Overview
Southern Italy is known for its spectacular coastline, family-run restaurants, lemon groves, and traditions that have been passed down for generations. This retreat is designed to help you experience that side of Italy through the people you'll meet, the places you'll visit, and the moments you'll share. We'll stay at a family-run boutique hotel overlooking the Bay of Naples, visit a family-owned lemon grove, cruise the coast by traditional boat to a beloved waterfront restaurant, hike for sweeping views of the coastline, and celebrate our final evening with a pizza party and live Neapolitan music. Along the way, you'll have time to wander the streets of Vico Equense, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy an afternoon at your own pace. Before the retreat, we'll share an optional retreat read set in Italy. Reading the book is completely up to you, but many guests enjoy arriving with a shared story in mind. One evening, anyone who wishes can join us for a relaxed conversation over wine about the book and the places we've experienced together. If books aren't your thing, don't worry. This retreat is designed for anyone who wants to experience southern Italy in a more meaningful way. Like every Away Retreat, everything is optional. Join every activity, explore on your own, or simply linger over another espresso. We believe the best trips leave room for curiosity, flexibility, and the freedom to experience a destination in your own way.
A Curated Boutique Stay
Hillside Villa Overlooking the Bay
Where we stay matters. Our Italian Villa is not only peaceful, it tells the story of the destination.
Our home on the Amalfi Coast is a family-run hillside retreat overlooking the Bay of Naples, surrounded by gardens, citrus trees, and sweeping sea views.
It's the kind of place that feels genuinely Italian.
The rooms reflect the character of the property. Some embrace a classic Italian style with traditional furnishings, while others have a brighter, more contemporary feel. Each room is unique, but all offer the same warm hospitality, beautiful views, and thoughtful comforts.
Mornings begin with homemade breakfast on the terrace before we head out to explore the coast. In the afternoons, return for a swim in the heated pool, relax in the gardens with a book, or walk into town for a coffee, aperitivo, or gelato.
Each evening, we come back together for dinner, conversation, and time to unwind after a day of exploring. It's the kind of place that helps you feel connected to Italy, not just as a visitor, but as someone settling into the rhythm of everyday life.
The Experience
A Day by the Sea
We'll spend the day at a secluded, family-run waterfront restaurant tucked beneath the cliffs of Positano. Arriving by private boat, we'll settle into reserved beach chairs and enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Linger over a leisurely seaside lunch of fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and regional specialties while soaking in sweeping views of the Mediterranean. We'll breathe in the sea air, savor the slower pace, and bring our swimsuits; no afternoon here is complete without a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean. This is the kind of place that has remained true to the Amalfi Coast's slower way of life and a favorite among those who know where to look.
Family Run Lemon Grove
Lemons have shaped life on the Amalfi Coast for centuries, from the landscape to the local cuisine. We'll spend time at a family-run lemon grove, walking among the terraces, learning how these famous citrus fruits are grown, and tasting a few of the products they're transformed into. It's a chance to connect to the local culture and hear the stories behind this iconic crop!
Pre-Retreat Virtual Book Discussion with Shaley from 2Reador2Write
About four months before the retreat, we'll mail you a copy of our selected book (you'll have gotten the chance to vote on the selection, which is typically inspired by the region we'll be exploring together. Then, about two months before departure, you'll join Shaley, creator of @2reador2write, and the rest of the group for a virtual book club discussion. Reading the same book before we travel gives us a shared starting point, sparks conversation before we even arrive, and adds another layer to our time together as we explore the Amalfi Coast.
Open-Air Dining
Many of our meals are enjoyed outdoors on the villa's terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. Meals in Italy are meant to be savored, not rushed, so we'll linger over fresh local food, regional wine, and good conversation while taking in the view. Before long, you'll find yourself settling into the slower pace of Italian life.
Book Discussion
We'll gather for a relaxed discussion of our retreat book, sharing thoughts and reflections inspired by the story and our time together on the Amalfi Coast. Whether you read every page or only a few chapters, you're welcome to join the conversation.
Italian Pizza Party
On our final evening together, we'll celebrate with an Italian pizza party at our villa. As the sun sets over the Bay of Naples, we'll enjoy handmade pizza fresh from the oven, local wine, and live Neapolitan music. It's the perfect way to end the retreat: sharing great food, laughter, and conversation while taking in the views one last time.
Pool
After a day spent exploring the Amalfi Coast, return to the villa for a swim while taking in sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Whether you're cooling off on a warm afternoon, relaxing with a book by the pool, or unwinding before dinner, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Balance
Our carefully curated itineary leaves space for adventure, connection, relaxation and exploring.
Free Day
The last full day is yours for the taking! Choose to travel to another town, take a nearby hike, join a boat tour to Capri or simply relax at our incredible villa. We'll reconvene for our Italian Pizza Party that night.
Stone Stairway
Like many places along the Amalfi Coast, our villa is accessed by a series of stairs. The climb is well worth it, rewarding you with sweeping views over the Bay of Naples, but it's something to keep in mind when deciding if this retreat is the right fit for you. We recommend being comfortable walking up and down several flights of stairs each day.
Space to Be
Between adventures, meals, and movement sessions, this becomes a place to simply be. Curl up with a book, enjoy a quiet conversation, journal, or settle into a comfortable corner with coffee. This shared space invites connection when you want it and quiet when you need it.
Accommodation
Triple Occupancy in Lofted Room
Book with a group of 3 people. This room has a twin bed on the first floor and a lofted King. The ensuite bathroom is on the same level as the Twin. These rooms are on the ground floor and do not have a window separate from the window above the door. Step outside to the main patio to enjoy sea views! The photo is an example of a room; each room is different! Price is per person
FROM$3,000.00/pp
Triple Occupancy in Classic Style Room
Book with two others. This room offers a King bed, twin bed, and an ensuite bathroom. The photo is an example of a room; each room is different! Price is per person
FROM$3,300.00/pp
Double Occupancy in Lofted Room
Book with one other person or book solo to be paired with an other participant (of the same gender). This room has a twin on the first floor and a King up the stairs. The ensuite bathroom is downstairs. These rooms are on the ground floor and do not have a window separate from the one above the door. Step outside to the main patio to enjoy sea views! The photo is an example of a room; each room is different! Price is per person
FROM$3,400.00/pp
Double Occupancy in Classic Style Room
This room can be arranged with two twin beds (or as a King bed for a couple-friendly setup). Book solo and be paired with another participant of the same gender, or book with a friend. Enjoy a sea view and an ensuite bathroom. The photo is an example of a room; each room is different!
FROM$3,800.00/pp
Double Occupancy in Classic Style Junior Suite (Queen)
Book with a friend and plan to share a Queen Bed. Enjoy a sea view and an ensuite bathroom. The photo is an example of a room; each room is different!
FROM$4,200.00/pp
Double Occupancy in Contemporary Suite (Queen)
Book with a friend and plan to share a Queen Bed. Enjoy sea views and an ensuite bathroom. The photo is an example of a room; each room is different!
FROM$4,600.00/pp
Single Occupancy in Classic Style Room (King)
Expect a King bed, sea view. and an ensuite bathroom in this Italian style room. The photo is an example of a room; each room is unique!
FROM$5,000.00/pp
Single Occupancy in Contemporary Suite (Queen)
Enjoy sea views, a Queen bed, and an ensuite bathroom. The photo is an example of a room; each room is different!
FROM$6,200.00/pp
Itinerary
Previous
Next
A Typical Day
AM
Breakfast at the villa
Monday: Lemon grove visit and time in Vico Equense
Tuesday: Boat from Positano for a beach day and leisurely seaside lunch
Wednesday: Free Day (we will help you)
PM
Most afternoons have time to relax, read, or enjoy the pool and views after the morning’s activities
Sunday: Arrive, settle in, and enjoy the villa
Monday: Dinner on your own
Tuesday: Optional Book Discussion, Dinner on your own
Wednesday: Authentic Italian Pizza Party with Music!
5:30 p.m. Early evening sessions, which may include book discussions, journaling, gentle movement, or time to gather as a group.
7:00 p.m. Group dinner at the villa or evening dining experience.
All activities are optional, and the itinerary includes time to rest, read, swim, or explore on your own.
Free-time blocks give you space to enjoy the villa, walk into Vico Equense, book a massage, or simply relax with the view.
We leave room to adjust the schedule based on weather, sea conditions, and local logistics. Activities may move between morning and afternoon so we can make the most of our time on the coast.
What's included
What's Included
Pre-trip & Logistics Support
Transportation to and from Naples airport (NAP)
Time to explore Vico Equense
All breakfasts (4)
2 lunches, 2 dinners
Lemon Farm Experience
Authentic Italian Seaside Beach Day with Lunch
Pre-Retreat Virtual Book Club
Transportation to and from scheduled activities
Book Discussion with Wine and Aperitivos
What's Not Included
Any meals during traveling that take place before or after you meet the group
1 lunch, 2 dinners (exploring is part of the fun)! We will help you.
Specialty drinks (smoothies or alcoholic beverages)
Additional Activities or Spa Services
Travel Insurance (we require travel insurance and have recommendations for you to explore)
Hosts
Our retreats are led by a small, collaborative host team that combines subject-matter expertise with thoughtful, on-the-ground support. Together, we create an experience that feels well organized, welcoming, and easy to settle into.
Amy Heinemann
Amy is an avid traveler and loves hiking and other outdoor adventures, food and architecture. She grew up doing long road trips with her family to explore national parks in the US and Canada and has carried this excitement about wide open spaces into adulthood.
Her favorite way to discover new countries and cultures is through their culinary traditions, markets and natural landscapes.
After prior careers in the environmental field and finance, she decided to take a break from her corporate job in NYC and has been traveling around the world - mostly organizing solo adventures and trips with friends. In total, she has visited 142 countries.
Gallery
FAQs
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are refundable for 7 days.
If cancellation occurs more than 120 days prior to the retreat start date, you will receive a 100% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 90-120 days prior to retreat start date and receive a 50% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 46-90 days prior to the retreat start date and receive a 25% refund, less the deposit.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations that occur 45 or fewer days before the retreat start date.
However, we CAN apply any amount paid toward a future AWAY retreat!
What is the payment policy?
A 25% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the retreat.
The remaining balance is due 120 days before the retreat start date.
Please reach out if you'd like to chat about a payment plan that might work better for you.
Is everything really optional?
Yes! This is your trip. Every scheduled activity is available to you, and you are in no way pressured to join any or all of them.
There is freedom in doing what you would personally like to do, each day.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes! There are options for vegetarians, pescatarians, omnivores and carnivores alike.
Gluten-free diets can be accommodated as well.
Are vaccinations recommended or required?
You may read about the current CDC recommendations and guidelines here.
Is there WIFI?
Yes. While it’s nice to unplug from the outside world, many of us have lives at home that require some communication.
We understand. There is WIFI at the home.
May I see a list of available activities in the area?
If you'd like to schedule one of the many activities that are offered in town, we're here to help!
Check out the noncomprehensive list below:
- Visit Praiano or other nearby villages
- Cooking Class
- Hiking
- Boat tour to Capri
Why do you require travel insurance?
As experienced travelers who’ve learned to expect the unexpected, we require travel insurance.
Travel insurance helps protect your investment in the retreat and provides coverage for unexpected events such as illness, injury, family emergencies, travel delays, lost luggage, or trip interruptions.
Because retreat payments are subject to our cancellation policy, we require all guests to carry travel insurance so they have protection if plans change unexpectedly. It's best practice to purchase a policy shortly after booking (and we provide a recommended insurance provider in your confirmation email).
What will the weather be like?
Early April is one of the loveliest times to visit the Amalfi Coast. Spring is in full bloom, temperatures are mild, and the busy summer crowds have yet to arrive.
You can expect daytime temperatures to range from about 55–68°F (13–20°C).
Mornings are crisp and comfortable for walking and exploring. Afternoons are often warm enough to enjoy lunch outdoors, wander through seaside villages, or relax by the pool.
Evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended for dinner on the terrace.