In complex, challenging times like these, simplicity is becoming harder to find. Many people today feel caught up in uncertainty, cut off from their source, and are longing for connection to a wellspring of sacredness, beauty, and meaning. When we’re able to savor the richness of our existence, we grow as individuals, and remember – as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it – that “what is deep is holy.”
This weeklong writing retreat in the heart of Italy is a glorious opportunity to tap into your creative and spiritual depths, and forge new pathways to wellness and inspiration. Against the backdrop of the magnificent Umbrian countryside, our time together will be spent doing personal writing, practicing self-inquiry for insight, and working one-on-one with Mark in the natural splendor of this historic region.
Known for his transformational teaching, Mark has helped countless people around the world to reach their creative and spiritual potential using his powerful Writing to Awaken method. His compassionate, provocative style creates a welcoming atmosphere for this deeply personal, soul-stirring work, which rests on the insight that, When you tell the truth, your story changes. When your story changes, your life is transformed.
Self-knowledge is the foundation of a happy, fulfilling life, and the gateway to authenticity. To benefit from this Writing To Awaken retreat, all you need are curiosity and the desire to grow – no previous writing experience is necessary. Everything else will be taken care of so that you can focus on yourself and your experience.
Join us for this enlightening week of inspiration and communion at the magnificent Il Fattoria di Vibio, and refresh yourself at this sacred source with a small group of like-minded people from around the world.


About Umbria and Il Fattoria di Vibio

At the end of a cypress avenue protected by the woods, the ‘curtain’ of the Umbrian hills opens, a beautiful postcard image that surrounds Fattoria di Vibio. The whole property, with its two acres of land, partly garden and partly olive groves looks out over the Natural Park of Monte Peglia which can be admired by from almost every room. The villa is divided into the main villa with four bedrooms and three guest houses located next to and behind the large main villa. The villa has a large swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool with a hydro-massage area and a Turkish bath. The villa is walking distance to Doglio (2 kilometres), an ancient hamlet with a castle that marked the border between the Guelphs of Orvieto and the Ghibellines of Todi.
Everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. Peaks, not very high, covered by luxuriant woods and large valleys designed by rivers, lakes and waterfalls; hills often surrounded by villages and castles, crossed by paths full of history, art and culture, in a naturalness that restores body and soul. The Green Heart of Italy is all this and much more.

Retreat Fees

Retreat Fee: $2,100
(Includes instruction, meals, local transportation, and excursions – airfare not included)

Room Rates (costs are per person per week)
Premium Room with En Suite Bath: $1,500
Queen Room with En Suite Bath: $1,200
Queen Room with Shared Bath En Suite Bath: $1,000
Twin Room with En Suite Bath: $750
Twin Room with Shared En Suite Bath: $600

To secure a spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.
All guests must provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccination.
Payment, Cancellation, Refund and Covid-19 Policies

What to Expect

Arrival Date: Saturday, June 18, 2022
By Plane: Arrival Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – Arrival Time: Before 12 pm
By Train: Arrival Train Station: Terni – Arrival Time: After 2 pm
You will be met at the airport and directed to a nearby hotel where there will be space for attendees to gather, rest, eat, wash up, etc. Once all attendees have arrived, we will make the two-hour drive to the retreat site together.
For anyone arriving by train, we will provide pick up the train station in Terni. Please arrange a mid to late afternoon arrival for pickup.
After settling in on Saturday, we’ll have a welcome reception and dinner.
During the week, writing sessions take place in the mornings and early afternoon. Late afternoons and evenings are reserved for local excursions, free time, and one-on-one meetings with Mark. Excursions are optional and will be planned taking weather, attendance, and availability into account.
Breakfast and Lunch at Il Fattoria are served buffet style and dinners are eaten as a group. Dietary restrictions are taken into consideration when preparing all meals. There will be a few meals eaten off site.
Departure: The retreat ends after the final morning session on Saturday, June 25. Transportation will be provided to either the Fiumicino Airport in Rome or the Terni train station. All attendees must either return to Rome with the group or plan to leave by train on Friday. Additional nights at the villa are not possible.
Please contact us with any questions about the retreat.
We are very excited about our return to Italy and look forward to sharing this unique and beautiful place with you.