Carved into a gentle hill, Masseria Specula is an historic farmhouse surrounded by 20 hectares of exclusive private land, offering a tranquil retreat just 1km away from the enchanting shores of the Ionian Sea.

Invoking the muse practice is grounded in ancient history. It refers to the act of seeking inspiration and blessing from a specific goddess or deity. It became an essential part of writing a narrative or work of literature in ancient Greece and has been passed down for millenia. Building relationships with the spirit world and the invisible and immortal aspects of our own nature is the root of all creativity. We will use these beautiful surroundings to inform, to inspire, and to tap lines of power, creativity and connection. This blend of history, creativity, and nature is the perfect recipe for a transformative experience. We hope you join us!

CREATIVE RETREAT
The six-day retreat will feature morning yoga/meditation sessions with certified yoga and movement instructor Jacqueline Ferrante, evenings of live music with pizzica dance, daily meals of authentic Apulian recipes cooked by local women, Apulian olive oil & wine tastings, and an integrated creative writing program with writer and memoir author, Angela Paolantonio.

Plus relaxing beach time, aperitivi and local exploration. The Salento towns of Gallipoli, Nardò, and other seaside or Baroque villages are just a drive away.

We’ll engage daily in the natural surroundings of Masseria Specula and the Ionian Sea to deepen our sense of presence and self-expression. We’ll be Calling in the Muse as we immerse ourselves in the area’s ancient energies, focusing on individual creativity, writing from a place where mind, body, and the enchanting Salento landscape all converge.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Masseria Specula offers single or double occupancy light filled rooms with ensuite private baths. Most rooms have ground level access to outdoor stone patios or a rooftop sea view terrace. There are relaxing gardens and a dedicated indoor yoga / retreat room. The Masseria provides use of bicycles, sun umbrellas and beach towels for guests to take to the beach. Personal laundry services are available at additional charges. Private parking. And an electric car charging point.

To operate as sustainably as possible, Masseria Specula runs on solar power, minimizes the use of plastic, serves traditional Apulian vegan & vegetarian food, plants trees every winter, and keeps bees to enhance pollination. The venue is immersed in nature surrounded by 20 hectares of private land, an ideal tranquil place to relax.

MEALS
Daily meals will be freshly prepared by local Apulian women from traditional recipes with locally sourced ingredients. A welcome dinner on the arrival evening and breakfast and dinner each day after, plus a light packed lunch for the beach OR afternoon aperitivi. On sight Apulian wine and olive oil tastings have been planned to accompany meals or as an afternoon experience.

THE EXPERIENCES
• Yoga sessions; 3 sessions at Masseria Specula or at the beach
• Live music with welcome dinner at Masseria Specula
• Live pizzica music & dance class later in the week at Masseria Specula
• Apulian olive oil and wine tastings at Masseria Specula
• Guided walking tour to discover small fishing villages along the seaside coastline
• Guided walks in the local hills and olive groves
• Guided walk to Salina dei Monaci; a coastal salt lake flamingo habitat
• Massages Reiki Energy or Sound healing can all be arranged privately
• Relax time on the beach or in the Masseria
• Immerse. Wait for the muse. Write. That’s it.

RETREAT FEES
$3400 Per Person / Deposit: $750, Non Refundable
Private Double Room / 6 Nights, 7 Days. Inclusive of all meals, Calling in the Muse writing workshop, yoga sessions, beach access and walking tours and experiences as stated above. Small intimate group. Limited spaces. Book your place now!
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, Airport Transfer, and Travel Insurance. Contact host for details.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE DETAILS
• Arrival at Masseria Specula / Sunday, July 6, 3:00pm
• Departure from Masseria Specula / Saturday, July 12, 11:00am

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