Frequently asked questions:

Click the questions for the answers.

Is a Life:Escapes retreat for me?

Life:Escapes retreats are ideal for everyone who wants to spend time focusing on their own fitness and health and who wants to benefit from the expertise of experienced and knowledgeable practitioners. The team will be with you throughout the day and evening, so there is always someone to look after your needs and answer any questions you might have. By the end of the week you will have a good understanding of new techniques and lifestyle adjustments that will enable you to continue to reap the benefits when you are at home.

What is included in the cost of my Life:Escapes holiday?

Our price includes ALL of the below:

7 nights accommodation in luxurious self-contained apartments
Breakfast, lunch and evening aperitifs
Evening meal on the first evening at the Villa
Evening meal at an outstanding local restaurant on the last evening
All group activities - Nordic walking, trail running, Pilates, body conditioning, stability ball sessions, aqua aerobics
One Indian Head massage

Our price excludes:

Flights
Airport transfers
Personal insurance
Laundry
Telephone
Car Hire

What should I pack for my Life:Escapes holiday?

Life:Escapes has chosen the beautiful region of Tuscany to ensure the location is outstanding and the weather is dry and warm. Whilst the evenings are generally warm, it can be cooler up in the hills so we recommend you bring something to keep you warmer on those cooler evenings. Dress is casual and informal for all meals. Don’t forget your swimming costume as there will be plenty of time to enjoy the opulent Roman swimming bath.

For deep stretching and postural work, Nordic walking and personal training sessions etc you will need exercise clothes you feel comfortable in. Its best to bring a hat or a cap for Nordic walking and trail running for when the sun is strong and also plenty of sun lotion.

What will a typical day with Life:Escapes be like?

When you arrive at the Villa or Il Borgo, we will provide you with the group schedule of activities and the details of the times available for your complimentary Indian Head Massage.

A typical day at a Life:Escapes retreat is as follows:

07:00 wake up to freshly squeezed juices or herbal tea
07:30 Pilates Sun Celebration
08:30 A healthy buffet breakfast including cereals, fresh fruit and local breads
09:30 Nordic walking/ trail running/ body conditioning
12:30 Nourishing buffet lunch
14:00 One to one sessions (bookable), massages, holistic treatments and relaxation time
17:00 Method Putkisto deep stretching
18:30 Light healthy aperitifs followed by relaxation time or your chance to explore the outstanding local restaurants

What level(s) of fitness do Life:Escapes cater for?

All levels of fitness are welcomed – from those seeing the week as a way to kick-start a new and healthy lifestyle as well as those who are experienced and want to develop further. You need to complete our health and fitness form before you join us on a retreat so that we can build our programme for the week to match the fitness levels of the group as a whole. Bookable one on one fitness sessions give you the opportunity to discuss your future fitness aims and goals for the week and ongoing to make sure you get the best out of the week you spend with us.

Travelling alone?

Many of our guests travel alone and our team will make sure everyone feels at home and relaxed at all times.

Do I get time to see the local area?

Of course! Our Tuscan Villa is beautiful, but naturally while on holiday we'd expect guests to want to visit areas of local interest. There is time for exploring most afternoons and evenings if you wish. We can help you organise a trip out to the stunning Siena or beautiful Florence. However, any taxi or train fares are not included in the cost of your trip.

Do I have to take part in everything?

Life:Escapes retreats are designed so that you leave feeling fit, healthy, fresh and revitalised. The more activities that you choose to take part in means that you will get better results. However, we realise it’s your holiday and chance for a break so we’ve built in plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the wonderful Tuscan sunshine and scenery.

If I have special dietary requirements what then?

When you complete the health and fitness form you will find space to let us know about any dietary requirements - be they vegan/ vegetarian or allergies. Our food is locally sourced and organic, prepared by local Italian chefs. Our meals are all healthy and nutritious – and no you won’t starve!

How do I keep in touch with the office or home?

Villa Pallero has a reasonable mobile phone reception, however we encourage you to try to leave as many external stresses at home as this is time for you to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

Will I lose weight?

If you aim to lose weight while on a Life:Escapes retreat and you participate fully in our activities then you will leave having lost weight and feeling more toned and healthy by the end of your holiday.

Is there anything else I need to do or know before coming away?

When you have confirmed your booking with us we will send you details of some things to remember before you travel such as travel insurance, contact details and address of Villa Pallero and reminding you to fill in our online health and fitness form. Of course if you have any questions then please give us a call on 0845 2411 955 and we can talk to you in person.

Will I need a Car?

Yes, this is recommended to get the best from your visit.

Where can I fly to?

You can fly to Pisa or Florence from most of the regional European airports daily.

Villa Pallero

What is in the Immediate Vicinity?

San Gimignano is the nearest town; just under a 10 minute drive away. A classic hill-top medieval walled city, made famous by films such as Tea with Mussolini. Also close by is the Etruscan stronghold of Volterra; another atmospheric walled city which, like San Gimignano is a pleasure to explore because there is no traffic.

I’d like a day out to explore – what’s around?

Florence and Siena are vastly different but equally impressive. Both are within a 40 minute drive of Pallero, or let the train take the strain. Pisa is just over an hour away and an hour up into the hills will bring you to Montepulciano & Montalcino. Also within the hour is a day trip to the sandy beaches below Cecina.

What can I do at the Villa?

You can participate in the various activities that Life:Escapes has on offer as well as cool off in the opulent Roman Bath-House pool. Other facilities include fitness gym, sauna and solarium.

How Comfortable will I be?

All the properties are appointed to the highest standard: "The silence at Pallero is so deep, I slept like a baby every night."

Other General Facilities?

All linen, towels, etc. are supplied. The Life:Escapes team and our Italian resident Manageress offer unobtrusive assistance, help and advice as and when required.

Frequently asked questions:

Villa Pallero

Borgo di Colleoli