Salt, Olive Oil & Stories Retreat in Puglia, Italy

13TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - 19TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Italian Culinary Immersion

13TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - 19TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Salt, Olive Oil & Stories Retreat in Puglia, Italy

Italian Culinary Immersion

Rooms from €4,650

Secure Your Spot
Three women sitting at a dining table with Italian dish of pasta with tomato sauce, cheese, and basil; a bottle of olive oil, pepper grinder, and wine glass are on the table, with one woman serving the dish.
Boats docked in a marina viewed through a doorway with a stone step and a partial wall.

A slow, food-led journey through Southern Italy, where daily workshops, shared meals and local traditions define a deeply immersive week in Puglia.

Set in Southern Italy, Salt, Olive Oil & Stories is a deeply immersive food and culture retreat designed around the everyday rituals that define life in Puglia. Through hands-on cooking, market visits, tastings, and shared meals, the week unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing you to experience the region through its ingredients, traditions, and people.

Created for those who want to explore more deeply, the days are shaped by intentional moments rather than fixed schedules. You will learn from local producers and artisans, cook with seasonal ingredients, and gather around the table to share food and conversation. Between workshops, there is time to rest, wander, and observe daily life as it is lived here.

This is a retreat centred on simplicity and connection, where salt, olive oil, and the stories carried within them become a way of understanding place, culture, and the quiet pleasure of travelling slowly.

A top-down view of a seafood feast on a wooden table, featuring shrimp, lemon wedges, a bowl of pink sauce with basil, a plate of bread, a glass of water, and other dishes with colorful patterns.
Person preparing bread with olive oil on a cutting board, various bowls with condiments, pottery, and herbs. Sunlight illuminating the scene.

Your journey unfolds within a sixteenth-century monastery in a historic Italian town.

Set in the beautifully restored monastery, just a short walk from a historic Italian town. Surrounded by healing herbs, grains, and vegetables, the monastery offers a sense of calm and restoration. Immerse yourself in Puglia’s culinary and cultural richness through hands-on experiences such as traditional cheese making, wine and olive oil tasting, and savouring the produce grown on-site.

Enjoy intimate encounters with local artisans, stroll through ancient olive groves, and experience the connection between food, culture, and the land. With a blend of adventure, relaxation, and deep cultural immersion, this retreat invites a small group to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to the magic of southern Italy.

Secure Your Spot

Discover a slice of Puglian paradise in our exclusive retreat, set in a beautifully restored monastery.

  • Arrive in Puglia and step into our restored monastery, set among olive groves and open countryside. The afternoon is intentionally slow, giving you time to unpack, explore the space, wander the grounds, or simply sit and take in your surroundings as the pace begins to soften.

    As the day draws to a close, we gather for a welcome circle and aperitivo, our first shared moment together. This gentle introduction flows into a communal dinner, where we come together to meet, connect, and set the tone for the week ahead, grounded in food, conversation, and presence.

  • Awaken to a leisurely morning and enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, cakes, and seasonal produce, along with savoury delights to fuel your day.

    Today, we embark on a journey into Puglia’s rich traditions. First, we’ll visit a local cheese maker to explore the art of cheese making, a sensory experience that connects you deeply to the region’s dairy heritage.

    After indulging in the delights of cheese, we’ll return to the monastery in the late afternoon. Take this time to wander through the charming streets, marvel at the baroque and rococo architecture, and perhaps find a cozy café for an espresso. Enjoy this moment to soak in the vibrant life of the town at your own pace.

    As evening approaches, we gather for a curated dinner experience, savouring local flavours together. It’s the perfect setting to share stories from the day and forge deeper connections. After dinner, we’ll return to the monastery, hearts and bellies full, under the enchanting Puglian stars.

  • After breakfast, the morning centres on pasta, one of Puglia’s most iconic culinary traditions.

    Late morning into early afternoon, we gather for a hands-on pasta workshop. You’ll work with egg-based doughs and filled shapes, as well as semolina and water doughs like orecchiette and cavatelli. Along the way, you’ll learn about flour types, texture, and how sauces are paired not by rule, but by instinct and season.

    Following a light lunch, the afternoon is free. Swim, rest, read, or enjoy quiet time around the monastery. In the evening, we come back together for dinner, featuring the dishes you’ve created throughout the day.

  • Bread takes centre stage today, explored as both nourishment and ritual.

    After breakfast, we move into Il Pane, a workshop focused on focaccia barese and taralli. You’ll knead, shape, and bake, while also hearing stories of bread, home, and community, and how these simple foods carry meaning far beyond the table.

    Lunch is light, and the afternoon is left open for rest, pool time, or quiet reflection. As evening arrives, we gather once more for dinner together, continuing the rhythm of shared meals and conversation.

  • An early breakfast sets the tone for a day shaped by the sea.

    We head to a local seafood market in Gallipoli, where you’ll experience the colours, sounds, and movement of the morning catch. Conversations with local fishmongers offer insight into seasonality, sustainability, and Mediterranean fishing traditions.

    Late morning into early afternoon, we return to the kitchen for a seafood-focused cooking workshop, using what the sea has provided that day. Lunch is light and fresh, followed by relaxed free time.

    In the evening, we gather for a seafood feast, celebrating the simplicity and generosity of coastal Puglian cooking.

  • After breakfast, we turn our attention to sweetness and celebration.

    Late morning brings a dessert workshop dedicated to Southern Italian favourites. You’ll learn to make pasticciotto alongside a second regional dessert, exploring how sweets mark everyday life, gatherings, and moments of joy.

    After a light lunch, the afternoon is yours for packing, journaling, swimming, or simply sitting with the week’s experiences. Our final evening is marked by a farewell dinner and closing reflections, a chance to share stories, gratitude, and the connections formed over the week.

  • We share a final breakfast together before check-out and departures begin. There’s time for a last coffee or gentle walk, lingering conversations, and unhurried goodbyes before each journey continues onward.

  • Accommodation

    • 6x nights accommodation in a private double room with ensuite 

    Food

    • 6x daily breakfast

    • 6x daily dinners

    • Select lunches

    Drinks

    • Still & sparkling water with all meals

    • Wine included lunch & dinners (limits apply)

    Experiences

    • Daily hands-on culinary workshops led by local artisans

    • Pasta, bread, pastry, fish, cheese & preserves

    • Wine & olive oil tastings

    • Seafood market tour in Gallipoli

    Transport

    • Arrival & departure transfer from Brindisi airport (times allocated 2 months prior to departure)

    • All transport during retreat in air conditioned vehicle

EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Love Notes From Retreat Guests

  • Person pouring olive oil onto dough on a wooden board during food preparation.

    "It was the best gift I could have given myself this year."


    When we arrived at the retreat Jacqui asked us why we had taken time out to be here. My response was “to be taken care of”. And for that week, I really was. From being the first people in over 200 years to stay at an incredible historic monastery, to the beautifully prepared Italian banquet dinners, to the cooking classes, cheese making, ceramics and beach trips, and getting to know the locals, this week was one I’ll never forget. If, like me, you’ve been thinking about doing something like this, take the plunge and go for it, it may just be one of the best experiences of your life.

    ALEX

  • People gathered outdoors under a wooden pergola with white columns, some hugging, others standing in line, with potted plants and string lights.

    "The best parts of travel are meeting people and sharing experiences."


    Being part of a group allowed me to enjoy things I would never have done solo, especially staying in a rural masseria, which was a real highlight due to the accommodation, the family owners, and the home-cooked food, as well as the ability to relax without having to plan or make decisions.

    STEF

  • Beach scene with people lounging on chairs, a woman in a red swimsuit standing in the water, and colorful buildings with green shutters in the background under a clear blue sky.

    "A journey I’ll be thinking about for years to come."


    What made this retreat truly special wasn’t just the stunning surroundings or cultural experiences, it was the way we felt held in the present moment. There was space to reflect, to connect with others, and to savour the beauty of life at a gentler pace.

    If you’re craving a getaway that nourishes your soul, invites connection, and awakens your senses, this retreat is truly something unforgettable.

    KATHY

  • Group of women sitting at a table outdoors, enjoying a crafting activity with paints, brushes, and flowers, surrounded by trees and greenery.

    "Pure magic from start to finish."


    The setting, the people, the experiences, it all felt like something out of a dream. Every single detail was so thoughtfully curated. I already can’t wait to return.

    COURTNEY

  • Two people sharing a bowl of pasta in a restaurant, with one person holding a fork and the other using a spoon.

    "A retreat that feeds the soul."


    It’s hard to put into words how special this experience was. Every meal, every conversation, every moment felt intentional. I left feeling deeply connected, inspired, and completely recharged.

    ROSHELLE

  • Shadow of two people making heart shapes with their hands on a sandy surface.

    "A once-in-a-lifetime experience."


    I came for the food, but I left with so much more - lifelong friendships, a newfound appreciation for slow living, and memories I’ll cherish forever. The most beautiful retreat in every way.

    MICHAEL

  • People practicing yoga outdoors on mats amid trees and desert plants.

    "It's been life changing (and I don’t say that lightly)."


    Be prepared to come away from this trip with new thoughts, ideas and beliefs. The slow pace really does impact you, not just for the few days in Puglia, but long-term. My biggest takeaway from the trip, was the ability to slow down (as a busy Mum of three children) and allow myself to reconnect with myself, which was something I had not been able to do for a really long time. I will definitely be back for more Puglian and Savour the Slow adventures! Well done Jacqui for such a beautiful and thoughtful week.

    CELESTE

  • People sitting in a golf cart decorated with pink and purple flowers, with trees and a stone wall in the background during sunset.

    "A rare opportunity to pause and reflect in an inspiring setting."


    Jacqui and Tilli delivered an experience that exceeded expectations. Their thoughtful approach created a space for genuine connection and meaningful conversations among guests. It was a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and build relationships in an inspiring setting.

    BRONTE

  • A group of smiling people in a kitchen, wearing aprons, gathered around a chef holding a bowl of eggplants.

    "I left feeling refreshed, grounded, and creatively re-energised."


    Savour the Slow in Puglia was a truly special retreat. Jacqui and Tilly created an experience that was creative, nurturing, and deeply inspiring, while being in the stunning Puglian countryside.  Every detail encouraged slowing down and reconnecting, and I left feeling refreshed, grounded, and creatively re-energised.

    I also found an amazing group of people to connect with.

    AMANDA

Rooms & Prices

NO ROOMS REMAINING

Secure your spot with a €500 non-refundable deposit today.

This is a confirmed trip.

A cozy bedroom with an off-white bed adorned with decorative pillows and a draped canopy above the headboard. Wooden nightstands with lamps flank the bed, and there are white wall-mounted light fixtures behind the canopy.

13th September 2026 - 19th September 2026

Private Room

Sold out

Private room with private ensuite at a 16th century restored monastery, culinary experiences, and exclusive activities.

€4,650

Per Person

Pay €500 Deposit

Inclusions

6 nights in private accommodation

All breakfasts, dinners + select lunches

Daily hands-on culinary workshops led by local artisans

Pasta, bread, pastry, fish, cheese & preserves

Wine & olive oil tastings

Seafood market tour in Gallipoli

Group arrival & departure transfer to/from Brindisi Airport

Host support throughout the retreat

A simple line drawing of a church with four columns and a steeple.

BOOKING INFORMATION

To reserve your place, a non-refundable €500 deposit per person, per retreat is required. Your booking is not confirmed until we have received your deposit and you have received confirmation from us. The remaining balance is paid in instalments (payment plans available), with the full retreat fee due no later than 60 days before departure. For bookings made 60 days or less before the retreat start date, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.

If we cancel the trip, a full refund will be issued. We recommend you do not book flights until your retreat has been confirmed in writing.

Cancellations must be received in writing. If you cancel more than 120 days before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund of amounts paid minus the €500 non-refundable deposit (and any unrecoverable supplier costs). Between 120 and 61 days, 50% of the total retreat price is non-refundable. At 60 days or fewer, 100% is non-refundable.

Please read the complete Terms and Conditions and our FAQ before booking. If you have any questions, contact hello@jacquitoumbas.com.