The Hill is one of the most relaxed Holistic Retreat Centres in the world, with a reputation for superb Italian food. It is set deep in the hills near Urbino in Le Marche (on eastern side of the appenines from Tuscany).

The hill
This place is vast. 100 acres of woodland running down to a river and overlooking sun-drenched rolling hills. And the woods are mainly pines - the most prolific producers of oxygen and chi energy - so the hill literally breathes. You can walk our marked trails or just strike out into the wilderness. When you're here it feels like you've shut the door on the world.

The dome
Is set in the woods and is pretty cosmic, and ideal for chi work.

Where you'll stay
The recently renovated farmhouse is beautiful and eco-friendly (heat is taken from the sun and or water from the hill). You’ll love where you eat. You’ll love where you sleep. The rooms have platforms/mezzanines so it’s comfortable to share. We have 5 triple rooms with mezzanine, two double ensuites plus single rooms.

Surrounding area
We’re right next to the renaissance hill-town of Urbino, birthplace of Raphael, and a world heritage site (and with a darn good market on Saturdays too). You can also go to the coast for sunbathing, swimming and shopping; to the mountains for walking and to a hundred castle towns for culture.

Food
Food is vegetarian. But most of our guests aren't. So why do they all leave raving about the food? Well, it's Italian. It's delicious. It's plentiful. Lemon and fennel risotto. Grilled aubergine and garlic pizza. Wild mushroom lasagna. Enough said.

Washing Up
No! You don't have to do that, unlike some holistic holidays. We just ask you to keep the place in reasonable shape but don't worry there's no cleaning rota.
This is an eco-friendly holiday, so one set of towels is provided, a bath and a hand towel (please take one of your own for the pool). The same goes for bed linen. If you want either fresh towels or sheets during your stay, just ask!

How much Tai Chi and Chi Kung?
Well this depends on you, we will be offering about three and a half hours a day. None of this is compulsory but no doubt you will want to do it (or most of it, or more than this!). We can also decide collectively any changes to our timetable if needed. An example of a what a timetable may consist of:

9-10am Breakfast

10am-12pm Taoist Yoga, Chi Kung and Tai Chi

12pm Lunch

After lunch, chill out, pool time, massage and hammock time.

5-7pm Taoist Yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Kung

7pm Dinner

The pool
It's big. It's salt-water. It emerges from the deep
woodland. It has the most amazing views across the hills. And with the climate here you'll probably spend most of your free time by the pool.

Now read: Booking and money