Novanta

From Sketchbook to Studio | Art Retreat
2025-09-21 16:00 - 2025-09-26 11:00 (Europe/Rome) | Novanta 90 – Borgo di Gello, Borgo di Gello, Bibbiena, Arezzo, 52011, Italy
Immerse yourself creatively in breathtaking surroundings and join us on an inspiring Art Retreat with Laura McKendry from Sunday 21st to Friday 26th of September 2025.
Set in the stunning surroundings of the Casentino Hills, with breathtaking views of the once-abandoned Gello Valley, this creative retreat with Artist-Illustrator Laura McKendry offers an exciting opportunity to explore the art of traveling with a sketchbook and bringing drawings to life.
Novanta is nestled on the edge of the beautiful Casentino National Park, surrounded by 300 hectares of rolling fields and lush forests. This peaceful, inspiring environment provides the perfect backdrop for a four-day drawing workshop, where nature itself will be your muse.
Laura McKendry is a seasoned artist and teacher with over 20 years of experience. Known for her playful and intuitive approach, she uses a range of materials to create expressive, dynamic images that radiate energy and emotion. This retreat is designed to offer something new for both first-time participants and those who have joined Laura’s previous workshops.
This event has sold out. Please email to be added to the waiting list. Occasionally spaces become available.

BOOK THE RETREAT HERE

An overview of the program:

Day 1: The retreat kicks off with a playful evening of exploring color and pattern, encouraging intuitive and abstract image-making—techniques that often influence Laura’s own creative projects.
Day 2-5: From there, she’ll guide you in using your sketchbook to capture the beauty of the landscape with a pared-down selection of drawing tools. These simple sketches will form the foundation for the creation of energetic, visually rich illustrations, deeply inspired by the Tuscan countryside and the authentic agriturismo lifestyle
Day 6: By the end of the retreat, you’ll have gained numerous ways to explore any location through your sketchbook—from holiday travels to daily walks—and how to turn these sketches into vibrant, completed artworks that reflect the essence of your experiences.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll experiment with a variety of materials, including watercolors, acrylic and emulsion paints, ink, pastels, and colored pencils. Special focus will be placed on developing color palettes, creating characterful, imperfect illustrations, and refining your final images to evoke a strong sense of place.
This retreat offers a perfect balance of structured guidance and personal exploration, helping you push your creative boundaries in a tranquil, inspiring setting. Whether you’re a beginner eager to dive into sketching or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration, it will provide the space and tools to grow your creative practice.

What’s included:

All meals and refreshments
5 nights of accommodation
Full access to teaching and all art materials
Use of the pool and surrounding grounds
Note: Drinks from the honesty bar are additional and paid individually at the end of your stay. Additional activities outside of the workshop can be booked and paid for separately.

Check-In & Check-Out:

Check-in from 16:00 on Sunday
The workshop begins Sunday evening at 17:30, followed by dinner at 19:30
Four full workshop days from Monday to Thursday
Check-out by 11:00 on Friday
If traveling from afar, consider adding an extra night or two in Florence or Pisa before or after your stay at Novanta.

Accommodation:

If you choose a shared room, we will connect you with your room partner (with permission from both parties) before the retreat.
We’re also happy to put participants in touch if you’re arriving at the same airport and wish to share transfers.

Workshop Size & Environment:

The workshop will be capped at 15 participants, ensuring an intimate and focused experience.
Although the workshop is in a private space, Novanta is a large area, so other guests (unrelated to the workshop) may be on-site. This adds to the social atmosphere and creates more opportunities for interactions outside of the scheduled sessions.

Pricing:

€1995,- for a shared double room with ensuite bathroom and twin beds
€2295,- per person for a semi-private* bedroom in a shared suite (max 2 people) with ensuite bathroom.
€2595,- per person for a single studio with ensuite bathroom.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE
Borgo di Gello’s Unique Nature:
Borgo di Gello is beautiful and unique but also rough and unrefined. It’s a place for those with an adventurous spirit and open mind—get ready for an unconventional yet memorable stay!
Photography:
Our in-house photographer will be on-site to capture the essence of Borgo di Gello during the retreat. Photos will be used for Novanta’s marketing purposes, but we respect your privacy and will ensure you’re comfortable with the process.
Payment:

50% deposit is required to secure your space, with the remaining 50% due by June.
If an alternative payment plan is needed, please contact art@lauramckendry.com.
Non-refundable bookings: Unless your space can be filled by another participant, in which case we will refund minus transaction fees. We recommend travel insurance for any unforeseen cancellations.

See you in our creative valley!

This event has sold out. Please email to be added to the waiting list. Occasionally spaces become available.
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BOOK THE RETREAT HERE
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Relax + Reconnect Yoga Retreat
2025-08-31 - 2025-09-05 | Novanta 90 – Borgo di Gello, Borgo di Gello, Bibbiena, Arezzo, 52011, Italy
Ready to reconnect, reset and realign? Join us for a transformative Yoga Week Retreat from August 31th to September 5th.
Guided by the incredible Emma and Lisanne, this retreat will take you on a six-day journey of rejuvenation, blending yoga, meditation, and breathwork with the beauty of Tuscany. Each day of the retreat introduces a theme inspired by one of the five Chinese elements, each capturing its distinct energy, season, and emotion.
Step away from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in nature and tranquility. Spaces are limited—book now and treat yourself to this inner journey.

BOOK THE RETREAT HERE

A typical day looks like this…

Morning tea & fruit
Morning meditation and/or rejuvenating yoga practice
Healthy breakfast
Time to relax or hiking
Nourishing lunch
Enjoying the scenery and/or optional treatments
Yin yoga, Breathwork or another special class or workshop
Shared outdoor dinner overlooking the valley
Relaxation or bedtime

What’s included:

Full board accommodation in authentic & unique rooms
Daily Yin – and yoga, meditation and/or breathwork classes
Special classes such as Soundbaths, Aroma yoga with essential oils and more
Silent hike to the monastery of La Verna
A guided tour through the village of Borgo di Gello
Pizza night with homemade pizza and music
Full access to the outdoor swimming pool with stunning views
Communal dinners with healthy homemade food
Opening & Closing ceremonies
Additional: natural wines from the Tuscan region
Optional: Massages and Additional Therapeutic Sessions (may vary based on our guest teacher’s offerings)

We’ll start off the first day with lunch at 14:00 and will practise together on that day at 17:00. We’ll finish after breakfast on the last day around 10:00. Please make sure to book your flights accordingly
Each room is unique and decorated with contemporary art.
Prices:
€1095,- for a shared double room with ensuite bathroom and twin beds
€1295,- per person for a semi-private* bedroom in a shared suite (max 2 people) with ensuite bathroom.
€1595,- per person for a single studio with ensuite bathroom.
* The semi-private rooms are rooms that have their own beds in a private space. The rooms are either separated by different floors, a curtain or a door. Please be aware that in some of the suites a bedroom needs to be passed to get to the shared bathroom.
All levels of yoga experience are welcome. Optional treatments to book are massages, healings and/or acupuncture sessions. Availability depending on the therapists joining us this edition.

BOOK THE RETREAT HERE

Matti di Gello - Primavera Festival
2025-04-27 - 2025-05-02 | Arezzo
Spring is calling, and so is the Matti di Gello – Primavera Festival!
From April 27th to May 2nd, 2025, join us in our stunning valley for a festival that’s all about creativity, adventure, and embracing the freedom of nature. This event is perfect for adults and kids alike, with a whole week of activities designed to help you reconnect with your inner child and enjoy all the wonders Novanta has to offer.
Expect live music, performances, and delicious local food. Discover the rich Italian history that surrounds us, experience the flavors of traditional Tuscan cuisine, and take part in fun outdoor activities that will have you feeling both relaxed and energized. The festival is a blend of exciting adventure and peaceful moments, allowing you to explore, play, and enjoy the freedom of our breathtaking surroundings.
This festival is all about having fun together. Don’t miss your chance to make lasting memories with your loved ones, surrounded by the beauty of Tuscany and the warmth of the Novanta community.
Book your stay at Novanta for exclusive access to all festival activities and unforgettable moments.
Let’s get back to what truly matters—being creative, adventurous, and free!
Book here

10 Anni of Novanta
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-27 | Novanta 90 – Borgo di Gello, Borgo di Gello, Bibbiena, Arezzo, 52011, Italy
Can you believe it’s been 10 years?
Time sure flies when you’re having fun—and oh boy, did we!

To celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re planning the event of the decade from October 25th to 27th.
The theme?
We’re going back to the basics, reconnecting with nature and rediscovering our inner child. Inspired by the four elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—this celebration will be all about escaping the everyday grind and embracing the simple, joyful pleasures of life.
Expect epic food, amazing company, and adventures that will remind you of what it feels like to be carefree again. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, toasting marshmallows by the fire, or just soaking up the beauty of our Tuscan paradise, this anniversary weekend promises memories to last a lifetime.
So, dust off your party shoes, pack a sense of wonder, and get ready to celebrate a decade of Novanta magic with us! This is one celebration you won’t want to miss—let’s make it one for the books!

Wondrous Wedding
2024-09-03 - 2024-09-06 | Novanta 90 – Borgo di Gello, Borgo di Gello, Bibbiena, Arezzo, 52011, Italy
We’re thrilled to announce that right now, Novanta is buzzing with love, laughter, and a fabulous wedding celebration! If you haven’t received an invite, don’t worry—it just means you’ll have to wait until the next epic event to join the fun. For now, please excuse us as we shower the happy couple with all our attention, love, and perhaps one too many glasses of Tuscan wine.
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Weddings in the valley
At Novanta, your wedding is more than just a day—it’s a full-on adventure, where you and your loved ones get to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From dining al fresco under the stars to dancing the night away without a care in the world, we make sure your big day is as unforgettable as the love you’re celebrating.
Curious to learn more? Check out our Weddings at Novanta page for all the dreamy details!
