Picture Yourself in Puglia
A 7-night memoir & yoga retreat in southern Italy
April 29–May 6, 2027
A week designed for women who want to step away from everyday life, reconnect with their creativity, go home with a story they’ve written—and an experience they won’t soon forget.
Write your story.
Expand your perspective.
Move your body.
Nourish your spirit.
Discover Puglia.
“It’s like Eat, Pray, Love condensed into one week!”
“This is one of the best investments I’ve ever made in myself. No, strike that: THE best.”
“The sense of community was life-affirming—far beyond what I imagined.”
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps
THE EXPERIENCE
A thoughtfully paced week of creativity, movement and discovery.
Imagine waking to the quiet of the southern Italian countryside, beginning your morning with gentle yoga and meditation, lingering over a delicious Italian breakfast and then settling in to write and reflect in one of the most inspiring and beautiful retreat locations in Italy.
Afternoons will offer a mix of experience and ease: a walk through the Mediterranean countryside, an afternoon exploring the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, a joyful lesson in traditional Puglian pizzica dancing—and plenty of unscheduled time to read, write, nap, wander through the olive groves or simply sit in the sun.
In the evenings, we’ll gather around the table over delicious farm-to-table Italian food, local wine and the kind of conversation and connection that make retreats like this so memorable.
Over 8 days and 7 nights you’ll be supported by experienced leaders and surrounded by a like-minded circle of women.
No previous writing or yoga experience required.
OUR HOME FOR THE WEEK
A setting that invites inspiration.
We’ll be staying at the spectacular Masseria Potenti, a lovingly restored 16th-century estate property surrounded by olive groves and vineyards in the Puglian countryside near Manduria, in the heel of Italy's boot.
Whitewashed stone buildings surround a sprawling courtyard dotted with bougainvillea, prickly pear cactus and enormous terracotta pots. Vine-covered pathways lead to rooms tucked into former stone farm buildings, while vintage linens, antique furniture and locally made ceramics give every space its own character.
Outdoors, you'll find shaded pergolas draped in billowing white linen, inviting daybeds and quiet corners for reading or journalling, as well as a beautiful pool tucked among the Mediterranean gardens and an ancient stone meditation hut.
What the travel media has to say about Masseria Potenti:
“It’s the eye for detail in the tasteful peasant-chic design that really impresses.”
“Like staying with the Italian family you never knew you had.”
“Pure charm.”
“A sense of peace and tenderness that immediately made us feel at home.”
WRITE YOUR STORY
One week. One story from your life.
Each day, you’ll be guided through easy, insightful prompts that spark memories, reflection and new ways of seeing your life. There’s no pressure to write perfectly—the focus is on curiosity, discovery and finding the stories that matter to you.
Over the week, you’ll choose one experience from your life and shape it into a 1,200-word personal story, with plenty of guidance and encouragement along the way. At the end of the week, those who wish to will share their stories—a meaningful and often moving experience that deepens the connections formed throughout the week.
BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH MOVEMENT & MEDITATION
Gentle mornings designed to open body and mind.
Each morning will begin with gentle yoga and meditation before breakfast.
These practices will combine mindful movement, stretching and breathing to awaken the body, quiet the mind and create space for the creative work that follows. The sessions are gentle and accessible, and modifications will be offered. All yoga materials provided.
TIME TO DO NOTHING
A retreat shouldn't leave you needing another vacation afterward
While our mornings will have structure and we'll enjoy several special experiences together, there will also be real free time to:
Take a nap.
Journal beneath an olive tree.
Read beside the pool.
Book a massage.
Wander through the gardens.
Have a long conversation with someone you've just met.
Enjoy the increasingly rare pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be
and nothing else you need to do.
At Masseria Potenti, the countryside sets the pace.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
We'll sink into life at the Masseria, while choosing a few memorable experiences to give us a taste of Puglia.
Wander the countryside
One afternoon we'll trade our notebooks for walking shoes and head for a hike into the surrounding countryside. Masseria Potenti sits among olive groves, vineyards and Mediterranean macchia, where rosemary, myrtle and other native plants grow wild.
Lose Yourself in Lecce
We'll also spend an afternoon in Lecce, one of southern Italy's most beautiful cities.
Often called the "Florence of the South," Lecce is famous for its exuberant honey-coloured Baroque architecture, graceful piazzas, churches, cafés and winding streets.
You'll have time to wander, shop, stop for a gelato or espresso, sit in a piazza and simply enjoy the experience of being in Italy.
Dance the Pizzica
One evening, the sound of the tambourine will signal something completely different: a group lesson in pizzica, Puglia’s lively traditional folk dance.
A TASTE OF PUGLIA
Gather around the table
Meals are served around beautifully dressed communal tables, celebrating the flavours of southern Italy with fresh, seasonal ingredients grown on the property or sourced nearby. Breakfast features freshly baked Italian cakes and pastries, homemade preserves, yogurt and fruit, while lunches might include Puglian friselle with garden tomatoes and olive oil, local cheeses and seasonal salads. Dinners might feature handmade orecchiette with the Masseria’s own tomato sauce, fresh local fish or meat, eggplant parmigiana and seasonal vegetables
Masseria Potenti produces its own wines, available for purchase throughout your stay. In keeping with the Masseria’s hospitality tradition, guests are invited to enjoy the property’s own wines during their stay.
THE COMMUNITY
Come on your own. Leave feeling connected.
Your retreat leaders are skilled and compassionate guides who cultivate a safe supportive, space for creative exploration, gentle movement and meaningful connection—creating the kind of environment where new friendships can naturally take root.
“For total strangers at the beginning of the trip, there was a wonderful bonding and ease of connection between us by week’s end. It was life-changing.”
“We wrote, read, laughed and cried. It was incredible how quickly we bonded as a group. I would love to do it all over again.”
6 ways this retreat is different from others
1. Finish, don’t just begin
Many writing retreats focus on inspiration. This one focuses on completion & actually writing a story.
2. Story sharing circle
Share your story in a confidential setting & experience the affirmation from being truly seen and heard, while also having the privilege of witnessing other women’s stories—their struggles, insights, courage and resilience..
3. Personal coaching
Discover the heart of your story & strengthen your narrative with private one-on-one coaching with Anne.
4. Move to unlock creativity
Begin each day with gentle yoga and meditation, preparing both body and mind for writing.
5. A thoughtfully chosen group of participants
A Zoom meeting with the retreat leader to answer any questions helps ensure the experience is a good fit for all.
6. Travel with peace of mind
Our travel industry-compliant representative provides consumer protections, insurance options, & more.
MEET YOUR RETREAT LEADERS
Anne Bokma
Anne is an award-winning author and journalist, memoir coach and experienced retreat leader who has helped hundreds of women write the stories of their lives.
Her memoir, My Year of Living Spiritually, won two Hamilton Literary Awards. She writes The Other Side of Midlife, a biweekly column for The Hamilton Spectator as well as her free Other Side of Midlife newsletter, designed to inspire women in midlife and beyond.
Anne is also the founder and host of 6-Minute Memoir, a popular live storytelling series in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario.
Her approach to memoir is warm, practical and encouraging. She believes everyone has stories worth telling—and that writing them down can help us understand not only where we've been, but who we are becoming.
Karen Welds
Karen, an award-winning journalist and editor for almost 40 years, joins Anne as a writing instructor and guide, providing encouragement and feedback throughout the retreat. She recently entered the world of memoir writing and is pleased to report it is easier than you think—and deeply meaningful. She’s thrilled to be able to help you bring your story to light. As a swimmer who competes occasionally, she’s also happy to share swimming and exercise tips in the pool!
Dr. Meghan Davis
Meghan is a family physician with more than 25 years of experience, an experienced meditator and a certified yoga teacher. Her gentle-flow teaching style combines mindful movement, compassion and a deep understanding of physical and emotional well-being.
Throughout the week, Meghan will lead accessible morning yoga and meditation practices designed to help participants become more grounded, present and connected to their bodies, creating a calm, open state from which creativity can emerge.
EVERYTHING THAT'S INCLUDED
7 nights’ accommodation at Masseria Potenti
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
Group transfer from Brindisi Airport at the designated arrival time on the afternoon of April 29 and return transfer at the designated departure time after breakfast on May 6
Access to the pool, gardens, writing nooks and other shared areas
Daily 2.5-hour writing and reflection workshop
Daily one-hour yoga and meditation session
Private one-hour coaching session with Anne
Final story-sharing gathering
Yoga mats and workshop materials
Afternoon excursion to Lecce, known as “the Florence of the South,” a captivating city of ornate churches, lively piazzas and irresistible southern Italian charm. (Transportation provided.)
Pizzica dance lesson
Guided countryside hike
A keepsake playlist created by retreat participants
Support from our TICO-registered travel agent, including assistance with flights, insurance & optional pre- and post-retreat travel
Pre-retreat group Zoom to meet one another and discuss travel plans months in advance of the retreat
Private WhatsApp group to keep everyone connected before, during and after the retreat
The retreat fee does not include
Airfare • Alcohol • Spa treatments
RETREAT FEE
Rates vary from $4,850 CDN to $6,350 CDN, depending on the style of accommodation you choose. Some rooms feature their own private garden and small pools.
All rooms have private baths.
Rooms are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 CAD is required upon confirmation of participation to reserve your spot.
The balance is due February 1, 2027.
Payment plans can be arranged.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
“When a woman steps away to create, she’s not leaving her life behind—she’s deepening it.”
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps
OUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
We've taken care of all of the details—from transfers and beautiful meals to workshops, excursions and restorative experiences. All you need to do is book your flight, pack your bag and come to Italy.
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If you're interested, we'll arrange a short Zoom conversation to answer your questions and let you know which rooms are available. After our call, we'll confirm your participation.
All retreat payments are made directly to our TICO-registered travel agent.
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Yes. All bookings and payments are handled through our TICO-registered travel agent, Julie Gillen of Passport to Passage, providing professional travel support and added protection for your investment.
Julie can also assist with flights, cancellation and travel insurance and optional travel before or after the retreat.
Payments can be made by e-transfer or credit card.
Julie Gillen, Certified Travel Counsellor
Passport to Passage – Powered by The Travel Agent Next Door
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, ON M5J 1R7
416-367-8264 Ext. 2828
Mobile: 519-860-2554
TICO Registration #5003172 -
We will match you with a suitable roommate. We take this process seriously and thoughtfully consider lifestyle preferences, sleep habits and general travel style to create the best possible pairing.
On past retreats, many women who arrived as strangers and shared rooms left as close friends.
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Months before the retreat, you'll be invited to a group Zoom call where you'll meet your fellow participants. You'll also join a private WhatsApp group, giving you the opportunity to connect before the trip and perhaps make plans to travel together or arrange pre- or post-retreat adventures.
Throughout the retreat, you'll be in the supportive company of your retreat leaders and the other women in our intimate group.
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Not at all.
Anne works with writers of every level, including people who have never considered themselves writers. Most retreat participants arrive with little or no writing experience and are often surprised by what they're able to produce.
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You never have to share anything you don't want to.
Writing, coaching and group experiences are designed to take place in a supportive, confidential and judgment-free environment. You decide what feels right for you.
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All dietary preferences can be accommodated. Please let us know about dietary requirements when booking.
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If possible, you may want to arrive in Italy a day or more before the retreat to adjust to the time difference and enjoy a little exploring.
Our travel agent can help with pre- and post-retreat planning.
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Late April generally brings mild spring weather. Daytime highs average approximately 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F), with nighttime temperatures around 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F).
You'll want layers and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
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Yes. Participants will be required to provide proof of travel/health insurance after booking and to sign a liability waiver. We strongly recommend flexible airline tickets and travel interruption/cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
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Your initial $1,000 deposit is non-refundable because deposits are made in advance to secure the retreat property. If you need to cancel, the balance of your payment is refundable if we're able to fill your place from the waitlist.
