04/2020

Etta and friends have created their own newspaper to stay busy. Volume 2 went out today!

16/03/2020

It has been so beautiful and uplifting to see how the Italian people are gracefully accepting the stringent quarantine measures - singing from balconies and sharing rainbow covered messages of hope. May the rest of the world follow their example.

14/03/2020

02/02/2020

PUGLIA DAYDREAMS | PART 1
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One of the first things that struck me about Puglia, even before I first stepped foot in the region, was the landscape. I was amazed that hundred year old olive trees grew in neat grids in ancient groves alongside giant cacti. Come see for yourself this June.
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Now booking goodlivingretreats.com

@ Ostuni

15/12/2019

Red paper packages, tied up with string. ‘Tis the season for cooking, baking, making, wrapping and mailing.

14/12/2019

The Christmas preparations have begun! My family calls this honey and almond confection ‘torroncini’ though it is very different from the typical nougat-y ‘torrone’.
Slivered almonds are stirred with sugar and a few splashes of water before being “fried” in several inches of oil. Just as the nuts begin to brown, honey is added to the pot and everything starts to stick together and float to the surface. The mixture is then scooped out, pressed flat on some brown paper to drain and topped with sprinkles.

02/12/2019

CYBER WEEK SALE | Book before 12/7 and save $200 per person off our Puglia 2020 retreat! Link in bio.
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luxury villa
daily yoga
fabulous food + wine
seaside adventures
cultural explorations
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7 days + 6 nights this summer
6/28-7/4
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
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14/11/2019

to when this was the view from my kitchen window

05/11/2019

For Good Living Retreat’s first blog post, I share with you a family recipe that has been greatly enjoyed by everyone on our retreats. It was such a special experience for me to take this recipe ‘back to Italy’, where it originated, and share it with my guests. Recipe for Great Grandma’s Eggplant is on the blog. Link in bio!

02/11/2019

As fall is settling in nicely here in the with crisp, sunny days and cool, cozy nights, I find myself thinking back to the delicious fall flavors of Tuscany I enjoyed just a few short weeks ago.
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Fresh ovoli and porcini mushrooms with grana and crostini con lardo as part of a lovely food and wine pairing by and and ‘Crostata Rovinata’ - a lovely grape tart that, despite suffering a slight mishap, still managed to look and taste fabulous.

01/11/2019

YOGA IN PARADISE
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Iyengar Yoga Retreat
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
28 June - 4 July
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Join CIYT Katie Davidson and Good Living Retreats for 7 days and 6 night filled with daily yoga practice and fabulous local food and wine in Puglia.
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Enjoy luxury accommodations in an exquisitely restored villa with pool. Explore the region on culinary and cultural excursions to charming hilltop towns and beautiful beaches.

NOW BOOKING goodlivingretreats.com

@ Ostuni

23/10/2019

Looking back on our September Tuscany trip and sorting through the thousands of images has words like “surreal” and “magical” running through my head on repeat. This picture, taken on my last night at as part of an workshop (with bonus !) perfectly illustrates the surreal, magical and beautiful nature of Tuscany that we constantly found ourselves surrounded with.

11/09/2019

We are headed back to Puglia in June! Join us for a week of fabulous food and wine, daily yoga, and cultural and culinary excursions. June 28th to July 4th in Ostuni. 📷:

11/09/2019

So amazing. Vineyards of Poggio La Noce.

11/09/2019

Buona Mattina Firenze!