slowing down in Saturnia
September 19 - 26, 2026 ~ Saturnia, Italy
aligning with the Autumn Equinox
We live in a world that places productivity on a pedestal: a societal pressure that forces us to move faster, do more, achieve more and push past our natural rhythms. Over time: this creates a quiet disconnection from our bodies, our intuition and the wisdom of living in alignment with the seasons.
Slowing Down in Saturnia is an invitation to step out of the pressure of our modern lives and return to the natural world where we have the opportunity to slow down, soften and remember ~ allowing the body to recalibrate when a false sense of urgency is removed.
Held amongst the quiet landscape of Maremma and the Tuscan hills, aligned with the Autumn Equinox ~ the intention of this retreat is to mirror the seasonal shift from summer to autumn.
Days are slow, evenings are cozy and the practices are gentle and grounding. Through time in nature, long soaks in the hot springs, shared meals, embodiment practices, excursions, exploration and intentional rest: attendees are supported in reconnecting with the seasons and themselves.
This experience is not meant to help you becoming someone new but rather to assist you in slowing down so you can shed the noise and remember.
Slowing Down in Saturnia’s
co-host: Monique
Monique and Jackie have known each other so long that neither of them can quite remember how we met ~ only that it's felt like kismet ever since. She shares the same values that Jackie holds close: connection, travel, presence, beauty, pleasure, joy, aliveness, attention and care found in even the smallest details.
She, also like Jackie, is a multi-faceted, multi-talented, multi-gifted woman: an intuitive photographer, a private chef, a stylist with an eye for beauty in everything and someone with a deep connection to spirit and self, having hosted her own workshops and retreats as well.
When Jackie was considering hiring a photographer for this experience, she felt resistance… until the vision of co-hosting this experience with Monique came to her in meditation.
From the meals they will be serving together at the private villa, to the workshops and offerings they’re curating, to the personal photoshoot every attendee will have with Monique ~ she doesn't just document the experience Jackie has created: she elevates it.
This retreat has always been about transformation: women reconnecting to joy, nourishment and pleasure until it becomes embodied, not just experienced.
Monique's private photo shoots and candid captures throughout the week let you see that embodiment, not just feel it … so the confidence you leave with is something you can see, hold and take home with you.
Here’s a little bit about Monique…
Monique Simone, curious student of life, and self proclaimed side quest queen whose current (but perhaps permanent) obsession is olives and catching the moment light hits the water so it sparkles like diamonds in the sky.
A multi-hyphenate artist whose penchant for all things beautiful has led her down many roads and roles, including award winning professional photographer, food stylist and private chef, designer, and creator of Alkimiya mirror work method.
Through 20 yrs of magical and mystical solo journeys around the world Monique is stepping into her calling to share her love of magical places with women from all over the world. Transformative journeys blending her life’s work with her life’s love.
Lighting the way to intentional living and embodying tools from the world of science and spirituality to enhance everyday joy and inner peace.
what to expect
a private villa just a stone’s throw from the most ethereal, healing hot springs
traditional, local, organic, and seasonal Italian meals ~ featuring flavors from the late summer and early autumn harvest
slow mornings, gentle movement, and embodiment practices designed to ground you into presence and pleasure
a welcoming autumn equinox ceremony to mark the seasonal shift and set intentions for the darker months ahead
a personal photo-shoot with Monqiue + a folder of candid’s after the retreat
day trips to nearby medieval villages, vineyards, and artisan shops throughout the Maremman countryside
cozy evenings spent reflecting around a fire, indulging at local Maremma restaurants, or sipping local wine beneath the Tuscan stars
intuitive practices that support alignment with the quieter rhythm of autumn and early winter
long lunches, candlelit dinners, cozy aesthetics, and a lived experience that reminds you slowing down is both natural and deeply luxurious
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Guests will fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), where private transport will be waiting to bring you directly to the villa at the start of the retreat, as well as back to the airport on the day of departure.
All transportation for scheduled activities, excursions, and off-site meals during the retreat is also included. During free time, if you choose to plan an additional off-site day trip or experience, transportation for that time would be at your own expense ~ and Jackie is happy to help arrange it if needed.
Airfare is not included.
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Days are slower and more inward-facing, designed to support rest and deep settling into the season.
Mornings unfold gently, with time for breakfast or brunch, soaking in the thermal springs, resting, or enjoying the villa and surrounding land. Practices are offered at an unhurried pace and tend to feel grounding and reflective.
Afternoons include excursions, time at the springs and quiet exploration of the region, depending on the day.
Evenings come back together for shared meals, soft rituals, and space to wind down. There is structure to support the rhythm of the week, but nothing is rushed ~ the pace is intentional and spacious.
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There is a generous amount of free time throughout the week. One full day is completely open, with no scheduled activities (breakfast and dinner are still offered at the villa).
Most days also include pockets of free time to rest, explore, or do nothing at all.
The main exception is the full-day excursion, when we’ll depart in the morning and return in the early evening. That evening is entirely yours to enjoy as you wish.
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You’re welcome to plan free time however you’d like!
Some guests choose to rest at the villa, swim, soak in the springs, journal, read, or explore nearby towns. If you’d like to plan something off-site, Jackie has plenty of suggestions and is happy to help with arrangements ~ you won’t be left to figure things out on your own (unless you want to, of course!).
For meals that aren’t included, Jackie will share local options and recommendations. There are multiple restaurants within less than a mile of the property, as well as takeaway pizza and easy, low-key options if you’d prefer to stay at the villa.
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Yes ~ most attendees do!
Many people join the retreat on their own, and the experience is designed to feel comfortable, easeful, and naturally connective ~ whether you arrive solo or with someone else.
There are private rooms available, along with a shared room option for solo guests who prefer a double bed to a single bed.
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Food is local, seasonal, and fresh, reflecting the cuisine of Maremma. The region is known for its meat, so steak and local cured meats will be on the menu, alongside abundant seafood options ~ from crudo (raw) to spaghetti vongole (clams) to simple, fresh, grilled local fish. Dairy is also a staple here, including sheep’s cheeses and fresh ricotta.
Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with ease. Vegan diets can be more challenging in this region. If you follow a vegan diet, please reach out so we can discuss what’s possible.
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Nothing is mandatory! Jackie fully supports your free will.
While Jackie has thoughtfully designed the retreat as a journey and will offer experiences that are highly suggested to receive the full arc of the week ~ everything presented is an offering.
You’re invited to lean into what feels right for you in each moment. Participation is always your choice, and you’re welcome to join fully, step back, or rest whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
room types + pricing
la vista: a private room with a king sized bed, a private bathroom with a shower and a balcony overlooking the sprawling tuscan hills
la visa (for one): $5,980
la vista(for two): $3,980 (each)
garden suite private: (can accommodate up to three joining together) with a queen bed and a single bed, a private bathroom with a shower and outdoor garden access
double bed (for one): $5,380
double bed (for two): $3,480 (each)
1 single bed: $3,480
garden suiteshared: with a queen bed and a single bed, a private bathroom with a shower and outdoor garden access
double bed (for one): $5,380
double bed (for two): $3,480 (each)
1 single bed: $3,480
the courtyard: (can be private or shared)with a king bed or two single beds, and a private bathroom with a shower
king bed (for one): $4,980
2 single beds: $3,280 (each)
semi private shared suite: a suite with a king sized bed in one room and a separate room leading to a loft with two single beds and a private bathroom with a shower and bathtub
double bed in semi-private room (for one): $4,480
double bed in a semi-private room(for two): $3,480 (each)
2 single beds in the loft: $2,980 (each)
payment plans
$750 deposit required on each room type with payment plans made available on an individual basis.
50% payment required within 60 days of retreat start date and the remaining balance due by September 1st.