“The retreat felt like a hug for all my senses.”
The entire experience felt very curated yet at the same time very organic. Different women coming from different parts of the world, sharing similar interests and getting to express themselves through a very fun and creative medium. I feel like I learnt a lot from my peers and from the organizers. I also loved having the yoga class, the visit to the natural baths, and the amazing food. I would 100% do it again.


“I was reminded that I am an artist simply because I exist.”
The retreat was deeply healing for me, especially in reconnecting with my creativity. The group helped me return to myself and create from an inner space rather than from my mind. What I loved most was how the creative process was explored as a form of meditation and emotional expression. Working with clay felt soothing, playful, and freeing, guided with such care and sensitivity. I haven’t stopped creating with clay since — it has become part of my everyday life. This retreat helped me integrate creativity as a way of being. It was light, deep, and incredibly powerful. One of my favorite retreats I’ve ever experienced.


“This retreat is about so much more than pottery.”
The Clayground Retreat at Villa Giuncheto was one of my absolute highlights of the past year. Hardly any experience has touched and moved me as deeply. From the very first minute, you can feel that this is about so much more than pottery. It’s about connecting with yourself, with nature, and with the wonderful women who shape this retreat together. The location in the Tuscan landscape is breathtakingly beautiful — quiet, expansive, warm, and full of natural energy. It’s exactly the right place to arrive, let go, and recharge.

What truly makes this retreat unique are the people behind it. Anna Riess and Fira Rietveld have created a space with so much heart, mindfulness, and dedication — a space that allows for trust, creativity, and authenticity. Working with clay became an inner journey. Between laughter, conversations, silence, and hands immersed in the clay, something emerges that goes far beyond art — a deep sense of connection and clarity. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat.


“It felt like pure flow — four days in a row.”
I wanted to participate in the Clayground Retreat because I was looking for a break where I could relax, express myself creatively with clay, follow my intuition and find myself, exchange ideas with other women, and have fun. And all this in a beautiful, inspiring place with good food. Not only did all of this come true, my expectations were even exceeded. From the very beginning, Anna and Fira created a very trusting, open, and inspiring atmosphere and interaction among us. They provided us with a framework in which we could engage with ourselves and the material, giving us valuable guidance and inspiration, but above all, plenty of space to develop. It felt like pure flow — four days in a row! And on top of that, there were the wonderful yoga and relaxation classes, the excursions, and truly incredible authentic Italian food. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.