Q: Is this a photography retreat? Is it just for photographers?
A: Think of it as a cup-filling creative vacation. This retreat was designed for all creative entrepreneurs, regardless of your specific craft. Its purpose is to reignite the creative fire through nature’s medicine, short powerful workshops, rest, play, inspiring talks with likeminded souls, and guided self-discovery. It is not necessarily photography-specific. Each guest will be able to use the allotted daily “creative time” to create however they see fit. That may mean photographing another attendee, creating self portraits, writing, sketching, reading, or any other activity they feel inspired to do.
Q: What will the daily schedule look like?
A: On arrival day, we’ll take it easy. You’ll have time to get settled in and explore the grounds. There will be a welcome aperitivo (that’s like Italian happy hour), followed by dinner and a fireside chat. The following 2 days will start bright and early with a wake-up meeting either for a forest walk or optional yoga and meditation (beginner-friendly), followed by breakfast, our inspiring morning workshop, lunch, mandatory rest/spa time, creative time/forest bathing experience, dinner, and a fireside discussion. One evening will offer a wine tasting. On departure day, we’ll have a morning wake-up meeting, hearty breakfast, a send-off discussion, and then we’ll get you on the shuttle back to the train station or MXP airport for convenience.
Q: What will the speaking topics be?
A: Kara Marie will give 3 mini workshops throughout the retreat on topics that creative entrepreneurs have been statistically struggling with most often in this modern world. First, finding “balance” from burnout; a powerful talk on recognizing the phases of burnout syndrome, creating good habits, and how to achieve a more fluid and flexible happiness as a creative entrepreneur. Next will be an inspiring CREATIVE FIRE workshop that will guide attendees through getting out of a creative slump and digging deeper into your artistic spirit. You’ll explore creative processes, work through idea-generating exercises, and dream up new projects that light you up. Lifestyle re-imagining will be the third topic that will send you back to your home base with actionable changes that will allow you to lead a more artistically inspiring day-to-day life. In the evenings after dinner as we gather around the fire, topics will be group-guided and fluid.
Q: How much time will be down-time?
A: One of the magical things about this retreat is that it is designed to embrace the beauty of slowing down. There will be mandatory rest time each day, between 3 and 4 hours, to promote a calm mind and rejuvenation. During this time, attendees may rest as they see fit; with a nap in their room, quiet time outdoors, or in the tranquility of the spa.
Q: What is the spa like?
A: The spa at this natural relais is serene, beautiful, and immaculately appointed. Included in the retreat is up to 4 hours of spa time each day. Robes, towels, and slippers are provided. Swim suit required. Guests can move freely throughout the following wellness + spa areas:
Swimming pool- indoor swimming pool with 4 massage tables, waterfalls, and underwater music.
Whirlpool- headed to 97 degrees, intended to loosen knots, reduce blood sugar levels, relax the body, and promote a good night’s sleep.
Kneipp Bath- A pure concentration of wellness from an old Nordic tradition to stimulate circulation and energy. A remedy recommended by naturopathy.
Finnish Sauna- dry sauna, no humidity.
Herbs Sauna- An aromatic sauna for a multisensory experience. Low heat.
Turkish Bath- Hydrotherapeutic treatment in the form of warm steam, with immediate positive effects on the overall mental and physical state to help you realign the body and mind.
Hammam- The temperature and the humidity present in the room favour sweating and the consequent removal of uric acid and toxins, improving the filtration function of the kidneys. It favors the hydtration of the upper respiratory tract and makes the skin more elastic and luminous.
Ice Fountain- An immediate relief from heat after a sauna or steam bath. Great for inflammation, circulation, and overall energy.
Emotional Showers- water, aromas, and colors turn this shower into a regenerating moment to relieve stress.
Relaxation Area- a serene room to sit in silence. “Silence is the kindness of the universe.” -Abdelmajid Benjellou
Q: What transportation is included?
A: All participants are responsible for getting themselves to the Como S. Giovanni train station by 1:30pm on October 17th. From there, we will transfer you to the resort via a pre-arranged shuttle. Those arriving after that time will be responsible for their own transportation to the retreat. On the 20th after the retreat send-off around 11:30am, the shuttle will take all participants to the Como S. Giovanni train station (first stop- estimated between 12:00-1:00pm), or the Milan Malpensa MXP airport (second stop estimated around 2:00-3:00pm). Attendees are welcome to extend their stay at their own discretion, but to please let us know if you will be getting delivered to Como or Milan on the 20th.
Q: Which airports/train stations are closest?
A: The Como S. Giovanni train station is where participants will be picked up on October 17th to be transferred about 30 minutes to the retreat location. As far as Italy goes, it is a relatively comfortable and simple station, with a cafe/bar and restrooms on site for those who have a bit of a wait.
The closest and best airport for those arriving from out of town is Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport. This airport has a direct train between MXP and Como S. Giovanni. Be aware that there are multiple airports in Milan, but MXP is the only one with direct train transfer and the most flight options.
The website rome2rio.com will help you plan your route, and HERE is the link for booking train travel throughout Italy.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: If you are coming from a drastically different time zone, it’s recommended to arrive in Italy at least a day and a half in advance of registration day to allow yourself to get a little acclimated so you aren’t snoozing through the creative bits. To be prepared for potential travel delays, it is not recommended to schedule flights for the same day as registration.
If you would like to stay in Como for a night before the retreat, the Posta Design Hotel is conveniently located one of the loveliest piazza’s in town, just a few minute walk from the Como S. Giovanni train station, and about a 10 minute walk to the lake front.
Q: What is the weather like in Como in October?
A: October is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, especially with all the trees around us. The average temperature around Como in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 61°F (16°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). A classic autumn. Some would describe it as moderately chilly, humid but cool and comfortable. Because we will be spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s recommended to bring layers including warm ones as well as comfortable shoes for strolls through the forest. There is plenty of beautiful indoor space in case of rain, as well.
Q: Can I bring my partner/spouse?
A: Traveling companions are able to be added on to your accommodations for an additional $1250 USD for the full 3 nights. This will include breakfast, spa access, dinner, and accommodations. This does not include any of the retreat activities/workshops/classes nor does it include lunch. It is requested that travel companions be respectful of the intimate nature of the retreat and to respect the privacy of the attendees.
Q: Is there a payment plan?
A: The total retreat cost ($3980 for single occupancy) is able to be broken into 2 payments- 50% down to reserve, and the remaining 50% due 30 days later. Requests for customized payment plans will be considered on a case by case basis. Simply e-mail hello@karamariestudios.com to inquire.
Q: Where will the retreat be held?
A: The retreat will be held at a privately owned secluded natural relais about 30 minutes west of Como, Italy. The property is absolutely bursting with beautiful energy. It is completely surrounded by nature while also giving guests the luxury of immaculate indoor accommodations with all the amenities one might expect in an Italian resort.
Q: Will this be a big or small group?
A: The soulful balance creative retreat is very intentionally limited to an absolute maximum of 10 creatives in order to promote closer connection and a more intimate energy.
Q: I have dietary restrictions. Can I be accommodated?
A: Yes, absolutely. Gluten-free and vegetarian requests can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please let us know upon booking if you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies. The restaurant on-site uses only ingredients directly from their farm and selected local suppliers, and prepared by their first-class chef, so know that you will be eating incredibly pure food.
Q: Are there any additional expenses?
A: The retreat is inclusive of overnight accommodations, all meals, Kara Marie workshops, daily spa access, and scheduled activities. The only additional expenses are any needed airfare/train travel to get to Como on October 17th, and to get home/to your next destination from either Como or Milan MXP on the 20th. , cocktails (wine included), and desired appointment-required spa treatments such as massage or facial.
Any other questions? We’re all ears. Feel free to e-mail Joey at hello@karamariestudios.com
