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Upcoming Retreats

 

Caring for Self to Serve the Whole: 3-Day Wellness Retreat in Tropea, Calabria, Italy

September 2026

Dates and more info will be posted in January 2026!

Join us next September for three transformative days along Italy's most breathtaking coastline. Set against the backdrop of Tropea's stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, our intimate healing retreat offers the perfect sanctuary to reconnect with your spirit, mind and body.

Our transformative experience will be led by Donnie Yance – Former 3rd Order Franciscan, Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist renowned for his pioneering botanical and nutritional approaches in cancer care, and founder of Mederi Center and Natura Health Products. 

Nestled on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea isn't just a destination—it's a healing experience in itself. The village's ancient energy, combined with the therapeutic properties of the Mediterranean climate, creates an ideal environment for deep restoration and renewal. As evening falls and the village comes alive with gentle conversations over wine and espresso, you'll find yourself naturally slowing down and embracing the Italian art of dolce vita.

What Awaits You

  • Sunrise Qigong or yoga sessions overlooking the sparkling sea
  • Therapeutic workshops focused on holistic wellness
  • Nourishing cuisine featuring local, organic ingredients
  • Evening reflection circles under the Calabrian stars
  • Trip to Cantina Masicei, a local biodynamic vineyard located high on a mountain top just a few miles outside of the village. We'll sample wine and head to a wonderful restaurant nearby to have a group meal under the open sky.
  • Gourmet Calabrian Health-promoting cooking class
  • Build relationships – People, Nature, Food, the Universe (all of which connects us to the Divine)

Optional 4th day – Trip to villages located in the Stilaro Valley on the East coast of Calabria, Stilo and Bivongi. 

More info posted in January 2026!

Past Retreats

 

Keys to an Abundant, Balanced, and Graceful Life: A 3-Day Retreat in Florence, Italy


June 13 - 15, 2025

This intimate retreat, nestled in the heart of Florence amidst the rolling Tuscan hills, will offer a rare opportunity to blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness. We will delve deep into the profound connection between spirit, mind, and body—exploring how these elements intertwine to create holistic well-being. Our retreat will be a unique journey through sacred spaces and wellness practices, guiding you towards a more vibrant, conscious, and graceful life.

Our transformative experience will be led by Donnie Yance – Former 3rd Order Franciscan, Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist renowned for his pioneering botanical and nutritional approaches in cancer care, and founder of Mederi Center and Natura Health Products. 

“I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.” ~ Rumi

Download our Retreat Booklet to learn more about each day's detailed itinerary >>

Our Itinerary

Day 1: Sacred Pilgrimage to La Verna Sanctuary
 9 am - 8 pm

  • Experience the spiritual energy in a pristine nature sanctuary where Saint Francis received the stigmata
  • Enjoy a guided hike through ancient forests, where we'll explore the healing power of nature
  • Connect with divine peace in this powerful sacred space
  • Includes a stop in Stia for a locally sourced, organic lunch prepared by Francesco, a famous Florentine chef

As we begin our pilgrimage, Donnie will share his personal relationship with St. Francis, his time living in the Eastern Rite Byzantine Franciscan monastery, and some stories about St. Francis. With journals in hand we can ponder, Who am I? Why am I here? How do I want to live my life?

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received--only what you have given.”
― Francis of Assisi

Day 2: Wellness & Wisdom at a Tuscan Villa
10 am - 4 pm

  • Intimate discussions on holistic health and longevity
  • Personal Q&A session with Donnie Yance where you can ask your most pressing questions on health and healing
  • Explore the integration of natural healing and modern medicine

Day 3: Integration and Transformation
10 am - 7 pm

  • Deep dive into life’s profound questions, such as Who am I? What am I doing and what do I need to learn?
  • Gain new perspectives on how to listen for the subtle whispers of wisdom that guide us.
  • Enjoy a group dinner dinner (optional, pay-your-own-way) in the tranquil garden of Beppe Fiore Restaurant in Florence

Days 2 & 3 offer a rare opportunity for deep conversation with Donnie on health and healing. We'll explore the essence of wellness, the balance between self-care and selflessness, the interplay of heart and mind, and the unity of body and soul.

You'll learn practical tools to bring home: foods, herbs, supplements, and more that can enhance your quality of life, and help you age gracefully.

Download our Retreat Booklet to learn more about each day's detailed itinerary >>

Additional Retreat Details

The retreat will be held at Elizabeth Orchard’s enchanting private villa, just 10 minutes outside of Florence. Group transportation to and from La Verna will be provided, along with locally sourced, organic lunches, snacks and beverages, plus dinner at a restaurant in Florence at the end of our retreat.

Limited to just 12 participants to foster personal attention and meaningful connections.

What's included:

  • Van transportation provided on Day 1 from Florence to La Verna and back to Florence
  • Locally sourced daily lunches include a meal at a restaurant in the village of Stia, on the way to La Verna
  • Healing foods and refreshments provided daily

Not included:

  • Flights: We recommend flying in and out of Roma Fiumicino (FCO), then taking the high-speed train to Florence. Retreat starts at 10 am on Friday, June 13 and ends after dinner in Florence on Sunday, June 15.
  • Train Transportation: High speed train travel from Rome to Florence can be booked through ItaliaRail. Plan on at least 1.5 hours in transit.
  • Other Transportation: We are providing van transportation on Day 1 from Florence to La Verna and back to Florence. Participants are responsible for all other transportation.
  • Accommodations: For help finding accommodations near the villa in Florence where our group sessions will be held on Day 2 & 3, please contact Barbara Slaine at 203-912-2791 or liphebalance@gmail.com. You can also find local accommodations on travel sites like VRBO and AirBnB. Contact Barbara for more information on villa location where activities will be held on Day 2 & Day 3.
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance: https://www.insuremytrip.com/

Themes We'll Explore Together

  • The interconnection of mind, body, and spirit in holistic health
  • Natural medicine and divine healing through herbs and nature
  • Practical wisdom for graceful aging and longevity
  • Network medicine and whole-system approaches to health
  • Forgiveness, transformation, and spiritual growth
  • The unity of heaven and earth in healing practices

Through intimate discussions, practical teachings, and experiential learning, you'll gain deep insights into these topics while developing tools for a more balanced, conscious, and vibrant life.

“The purification of the heart leads to inner peace, which allows us to listen and hear the illumination of truth, which lives in the ocean of perfect love.” ~ Donnie Yance 

We are most grateful to Barbara Slaine, esteemed Mederi Board Member, Holistic Nutritionist, and part-time Florence resident, for hosting this special Mederi Center retreat.

Cancellation Policy

Read the Mederi Center Retreats Cancellation Policy here >>

All payments final.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance: https://www.insuremytrip.com/

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