Experience Food, Culture & Slow Travel retreats in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Savour the Slow invites you to immerse yourself in curated retreats, where ancient landscapes, generous tables and unhurried days create the space to reconnect.
Discover the joy of slowing down and immersing yourself in authentic experiences in Southern Italy and Greece. Connect with a community of passionate food lovers, explore local traditions, and relish in the art of mindful living. ‘Savour the Slow’ is for those ready to embrace a journey of self-discovery and culinary delight.
Discover Slow Travel in 2027. Join The Waitlist.
Travel the Mediterranean way, slowly, intentionally, beautifully. Savour the Slow is offering slow travel retreats in Southern Italy, each with its own rhythm, depth, and flavour. All are six nights, seven days, thoughtfully curated and hosted with love.
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![A white bench on a paved patio next to a white wall with vents, overlooking a lush garden with trees and green grass under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Food, Culture & Slow Travel, Signature Retreat
Hosted by Jacqui Toumbas
Puglia, Italy. Coming September 2027.
Pre-sale starts January. Join the waitlist for first access. -
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Salt, Olive Oil & Stories, Italian Culinary Immersion
Hosted by Jacqui Toumbas
Puglia, Italy. Coming September 2027.
Pre-sale starts January. Join the waitlist for first access.
Meet Jacqui, Your Host.
Meet Jacqui, Your Host.
Meet Jacqui, Your Host. Meet Jacqui, Your Host.
I’m Jacqui, a Brisbane-born nutritionist and content creator with a deep love for food, culture, travel and the way they bring people together. Growing up in West End and being raised within a Greek-Cypriot family, I learnt early on that food is more than a meal, it’s memory, comfort and connection.
Before Savour the Slow, I owned Miss Bliss Cafe, a space centred on community, shared meals and creating moments for people to slow down. It was there that I learnt how much honest food and genuine connection can shape an experience, lessons that continue to guide everything I create today.
Savour the Slow is a natural extension of everything I love, unhurried days, shared tables and the small moments that make you feel part of a place rather than just passing through it.
I can’t wait to share the magic of Southern Italy and Greece with you, the food, the people and the quieter corners that stay with you long after you return home.
Love Notes From Retreat Guests
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![Person pouring olive oil onto dough on a wooden board during food preparation.]()
"It was the best gift I could have given myself this year."
When we arrived at the retreat Jacqui asked us why we had taken time out to be here. My response was “to be taken care of”. And for that week, I really was. From being the first people in over 200 years to stay at an incredible historic monastery, to the beautifully prepared Italian banquet dinners, to the cooking classes, cheese making, ceramics and beach trips, and getting to know the locals, this week was one I’ll never forget. If, like me, you’ve been thinking about doing something like this, take the plunge and go for it, it may just be one of the best experiences of your life.
ALEX -
![People gathered outdoors under a wooden pergola with white columns, some hugging, others standing in line, with potted plants and string lights.]()
"The best parts of travel are meeting people and sharing experiences."
Being part of a group allowed me to enjoy things I would never have done solo, especially staying in a rural masseria, which was a real highlight due to the accommodation, the family owners, and the home-cooked food, as well as the ability to relax without having to plan or make decisions.STEF
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![Beach scene with people lounging on chairs, a woman in a red swimsuit standing in the water, and colorful buildings with green shutters in the background under a clear blue sky.]()
"A journey I’ll be thinking about for years to come."
What made this retreat truly special wasn’t just the stunning surroundings or cultural experiences, it was the way we felt held in the present moment. There was space to reflect, to connect with others, and to savour the beauty of life at a gentler pace.If you’re craving a getaway that nourishes your soul, invites connection, and awakens your senses, this retreat is truly something unforgettable.
KATHY
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![Group of women sitting at a table outdoors, enjoying a crafting activity with paints, brushes, and flowers, surrounded by trees and greenery.]()
"Pure magic from start to finish."
The setting, the people, the experiences, it all felt like something out of a dream. Every single detail was so thoughtfully curated. I already can’t wait to return.COURTNEY
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![Two people sharing a bowl of pasta in a restaurant, with one person holding a fork and the other using a spoon.]()
"A retreat that feeds the soul."
It’s hard to put into words how special this experience was. Every meal, every conversation, every moment felt intentional. I left feeling deeply connected, inspired, and completely recharged.ROSHELLE
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![Shadow of two people making heart shapes with their hands on a sandy surface.]()
"A once-in-a-lifetime experience."
I came for the food, but I left with so much more - lifelong friendships, a newfound appreciation for slow living, and memories I’ll cherish forever. The most beautiful retreat in every way.MICHAEL
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![People practicing yoga outdoors on mats amid trees and desert plants.]()
"It's been life changing (and I don’t say that lightly)."
Be prepared to come away from this trip with new thoughts, ideas and beliefs. The slow pace really does impact you, not just for the few days in Puglia, but long-term. My biggest takeaway from the trip, was the ability to slow down (as a busy Mum of three children) and allow myself to reconnect with myself, which was something I had not been able to do for a really long time. I will definitely be back for more Puglian and Savour the Slow adventures! Well done Jacqui for such a beautiful and thoughtful week.CELESTE
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![People sitting in a golf cart decorated with pink and purple flowers, with trees and a stone wall in the background during sunset.]()
"A rare opportunity to pause and reflect in an inspiring setting."
Jacqui and Tilli delivered an experience that exceeded expectations. Their thoughtful approach created a space for genuine connection and meaningful conversations among guests. It was a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and build relationships in an inspiring setting.
BRONTE -
![A group of smiling people in a kitchen, wearing aprons, gathered around a chef holding a bowl of eggplants.]()
"I left feeling refreshed, grounded, and creatively re-energised."
Savour the Slow in Puglia was a truly special retreat. Jacqui and Tilly created an experience that was creative, nurturing, and deeply inspiring, while being in the stunning Puglian countryside. Every detail encouraged slowing down and reconnecting, and I left feeling refreshed, grounded, and creatively re-energised.I also found an amazing group of people to connect with.
AMANDA
