FAQs

LAGO is a seven-day, psychologist-led women’s retreat in Stresa, Italy, designed to help you recognise the patterns shaping your relationships, habits and emotional responses. Through guided reflection, individual sessions, yoga, meaningful conversations and intentional rest, you’ll have the space to understand yourself more deeply and explore new ways of moving forward.

The LAGO retreat takes place from 4–11 September 2027, at Villa Virginia in Stresa, Italy. The experience includes seven nights and eight days, giving you time to step away from everyday life and focus on yourself.

The investment ranges from €4500 to €5900, depending on your room type. A 30% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due 90 days before arrival. If you’re unsure which room option is right for you, feel free to get in touch.

Your stay at Villa Virginia includes everything planned for the LAGO experience:

• Seven nights at the villa
• Private transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport or Stresa train station
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week (drinks included), freshly prepared by a private chef
• Guided Reflection Sessions
• Three individual sessions before, during and after the retreat
• Yoga sessions throughout the week
• A private boat excursion to the Borromean Islands

Flights or train tickets to Stresa, travel insurance and personal purchases are not included.

Your flights or train tickets to Stresa, travel insurance and personal purchases during your free time are not included. Transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport or Stresa train station are included, so you can arrive at Villa Virginia without having to arrange your own transport from either meeting point.

LAGO is designed for women who want to understand themselves more deeply, recognise recurring patterns and make space for meaningful change. While we expect many participants to be between 25 and 50, there is no strict age range. What matters most is your openness to reflection, personal growth and sharing the experience with a small group of women.

The retreat is held in English so everyone can participate in the shared sessions and conversations. Mélanie also speaks Italian and German fluently. Having grown up in Ticino, Switzerland, with a German mother, she is happy to use either language during individual conversations if that feels more natural to you.

Not at all. The yoga sessions are gentle and suitable for all experience levels. The focus is on reconnecting with your body, slowing down and supporting your overall well-being, rather than flexibility, fitness or performance.

Absolutely. You don’t need to know anyone before arriving. LAGO is intentionally designed for a small group of women, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and genuine connection to develop naturally throughout the week. Coming on your own can be a wonderful way to give yourself space to focus on your own experience.

The closest airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Private transfers from the airport to Villa Virginia are included in the retreat price. If you’re travelling by train, a private transfer from Stresa train station is also included. Further arrival details will be shared with you before the retreat.

Start by clicking Apply Now and completing the short application questionnaire. I’ll personally review your application and get back to you within 48 hours. We’ll have the opportunity to answer your questions, explore whether LAGO feels like the right fit for you and discuss the next steps.

Guided Reflection Sessions are at the heart of the LAGO experience. In a small-group setting, they offer structured space to explore recurring patterns in your relationships, habits and emotional responses, and to develop a deeper understanding of what may be shaping them. The sessions are complemented by three individual meetings before, during and after the retreat, helping you prepare for the experience and integrate your insights into everyday life.

LAGO welcomes up to ten women, allowing the experience to remain intimate and personal. The small group creates room for each participant to reflect, share at her own pace and connect meaningfully with others.

Meals are freshly prepared by a private chef, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks are included throughout the week. Dietary requirements and allergies can be discussed in advance.

I’d love to hear from you. You can send me a direct message on Instagram or visit the Contact page to get in touch by email. If you’re unsure whether LAGO is right for you, feel free to reach out before applying.