Tuscany Arts and Healing co-ordinate and facilitate workshops, events and courses focussing on personal growth, healing and creativity in stunning venues within the breathtaking landscapes around Tuscany.
"Everything was easy and focused on facilitating an amazing Tai Chi experience" (DL, Wonderful Way of Tai Chi retreat, April 2025)
We had a very successful 5-day Tai Chi residential retreat last week at Villa Boccella - even the weather gods shone on us with glorious sunshine enabling us to lunch al fresco every day. We had such a lovely and special group, inspirational teaching by Tai Chi expert Tim Spratt, delicious, colourful and imaginative cuisine produced by our chef Mariella Lencioni and crowned by an introduction to the Chinese Way of Tea with tastings of selected samples! All in the verdant surroundings of the Villa Boccella estate near Lucca,
We have already had requests to repeat the retreat so Tim and I will be working on our next joint venture very soon. We may also include a pre-retreat day on an Introduction to the Practice and Principles of Tai Chi for those who would like to explore Tai Chi as a complete beginner. If you might be interested in this option and/or a future residential retreat please do get in touch on tuscanyartsandhealing@gmail.com
Founded in 2011, we offer a variety of different courses and workshops which have been mainly located around the beautiful, historic walled city of Lucca where we have been based. In 2019, we also ran courses and events for the first time in Florence, the capital of the Renaissance in Italy which we will continue to do.
Our courses have included a couple of introductory workshops on the Alexander Technique in Italian; 'Finding your Voice', a voice workshop with an ex-RSC actor and trainer; 'Master the Art of Running' workshops with internationally-acclaimed Level 4 Athletics Coach, Alexander Technique teacher and author of 'Master the Art of Running', Malcolm Balk; Yoga Day and Residential Retreats; and 'Corpo, Mente, Voce', a voice workshop for singers and performers in Italian using the Alexander Technique. We also initiated a Kirtan Chanting Group in Lucca a few years ago.
In 2019, we had very successful workshops on Integrative Energetic Medicine in both Lucca and Florence with Dr. Fernand Poulin, from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, who is a healing professional, and spiritual teacher.
Following the success of our Wonderful Way of Chi Kung Retreat in October 2022, we again welcomed London-based Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation teacher, Tim Spratt, to Italy in April 2024 with our 4-night, 5-day retreat in the principles and practice of Tai Chi where we had full house!
Regular weekly activities include Pilates at a dedicated Pilates Studio in Lucca with Simonetta Merlin who is an excellent teacher. Groups are small to allow for personal attention.
Lisa Robbins is a UK-trained homeopath who is based in Florence but who also works remotely. She has a very useful website with an interesting monthly blog. Check her out on our links page.
