What Women Are Saying

I didn’t quite know what I was looking for when I stumbled upon Tess’s website, but something deep inside me knew I needed help. I kept finding myself drawn back to it, again and again. When I finally reached out to Tess, I felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she might be the answer I was searching for.

From that very first conversation, I felt completely at ease. Tess has such a calm, grounded presence that instantly made me feel safe. Despite never having done yoga before, and being unsure about spending seven days with five complete strangers, something told me to take the leap — though I’ll admit, I was sceptical. Could a single week really make any meaningful difference? Was this retreat even the right place for me? Could it possibly live up to what I’d seen online?

Wow — how wrong I was to have any doubts.

Those seven days at San Flaviano have truly changed my life.

From the moment you arrive, every part of you — body, mind, and spirit — is nurtured, supported, and gently held. The location is beyond beautiful — peaceful, expansive, soul-soothing. The food, created lovingly by Eszter and Viktoria, is both nourishing and spectacular; every meal a delight. We all found ourselves asking for recipes, hoping to carry just a taste of the experience home with us.

The mornings began with gentle yoga and somatic movement sessions — accessible even for complete beginners like me — held in the garden or within the walls of the ancient monastery. The evenings were spent in the same peaceful rhythm, helping us wind down and connect with ourselves. Every detail felt intentional and healing. These sessions were guided by Eszter & Viktoria.

Tess’s one-to-one and group sessions are, quite honestly, beyond words. She has a gift — a rare ability to help you look deep within yourself with compassion, clarity, and honesty. The work was powerful, at times emotional, but always transformative. Tess isn’t just a counsellor — she’s a healer, a guide, and truly, a miracle worker.

Eszter and Viktoria were angels in every sense.. Alongside  preparing divine meals, they offered healing massages and reflexology, and even took us on a beautiful afternoon outing to a nearby village. Their presence added such warmth and magic to the entire experience.

I’d worried about how I’d feel sharing this journey with a group of strangers, but those women — all so different — quickly became trusted friends. We shared stories, laughter, tears, and moments of deep connection. I now believe that Tess’s thoughtful pre-retreat calls help her create groups that naturally gel — we were all searching for something, and we’d all been drawn to her for a reason.

Whatever the magic formula is, it works.

If you’re hesitating — if part of you is longing for something but you’re unsure or afraid — take the step. Do it. This retreat is one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’ll be forever grateful I found the courage to say yes to myself.

The location, the people, the healing — everything was incredible. I loved the fresh air, the walks, the moments of stillness. It was everything I didn’t know I needed — and more.

Tess and the Retreat

 

I found this retreat by accident, and had never imagined that such a thing existed. I set off in early June, after a few emails from Tess, and a Zoom call where I learned a bit about how it worked.

 

It turned out to be a glorious setting, beautiful mountains, fairly remote. The house was comfortable, lovely beds, hot water, all mod cons in a gorgeous wild place. The food was delicious and nourishing, with lots of local fresh produce and fruits.

 

Tess works with Eszterb and Viki. They are very skilled yoga and massage therapists. Both are warm and kind too. There was gentle yoga and breath work morning and evening, helping me to love my imperfect body. Massage outside under oak trees. Reflexology in the shade under the birdsong.

 

There were chats around the table, exercises in looking into ourselves and describing our difficulties and yes, our trauma. No one was pressed to contribute, and it took me a day or two to relax completely, but I was glad that I did. Tess has a workbook that guided us through it all. It was all very gentle. We did not have to share, there is no ‘group work’. But my fellow retreatants (three other women) were also warm and open. That was a great bonus.

 

The one-on-one work Tess did with me was like nothing I had ever experienced. I was able to reach into my heart and pull out difficulties that I thought I would never be rid of. Everything happened in a safe space, and I did not feel at all threatened or scared. Tess is very skilled. She has seen everything and nothing phases her. She is a great strong person, I could be completely frank with her. I felt completely free, accepted and not judged. It was a marvellous experience.

 

I felt like I came into control of my life. I learned how to set real boundaries, how to let go of false situations, how to understand what is for me, and what is not.

 

The week was a real turning point. I am still coming to terms with it all, and I know it will take a while before my new ways of living are my only ways of living.

 

I am very grateful. I recommend this retreat 100% to anyone who feels they are not living fully, who wants to ‘deal with’ issues happening now, or things that happened years ago.

Whilst watching a programme on TV one evening, I saw a couple looking to buy a property in Italy to open a mental health retreat and feeling very much in need of help having lost my beloved husband a few months before, I started an online search to see if there actually were any. To my surprise there were a lot and it was quite daunting knowing which to choose. I love Italy and when I set eyes on Tess Hunneybell and her stunning Healing Retreat in Umbria, I wanted to know more. I sent her a message and very quickly had a response from Tess inviting me to an initial WhatsApp ‘meeting’ to see how we felt about each other and whether this was right for me.

As soon as I saw Tess and started speaking with her, I felt she totally understood me and how awful I was feeling  and what I was going through. She is the most kind, caring, gentle and professional person and has many qualifications and experience as a trauma psychotherapist and grief counsellor. My mind was made up and also after reading glowing reviews, I decided I would go to one at the end of May/early June ’25 (I’ve just come back), which proved to be a rewarding, unique and helpful experience.

The retreat, which is owned by Tess, is set in a former monastery with roots dating back to the 8th century and overlooking the Sibillini mountains and a 50,000 acre protected woodland in San Flaviano in Umbria. The tranquility and beauty is breathtaking and I stayed in my own comfortable room with an en-suite bathroom. There were five other really lovely women there and we all bonded very quickly, all in need, for different reasons, of Tess’s unique counselling methods. She has two amazing young women Eszterb and Viktoria, who help run the Retreat and they teach yoga, somatic breathing and also provide reflexology and massage. They are both also the most amazing cooks and we had three delicious, fresh cooked meals a day, all eating together on the terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens and mountains. I have no idea how they came up with so many different and tasty dishes every day.

Tess makes you feel immediately at home in her home and there isn’t anything she won’t do to make your stay as perfect as possible. I loved the fact that she only has 5/6 women staying at any one time which makes it such a personal experience.

We had group therapy, one-to-one therapy and yoga each morning. I’ve never enjoyed yoga before but partaking in this both in the church in the monastery and in the peaceful garden with the only sound is the birds singing, went a long way to changing my mind.

Tess’s very different approach to my grief and trauma was so refreshing and helpful, having tried at least four counsellors here in the UK who really didn’t help me at all and I found sitting in a strange room with a stranger, to whom I had to pour my heart out, didn’t help or let me relax. This is where the calming and serene surroundings really come into play and whilst I obviously got very upset during my sessions, Tess comforted me with hugs and understanding and a special kindness which I now miss. I do have some special ‘homework’ as such, to do now I’m home and I’m hoping all her advice will stay with me and help me through my grief and trauma. We are having follow up online therapy sessions. The support is invaluable.

I cannot praise Tess and the women highly enough and would recommend this unique Retreat to anyone in need of not only professional counselling, help and advice in a stunning and peaceful location but also genuine TLC from the loveliest people.

Sue T