Exclusive Creative Immersion Retreat in Italy
8-Day Creative Mentoring Retreat
6–13 September 2026
£3,265 per person
Limited to 8–10 participants
An all inclusive week of Creative Exploration, Culture & Italian Living
Hello my fellow adventurers,
Join me, Dominique Sutton, your host and educator (and professional artist) on this wonderful, creative experience. Meet like-minded souls in a warm and nurturing environment. Engage in deep conversation, collaboration and new friendships (and wine) all while getting expert guidance in your chosen practice. Guests from across the world have joined The Wandering Artist Adventures in France, Africa and Australia including painters, photographers, writers and sculptors, with plenty to do for non participating partners too.
Where….
In the hilltop village of Olivola — a hidden jewel in the heart of Monferrato, Piemonte — we gather for an intimate, creative immersion. Across eight days, you will be expertly mentored in your chosen field be that painting, sculpture, drawing or writing, while immersed in Italy’s most evocative landscapes. Expect thoughtful tuition, private cultural access, exceptional dining, and the quiet luxury of rural Italian life. Every detail has been designed so that you can focus entirely on your creative practice.
Who This Experience Is For
This retreat is for anyone looking to deepen their creative practice. With uninterrupted time to focus, think, dream, create, you can approach this retreat in anyway you choose. There is no pressure to produce just the opportunity to
invest meaningfully into your work.
Whether you are an emerging or established artist, a writer seeking renewal or a creative traveller, this journey is designed to reignite your artistic voice and nourish your senses.
Your Creative Home: La Libellule
Hosted at La Libellule, a lovingly restored private villa in Olivola, our retreat balances elegance with authenticity. Perched above rolling vineyards, Olivola is Italy’s second-smallest self-governed town — intimate, atmospheric, and entirely walkable. Mornings begin with espresso in the piazza; evenings unfold under wide skies.
Exceptional dining awaits just steps away, including celebrated local restaurants -I Due Buoi and Ristorante La Magione.
The Carrara Marble Experience
A highlight of the week is our full-day immersion in Carrara — home to the marble that shaped Western sculpture.
Your experience includes:
Visit to the legendary Michelangelo marble quarries
Live carving demonstration by master carver Usama Allnasir
Private lunch in Carrara
Insight into the history and future of this extraordinary material
The Carrara experience (€150 per person) is included within your retreat fee.
Cultural Access & Curated Experiences
Guided viewing of *The Last Supper* at Santa Maria delle Grazie
Day trips to local galleries
Olive oil tasting experiences
Vineyard exploration during harvest season
Each element has been selected to deepen your creative context and connection to place.
What Is Included
7 nights boutique accommodation in Olivola
Daily breakfast and lunch
5 curated dinners with private chef
Daily tuition and mentoring with Dominique Sutton
Full-day Carrara Marble Experience
Guided visit to *The Last Supper*
Private minibus transfers to/from Milan
All local transport during the retreat
Cultural visits and tastings
Optional yoga and massage sessions are available for wellbeing.
About Your Host
As your tutor and host, I bring extensive professional experience both as an artist and teacher. Throughout the week, you will receive personal mentoring, attentive guidance, thoughtful critique, and encouragement to experiment boldly.
This is a supportive, relaxed and high-level creative environment — where growth happens naturally.
Discover Monferrato
Monferrato remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets — a region untouched by mass tourism and rich in centuries-old food and wine culture. Vineyards, truffle traditions, and harvest rhythms offer endless inspiration. This is authentic Italy — slow, soulful, and deeply welcoming.
Travel Information
Arrive and depart via Milan — private minibus transfers included.
Closest train stations:
Alessandria, Vercelli, Asti (30–40 minutes by taxi)
Airports:
Milan, Turin, Genoa (approximately 1–1.5 hours by car)
Full travel guidance will be provided upon booking.
Investment
£3,265 per person
Limited to 8–10 participants
Retreat runs with a minimum of 8 guests
A £650 non-refundable deposit secures your place.
Ready to Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to step away from the everyday and enter a focused, luxurious creative space — grounded in material, culture, and landscape.
Bring your creativity…we will take care of the rest.
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