the retreat

the retreat印象

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  jungleprincess11

  I recently had the pleasure of attending a week-long painting holiday in Poppi, a beautiful and charming town in Tuscany. The program is offered by John and Jana, who own The Retreat (a separate facility in a different location in Force, Italy). The Tuscany trip was wonderful from beginning to end. Our group of 5 people (not including John, the instructor) stayed in a lovely little hotel called Albergo San Lorenzo, which had magnificent gardens and views of the Tuscan landscape. (I have reviewed the Albergo separately.) We ate like royalty -- the owners of the Albergo, Sabine and Michael -- prepared three fabulous, restaurant-quality meals for us each day. John's painting instruction was excellent for all levels (and our group included both seasoned artists and raw beginners). The trip was a great mix of painting on the grounds of the Albergo and in the town of Poppi, as well as fascinating day trips to Florence and the nearby town of Arezzo. I went as a solo traveler but our group quickly bonded thanks to John's terrific personality. He made sure that we were taken care of in all respects. I would highly recommend this holiday for anyone looking to learn more about art and to fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Tuscany.

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  ReallyKirsten

  Thank you for your kind words. We really enjoyed the course with such a fabulous group. It is always wonderful to finish a course with so many guests becoming friends along the way. At the end of this course, John and I felt that we were saying goodbye to good friends who've been to visit. It's been an absolute pleasure to have been able to welcome you at our little artist's heaven.

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  MaureenS573

  Last year at this time (early July'12) I was looking forward to going to the Retreat. Having found it on the internet, I took a chance after reading all the testimonials and from the photos. I lucked out! The art lessons with John, the exquisite location, Jana's food, their girls, the wonderful sleeps, walks, medieval towns and fellow artists (all levels) and lots of laughter and learning.My dream is to go back again and share it with my sisters.

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  208JenniferA

  Really enjoyed my week at The Retreat. Perfect weather sitting outside for all our meals which were cooked wonderfully by Jana. She is an angel looking after all our needs and the painting was good too! John was trying really hard in the rather hot conditions we had while painting the grape vines. Great company of the other seven visiting artists. I enjoyed visiting the local village of Ascoli Piceno.Many thanks Jenny Arnerich NZ

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  KathleenR848

  The most perfect holiday for an artist of any ability. Beyond all expectations.John is a talented artist that can actually teach. Every day is a new experience.His gentle reassurance and outgoing personality made us smile. The small group of eight, allowed us all to get special attention.Le Retreat is in a remote area of Le Marche...overlooking rolling hills, farmlands and framed by hill top villages. It seems unreal it is so beautiful.To add to this perfect holiday we were spoiled by Jana and her charm and her culinary expertise. Every meal was delicious. We took a few excusions to the hill top towns and sketched and painted. Everything was planned out and we just had to enjoy the "best of everything."

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  phyllis13mullaney

  Spent a week, painting "En Plein Air", just standing in one beautiful spot after another...(sun hat a good idea!) John took us to some beautiful places, most of which were nearby, The Retreat itself has views to die for and you can sit and eat your breakfast while admiring them. We were well catered for by Jana and entertained by the girls, Chester the dog and assorted rescued cats! One of our group came not to paint, but cycle, he found some excellent rides, including the "strada bianci" (I think that's right) - white stone tracks .Us "ladies wot paint" came home with three oils, two acrylics and a water colour. Very relaxing yet productive week. Many thanks!

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  amyLondres

  As a COMPLETE beginner in the art world I was a little daunted at the thought of spending 10 days painting, when I wasn't entirely sure which way round to hold a paint brush. However my fears were instantly banished from the moment we arrived at The Retreat. A thoroughly wonderful holiday, in which John catered for all levels. Very encouraging teacher, who built up my confidence with painting. Not only that but it was a very special time for my Mum and I who had come together and I can safely say we will always remember The Retreat experience. Set in beautiful scenery and with wonderful hosts - this truly is divine! I wish that everyone goes there... I'll even lend you my paintbrush!

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  lawriea2013

  I went to the Retreat twice this year in May and September doing two very different courses.And this is my third trip altogether.the first trip was an Urban sketchers course with a life class break in between visits out. it was brilliant, a nice team of people and some really great serious teaching. In Sept I went with my daughter, and we had such a laugh with our fellow guests, but got some serious painting in. John and Jena are brilliant. John the real professional but with a laid back approach, and a sense of humour similar to my own, Jana great organisor and great cook and the place itself with its beautiful scenery is fabulous, and one day if I practice real hard I will master painting that bloody view over to Force.

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  565ValerieP

  The Grand Tour of Tuscany was absolutely wonderful. John was not only a fantasic art instructor but a very knowledged tour guide. He took us to some wonderful sights I never would have found on my own. We had many impromptu happenings that made the trip that much more memorable! Very easy going guy who didn't seem to even mind when us girls wanted to pop into the shops! We took day trips to many museums, churches and galleries with no standing in line! Everything went very smoothly. I felt like I was with a small group of friends on holiday, a great experience.Valerie P, Manitoba, Canada

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  carol_gaskell1

  Thanks John and Jana, kids, dogs and kittens for such a fantastic week at the Retreat. Greetings to Phyllis, Josephine, Sean, Pauline and Robin who were a lovely part of the experience as we painted, ate and travelled around this wonderful area. My husband Steve took his road bike and had a fabulous time cycling on the Strada Bianca. We even managed a swim in the Adriatic. John is a calm taskmaster; lots of painting done in the time available. Hints and tips at every turn but no pressure to do anything but your own thing as Josephine affirmed.We arranged a pick up from Ancona because travelling with the bike is a bit awkward on public transport. This made for a relaxing arrival and departure with lots of time to appreciate the area.I am determined to paint Force again even if photographs cannot do it justice. Hope to visit the real thing again too.