CLAY & CULINARY RETREAT VOL.2
15-18 October, Bolzano, Italy
MOVE & HARVEST
Movement during the retreat is an invitation to connect with the body. Through gentle morning movement and slow hikes in the Dolomites, we’ll explore presence through walking, breathing, and steady rhythm. The hikes are approached slowly, allowing time to take in the views, ground the senses.
Harvest is about working with the season and the land. Together, we’ll take part in harvesting & preserving autumn produce (such as apples), learning simple techniques like gathering, pickling, and storing. These hands-on moments invite slowness, turning food into a shared ritual.
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 near and far
The harvest and preserving workshops will be led by a Galina from near and far with a deep, hands-on knowledge of seasonal cooking, preserving, and working with local produce. She will guide harvesting and preserving workshops, while also preparing seasonal dishes that celebrate autumn ingredients. Through practical techniques, shared meals, generous storytelling, his sessions invite a deeper appreciation for food as nourishment and ritual.
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3 nights stay in a charming hotel (double or single room)
Daily breakfast, lunch, and shared dinners
Guided handbuilding clay sessions
All clay materials, tools, and firing
Harvest experiences, including harvesting and preserving workshops
Culinary workshop & collective cooking
Visit to local gardens / fields
Daily movement practices and hike in the Dolomites
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
Gentle grounding movement
Seasonal dinner together
Evening at ease
Day 2
Breakfast
Slow hike in the Dolomites
Lunch
Harvest experience in nature
Dinner together
Day 3
Breakfast
Farmers market visit
Preserving workshop
Lunch
Free time
Early evening clay session: hand-building & wine tasting
Grand finale dinner together
Day 4
Morning movement or quiet walk
Breakfast
Closing circle
Departure
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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
Sign up and pay all required fees to 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.
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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An autumn retreat rooted in the rhythm of the season. Through hands-on clay sessions, mindful movement, and cooking & harvest experiences, we’ll slow down and reconnect with the land, our bodies, and the simple joy of making.
Add the retreat to your cart and complete the form. Then head to your basket to finalize payment and reserve your spot.