Homebody Eats Newsletter

hank you for your interest in our Italian Cooking Retreat in the beautiful region of Calabria, Italy, right off the coast of the Ionian Sea (this is the view from the hotel). To learn more about the retreat schedule, cost, and accommodations, check out the information below.

There are no additional spots available for the 2025 trip. Sign up for the waitlist to learn more about 2026/2027 dates.

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Picture this: You're learning to make authentic Italian pizza in a wood-fired oven while sipping on an Aperol spritz with this beautiful view of the Ionian Sea.

If you've dreamed of traveling to Italy while…

Tasting all of the classic Italian dishes
Sightseeing Southern Italy through the eyes of a local
Sipping on Italian wine and cocktails
Exploring Italy through food (with other people who love food as much as you)
Learning how to make some of the most famous Italian recipes

…Then this Italian Cooking Retreat is for YOU!

Why I'm Hosting This Retreat

Back in 2023, I attended culinary school in Southern Italy. This experience will forever be a highlight of my life!

During my time in Calabria, I completely transformed my outlook on food:

I learned to trust my gut instinct in the kitchen.
I was able to connect with other people who loved food as much as me.
I even left with lifelong friendships.
I left inspired to create delicious food.
I learned how to stay organized and calm in the kitchen.
I became more confident.
I learned to cook food with minimal waste.

Between the beautiful sunrises over the sea, the most amazing food I've ever eaten, and learning how to become a better chef, this unforgettable culinary journey helped me fall in love with the food, culture, and life in Italy.

After coming home from school, I knew I had to bring a group of people back to this beautiful location to share yet another memorable experience with other foodies.

two images of Ionian sea in Calabria, Italy.

It's hard for me to fully describe why I love Calabria, Italy. But I hope to show you the amazing hospitality, food culture, and joy that comes from the slow way of Italian life.

Most importantly, I want to share my love of all things food with you on this cooking retreat.

Retreat Itinerary

During this retreat, we'll be cooking, taste testing, sightseeing, exploring, and more. Here's a breakdown of what we'll be doing each day.

Day 1: Friday, September 12, 2025

Theme of the Day: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Arrival to Lamezia Terme Airport in Calabria. Airport transfer is provided.
Welcome dinner in the private dining room overlooking the Ionian Sea.
After dinner cocktails on the outdoor terrace.

Day 2: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Theme of the Day: Italian Cooking 101

four images showing Italian food, cheese on plates, view of the Ionian Sea, and a meat and cheese platter.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Taste test your way through some of the most important ingredients used in regional Italian cuisine. This experience will open your mind and educate your palate.
Lunch is prepared by master Chefs using the freshest ingredients from the Mercatino and local farms.
After lunch siesta at the beach.
Dinner at a traditional trattoria. A 'trattoria' is a restaurant that is usually family-owned and operated and, most importantly, exemplifies the character of genuine local cuisine in any part of Italy. We'll be ordering some of the best local dishes for you to taste.

Day 3: Sunday, September 14, 2025

Theme of the Day: Hands-on Cooking (Pasta + Cornetto)

four images featuring Italian pasta, cornetti, and pizza.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Hands-on pasta class: Learn how to make different types of pasta dough (Northern & Southern dough), along with various shapes.
Learn how to make cornetto dough (this is Italy's version of a croissant).
Chef's lunch demo (with wine, of course!).
Free time after lunch.
Dinner at a local pizzeria.

Day 4: Monday, September 15, 2025

Theme of the Day: Trip to Tropea

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for the historic seaside town of Tropea.
Tour of Tropea and free time to wander charming shops and ancient architecture.
Lunch in Tropea.
Dinner back at the hotel.

Day 5: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Theme of the Day: Hands-on Baking (Breads + Cornetto)

four photos featuring Italian breads and appetizers.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Learn how to bake traditional Italian bread, including a personalized focaccia.
Lunch at the hotel.
Finish rolling and baking cornetto.
Free time for the beach or continue baking.
“Apericena” for dinner - a fun relaxed meal consisting of aperitifs and vibrant delicious gourmet finger foods.

Day 6: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Theme of the Day: Hands-on Cooking (Pasta, Pasta, Pasta)

four photos showing pasta, a charcuterie plate, and inside a building.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Hands-on cooking lesson + cooking the pasta you made.
Lunch at the hotel.
Learn to make authentic Neapolitan pizza dough.
Dinner at an Agriturismo. An agriturismo is an organic farm that is owned and operated by farmers of both livestock and vegetation. Here we dine on truly local delicacies that are produced on-site by the proprietors. Every item on the menu including extra virgin olive oil, cheese, cured meats, breads, and of course, wines is made on the premises. This experience offers a unique insight into Italian artisan gastronomy and flavor.
Enjoy the rest of your evening sipping wine under the stars.

Day 7: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Theme of the Day: Italian Winery

four images showing wine, a vineyard, and the Ionian sea.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for a winery tour and tasting. Enjoy some sommelier tips for tasting wine and properly pairing it with food.
Lunch at a local cantina.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Friday, September 19, 2025

Theme of the Day: Farmer's Market + Pizza Party

four photos showing an Italian farmers market, pizza, and girl stretching pizza dough.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Mercatino, a unique Italian open-air market. Browse seasonal foods, artisanal meats, cheeses, and more.
Lunch at the hotel.
Make your own pizza in a classic wood-fired oven. Enjoy your pie on the terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Day 9: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Theme of the Day: Traditional Italian Regional Dishes

four images showing gelato, tiramisu, carbonara, and pouring gelato into a machine.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Learn some of the most important techniques to create well-loved Italian dishes.
Chef's demo: The Roman Trinity (cacio pepe, carbonara, amatriciana), Risotto, and Gnocchi.
Taste all the dishes, then we'll help you make your own at an individual cooking station.
The science behind Italy's most famous sweet treat, gelato. Plus, learn how to make this dessert, followed by a tasting.
Hands-on tiramisu class.
Free time for packing or visiting the beach.
Farewell dinner.

Day 10: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Theme of the Day: Departure & Arrivederci

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Departure and transfer to Lamezia Terme Airport.

Accommodations

Located on a bluff, with what may be the most spectacular view in Southern Italy, the local, family-run hotel offers guests an oasis of stunning Mediterranean beauty and comfort.

Guest rooms all face the seaside and are equipped with amenities including individual climate control, in-room safes, refrigerator, hairdryer, and free Wifi.

A communal washing machine, along with individual drying racks (no dryer), are provided.

The hotel is in the same building where our hands-on cooking classes and many of our meals will be happening, so no need to worry about long walks!

four photos showing a hotel bedroom and bathroom.

If you wish to share a bedroom with a partner or friend, just let me know in our follow-up survey. We are happy to accommodate you with a larger bed or two separate beds in the same room.

Take a mini room tour to learn more about the bedroom included in the accommodations.

Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is meant for people who really love food and want to experience the food and culture of Italy.

This trip is for you if you....

Want to learn how to cook authentic Italian regional cuisine.
Practice cooking Italian dishes with hands-on experiences.
Have an open palate and are willing to try food you may not be used to.
Are excited about traveling and seeing local sites.
Want to cook and bond with other foodies.
Ready to have fun! This is a trip of a lifetime, and we're here to enjoy it!

This trip is a small group experience. We've capped the number of people, so you get a very personalized experience. Everyone joining this retreat should be open to bonding with others!

There will be lots of time to get to know everyone in the group, so be ready to spend time with other travelers and share conversations over a glass of Italian wine.

All guests must be ages 18 and up.

Meet Your Host, Jessica

Jessica standing in front of Florence cityscape.

Hi, my name's Jessica and I am obsessed with all things food! After attending culinary school in Italy back in 2023, I fell in love with the food and the Italian way of life. Now, I'm sharing my love for all things pizza, pasta, and gelato with you!

A little more about me - My husband and I live in St. Louis, Missouri with our two cats Sushi and Pancake. We love home improvement projects, watching trashy TV, and trying out new foods (especially ice cream) and restaurants.

I've always loved food and learning about how to make the best food. I'm that nerdy cook who loves reading about the science behind baking or why culinary professionals use certain techniques in the kitchen.

I look forward to spending time together while bonding over our love for food, cooking delicious meals together, and most importantly, eating the best food of your life!

Price

$5,800/person
This is your all-inclusive way to see Italy. Your hotel, all food (trust me, you'll never leave hungry), alcohol, excursions, cooking lessons, and transportation are all provided at this cost.

What's Included:

Hotel stay
Transfer to and from the airport
Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
Daily gourmet multi-course meals for lunch and dinner
All ground transfers including daily beach shuttle, excursions, and dining
Alcohol (wine served with every lunch/dinner with the addition of various cocktails throughout the week)
Excursions (Tropea, winery, various restaurants, farmers market)
Cooking lessons
Tax and VAT
All gratuities

What's NOT included:

Flights
Passport/visa costs
Personal expenses/incidentals
Travel insurance

Registration Deposit Due Dates:

Due Date:

Initial Payment at the time of Registration (Non-Refundable)
Second Payment May 1, 2025
Third Payment June 1, 2025
Fourth Payment July 1, 2025

If you wish to pay in full, send an email to hello@homebodyeats.com and we can set up a one-time payment.

Be sure to read our travel terms before purchasing.

Bring A Companion

Want to bring a companion with you (a friend, spouse, or partner) who doesn't want to cook but still wants to taste all the food + come on the fun excursions? No problem! You'll share a room and pay an additional $5,500 for your companion.

What's Included:

Hotel stay: Companions must share a room with a regular participant who signs up for the program
Transfer to and from the airport or train station
Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
Daily gourmet multi-course meals for lunch and dinner
All ground transfers including daily beach shuttle, excursions, and dining
Alcohol (wine served with every lunch/dinner with the addition of various cocktails throughout the week)
Excursions (Tropea, winery, various restaurants, farmers market)
Tax and VAT
All gratuities

What's NOT included:

Cooking lessons
Flights
Passport/visa costs
Personal expenses/incidentals
Travel insurance

Companion Registration Deposit Due Dates:

Due Date:

Initial Payment at the time of Registration (Non-Refundable)
Second Payment May 1, 2025
Third Payment June 1, 2025
Fourth Payment July 1, 2025

Be sure to read our travel terms before purchasing.

Flights + Airport

You will be responsible for booking your own flights (this is not included in the cost of the retreat). Please plan to fly in on Friday, September 12, 2025 to Lamezia Terme International Airport (airport code SUF). We will have a welcome dinner on September 12, so plan to fly in before dinner time (around 6:00 pm local time).

Upon arrival, there will be a driver and car waiting for you to take you back to the hotel, which is conveniently located just 45 minutes away from the airport.

The program will end on Sunday, September 21, 2025. We will provide transportation back to the airport (or the train station if you wish to further travel around Calabria or Southern Italy).

We will reach out to you to coordinate arrival/departure times once you have your travel booked.

FAQs

Who can come to this retreat? Anyone ages 18 and up is welcome! Since this is a group retreat, just make sure you're comfortable with socializing and hanging out with others.

What is the refund policy? Prior to February 1, 2025, you may cancel your registration and obtain a refund, subject to the non-refundable deposit of $500. On or after February 1, 2025, your deposit is non-refundable, but you may be eligible to transfer.

In a scenario in which you get sick or have a catastrophic event right before the trip, you can transfer your ticket to a friend or family member. Please email hello@homebodyeats.com for details on this procedure.

Can I come on this trip solo? Yes, of course! This retreat will be for a small group, so you can meet friends once you arrive.

I went to culinary school in Italy solo and came back with so many lifelong friends. So don't worry, you can do it too!

I have dietary restrictions. Can I still come to this retreat? Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions including single food allergies, gluten, vegetarian, etc. Please be sure to note this in our follow-up survey after signing up for the retreat.

The only restriction we cannot accommodate is airborne allergies of a common ingredient (gluten included). If you have allergen-related questions, send me an email at hello@homebodyeats.com.

Is alcohol included? Wine will be included with every lunch and dinner. Additionally, we will be sipping on various cocktails throughout the trip.

If you do not drink, we will have mocktails and other options available for you.

Will the retreat be in English? The retreat will be spoken in English. Don't worry, there's no need to know any Italian for this trip. However, you will leave knowing a few new Italian words and phrases 🙂

Are all meals included? Yes, all three meals (plus some snacks along the way) will be included in your stay. You'll start every day off with a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner will be a mix of meals at the hotel (cooked by the amazing chefs who will be teaching us) and local restaurants. Wine will be available at all lunches and dinners.

I can promise that you'll never leave hungry! There will always be plenty of food to eat and taste!

Why is this retreat different than other tours in Italy? We're focused on showing you the culture and lifestyle of Italy through food. This trip is for people who really love food including tasting, cooking, and visiting new restaurants. You'll never leave hungry and you'll get to taste a variety of Italian dishes from various regions. Plus, you'll get to make many different dishes through hands-on cooking classes.

Where is the retreat held? The Retreat will be held in Calabria, Italy, a Southern region in Italy next to the sea. Calabria is a less traveled region in Italy, which means you'll see an authentic look at local life.

Want to check it out on Google Maps? Here's the address: Località Caminia, 88068 Staletti' CZ

What happens after I book my ticket? After you've purchased your ticket and paid the initial payment, you'll receive a follow-up survey from our team with some questions that will help us get you fully registered. We'll need information like your full name; address; date of birth; passport details; email address; disabilities; applicable medical conditions, including allergies; dietary restrictions; emergency contact of a non-participant; and information to reach you on the Retreat (mobile phone, etc.).

Please note: At the time you make your reservation, you will be required to supply certain information related to your reservation. If you fail to provide this information or it is incomplete, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation.

What should I wear? We will be sending everyone who has purchased a ticket a detailed packing list closer to the date of the retreat.

Do I need travel insurance? If you wish to purchase travel insurance, you may do so to cover any personal incidentals (not included in the pricing of the trip) such as medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, or rental cars.

This is completely optional. You'll need to look at your situation and decide based on your comfort level.

I'd recommend talking to your insurance company to learn what travel and international medical insurance options are available to you. You may also want to check into your travel credit cards since many offer some form of travel insurance.

Learn More About This Trip

Just hit play on the video below.

Let's Be Friends!