Everything you need to know before booking your place at the Ladybug Tuscany Mediterranean food retreat.
We've gathered the most common questions about the Ladybug Tuscany retreat. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to get in touch.
Chef Laz prepares one shared menu for the group rather than individual à la carte meals.
We may not be able to accommodate multiple allergies or highly individual dietary requirements, so please contact us before booking. We'll confirm clearly whether the retreat can safely and comfortably meet your needs.
There are currently direct Ryanair flights between Dublin and Pisa on the arrival and departure days of the retreat. Other routes and airlines may also be available.
We recommend comparing flights on a search site such as Skyscanner before booking directly with your chosen airline. Flight times and schedules can change, so please check the details carefully before confirming your journey.
Flights are not included in the retreat price.
Yes. Complimentary shared transfers will be provided from Pisa International Airport and an agreed central Pisa collection point at set times on the arrival and departure days.
We will personally collect and drop off our guests. Exact times and collection details will be confirmed before the retreat.
Check-in begins at 15:00 on Monday 19 October. Earlier arrival may be possible by prior arrangement.
Check-out is at 09:30 on Saturday 24 October, following breakfast. Unfortunately, late check-out is not available.
No. A car is not needed for the retreat itself.
Guests who would like to explore independently during their Me Time may choose to bring or hire one.
Yes. Free parking is available at the villa.
Yes. The villa is reserved exclusively for our seven guests.
Natalie and Chef Laz will stay nearby. Chef Laz will arrive each morning to prepare breakfast, and both hosts will be present throughout the retreat days.
No. The villa has four shared bathrooms for seven guests.
A photograph of the relevant bathroom is included in each bedroom gallery so you can see the bathroom arrangement before booking.
Absolutely. Private rooms and individual places in the twin rooms can be booked by solo guests.
With only seven guest places, the group will be small and personal, making it easy to settle in and get to know one another.
Yes. All meals from Monday evening's welcome dinner through Saturday morning's breakfast are included:
Wine is entirely optional, and there is no expectation to drink.
No. The walks are an enjoyable part of the retreat rhythm, but they are not compulsory.
They will generally last 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace. You are welcome to turn back earlier or enjoy a shorter stroll close to the villa.
No. Yoga is a gentle, completely optional addition to the food retreat.
No previous yoga experience is needed.
You are welcome to bring your own mat, but Natalie will also provide yoga mats for guests.
Yes—plenty.
Afternoons are largely reserved for Me Time. You can read, rest, explore the surroundings, enjoy the garden or spend time in Chef Laz's open-door kitchen.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at the villa.
Late October in the Lucca area usually brings mild autumn days and cooler mornings and evenings.
Typical temperatures around the retreat dates are approximately 19–20°C during the day and 10–12°C overnight. Tuscany's autumn weather can be changeable, so sunshine and rain are both possible.
Traditional Tuscan villas can feel cool in the evenings, so we recommend bringing comfortable warm layers for indoors as well as a light waterproof jacket.
Bring comfortable layers that can be added or removed as the temperature changes throughout the day.
We recommend:
Dinner is something we enjoy making feel special, but there is no formal dress code.
Yes. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book.
Your policy should cover cancellation, illness, medical treatment, travel delays and your personal belongings.
If you're ready to say yes, your place at the table is waiting. Choose your room and secure your spot for Tuscany 2026.