La Dolce Vita Retreats has selected the following properties as their 2009 Top Choice for premiere hotels in the following cities:
Florence, Italy - The Villa San Michele, an Orient Express property
Portofino, Italy - Hotel Splendido, an Orient Express property
Ravello, Italy – Hotel Caruso, an Orient Express property
I am thrilled to announce the itinerary for the 2009 La Dolce Vita Retreats. I promised you FABULOUS and you will not be disappointed. The properties are breathtakingly spectacular and enchanting.
In March 2009, we will be in the beautiful Cote D’Azur, France, in the village of Vence, with a view overlooking the medieval city of St. Paul de Vence. The former residence of the Knights Templar, the hotel is situated in a 35 acre park and has every amenity including a La Prairie Spa.
In April 2009, we will be in lovely Portofino, Italy, one of the most idyllic tiny ports in the world. We will immerse ourselves in Benessere, wellness as the Italians say it. 
In May we will be gorgeous Ravello, Italy, perched atop the glistening Amalfi Coast. This area is known as the divine coast, and it truly is. 
In September we will be in Lake Maggiore, Italy, in the village of Stresa – pristine, steeped in history and a stone’s throw from the Borromees Islands. 
In October we will visit Tuscany, Italy, first in Fiesole just outside of Florence and with a view of Florence and the Duomo that will take your breath away. A former 15th century monastery, it’s facade was designed by Michelangelo. 
Another Tuscan retreat, available as an add-on to the Fiesole trip for an additional fee, or as a mini-retreat for those short on time, will take us to the Chianti region to a 12th century castle. In addition to the magnificent grounds to be explored , the spa is the finest I have ever seen!
In December, mothers and daughters will celebrate the camraderie and legacy of women as they share time and play together on Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas. 
I am very proud and honored to present this remarkable season of exquisite locales, fascinating and unique experiences, and wonderful faculty.
Each retreat will be a banquet to feed the mind, body and soul! Each trip will be a journey of a lifetime.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Unknown
Good morning!
Last night I watched one of my favorite movies, Enchanted April, in preparation for my journey tomorrow. I adore watching movies that are set in little villages I love and I am about to re-visit. This film takes place in the beautiful hills above Portofino, one of the divine locations we will enjoying in the next few days. Enchanted April is a story of friendship and renewed hope.
September is my favorite month to be in Italy or the South of France - the crowds have begun to dissipate, as well as the heat. Yet the climate is still warm enough for water sports and light clothing. My husband and I were married in Venice in September, just so that we could return to celebrate each year during our favorite season.
As I pack, I reflect upon and cherish the memories of past visits and look forward to new adventures and rich memories to be created. But when Mark and I are there, together in paradise, we are only focused on being totally present and open to the banquet of unlimited possibilities!
I’ll be blogging from some of the most beautiful spots, in particular, the locations for the 2009 La Dolce Vita retreats!
Blessings,
Janice
Good morning!
I have been meaning to post a link to a website that I really enjoy. Each morning, Carrie and Danielle present a thought provoking question to ponder. Their link is www.carrieanddanielle.com
They have also written a book called Style Statement and I so enjoyed the process that I will be conducting Style Statement workshops on some of the La Dolce Vita Retreats.
I’m in the process of developing the suggested reading list for the various 2009 retreats and Style Statement will be on the list!
Carrie & Danielle’s question of for today is “What do you need to move your vision forward?”
So ladies, what do you need? Ask for it! Put it out there and you will be amazed at the results!!
I need to raise the awareness of La Dolce Vita Retreats and the more collaborative website links I can establish, the more I can get the word out about my company and the more I can help others get the word out about theirs. I am looking for women who are interested in health, wellness and travel and/or, businesses that are focused on health and wellness to collaborate with me!
Blessings,
Janice
I am very proud to present the distinguished faculty for the 2009 La Dolce Vita Retreats season. Not only will we be visiting some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and experiencing the finest spas, cuisine, and innovative workshops ,we will be accompanied by a faculty that will truly enrich your experience and have a lasting impact on your life path. This is a nurturing experience that addresses the mind-body-spirit aspects of our lives. Each of the faculty are brilliant, accomplished women – entrepreneurs and educators who share their knowledge with you and practice with us throughout the week. We all deserve one week out of 52 to focus on our personal growth and be pampered and nurtured!
Looking forward to sharing memorable moments in 2009. The faculty and their bios are listed on the website with contact information as well.
Please visit our constantly updated website for the latest information at www.ladolcevitaretreats.com
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 11th, read our blog and enjoy our adventures throughout Provence, Cote D’Azur, Tuscany, Lakes Maggiore and Como, Capri and Venice.
It’s a beautiful world!
Blessings,
Janice
