Sitting at my laptop, gazing out at the snow-covered ground and the grey skies, I’m contemplating this article that I’m writing about Debbie Travis. I’ve gotten to know her recently, and I have found, much to my delight, that we have a few connections – first, a wonderful asknancy member who connected us; second, a penchant for media empires (well, mine is not quite “empire” status yet!); and third, a passion to inspire and connect likeminded women.

What I love about Debbie is that she is living her passion. Although she is working on a new TV series, she also has a very different creative endeavour.   It is to combine her two passions – inspiring women and Tuscany.  She is now inviting women to join her at her Villa in Southern Tuscany.  This is her next life... she is living NOW!

What is behind that beautiful face we see on TV?  Here are some little known facts:  Debbie was born and raised in England, and after being rather forcefully walked out of school at the tender age of 16 (somehow I suspect she was at the centre of the controversy), she became a model and a TV producer. While her first DOC did not quite reach “Avatar” status, she was successful in meeting and falling in love with a Canadian and followed him back to Montreal – where she still lives today.  Debbie is a wife, married to Hans for 23 years. She’s a mother to two great boys, and she runs a global media company.  She writes for 70 syndicated newspapers, produces her TV shows (which air in 80 countries),her company produces many of America and Canada’s lifestyle programming from real estate to cooking shows and is an author of 9 books. And creates nearly a $100 million a year product line for Canadian Tire........  Now, back to her spare time....

Hmmm, Southern Tuscany. I’m imagining myself there now. Villa, you say?  I’m seeing it very clearly...  I’m sitting on the ancient stone terrace, mesmerized by the view, basking in the last bits of sunlight as they dance across the field of olive trees. I’m sipping some wonderful wine from Montepulciano, breathing in the aroma of the land and the sanctuary of this retreat. Suddenly the snow-covered ground and grey Calgary skies have melted away.

Something interrupts my peace and serenity. Could it be laughter?  The laughter of women who are relaxed, un-plugged and best of all – having the time of their lives?  YES, Virginia, it is!  It’s Debbie Travis’ Tuscan Retreat!  And you are going to hear about the 2010 retreat right here on asknancy, right now!

Several times each year, Debbie hosts 12 women for a week of “once in a lifetime” experiences at her Villa in Southern Tuscany.  From the moment you arrive in Rome, you will be chanting the mantra of the week “Non Ho Orario” (I don’t have a schedule).  You have seven days and nights of no schedule, no children to taxi around, no shopping or laundry, no significant others to look after, no office phones ringing, no one wanting to speak to you “for just a few minutes”. What makes this retreat so unique are the “off the beaten track” special trips and events planned for the week with the care and attention to detail which only Debbie and her team can provide.
 
Just imagine, after an afternoon of bike riding, arriving at an organic sheep farm which makes its own cheese and olive oil, for lunch.  The food, the scenery, the company...oh yes, and how to get the bike back to the Villa – later.  Do you ever wish you could keep those soft, cozy robes in the hotels? Try this, the Anichini bathrobe in your room is considered one of the foremost luxury linen items in the world; and it’s yours to keep forever -plus a few other goodies!  Debbie holds Forums where the women can brainstorm ideas.  Women of all ages.  These are held under the ancient olive trees at “Prosecco Time” each evening.  Do I have your attention yet?

Wait, rather than me tell you how incredible this week is, let’s hear it from someone who has actually been there and done this!  Lucky gal and one of our very special asknancy members!!  Sorry, we can’t tell you everything – because each retreat is unique and will be a surprise until you arrive in Rome. 

What was a typical day like?

“It depended on the day. Each was different and it was up to us whether we participated or not.  Some days had yoga, hiking, bike riding, others days there were excursions.   Some evenings we ate out at local restaurants, other evenings we stayed in with magnificent chefs (who also do the cooking class). What was great was they had everything planned down to the finest detail and we didn’t have to think about anything.  Very professional and relaxing for us, and Debbie and her crew worked very hard to make it look seamless.”

What were the highlights?

“I think my favourites were the bike ride & lunch at the sheep farm and the evening with a local celebrity. Debbie and her husband have owned their Villa for over 12 years and they are intimately familiar with the area and all of the celebrities who also live in the area. Debbie tries to have one special celebrity join for a visit toward the end of the week, always a surprise.....could it be George this year? You’ll have to go and see for yourself!  All the meals & wine tastings were amazing.  I don’t know – it was really the whole experience of being there in this beautiful setting, with interesting people.”

What made it such a unique experience?

“It was such a small, intimate group so even though we saw and did a lot, it didn’t feel like a “tour.”  It was also very comfortable and cool to be in Debbie’s home, and she really made us feel at home.  It’s the best of both worlds – comfort of home with all the care, attention to detail and luxury of a five star boutique hotel.  Her focus on an organic, natural and holistic experience is great too – extremely rejuvenating.  Finally, it was really fun to hang out with Debbie, Jacky, their hubbies and the whole team she pulled together to make it happen – top notch!” Even a Holistic Doctor was included and the BEST massage we ever had!

The pricing is not for the faint of heart, was the value received?

“I definitely think so, Debbie did a fantastic job of thinking about every detail, from the activities planned to the little thoughtful touches like custom embroidered bathrobes, bath products and journals in our rooms (all gifts to take home).  The linens were pressed, fresh flowers and bottled water in our rooms, outstanding food and hospitality that was second to none. Debbie also has access to people and experiences the average traveller wouldn’t, so that adds a lot of value.  It’s a once in a lifetime experience – it’s tough to put a price on that.”

So there you have it, travelling gals!  If you want to meet like minded women, need to get away, experience Debbie’s hidden Tuscany, be inspired by fascinating speakers who have followed their dreams or just eat the most spectacular local food and wine and go home full of new ideas, rejuvenated and happy...imagine 7 days, 7 nights in Debbie’s exclusive Tuscan Villa in the heart of Southern Tuscany.  The price is $5,950 per person for a private, en suite room; $5,550 for a shared room.  50% deposit upon booking, the remaining 50% payable 30 days prior to departure. 

This price includes all transportation to and from the Rome Airport; all fabulous food and wine, cooking class, yoga, and all excursions -which are too extraordinary and numerous to mention! All you have to do is get to Rome (use your points!) and bring money for the trip to the actual Prada factory, which is nearby!

Again, this offer is going out to asknancy members who are known as people “in the know”! Only 12 lucky gals will be able to experience this first hand, for each retreat.  So if you are interested, don’t even stop to think about it, contact Debbie through her website www.debbietravis.com or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Send her an email with the following information: (She is also on Twitter at Debbie_Travis)

Name
Address
Home telephone number
Mobile telephone number
Email address
Occupation
Date of birth
Nationality
Allergies or special needs
Tell her a little about yourself
Tell her why this week would mean so much to you
 
Debbie’s office will contact you to set up a time for the two of you to chat about the next steps to finalize your place in this life-changing trip!

In closing, please tell her you heard about it through asknancy!  It would warm my heart if you did.  And, NO, I’m not one of the 12 – I’m doing this because I like what Debbie stands for and her reasons for doing it! So, enjoy and do send me a postcard!