CLAY & CULINARY RETREAT
23-26 April, Bolzano, Italy
FOOD
This Spring, Galina from Near and Far World will guide you through a weekend dedicated to rediscovering creativity in the kitchen. Together we’ll explore new ways of cooking, from intuitive menu planning to creating full seasonal meals that tell a story.
Expect a hands-on cooking workshop, long tables filled with vibrant spring dishes and a return to the joy of cooking from the heart. you’ll learn to cook with the rhythm of the season and reconnect with your own creative expression through food, while having space to explore their own culinary creativity.
CLAY EXPERIENCE
Clay session will be guided by Gizem from Gigi Room Ceramics, inviting you into a slow, tactile exploration of working with clay. You’ll learn foundational hand-building techniques while leaving plenty of space for intuition, play, and personal expression.
No prior experience is needed, this is not about perfection, but about the joy of making with your hands. Expect a calming, grounding rhythm, supportive guidance throughout, and time to create pieces that feel meaningful to you, whether simple, sculptural, or beautifully imperfect.
STAY
We’ll gather at a charming boutique hotel nestled among vineyards and mountains, with a garden, a pool, and sweeping views of the Dolomites.
Amadeus Ora Amore is a character-filled house, thoughtfully restored and full of soul. Mornings begin with Italian breakfast and birdsong; afternoons drift by with sunshine, soft conversations, and space to simply be.
With a small number of cozy rooms—some shared, some private—this retreat offers an intimate, grounding home for rest, reconnection, and creative flow.
MEET THE HOSTS
Gizem Sirmali Gigi Room Ceramics
Gizem is a ceramic artist, storyteller, and the creative behind Gigi Room Ceramics. She blends slow craft, soulful gatherings, and creative expression into experiences that nourish both hands and hearts. Between shaping clay and hosting her clay-and-everything pop-ups, the vision for this retreat was born. Her work is about more than ceramics—it’s about connection, gentle rituals, and spaces where people can come back to themselves.
Galina Akselrod-Golikova Near & Far
Galina is the creative mind behind Near & Far, where food is approached as a form of storytelling and self-expression. Her work centers on comforting, seasonal cooking and the simple joy of gathering. During the retreat, Galina will guide the culinary experience, inviting you to reconnect with creativity in the kitchen through hands-on cooking and baking, and shared meals around the table.
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3 nights stay in a charming hotel (double or single room)
Daily breakfast, lunch, and shared dinners
Seasonal culinary workshops & tastings
Guided handbuilding clay sessions
All clay materials, tools, and firing
Wine tasting featuring local selections
Thoughtfully curated goodie bag
Long-table meals and shared moments
A small, intimate group setting
Use of pool and garden areas
Opening and closing circles
Optional quiet time, mountain air, lake walk & good company
Movie night
Finished ceramic pieces will be fired and glazed after the retreat and can be collected or shipped.
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Day 1
Arrival and check-in
Welcome tea and opening circle
Shared welcome dinner
Evening at ease
Day 2
Yoga session
Breakfast
Focaccia making + decorating workshop
Lunch
Slow afternoon tea
Free time
Clay workshop & wine tasting
Shared dinner
Movie night
Day 3
Breakfast
Visit farmers market and flower garden in the village
Lunch
Journaling session
Free time
Culinary workshop: intuitive cooking and baking together
Long-table closing dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Free time to rest, read or explore
Closing circle
Departure
This is a sample schedule and may change depending on the flow of the retreat, group needs, and seasonal rhythm.
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Choose a Retreat
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.Book Your Spot
Add the retreat to your cart and complete the form. Then head to your basket to finalize payment and reserve your spot.Review the Welcome Packet
After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know: detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.Book Your Travel
We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.Get Packed & Join Us
Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure. -
Do I need experience in ceramics or cooking?
Not at all! The retreat is open to all levels. Whether you're new to clay or cooking, or returning with experience, you'll be gently guided through each session in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Will I take my ceramic pieces home?
Yes! Your pieces will be bisque fired after the retreat and shipped to you. This process takes time, so please allow 4–6 weeks for delivery. Shipping is included.
What language is the retreat in?
The retreat is hosted in English, with German support available if needed.
How do I get to the venue?
The retreat is held in Bolzano, Italy at the peaceful Amadeus Ora Amore hotel. You can get there by:
Train: 20 minutes from Bolzano’s main station by taxi, or bus
Car: On-site parking available
Plane: Nearby airports include Innsbruck, Verona, and Milan, with easy train links
Need help planning your journey? Just ask.
Is this retreat only for women?
Nope! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join!
This retreat is open to all genders. If you feel drawn to creativity, movement, nature, and slow, meaningful connection: you belong here.
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full amount?
Yes. You can choose to pay 50% of the retreat price as a deposit to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due at the retreat. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to pay the full amount at the time of booking.
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full amount?
Yes. You can choose to pay 50% of the retreat price as a deposit to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due at the retreat. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to pay the full amount at the time of booking.
What’s the cancellation policy?
There is a non-refundable deposit of 50% to pay when booking. You can cancel your stay up to 8 weeks before the start of the retreat, after this no refund will be given.
If you do want to cancel, please get in touch immediately and we will do our best to help.
Please make sure you have travel insurance in case any unforeseen circumstances occur that might affect your travel plans.
Book Now
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A warm, slow-paced retreat where clay and culinary meet. Spend a few nourishing days creating with your hands, sharing delicious food, and reconnecting with yourself and others. No experience needed, just come as you are and enjoy the simple joy of making, eating, and being together.
Add the retreat to your cart and complete the form. Then head to your basket to finalize payment and reserve your spot.