Writers, Artists, Friends…

Join Me for a Week in Northern Italy

September 1 – September 8, 2025

SOLD OUT


Write, create, explore, and relax in Valle del Cervo, in the foothills of the Northern Italian Alps, on this inclusive 7-night Writing and Art Creativity Retreat.  

 

In the beautiful Valle Del Cervo, in a small stone hamlet close to the border of Switzerland, far away from the tourist throngs…

…you will dine on slow food from the region prepared for us at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Explore the valley and nearby historic sites. Write, draw, create, hike, reflect, and enjoy… all as you like.

 

 

You will hear the rush of a mountain stream, church bells echoing up the valley, and maybe no other Americans at all.



It feels remote, yet you will be just a short distance to Milan, Turin, France, Switzerland, and the rest of Europe if you wish to extend your stay.






 

 

This is the creative reset you need.

Alpine view from the Villa

 

 

What Does it Cost? What is included?

The base charge of $2,250 per person includes:

  • 7 nights room and board at Villa Emma
  • 17 delicious, healthy garden-to-table meals, catered by La Mascaria Azienda Agricola 
  • Transfer from Biella, Italy train station
  • Fresh juices, local wines, free-flowing coffee and tea
  • Double occupancy bedroom (single beds, shared bathrooms)
  • Guided writing sessions and craft talks
  • Art-making facilities (bring your own supplies)
  • A half-day regional cooking class at La Mascaria  
  • Hikes! Strolls! Rambles!
  • A day exploring Biella’s palazzos, funicolare, markets, restaurants and cafes
  • An excursion to the esoteric stonemason’s mountain village of Rosazza
  • Time to rest, sit in solitude, dream, replenish
  • Travel advice, suggestions, resources
  • Companionship. Fun.

 

Not included in the base price…

  • Private room with $400 upcharge
  • Manuscript review session with Ericka 
  • Massage, yoga classes, mindfulness sessions
  • Airfare to Italy and travel to Biella, extended excursions, entrance fees, out-of-Villa meals, travel insurance, hard alcoholic drinks, laundry, gratuities
  • …anything not specifically stated above

Value for money?  Yes definitely. I enjoyed the writing exercises, the free time to write, and the art basement. The villa is charming, with frescos on almost every ceiling and other eccentric features. I loved the views of the foothills of the Alps and stargazing at night. It was a luxury to be served amazing food by a lovely mother-and-daughter team. — Bridget W.

 

 

 

Reserve it NOW!

A Typical Day at Villa Emma  (subject to change)

7am  Meditation/yoga/walk (or sleep in!)
8am  Coffee and breakfast 
10am  Prompted freewriting or perhaps a travel memoir, sensory writing, or flash fiction workshop…
12pm  Lunch
11-5pm  Write. Make art. Eat cheese. Practice your Italian. Dance. Go on an excursion. Consult with Ericka.  Explore the Valle del Cervo. Take a nap.
5pm  Check-in gathering with a glass of wine, or fresh juice from Martina’s farm, 
6:30pm  Group dinner

About Villa Emma

Villa Emma is a three-story historic private villa, built in the 1890s, that has maintained its character and original features. It is located in a tiny hamlet in northwestern Italy, in the Piedmont region, in the foothills of the Alps. The town of Biella is 25 minutes away by car.

Our hosts are my longtime friend, photographer L. Mikelle Standbridge, and her Italian husband Simone, who provide Villa Emma for us to live, work, and play. The retreat is co-sponsored by Casa Regis – center for culture and contemporary art, Mikelle’s organization located in Mosso Santa Maria, a half-hour drive away.

 

 

Ericka and Mikelle

 

A few more details…

  • There will be a maximum number of 8 participants .
  • The villa has no disabled access, and there are stairs.
  • A non-refundable deposit of $350 books your place on the retreat.
  • Balance due by June 1, 2025 (talk to me about payment plans).
  • Travel insurance is recommended, all participants must sign a liability waiver.
  • Optional private manuscript consultations with Ericka will be scheduled on arrival.

  • Note: you don’t have to write – or be a writer – to enjoy or benefit from this retreat.

 

I am SO excited to have you join us. 

This retreat has limited availability. 

 Reserve it NOW!

 

 

{ retreat – reboot – restore – resist – risotto }

 

Villa Emma is an amazing space, a baby Grande Dame. Old, loved, worn and regal. The rooms were comfortable jewels. The countryside is stunning, the walks and vistas are so special, devoid of tourists, a time to reflect, listen to the river roiling over the rocks, and the town bell chiming on the quarter hour. And on the hour, echoing through the valley, first our town bell, then neighboring ones replying, and finally our bell repeating its timekeeping. — Jane W.

Villa Emma
Our COVID policy
Waiver/Contract form


Contact me with your questions:  ericka.lutz@gmail.com

 Reserve it NOW!