Christina Ong chose a 12th-century castle in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti wine region as the canvas for COMO Castello del Nero — and the choice says everything about her instinct for what luxury actually means. Not newness. Not performance. History, worn lightly, and tended with extraordinary care.
Set between Florence and Siena, the estate sits among 740 acres of olive groves and vineyards that the property farms itself — producing its own olive oil, wine, and flour. The interiors were reimagined by Milanese designer Paola Navone, who brought a contemporary eye to rooms with original Renaissance frescoes and views across hills that have looked essentially the same for centuries. This is Tuscany without the tourist version of Tuscany — unhurried, deeply rooted, and quietly one of the finest places in Italy to be.
Tuscany's culinary and agricultural traditions have long been carried by the women who tend its land, run its kitchens, and pass its knowledge forward. Every experience on this retreat is designed to bring you into direct connection with those women — in the places where their work actually happens.
Day 1
Arrival & Check-In
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Settle in and enjoy the estate grounds.
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A relaxed, atmospheric start to set the tone.
Day 2
Florentine Art
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at The Pavilion.
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Depart via hotel shuttle to Florence (Piazza Strozzi).
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Explore the Santo Spirito area with your female guide to see local leather, mosaics, and jewelry artisans at work. (3 hours).
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Free time to explore the Florence city center.
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Return shuttle to the hotel.
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An immersive culinary experience to conclude the day.
Day 3
The Soul of Siena
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at The Pavilion.
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Depart via hotel shuttle to Siena (Piazza San Domenico).
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Visit a Contrada museum, meet a Palio artist, and enjoy an aperitif overlooking Piazza del Campo. (up to 3 hours)
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Return shuttle to the hotel.
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Ristoro L’Antica Scuderia (Badia a Passignano). - private transport for the group
Day 4
Nature & Legacy
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at The Pavilion.
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A casual, self-guided experience using the hotel’s four marked trails to facilitate natural conversation.
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Private Tasting & Lunch (2 hours 30 minutes). A woman-founded winery visit with a full tour and lunch.
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An intimate, sophisticated setting to close the retreat.
Day 5
Departure
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at The Pavilion.
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This retreat is for you if…
You are a female founder or entrepreneur.
You believe that women supporting women is not a slogan. It is the way you actually move through the world.
You want to travel somewhere that matters — where the experiences go deeper than the destination — into the lives of the women who shape it.
You understand that investing in yourself is not a luxury — it is the strategy.
What this is not:
A conference, mastermind, or workshop with a better view.
A large group where you are one of many.
A retreat where you are expected to pitch or perform.
A wellness trip in the traditional sense. What you'll find here goes further — restoration through experience, community, and the quiet power of giving back.
A girls' trip that happens to be in a beautiful location.
The details:
Location: COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany, Italy
Dates: May 2027 — exact dates confirmed upon application
Duration: 5 days · 4 nights
Cohort size: 14 women
Flights: not included — guidance provided upon application
This cohort is limited to 14 guests and curated for values alignment. If this retreat feels like yours, I’d love to hear from you.