Reviews

Settimo Cielo is a very special place, it's not like any other hotel or B&B, it's more like a home from home where you are made to feel so welcome. Karen and Jim are great hosts, so warm, friendly and relaxed. If you feel you need time out to simply 'be' or if you are an artist, writer or dreamer, this special space has a certain inspired, quirky energy which gives you the right environment to do whatever you like doing...be it draw, make something or just snooze in the sunlight! The rooms are eclectic and rustic, giving an authentic Tuscan feel. There are lovely views out to the distant mountains and surrounding land where the chickens cluck away and there's always a dog or two around. The food here is gorgeous and from the moment we arrived we were treated to Italian delights, including a glass of processco on arrival. Karen puts extra effort into making sure your visit is comfortable, relaxed and special. If you like to connect with the locals and experience the true Tuscany in relaxed, quirky and informal surroundings then Settimo Cielo is for you.
- L Walker
"Still remember Karen said 'I talk to the chickens, thank them when they lay their eggs; when I hold them in my hands, they are just so lovely and warm.'  We learned that noticing every little thing around you is what can bring you joy everyday.  It's an amazingly peaceful retreat where people share ideas. People appreciate every little thing in life.  People can be creative because it's the place with no judgements.  Surrounded by the beautiful nature and positive energy just enriches our souls every day.  The 7th Heaven will keep bringing angels to this lovely place.  Thank you for this wonderful week."
"It would be a very lucky person who spends any time in this wonderful place. I had the great privilege to spend a week here last May - my words and descriptions will never come close to doing it justice.  It is a magical place owned by wonderful people in a breathtaking location.  I would urge anyone to go - you will not be dissapointed....."
"I was fortunate to be a guest at Settimo Cielo last year...it was an experience I will cherish forever. Thank you Karen and Jim for 36 hours in Seventh Heaven!"
"If you're looking to expand your mind, to step away from the day-to-day grind, you couldn't think of a better place to do so. Nestling in the Italian hills of Monte Vignale, Settimo Cielo offers creative retreats, which include photography, writing and art. A bit like that well known supermarket brand (!) this isn't just any retreat, this is a place where the host and her family throw open the door to their home, hearts and minds. You leave feeling you've made new friends for life."
- Tracey Jefferies
"A real home, from home, really delightful. Wonderful host/s, a real pleasure to have meet Karen and her family. It was sad to leave them"…
"I went on the six night Writing Retreat at Settimo Cielo Tuscany in October 2014. I’d already been a professional writer so didn’t, as such, need to necessarily learn more about writing. But I’d been in a slump, was ‘stuck’ with the writing (and my life). 

"The writing itself, yes, I enjoyed the gentle encouragement as well as Edana’s refreshing take on some of the exercises. I was pleased to see I could still do it, still meet a deadline…and with gentle, nurturing  guidance from Edana Minghella, and guest tutor, screenwriter Vincent O'Connell, poodled along at the pace I needed. Although there was extra time to write outside of the tutorials, which some did, I chose not to because what I needed more was A BREAK from my norm, and the surroundings were a beautiful place to do that in. 

"The accommodation itself was spacious, well laid out, comfortable, clean, characterful and so, so restful. It was exactly what I needed and host Karen (and sometimes husband Jim) and daughter Emily were fantastic, so helpful, attentive, kind and FUN. Karen was sensitive to everyone’s needs and to my being a vegetarian, and prepared special dishes (ALL the dishes were special, by the way – nightly feasts!  And those cheeses mmmm). I felt very well looked after…and rested. There was a day trip which I skipped to stay ‘home’ and read in the peaceful surroundings…bliss…stroking the cats and dog and listening to the birds and the occasional swishing leaves in the garden. Writing this makes me want to go back! I met great people and made at least one very good friend. While I was there I declared I wanted it to be a life-changing week.  And it was. I made decisions that affected my daily life, my income, how I feel about myself – the WORKS. I decided that I would ‘set the writing aside’ – for now, thinking perhaps I would go back to it. I realise not many go on a writing retreat and retreat from writing but... I left my job and started to deliver workshops, realising how much I have to offer with my speaking as well as writing voice. After a while, my confidence grew and I realised I DO still want (need) to write…which I am now doing…and I’ve been doing braver and braver things ever since the retreat. As Brene Brown says, I’m daring greatly…

"Was this retreat the cheapest around? Nope. Was it a fantastic week where the host and tutor were willing to...and did... provide value added... from the accommodation to the tutoring and gave whatever guests could want from a retreat including the bonus of good company...and therefore good value? Yes."