Blossoming Garden
A retreat for women in Italy with Iva Samina
Blossoming Garden
A retreat for women in Italy
The Blossoming Garden is a journey to yourself—to your sensuality, your aliveness, and to that which longs to bloom within you.
We live in a world largely defined by masculine principles—structure, achievement, and control. A world that, for centuries, has taught us women to be quiet, to conform, and to tame our power. Yet our true strength lies elsewhere: in our depth, our own rhythms, our sensuality, and our capacity to unfold anew time and again.
We invite you to a place where you can remember what it feels like to be truly alive. A space where everything can quiet down until you hear the voice of your own longing once more and sense what is waiting to come alive within you.
Here begins a journey of blossoming—toward your sensuality, your desire, and your inner rhythm. Amidst the earth, bare skin, and sunshine, you are free to unfold, to reveal yourself, and to truly feel your own presence. It is an invitation to reconnect with the essence of who you are—your body, your breath, your feelings, and your gentleness. Here, everything is welcome: the wild and the tender, the uncertain and the courageous.
In the Blossoming Garden, your inner and outer worlds meet. Every movement, every breath, and every touch can serve as a reminder that you are part of the beauty that is life itself. You are free to let go, to receive, and to savor the moment—discovering the depth, warmth, and power inherent in your femininity. A garden that unfolds when you give it space.
"In the garden of humanity, every woman is a flower that blooms despite all adversities." — Maya Thompson
Set in a beautiful villa with a garden, a yurt, and a pool under the Italian sun, you will explore—alongside other women—what it means to feel truly alive. Featuring movement, dance, touch, tantric practices, plants, rituals, and moments of stillness. With time for yourself, for nature, and for the sweet art of doing nothing.
Set amidst the Umbrian hills, this retreat is an invitation to explore yourself—honestly, gently, and in all your facets. We will eat, savor, laugh (and how we laughed during the last round!), and allow ourselves to be touched—by ourselves, by life, and by the beauty surrounding us.
A fantastic chef will delight us with authentic Italian cuisine—fresh, vegetarian, and prepared with love: “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto.”
What to expect
Preparation & Integration
Two joint online meetings: one before the retreat to get in the right frame of mind, one afterwards to integrate the experience.
Exploration & Experience
Yoga & Guided Meditations – to set body and consciousness in motion.
Butterfly Meditation – can help the body shift from a state of high tension back to a calmer state.
Tantric Touch Rituals & Bodywork – deepen mindfulness, sensuality, and intimacy, and learn to give and receive conscious touch.
Sexual Communication – learn to clearly sense and share desires, boundaries, and needs.
Pelvic Rocking – gentle, sensual movements inviting you to mobilize your pelvis, let go, and feel it from within.
Genital Meditation – an invitation to connect more deeply with your body of pleasure and power.
Forum – a shared exploration of what moves us. We share our experiences, questions, longings, and insights; we listen to one another and act as mirrors for each other. A space where new perspectives emerge through speaking, listening, and witnessing, allowing us to encounter ourselves and each other more deeply.
Sensory Self-Care
Self-Abhyanga – a morning self-massage ritual using oil.
Nature immersion – nourishing, nurturing, grounding.
Stillness & quiet – for a deeper connection with yourself.
Women’s medicine – surrendering into the ancient web of female connection, beyond competition and comparison, into a dignified and supportive sisterhood.
Dolce Vita & Community A sensory feast in the garden – al fresco, accompanied by delicious Italian cuisine.
Time for yourself – in the garden, in nature, in the quiet.
A surprise excursion – where we’re going remains our little secret.
All program activities are, of course, voluntary—you set your own pace, space, and experience!
What other women say about the retreat:
Iva is one of those special people who walk a part of the journey with you, helping you to listen more closely again—to your own body, your boundaries, and what you truly feel and desire. Iva creates a space where you feel safe and supported from the very first moment. With her warm, mindful nature and powerful tools, she enables you to go deep and confront the emotions that often go unacknowledged: grief, anger, fear, and shame. Everything is allowed to exist; everything is allowed to flow! In Iva’s presence, you feel seen, heard, and valued—and never judged. At the same time, she manages to lovingly nudge you out of your comfort zone—always just as far as feels right (and only when you want to). You can ask her anything, and you can sense that she meets you with an open heart. My highlight with Iva so far was a week at the "Blossoming Garden" retreat in Umbria. What a gift to be able to let go for a whole week and—together with wonderful women—take a deep dive into topics like sensuality, shame, boundaries, fears, pleasure, and la dolce vita in Italy. That week touched me on so many levels and enriched my life in a lasting way. Thank you, dear Iva, for your valuable work, your warmth, and for creating spaces where genuine connection and healing can happen! I recommend her wholeheartedly!
Original quote:
“Iva ist einer dieser besonderen Menschen, die einen ein Stück des Weges begleiten und dabei helfen, wieder genauer hinzuhören – auf den eigenen Körper, die eigenen Grenzen, auf das, was man fühlt und was man wirklich möchte. Iva schafft einen Raum, in dem man sich vom ersten Moment an sicher und getragen fühlt. Mit ihrer warmen, achtsamen Art und ihren kraftvollen Tools ermöglicht sie es, tief zu gehen und auch den Gefühlen zu begegnen, die oft keinen Platz bekommen: Trauer, Wut, Angst, Scham. Alles darf sein, alles darf fließen! In Ivas Gegenwart fühlt man sich gesehen, gehört und wertgeschätzt – und niemals falsch! Gleichzeitig schafft sie es, einen liebevoll aus der eigenen Komfortzone herauszustupsen, immer genau so weit, wie es sich stimmig anfühlt (und nur wenn man selbst möchte). Man kann ihr jede Frage stellen und spürt, dass sie einem mit offenem Herzen begegnet. Mein bisheriges Highlight mit Iva war eine Woche im blossoming garden – Retreat in Umbrien. Was für ein Geschenk, sich eine ganze Woche lang fallen lassen zu dürfen und gemeinsam mit wundervollen Frauen einen Deep Dive in Themen wie Sinnlichkeit, Scham, Grenzen, Ängste, Lust und la dolce vita in Italien zu erleben. Diese Woche hat mich auf so vielen Ebenen berührt und nachhaltig bereichert. Danke, liebe Iva, für deine wertvolle Arbeit, deine Herzlichkeit und dafür, dass du Räume erschaffst, in denen echte Begegnung und Heilung möglich werden!! Von Herzen eine große Empfehlung!”
"I felt like I was in wonderful hands with Iva in the blossoming garden from the very first moment. I find working with her very inspiring. What particularly sets her apart for me is her impressive professional expertise and her sensitive, emphatic nature."
Original quote:
“Bei Iva im blossoming garden, habe ich mich vom ersten Moment an wunderbar aufgehoben gefühlt. Die Arbeit mit ihr empfinde ich als sehr inspirierend. Was sie besonders auszeichnet für mich, ist ihre beeindruckende fachliche Expertise und ihre einfühlsame emphatische Art.”
"I felt like I was in wonderful hands with Iva in the blossoming garden from the very first moment. I find working with her very inspiring. What particularly sets her apart for me is her impressive professional expertise and her sensitive, emphatic nature."
Original quote:
“Bei Iva im blossoming garden, habe ich mich vom ersten Moment an wunderbar aufgehoben gefühlt. Die Arbeit mit ihr empfinde ich als sehr inspirierend. Was sie besonders auszeichnet für mich, ist ihre beeindruckende fachliche Expertise und ihre einfühlsame emphatische Art.”
“The blossoming garden, retreat was my first retreat with Iva and I absolutely loved it! I am a huge fan of Iva’s work, what she stands for and how she brings it out into the world. Iva has such a gentleness-, a great ability to hold space- and to read the room, that one feels so safe and connected which in turn opens everything for transformation. She is very curios and is constantly learning and investigating in her field and this really shows. The place of the retreat, it being inn a beautiful part of Italy, was amazing and the beautiful group of women was the Cherry on the Top! I still feel full from the experience which is lingering in me right now – a month later… Thank you Iva!!!”
“There is a garden within me—quiet yet vibrant. A place where nothing needs to be forced, yet everything is in motion. Where things are allowed to grow simply because their time has come. Where the wild blooms alongside the tender, longing alongside stillness, sensuality alongside strength—and the joy of living is palpable in every breath.
The Blossoming Garden is that inner space where I remember that I do not need to become someone else in order to be whole. That everything I need to blossom is already within me. Here, I am free to open up. To unfold. To grow. To bloom. The Blossoming Garden invites me to let go—into being, into feeling, into trust. A space where I draw closer to myself, reconnect with my sensuality, and give space to whatever wants to blossom within me.”
For over 15 years, I have been guiding women on their journey toward greater self-confidence, pleasure, and inner freedom. I am grateful to welcome women from all walks of life and age groups, each enriching the group experience in her own unique way.
You are welcome—just as you are.
Meet your workshop leader
I open a space where you don't have to perform. You are allowed to arrive, in your body, in your breath, in your truth. In my world, there is room for everything—tears, laughter, silence, trembling, longing. I accompany you with open hands, alert eyes, and a clear heart. What I offer is not a concept. It is a living river – nourished by experience, intuition, and a deep trust in you. Tantra, sexological bodywork, womb wisdom, women's healing massage, kink, systemic coaching, the art of breathing, and silent listening weave together to form a path back to yourself. Your body is a sacred place, not a puzzle that needs to be solved. I believe in your power. I believe in your wisdom. I believe that we are allowed to remember – what was never really lost. If you are ready to receive yourself fully, I will accompany you. Gently, alertly, and with everything that is there.
As a naturopath, I combine systemic-integrative and body-oriented methods and usually involve the body as a direct access to inner processes.
Over the past fourteen years, I have helped thousands of people discover a new body awareness, a self-determined life, and a new, powerful, and joyful sexuality through lectures, sessions, workshops, and training courses.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank all my loved ones, friends, and mentors, including James Swank, Joseph Kramer, Alexandra Schwarz-Schilling, Kira Kay, Diana and Michael Richardson, Clare Soloway, Nhanga, Sheila, Daniel Odier, Susanne Roursgaard, and Tatjana Alexander. My greatest thanks go to my three daughters, my grandson, and life itself. They were and are my greatest teachers.
Member of the Tantramassage-Verband e.V. – Professional Association for Certified Tantric Bodywork and Sexual Health and the VSSB – Association for Somatic Sexological Education Professions. If you would like to learn more about my work and me, you can find further information here.
I would also be happy to accompany you with my HYPNOBIRTHING courses and during pregnancy and birth.
- Accommodation for 7 days (6 nights)
- 3 freshly prepared vegetarian meals daily. Vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
- Meditations, workshops, excursions, la dolce vita & community
- Time for tranquility, nature, and the summer scent of Italy
- Surprise excursion (location remains secret)
- Shuttle to and from train station Fabro-Ficulle
- Expect a professional retreat duo that will accompany you with dedication, experience, and expertise, opening up new worlds of experience for you.
- Free, all-day access to the saltwater pool, outdoor areas, and hiking trails at Tenuta di Poggiolame
- Pasta cooking class with the Artis Umbria chef
- Pizza night with homemade pizza from our own wood-fired oven in the garden under the open sky
- Fresh vegetables from our own organic garden and other farm-fresh products
- Free tea, and fruit all day long
- Our own water filtered with apple cider vinegar, UV light, and vortex technology
- Hot water from our own solar system
- Hands-on farm life: horses, donkeys, cats, chickens, and two friendly dogs
- Each room is one-of-a-kind: individually decorated in a historic setting
- 2 mountain bikes for free use
Workshop:
Price for the workshop: €980 per participant (excluding accommodation and meals).
Book directly with the organizer Iva Samina by email: wahrhaft-sein@mailbox.org
The organizers' cancellation policy applies to the workshop fee.
Accommodation including full board and shuttle:
7 days (6 nights) per person for accommodation, food, shuttle, and excursion from €882 to €1,650 (single or double room, private or shared bathroom).
Upon receipt of a deposit of 400 euro, the retreat is bindingly reserved. Please take note of our cancellation policy.
Number of participants: max. 16
our rooms
Axis
18m² fits 2 people
Axis is a cute little double room (two single beds) facing east on the upper floor. It features open beams with terracotta tiles. It is connected to the front room (Scaleni), through which one will walk through to get to the hallway and to the bathroom, which is shared with Scaleni.
our rooms
Mana double
16m² fits 2 people
Mana double room looks out towards the pool. It is part of the Mana apartment which is a bit away from the other rooms. It shares a bathroom with Mana single.
our rooms
Alba
18m² fits 2 people
Alba is a double room on the upper floor of the original building with open beam ceilings and faces east and south. Its doublebed (160 cm wide) features a canopy. It shares a bathroom with Psoas and Vitus
our rooms
Gracilis
18m² fits 2 people
Gracilis is a double room and looks out the west side towards Montegabbione. It contains a double bed (160 cm wide). It shares a wheelchair accessible bathroom with Soleus, with whom it makes up an apartment
our rooms
Amiata
30m² fits 2 people
Amiata is a double room apartment with a gallery. Upstairs: double-bed (160 cm) & bathroom. Downstairs there are two single beds and a kitchenette. Private west terrace with a lovely view of our olive orchards and Monte Amiata.
our rooms
Iris
30m² fits 2 people
Iris is a double room apartment with a gallery. Upstairs: double-bed (160 cm) & bathroom. Downstairs there is a single bed and a kitchenette. Private west terrace with a lovely view of our olive orchards and Montegabbione
our rooms
Atlas
35m² fits 2 people
Atlas is a double room and located on the upper floor of the main building with windows and balcony doors facing north and south. It has a private terrace of 30 m2 with a view from Monte Peglia to Monte Cetona. It also has a huge double bed (180x200) made of solid cherry wood.
our rooms
Vitus
15m² fits one person
Vitus is a single, east-facing room on the upper floor of the historic building featuring original beams. The bed is 140 cm wide. Vitus has its own terrace and entrance (outdoor staircase). It shares a bathroom with Psoas and Alba.
our rooms
Soleus
22m² fits one person
Soleus is a single room and sits at the south west corner of the terrace, with its own furniture on the main terrace. It contains a medium size bed (140 cm wide) and a kitchenette. It shares a bathroom with Gracilis, with whom it makes up an apartment.
our rooms
Alba (as single room)
18m² fits one person
Alba is a double room on the upper floor of the original building with open beam ceilings and faces east and south. Its doublebed (160 cm wide) features a canopy. It shares a bathroom with Psoas and Vitus.
our rooms
Gracilis (as single room)
18m² fits one person
Gracilis is a double room and looks out the west side towards Montegabbione. It contains a double bed (160 cm wide). It shares a wheelchair accessible bathroom with Soleus, with whom it makes up an apartment.
our rooms
Piriformis
12m² fits one person
Piriformis is a single room with its own bathroom. Piriformis has a north-facing private terrace, which is pleasantly cool in summer. Piriformis is close to the kitchen and is therefore best suited to guests who like to get up early or who don't mind kitchen noise.
our rooms
Iris (as single room)
30m² fits one person
Iris is a double room apartment with a gallery. Upstairs: double-bed (160 cm) & bathroom. Downstairs there is a single bed and a kitchenette. Private west terrace with a lovely view of our olive orchards and Montegabbione.
