PRE-RAMADAN RETREAT
21 - 26 FEBRUARY 2025
TUSCANY
A poetic prelude to the holy month of Ramadan in an idyllic 11th century castle, perched on the hillside of the Tuscan countryside. As you stand on the threshold of this blessed month, embark on a holistic preparation that nurtures not only the spirit but also the physical vessel that carries it. Let the essence of this holy month infuse your being with a mindful approach to nutrition, ensuring a harmonious balance between body and soul.
OUR SANCTUARY
Tucked inside a secret valley, in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany, rests this beautiful and majestic castle that we will be blessed to call home. Surrounded by unspoiled countryside, this 11th-century castle offers the perfect sanctuary for deep contemplation and spiritual preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. In Islamic tradition, contemplation - Tafakkur, is a form of worship that invites us to reflect deeply on the signs of Allah’s creation, an invitation that this land generously extends.
With roots that reach back to the Etruscan civilization, this 11th-century medieval fortress has witnessed the passage of history, standing through the eras of Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. As time ebbed and flowed, the castle bore silent witness to the unfolding of human experience. Now lovingly restored, it has emerged from the mists of time as a sanctuary for seekers of spiritual connection, a place to retreat from the world and engage in meaningful remembrance.
The Qur’an urges us to reflect on the fate of those who came before, asking: "Have they not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them?" (Surah Ghafir, 40:82). It calls us to ponder the rise and fall of past civilizations, to grasp the impermanence of human triumphs, and to anchor ourselves in what is everlasting and true.
Each of our retreats is thoughtfully held in seclusion,providing a tranquil setting that encourages you to turn inward and reflect on the beauty and wonder of Allah’s creation. Here the stillness is profound, the unbroken silence is a friend, the rustling leaves whisper praises to the Creator, and the gentle flow of time invites you to engage in deeper remembrance and gratitude.
We have privatized this beautiful space to provide a unique and intentional retreat, where every breath and every step is a reminder of its Creator.
THE RETREAT’S ESSENCE
As we stand at the threshold of the sacred journey of Ramadan, we invite you to immerse yourself in a profound voyage of spiritual renewal and holistic preparation. This retreat is a sacred space to align both body and soul with the divine rhythms of fasting, readying our earthly vessels to embrace the blessings of this holy month with grace, strength, and radiant vitality.
This sanctuary of renewal offers a harmonious blend of physical wellness, spiritual rejuvenation, and mindful nourishment. We will journey into the profound spiritual and physical benefits of fasting, delving deeply into its history through the ages and uncovering the enduring wisdom it imparts. Our holistic nutrition workshops will guide you through understanding how to fuel your body for fasting with energy-sustaining foods, emphasizing hydration and balanced meals that support overall well-being. We will learn about the benefits of prophetic and healing ingredients, and participate in abundant cooking workshops showcasing, nutritious recipes to sustain you during the blessed month.
Surrounded by the sweeping valleys that enfold our estate, our contemplative workshops will lead us deep into the heart of His signs—the heavens, the earth, and the rhythmic cycles of life. Through an Islamic lens, we will practice mindfulness, engaging in serene, dhikr-infused walks and periods of silent, intentional reflection.
Our retreats revolve around abundant, healing nourishment to fuel our bodies for Ibadah. We share long meals infused with bismillah, laughter, and beautiful conversations, delighting in the blessed, nurturing beauty of feminine company and connection. Our hearts will unite in communal prayers and contemplations, while our voices come together in a harmonious symphony of devotion, creating a sanctuary of unity, support, and love. This retreat will be a journey of sacred nourishment, spiritual elevation, and holistic living, preparing us to embrace Ramadan with hearts illuminated and souls ready for divine transformation.
"The lowest heaven is a place where the lovers of Allah gather, for even in this world, the divine light in their hearts forms a radiant constellation, a glimpse of paradise on earth." – Sayyid al-Jilani
OFFERINGS
We are blessed to collaborate with exceptionally gifted female chefs, each raised with a deep, sacred understanding of Barakah, the Divine blessing woven into our sustenance by Allah. Our retreats are crafted to offer immersive, communal experiences where every meal is a celebration of the blessed bounty of our Creator. Through our gatherings, women are invited to reconnect with the profound beauty and spirituality that surrounds the act of eating, deepening their appreciation for both the physical and spiritual nourishment they receive.
5-Night All-Inclusive Stay: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a historical Tuscan Castle.
Nourishing Abundant meals: Relish in lovingly prepared, artisanal meals with fresh, local produce sourced from the estate and locally, that honor the blessings of our Creator. Discover the art of adab—the sacred etiquette of food—and the concept of Barakah in nourishment.
Daily lectures, workshops and mindful practices: Each day unfolds with mindful devotional practices, insightful lectures and workshops. Our retreats offer a journey of spiritual renewal, a celebration of sacred beauty, and a source of inspiration that will linger long after you depart.
Welcoming present: Receive local products from the loving grounds of the estate that reflect the plants of the Quran, as well as a loving gift to serve as a mindful companion throughout your ramadan preparation.
Beyond the structured sessions, ample time will be provided for personal reflection, meditation, and prayer, allowing each participant to internalize the teachings and connect more profoundly with the earth beneath us and therefore, our Creator.
Rooms and rates
Price per person, early bird rates until December 1st:
Shared Grandeur, Shared Spaces:
At our retreats, togetherness and the unique beauty of shared rooms are central to our ethos. In these expansive havens, friendships are nurtured, and shared moments weave into the grand tapestry of your experience. Rest assured, within the grandeur of our historical abode, abundant space awaits for tranquility and personal moments.
Shared deluxe room, two/three single beds or shared suite with king size bed with ensuite bathroom: 2990 euros
Limited Private Sanctuaries:
For those seeking a more intimate experience, a few exclusive private rooms await. These beautiful rooms offer a secluded haven, and due to their exclusivity, we recommend swift booking to secure your private sanctuary
Private Deluxe Room with ensuite bathroom: 3790 euros
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The nearest airport is Florence, and we are pleased to offer a convenient private shuttle service to and from Florence Airport for an additional fee of 75-100 euros. Alternatively, you may also arrive by car or cab from Rome, though Florence is the closer option.
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Our retreat extends a heartfelt invitation to those of various faiths or those who choose a non-religious path. Our only request is that participants bring an open heart and a deep respect for the spiritual nature of the retreat. While we celebrate the diversity of beliefs, we ask that everyone honors the spiritual atmosphere we aim to cultivate. What unites us is a shared commitment to respect, courtesy, and savoir-vivre.