Blossoming Garden

We live in a world that is strongly shaped by masculine principles—structure, achievement, and control. A world that, for centuries, has taught us women to be quiet, to conform, and to rein in our power. Yet our strength lies in something entirely different: in our depth, in our own rhythm, in our sensuality, and in our ability to continually reinvent ourselves.

We invite you to a place where you can remember what it feels like to be truly alive. A space where everything is allowed to quiet down until you can hear the voice of your own longing again and feel what is waiting to come alive within you.

Here begins a journey of blossoming: toward your sensuality, your desire, and your inner rhythm. Amid the earth, bare skin, and the sun, you are free to unfold, to reveal yourself, and to feel yourself. It’s an invitation to reconnect with what makes you who you are—with your body, your breath, your feelings, and your gentleness. Here, everything is allowed: the wild and the tender, the uncertain and the courageous.

In the Blossoming Garden, the inner world and the outer world come together. Every movement, every breath, every touch can serve as a reminder that you are part of this beauty called life. You are free to let go, to receive, to enjoy—and in doing so, to discover the depth, warmth, and strength that lie within your femininity.

A garden that comes into its own when you give it space.

„In the garden of humanity, every woman is a flower,
“that blossoms despite all adversity."

— Maya Thompson

In a beautiful villa with a garden, yurt, and pool, under the Italian sun, you’ll explore—together with other women—what it means to feel truly alive. Through movement, dance, touch, tantric exercises, plants, rituals, and moments of stillness. With time for yourself, for nature, and for the sweet luxury of doing nothing.

This retreat nestled among the Umbrian hills is an invitation to explore yourself—honestly, gently, and in all your facets. We’ll eat, enjoy ourselves, laugh (and boy, did we laugh last time!), and let ourselves be moved—by ourselves, by life, and by the beauty all around us.

A fantastic chef treats us to authentic Italian cuisine—fresh, vegetarian, and prepared with love: „Eat well, laugh often, love deeply."

What to expect

Preparation & integration

Two group Zoom calls—one before the trip and one after—to get you in the right mindset, connect you with the group, and help you process your experiences.

Research & experience

Yoga & Guided Meditations – to get the body and mind moving.

Tantric Touch Rituals & Bodywork – Deepen mindfulness, closeness, and trust.

Sexual Communication – Learn to clearly recognize and express your desires, boundaries, and needs.

Bossy Massage – a playful exploration of giving, receiving, and enjoyment.

Genital Meditation – an invitation to connect more deeply with your body.

Sensual self-care

Self-Abhyanga – a morning self-oil massage ritual.

Natural Swimming – nourishing, soothing, grounding.

Silence & Tranquility – to help you connect more deeply with yourself.

Women's Health – let yourself be drawn into the ancient web of female connection, beyond competition and comparison, into a dignified and supportive sisterhood.

Dolce Vita & Community

A Sensual Feast in the Garden – outdoors, accompanied by delicious Italian cuisine.

Time for Yourself – in the garden, in nature, in silence.

A Surprise Outing – Where we're going remains our little secret.

Of course, all program activities are optional—you set your own pace, define your own space, and shape your own experience!

Practical Information

Date: June 7–13, 2027
Arrival on Monday, June 7, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – The event begins at 6:00 p.m.
Departure on Sunday, June 13, after breakfast and a closing circle with everyone (around 10:30 a.m.).

Location: Montegabbione, Italy
Arrival: Rome, Florence, or Perugia Airports | Fabro-Scalo Train Station I'll set up a WhatsApp group where you can connect with each other and see if you'd like to carpool.

Post: 980 € per participant. A deposit of 250 € is required toward the total amount. The deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. After submitting a written application to: wahrhaft-sein@mailbox.org, I'll send you the bank account information and all other details.

The number of participants is limited—spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on binding registrations. For your information: Due to high demand, half of the spots have already been filled.

Lodging & Meals
The cost of lodging and full board depends on the room category you choose and your needs. You can find all the information about the rooms here: www.artisumbria.com/de/unsere-zimmer
Reservation: directly through the website or by email to vita@artisumbria.com

“There is a garden within me—quiet and alive at the same time. A place where nothing has to be forced, and yet everything is in motion. Where things are allowed to grow simply because their time has come. Where the wild blooms alongside the delicate, longing alongside tranquility, sensuality alongside strength—and the joy of life is palpable with every breath.

The Blossoming Garden is that inner space where I remember that I don’t have to become someone first in order to be whole. That everything I need to blossom is already within me. Here, I am free to open up. To unfold. To grow. To blossom. The Blossoming Garden invites me to let go—into being, into feeling, into trust. It is a space where I can get closer to myself, reconnect with my sensuality, and give space to whatever within me longs to blossom.“

You are welcome—just as you are.

What other women are saying about the retreat:

“Iva is one of those special people who walk alongside you for a part of your journey and help you learn to listen more closely again—to your own body, your own limits, to what you’re feeling, and to what you truly want. Iva creates a space where you feel safe and supported from the very first moment. With her warm, mindful manner and her powerful tools, she makes it possible to go deep and also to face the emotions that often don’t get a chance to surface: grief, anger, fear, shame. Everything is allowed; everything is free to flow! In Iva’s presence, you feel seen, heard, and valued—and never wrong! At the same time, she manages to gently nudge you out of your comfort zone, always just as far as feels right (and only if you want to).
You can ask her any question and feel that she’s there for you with an open heart. My highlight with Iva so far was a week at the Blossoming Garden retreat in Umbria.
What a gift it was to be able to let go for an entire week and, together with wonderful women, take a deep dive into topics like sensuality, shame, boundaries, fears, pleasure, and la dolce vita in Italy. This week touched me on so many levels and has enriched me in lasting ways. Thank you, dear Iva, for your invaluable work, your warmth, and for creating spaces where genuine connection and healing become possible!! I wholeheartedly recommend this experience!” Carina

“At Iva’s Blossoming Garden, I felt wonderfully at ease from the very first moment. I find working with her to be very inspiring. What sets her apart for me is her impressive professional expertise and her empathetic, sensitive manner.” Isa

“Iva encourages us to live our own truth when it comes to sexuality. She leads wonderful retreats and seminars for women, such as ”Blossoming Garden.’ Iva is a researcher who shares all her knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand and feel. Thank you, Iva!” Michaela

“The Blossoming Garden Retreat was my first retreat with Iva, and I absolutely loved it! I’m a huge fan of Iva’s work, what she stands for, and how she brings it to the world. Iva has such gentleness—a great ability to hold space and read the room—that you feel so safe and connected, which in turn opens the door to transformation.”.
She is very curious and is constantly learning and exploring her field, and it really shows. The retreat location, set in a beautiful part of Italy, was amazing, and the wonderful group of women was the cherry on top! I still feel fulfilled by the experience, which is lingering within me even now—a month later… Thank you, Iva!!!” Claudia