Andy Devaney
Tuscany’s never been accused of underachieving, but Oraya Retreats looks set to redraw the map in 2026—less “holiday,” more factory reset. Tucked into Dolciano’s rolling hills and vineyards, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t fuss with fads; it quietly tunes the body, steadies the mind, and gives the spirit a proper polish. Call it an escape if you like, but it feels more like getting your settings right.
The brainchild of London-based Gyrotonic instructor Nicki Hookway and Tuscan native Monica Luigetti, Oraya Retreats grew from an unlikely friendship forged in Florence. Hookway arrived in Italy to deepen her Gyrotonic practice and left with not only a lifelong friend but a business partner.
Luigetti and her husband Pablo spent two painstaking years restoring The Borgo, an abandoned estate now transformed into a soulful sanctuary of elegant suites, rustic heritage, and understated luxury.
What Makes Oraya Retreats Different
Yoga and Pilates may be household names, but Gyrotonic is the mysterious cousin everyone should have met sooner. Created by Juliu Horvath in the ’80s, this method puts your spine front and centre—the anchor for real strength, mobility and change.
It’s smooth, full-body work that, paired with Tuscany’s slower rhythm, does more than tidy up your posture—it helps you move, breathe and feel better, day to day.
Oraya Retreats leans into this ethos, marrying mindful movement with authentic Tuscan living. The result? A four-day retreat that’s part wellness immersion, part cultural deep dive, all wrapped up in the comfort of Mediterranean food and timeless Italian hospitality.
The Oraya Experience
Each retreat follows a carefully curated itinerary designed to leave guests both grounded and uplifted:
- Scenic Tuscan walks through landscapes that look like they were painted by Renaissance masters
- Lymphatic drainage sessions to revive the body from the inside out
- Voice sound baths courtesy of vocalists Dee and Shirley Lewis
- Breathwork and mindful movement to quiet the modern brain
- Authentic Tuscan feasts that put “diet food” in its rightful grave
- Daily Gyrotonic sessions to awaken body and mind with fluid, spiral movements
Meet the Team
Guiding guests through this restorative adventure is a handpicked team of experts:
- Nicki Hookway – Gyrotonic Instructor
- Monica Luigetti – Tuscan life guide & Gyrotonic Instructor
- Carly Wheatley – Lymphatic Expert
- Dee & Shirley Lewis – Vocalists
Hookway explains the heart behind the project: “The Tuscan people know how to live with balance. Life here moves slowly, yet it’s rich with history, beauty, and connection.
When I’m in Tuscany, I feel a spiritual presence that makes it the perfect place to reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.
It’s this transformative feeling and experience I want to bring to guests who come here: in just four days we know we can help them relax mind and body so they leave feeling blissfully re-energised and happy!”
The Details
📍 Location: The Borgo, Dolciano, Tuscany
📅 Retreat Dates: January 2026
🌐 Booking: orayaretreats.com
Oraya Retreats is positioning itself as more than just another wellness getaway. It’s where movement meets mindfulness, where the Mediterranean lifestyle becomes personal, and where the magic of Tuscany lingers long after your bags are packed.
