There is a moment, early in the pasta-making process, when the dough stops being a shaggy, uncertain mass and becomes something smooth, elastic, and alive beneath your hands. If you've experienced it, you know exactly what I mean. If you haven't — well, that's partly why this retreat exists.

Making fresh pasta is not complicated. But it does ask something of you. It asks for your presence. It asks you to slow down, to feel what's in your hands, to resist the urge to rush. In a world that relentlessly rewards speed and efficiency, there is something quietly radical about kneading dough.

​This September, in the hills of Tuscany, we're offering our retreat guests the chance to experience exactly that — guided by one of Italy's most thoughtful and accomplished chefs.

The craft has roots stretching back centuries, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, where the egg-rich dough known as pasta all'uovo became the backbone of a culinary tradition. Grandmothers passed it to mothers, mothers to daughters, and on it went — a thread of knowledge woven through generations. Today, that thread is thinner. Most of us buy pasta from a packet. Most of us have never felt the resistance of fresh dough under a rolling pin, or watched a thin sheet of pasta catch the light. Learning to make it — really learning, with patience and guidance — is a way of reconnecting with something older and quieter than our current pace of life allows.

There's a reason that so many people describe cooking from scratch as meditative. It's not metaphorical. When you make pasta by hand, you are entirely in your body. You're feeling the texture of the dough, watching its colour change, listening for the soft sound it makes when it's ready to rest. You are not scrolling. You are not planning. You are not anywhere but here.

Psychologists sometimes call this a state of flow — the absorption in a task that demands just enough of you to hold your attention completely, but not so much that it overwhelms. Skilled, repetitive handwork — kneading, rolling, folding, shaping — is one of the most reliable routes into this state. In this sense, making pasta is not just a cooking skill. It is a practice. A way of being present. A small, satisfying form of meditation that ends with dinner.

Before you join us in Tuscany, here's a starting point — the foundations of a classic pasta all'uovo that you can practice in your own kitchen.

What You'll Need (serves 4):

• 400g tipo 00 flour (or plain flour if unavailable)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• A pinch of fine salt
• A drizzle of olive oil (optional)

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The Method:

1. Build your well. Mound the flour on a clean surface and create a well in the centre — wide enough to hold your eggs without overflowing. Add a pinch of salt.

2. Add the eggs. Crack the eggs into the well. Using a fork, begin beating the eggs gently, gradually incorporating flour from the inner walls of the well. Work slowly — you're not in a hurry.

3. Bring it together. Once the mixture becomes too thick to use a fork, use your hands. Push, fold, and press the dough, drawing in more flour as you go, until you have a rough ball.

4. Knead with intention. Now comes the meditative part. Knead the dough firmly for 8–10 minutes — pushing away from you with the heel of your hand, folding, turning, and repeating. You're developing the gluten, and you'll feel the dough transform: from rough to smooth, from tight to silky. When you press a finger in and it springs back slowly, you're there.

5. Rest. Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This is non-negotiable — the rest relaxes the gluten and makes rolling infinitely easier.

6. Roll. Divide the dough into portions and roll each one thin — either with a rolling pin or pasta machine, starting at the widest setting and working down. Dust generously with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Shape. From here, the world opens up. Cut into ribbons for tagliatelle or pappardelle. Use a cutter for pappardelle. Fold and fill for ravioli. Each shape has its own logic, its own satisfaction.
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A note: Don't expect perfection on your first attempt. That's not the point. The point is to begin — and to notice what your hands are learning as you go.
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For our September retreat, we are privileged to welcome Chef Igor Rosi as our workshop guide — and the more we learned about him, the more certain we became that he was the right person for this experience.
Igor was born in the province of Pistoia in 1983 and grew up learning his first kitchen instincts from his grandparents, who ran a restaurant. At eighteen, after graduating from the Hotel Management School in Montecatini, he left for France — drawn by a desire for freedom, for experience, for understanding how other culinary traditions approached creativity and rigour.

What followed was twenty years of extraordinary formation: kitchens in Venice, Milan, London, New York, and eight years in Brussels at the Hotel Amigo — a Rocco Forte property with one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in Europe. He returned to Italy as Head Chef of Ristorante Devoti at La Monastica, where his food draws directly from the property's kitchen garden, blending seasonal ingredients into dishes that feel both deeply rooted and quietly surprising. What we love most about Igor is his guiding philosophy. He calls simplicity his compass. Not plainness — but the kind of simplicity that emerges from deep understanding. The kind that knows when to step back and let an ingredient be itself. That's the spirit he'll bring to our workshop. And it's the spirit we hope you'll carry home with you.

When we were designing this retreat, we kept coming back to the same question: What experiences will people still be talking about in five years? Not the view from the terrace, beautiful as it is. Not the wine, though it will be excellent. The experiences that stay with you are the ones where you made something. Where you learned something. Where your hands were involved and your mind was quiet.

A pasta-making workshop with a world-class Tuscan chef, beginning with a forage through an organic kitchen garden and ending with a handmade meal and a glass of local wine — that, we thought, is exactly the kind of thing people carry with them. It is also, quietly, a lesson in how to be. In how to slow down, pay attention, and find genuine pleasure in the process rather than just the outcome.
That feels like the right note for a retreat in Tuscany in September.

Our September retreat is intimate by design — small group, deep experiences, and time to actually breathe.
If pasta making with Chef Igor, a stay at La Monastica, and a week of mindful slow living in Tuscany sounds like exactly what you need, we'd love to have you. 

Get in touch with us on [email protected] for more. 

"I used to wear my busyness like a badge of honor. As an entrepreneur, every moment felt accounted for—meetings, deadlines, emails, and endless to-do lists. When I became a mother, the weight of this constant motion became overwhelming. I was navigating not only my business but also the profound transformation of stepping into motherhood. The pace I once prided myself on suddenly felt unsustainable. 
Slowing down wasn’t just an option; it was a necessity. And yet, in the stillness, I found something I never expected—liberation. In surrendering to my own natural rhythm, I rediscovered my intuition, my creativity, and a sense of self that had been buried beneath the hustle.

There is a profound beauty in embracing your own pace. As women, our bodies and minds are not designed for relentless productivity. We flow in cycles—sometimes we are full of energy and drive, and at other times, we crave rest and introspection. Honoring these natural rhythms is not a weakness; it is a strength. When we give ourselves permission to slow down, we cultivate a deeper connection with our feminine essence, allowing us to show up in our work, our relationships, and our lives with greater presence and authenticity."

- Farida Abushady, Founder, Casa Sensoria 

Join us on a liberating journey as we practice the art of slowing down together on our upcoming women's retreat Illuminate: 17th - 22nd June, 2025, Kéa Island, Greece

1. A Moment of Calm to Center Your Mind
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The world is still and quiet in those first moments of dawn. As the sun gradually peeks over the horizon, it brings with it a sense of peace that is hard to replicate during the busyness of daily life. This time alone with nature allows you to clear your mind, let go of stress, and focus on the present. Watching the sunrise can serve as your own personal meditation—an opportunity to reset and center yourself before the demands of the day take over.
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2. A Natural Mood Booster

There’s a reason why people are often told to "get some sun" when they're feeling down. Sunlight, particularly in the morning, helps stimulate the production of serotonin, the brain’s "feel-good" chemical. This means that even a short time spent watching the sunrise can lift your mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and give you a sense of emotional balance. It’s a simple yet effective way to set a positive tone for the day ahead.

3. Helps Regulate Your Sleep-Wake Cycle

In today’s world of artificial lighting and screen time, many of us struggle with maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. But natural sunlight, especially in the morning, helps recalibrate your body’s internal clock (your circadian rhythm). When you expose yourself to sunlight early in the day, it signals to your body that it’s time to wake up and be alert. As a result, you’ll not only feel more energized in the morning, but your body will be better equipped to wind down in the evening, making it easier to fall asleep at night.

4. Inspires Creativity and Fresh Ideas

There’s something inherently inspiring about a sunrise. Whether it’s the colors painting the sky or the quiet majesty of a new day beginning, the sunrise taps into our sense of wonder. This can be an incredibly motivating experience, offering a boost of inspiration that carries into your work or creative endeavors. If you’re someone who struggles with writer's block, decision fatigue, or creative burnout, a sunrise might just offer the clarity and fresh perspective you need to tackle your day with new ideas and enthusiasm.

5. Enhances Your Physical Health

While the mental and emotional benefits of watching the sunrise are well known, there are physical perks, too. Morning sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is crucial for your immune system, bone health, and overall vitality. Spending time outside in the early light can help boost your vitamin D levels, especially during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. This simple act of watching the sunrise can improve your health in ways you might not even realize.

6. Improves Focus and Productivity

Have you ever noticed how productive you feel after a quiet morning spent in nature? Watching the sunrise provides a chance to mentally prepare for the day, giving you time to set your intentions and clarify your goals. This kind of morning ritual can help sharpen your focus, enabling you to approach the day with a greater sense of purpose. With your mind cleared and your mood lifted, you'll likely find yourself tackling your to-do list with more energy and efficiency.

7. Fosters a Deeper Connection with Nature

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with the natural rhythms of life. But sunrise, as one of nature’s most consistent and awe-inspiring events, can serve as a gentle reminder of the beauty and wonder around us. Taking the time to witness this daily miracle can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the planet, fostering a sense of gratitude and reverence for the natural world. That connection can, in turn, inspire you to make more eco-conscious choices in your daily life.

8. A Sense of Accomplishment and Discipline

There’s an undeniable sense of accomplishment that comes with waking up early and making time for something intentional, like watching the sunrise. It’s a small but powerful act of discipline that can set the tone for a productive, structured day. Moreover, when you begin your day with purpose—taking a moment for yourself to enjoy the beauty around you—it creates a sense of control and empowerment that can carry through to all your other activities.

9. A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

The quiet stillness of the early morning is the perfect backdrop for introspection. As you watch the sun rise, it provides a natural pause to reflect on your life, your goals, and your intentions. This can be a moment to express gratitude for the day ahead or for the simple beauty of the present moment. A morning ritual of reflection not only sets a positive mindset but helps you gain clarity and insight into what truly matters.

In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, the simple act of watching the sunrise offers a chance to slow down and reconnect with yourself, your environment, and the rhythm of life. Whether you seek a mood boost, creative inspiration, or simply a moment of peace, sunrise provides it all. By making it a regular part of your morning routine, you can cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and joy that will last throughout the day.

So, set your alarm a little earlier tomorrow and step outside to witness the magic of a new day—your mind, body, and soul will thank you.

Sound Healing has been a transformational tool for me to go deeper into the sub-conscious, activate my creativity, and calm my nervous system whenever feeling overwhelmed. So for my first blog post, I decided to share the benefits of this ancient practice with you!.

Sound healing, especially through the use of Tibetan singing bowls, has been practiced for centuries in various spiritual and therapeutic contexts. The sound vibrations emitted by these bowls can have profound effects on both the mind and body. Below are some of the key benefits:

1.  Stress Reduction and Relaxation

• Deep Relaxation: The sound frequencies from Tibetan bowls create a calming effect on the nervous system. When these bowls are played, they help bring the body into a state of deep relaxation, which counteracts the effects of stress. This is particularly beneficial for reducing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: The soothing vibrations activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), encouraging the body to relax, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Improved Mental Clarity and Focus

• Calming the Mind: The resonating tones of Tibetan bowls help clear mental clutter and quiet the mind. This can enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity, which is particularly beneficial for meditation and mindfulness practices.
• Heightened Awareness: The sound waves stimulate the brain's alpha and theta brainwave states, which are associated with relaxation and deep meditation. This can lead to improved cognitive function and a sense of heightened awareness.

3. Emotional Healing and Balance

• Release of Emotional Blockages: The vibrations from Tibetan bowls are thought to help release stuck or blocked energy within the body. By moving through these energy blocks, individuals can experience emotional release and healing.
• Balancing the Chakras: In many traditions, Tibetan bowls are believed to resonate with specific energy centers (chakras) in the body. When the bowls are played near these chakras, it is thought to help balance the energies, improving emotional health and reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger.

4. Pain Relief and Healing

• Alleviation of Physical Pain: Some studies suggest that sound therapy with Tibetan bowls can help alleviate both acute and chronic pain. The vibrations are believed to stimulate the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and promote healing on a cellular level.
• Improved Circulation: The vibrations from the bowls can stimulate blood flow and improve circulation, which contributes to better tissue oxygenation and healing.

5. Better Sleep

• Inducing a Relaxed State Before Sleep: Many people use Tibetan singing bowls as a part of their bedtime routine because of their calming properties. The soothing sounds can help relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.
• Reduction of Insomnia: By calming the nervous system and reducing stress, sound healing can be particularly effective in treating insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.

6. Increased Energy and Vitality

• Restoration of Energy Flow: Tibetan bowls are believed to harmonize the body’s energy flow, clearing energetic blockages that may cause physical or emotional discomfort. When energy flows freely, individuals may experience improved vitality and a greater sense of well-being.
• Enhanced Qi Flow (in Traditional Chinese Medicine): Similar to chakra healing, the vibrations of Tibetan bowls are said to stimulate the flow of "Qi" or life force energy in the body, contributing to overall health and vitality.

7. Promotes Meditation and Spiritual Growth

• Enhanced Meditation: The sound of Tibetan bowls can support a deeper meditation practice. The tones help guide the mind into a meditative state, making it easier for individuals to focus, reduce distractions, and experience deeper spiritual connection.
• Sound as a Sacred Tool: In Tibetan Buddhism and other traditions, the use of singing bowls is considered a sacred practice, often associated with rituals for spiritual growth and inner peace. The sound vibrations are believed to connect the practitioner with higher states of consciousness.

8. Harmonization of Brainwave States

• Brainwave Synchronization: The frequencies from Tibetan bowls can help synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This process can promote a sense of mental coherence and enhance overall brain function.
• Inducing Alpha and Theta Waves: As mentioned, Tibetan bowl sounds help induce alpha (relaxed, calm) and theta (deep relaxation, meditation) brainwave states. These states have been linked to creativity, intuition, and inner peace.

9. Detoxification

• Vibrational Purging: The vibrations from Tibetan bowls are said to help “shake up” stagnant energy or toxins from the body, assisting in the detoxification process. This can aid in the removal of emotional and physical toxins, helping to clear blockages in both the energetic and physical body.

10. Sense of Connection

• Unity and Oneness: Sound healing through Tibetan bowls often evokes a deep sense of unity and connection with oneself, others, and the universe. The experience can be profoundly transformative, leading to a greater sense of inner peace, harmony, and understanding.

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Conclusion
Tibetan singing bowls offer a holistic approach to healing by working on multiple levels — mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Whether you're seeking stress relief, emotional balance, physical healing, or spiritual growth, these sound vibrations can support your well-being in a gentle and powerful way. Many practitioners recommend incorporating sound healing into regular self-care routines or therapeutic practices for its full range of benefits.