Awaken your creativity whilst experiencing the people and the flavours of day-to-day life in truly authentic, unspoilt Italy

Imagine staying in an historic palazzo nestled on the edge of a picture-postcard medieval, hilltop village in the heart of Le Marche.  Sitting elegantly between the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic Coast is Hotel Leone, a luxury boutique hotel with 10 bedrooms, that specialises in small, intimate boutique retreats. Each individually curated, giving you the freedom, space and inspiration to nourish you and your creativity.

Le Marche, in Central Italy, what the Italians themselves refer to as ‘all of Italy in one region’ remains one of the very few places which has escaped mass tourism despite its beauty and diversity: medieval hill-top towns full of art and culture, amazing coastline with hidden beaches, patchwork quilt countryside, stunning mountain ranges and much more – it really is a secret slice of Italy.

Combine your love of creativity with exploring new places and meeting like-minded people where you can sit back and relax knowing everything is taken care of for you.

The Retreat

The venue for my first retreat in 2026 is the wonderful Hotel Leone, in Montelparo in the heart of the Le Marche region. Their dedicated information page is here.

Dates are 17-24 April.

Umori di Colori

Explore Colour Moods and combinations in still life themes through expressive layering in acrylics and mixed media.

In this retreat you will focus on exploring simple still life settings, incorporating drawing together with painted layers, textures and mark making in a variety of colour combinations to create atmospheric moods inspired by the beautiful Le Marche region. 

The retreat’s art program is packed with exercises, experiments and smaller projects to inspire future artworks.

 You will play with different techniques, materials and methods Este uses in her own practice. 

In the program you’ll work from life as well as imagination in order to emphasise your unique creative voice. In addition to sketchbook observations and creative explorations to inspire future artwork collections you’ll be creating two complete Spring time themed mixed-media paintings to take home. 

The retreat is suitable for all levels of experience. It’s not necessary but familiarity with my teaching style will be beneficial with regards to materials and methods we’ll be using.