6TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - 12TH SEPTEMBER 2026
Food, Culture & Slow Travel Retreat in Puglia, Italy
Signature Retreat
5TH SEPTEMBER 2027 - 11TH SEPTEMBER 2026
In Residency Hosted Retreat
Styling You x Savour the Slow
Rooms from €4,850
Explore Southern Italy through food and culture, where cooking, artisan workshops, and shared meals define a slow, deeply immersive week in Puglia.
I've been dreaming about this one for a while. A week in Puglia where we slow right down and let the food, the people and the easy pace of Southern Italy do the rest. This isn't a rush-around, see-everything kind of trip. It's hands-on and unhurried, built around cooking, tastings and the small, local moments that make you feel like you actually got to know a place, not just passed through it.
I've put this together for the women in my world who want to travel a little more deeply. We'll spend our days around the table, learning from local producers and artisans, wandering through towns and countryside, and living the way people do here. It's a week centred on connection, curiosity and the simple pleasure of taking things slowly, in really good company.
Meet Nikki, Your Host.
Meet Nikki, Your Host.
Meet Nikki, Your Host. Meet Nikki, Your Host.
I’m Jacqui, a Brisbane-born nutritionist and content creator with a deep love for food, culture, travel and the way they bring people together. Growing up in West End and being raised within a Greek-Cypriot family, I learnt early on that food is more than a meal, it’s memory, comfort and connection.
Before Savour the Slow, I owned Miss Bliss Cafe, a space centred on community, shared meals and creating moments for people to slow down. It was there that I learnt how much honest food and genuine connection can shape an experience, lessons that continue to guide everything I create today.
Savour the Slow is a natural extension of everything I love, unhurried days, shared tables and the small moments that make you feel part of a place rather than just passing through it.
I can’t wait to share the magic of Southern Italy and Greece with you, the food, the people and the quieter corners that stay with you long after you return home.
Your home for the week is a restored sixteenth-century monastery in a historic Italian town.
We're staying in a beautifully restored monastery, just a short walk from town and surrounded by healing herbs, grains and vegetables. It has this quiet sense of calm to it, the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive. This is where we'll get our hands into Puglia's food and culture, from traditional cheese making to wine and olive oil tastings and meals built around produce grown right here on site.
You'll meet local artisans, wander through ancient olive groves, and feel the connection between the food, the land and the people who've kept these traditions alive. It's a mix of gentle adventure, real rest and deep immersion, and I'm keeping it to a small group of nine so it stays intimate and we all leave genuinely connected to this pocket of Southern Italy, and to each other.
Discover a slice of Puglian paradise in our exclusive retreat, set in a beautifully restored monastery.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
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Your adventure in Puglia begins at the serene luxury restored monastery, where the promise of discovery and connection greets you. As you settle into this picturesque haven, take a moment to tour its historic grounds, an intimate backdrop for the journey ahead. The highlight of the day is our welcome dinner, designed not just to indulge your senses with exquisite local cuisine but also to introduce you to your fellow travelers. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your new friends, individuals who share your curiosity and passion for slow, meaningful travel. Together, you’ll toast to the start of a journey filled with shared experiences, laughter, and the kind of deep connections that turn fellow travelers into lifelong friends.
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Wake slowly to a quiet morning at the monastery. Breakfast is unhurried: freshly baked pastries and cakes, seasonal figs from the garden, and a few savoury things to set you up for the day.
This morning we step into one of Puglia's oldest traditions. We visit a local cheese maker to see the craft up close, a hands-on, sensory experience that connects you to the region's dairy heritage and the people who keep it alive.
Back at the monastery in the early afternoon, we slow the pace right down with a gentle yoga session. Nothing strenuous, just a soft, grounding practice to stretch out the morning and settle into the afternoon. Afterwards, the time is yours. Rest in the garden, or wander into Nardò to take in its baroque and rococo streets and linger over an espresso at a quiet café.
As evening falls, we gather for a curated dinner of local flavours, the kind of long, easy meal where the stories from the day come out and the connections deepen. Then back to the monastery, hearts and bellies full, under the Puglian stars.
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Today I invite you to fully embrace the slow pace of life that defines Puglia. Our monastery, tucked among olive groves and garden, is the perfect backdrop for a day with nowhere to be.
Take your time. Lounge by the pool and soak up the warmth of the Puglian sun, or book in for a massage and let yourself properly unwind.
As the sun drops and the sky turns gold, we gather at the monastery for a relaxed dinner together. It's an easy, unhurried evening to share the day, swap stories, and settle deeper into the rhythm of the week.
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Today, we dive deep into the heart of Puglia’s renowned ceramic culture, guided by a local expert. Our day begins with a scenic drive to Grottaglie, a town celebrated for its exquisite ceramic craftsmanship.
Experience exclusive access to local botteghe (workshops), where you’ll gain insights into the intricate process of ceramic making. This immersive journey not only unveils the artistry involved but also connects you to the stories and people behind each unique piece.
It’s an exploration of tradition, artistry, and the rich cultural roots that define Puglia, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant craft.
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After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll spend the morning enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery. Then, we’ll gather for a delightful lunchtime wine and olive oil tasting, where you’ll taste the local produce of Puglia and learn about the meticulous processes behind these culinary treasures.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Lecce, where you’ll have free time to explore this charming city at your own pace. Known as the ‘Florence of the South,’ Lecce is famous for its stunning baroque architecture and vibrant street life.
As evening falls, we’ll come together for dinner at a local trattoria, continuing our culinary journey with the flavours of Puglia. This is a perfect opportunity to share your discoveries and experiences from the day, creating lasting memories together.
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After a leisurely breakfast, we lean into the slow pace of the day and head to a local beach.* This is your chance to finally open that book you've been meaning to read, or simply lie in the sun alongside the locals and soak up Puglia's unhurried way of life.
As the beach day winds down, we return to the monastery to freshen up before our final evening together. We gather around the table for a farewell dinner under the Puglian stars, a long, easy meal of local flavours and the perfect close to the week.
It's a moment to reflect, to laugh, and to raise a glass to Puglia, to slow travel, and to the friendships formed along the way. This farewell isn't really an end, but the start of many more adventures to come.
*subject to weather conditions
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After a final breakfast at the monastery, it’s time to say goodbye to this slice of paradise. Depart with a heart full of memories, a palate enriched by Puglia’s flavours, and a spirit rejuvenated by the beauty of slow travel.
Each day of this retreat has been crafted to offer a blend of relaxation, exploration, and culinary delight, ensuring that “Savour the Slow” is not just a journey, but a transformation.
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Accommodation
6x nights accommodation in a private double room with ensuite
Food
6x daily breakfast
6x daily dinners
4x lunches (lunch at beach club not included)
Drinks
Still & sparkling water with all meals
Wine included lunch & dinners (limits apply)
Experiences
Ceramics guided experience (including entry to ceramics workshop, museum, restored ceramic landmark)
Cheese experience
Olive oil & wine tasting
Cooking class
Beach club access & chair hire
Transport
Arrival & departure transfer from Brindisi airport (times allocated 2 months prior to departure)
All transport during retreat in air conditioned vehicle
Rooms & Prices
12 ROOMS REMAINING
Secure your spot with a €500 non-refundable deposit today.
This is a confirmed trip.
5th September 2027 - 11th September 2027
Private Room
Private room with private ensuite at a 16th century restored monastery, culinary experiences, and exclusive activities.
€4,850
Per Person
Inclusions
6 nights in private accommodation
All breakfasts, dinners + select lunches
Cheese-making experience
Visit to Grottaglie ceramics
Cooking class
Beach club visit & beach chair hire
Wine & olive oil tastings
Visits to historic towns
Group arrival & departure transfer to/from Brindisi Airport
Host support throughout the retreat
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.
Love Notes From Retreat Guests
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
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![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
