Testimonials

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.

Tess’s one-to-one 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.

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.

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.

Sally, UK

I find it hard to put into words just how transforming this retreat has been for me. It was amazing in so many ways — the incredible team of Tess, Viktoria and Eszter, the caring, the sessions, the delicious food, the beautiful place, the wonderful group, and the deeply relaxing massages.

When I first arrived in Italy, I was so nervous that I even thought: what if this retreat doesn’t exist? I felt relieved when the car showed up. But then, sitting in the car with three women I didn’t know, I couldn’t help but think: what have I done… Looking back now, I smile at that moment, because what awaited me was one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.

I came in feeling stuck in an automatic pattern that I couldn’t seem to shift, despite having tried many things before. I hoped this retreat might help me break through — and it did. I experienced real behavioural changes I never thought were possible.

The intense, deep and caring sessions with Tess opened something in me I hadn’t been able to access before. The somatic yoga sessions brought me back into my body in such a grounding way. And the massages — normally I am too restless to enjoy them — but with Viktoria and Eszter they were so calming, nurturing, and profoundly relaxing.

And I couldn’t have imagined how beautiful it would be to share this experience with other women. It was so special how we all came for ourselves, yet through sharing and understanding each other’s stories, something even greater unfolded.

This experience has had such a positive impact on my life, and I am truly thankful and forever grateful. Tess, Viktoria and Eszter — thank you.

Mireille, Switzerland

Attending Tess’s trauma retreat in Umbria was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The healing work was deep and profound, held within a safe and supportive space. Tess is a truly gifted and intuitive therapist. Each day unfolded at a gentle, relaxed pace, allowing time to rest, reflect, and integrate. The property was breathtaking — peaceful and surrounded by nature — and the food was absolutely incredible. Eszter and Vicki, healers in their own right, were warm, attentive, and made each guest feel like family. I left the retreat feeling energised, confident, and filled with a renewed sense of hope. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Sue T, UK

In early July 2025, I decided to give myself a gift — an investment in myself. I searched extensively for the right place to go, but the San Flaviano retreat immediately stood out to me, and I felt it very clearly from within.

It was my intuition — and it didn’t mislead me.

Upon arriving at the San Flaviano monastery, day by day we went deeper into profound and not always easy life themes — ones that had long been forgotten, but here were brought back to be felt, experienced, and released. Tess, who guided us throughout this journey, is an absolute professional in her field. She not only listens deeply during personal sessions and offers incredible insights, but also shares her knowledge powerfully during group sessions.

Tess’s inner freedom and energy reach not only your ears and mind, but your heart. The information she shares integrates so naturally — it truly stays with you, and the inner transformation after San Flaviano becomes simply inevitable.

The food, massages, and other offerings, as well as the warm presence of Eszter and Viki, made me feel deeply welcomed, cared for, and safe throughout the entire experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the magic of San Flaviano and the deep transformation it brings.

Karolina Petroniené, Lithuania

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, gifting us with only the sound of birdsong. The house was comfortable, lovely beds, 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 Eszter and Viki. They are very skilled yoga and massage therapists — both warm and kind. 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 group exercises in looking into ourselves and describing our difficulties. 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 were also warm and open. That was a great bonus.

The one-to-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. 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.

Mary, Ireland

I have struggled with my mental health for no obvious reason my entire life, seeing various psychologists and professionals along the way — but by far this retreat has been the most impactful in helping me get clarity and a path forward.

As someone who was reluctant to go on a ‘trauma’ retreat due to no obvious single traumatic incident, I can confidently recommend this experience to anyone who has experienced a shaky sense of self, anxiety or depression. The way Tess explains things sits somewhere between a therapist and a friend. Her extensive knowledge and experience means she can adapt her method to what is most effective for you — the whole experience is highly personalised.

It’s really difficult to sum up everything in one testimonial but I have walked away feeling more at home in my body, less afraid of the world, and with a renewed sense of hope that life isn’t going to play out for me as I once thought it would.

The combination of professional therapy sessions and the morning and evening movement — and the freedom to opt in and out as needed — made this a non-‘woo-woo’ and profoundly transformative experience.

If you’re someone for whom weekly therapy isn’t working, or someone who has never done a retreat before and is looking for something grounded rather than spiritual — I highly recommend it.

Grateful doesn’t even cut it.

Daisy, Australia

I am not sure what expectations I had of the retreat before I attended. I just knew that I was overwhelmed, grieving, and broken. It turned out that Tess can genuinely transform you within those seven days.

Yes, the monastery is utterly beautiful. Fifteenth-century frescos, ancient brickwork, soaring ceilings, and a sense of peace. The accommodation is sweet, humble, honest, and in keeping with the period of the site. There are multiple beautiful vistas to enjoy and the sounds of the birds are truly extraordinary. You’ll have fabulous yoga lessons and visit some stunning little villages.

But it is Tess that you really go for. The depth of her knowledge, experience, and expertise is priceless. She took three very overwhelmed women in my week and left us lighter, more positive, and more in control than we were when we arrived. Her one-to-one sessions are hard to describe but brilliantly, inexplicably powerful. You sort of become more empathetic towards yourself.

I have come away cleansed of my habitual stresses and traumas and equipped to meet future stresses full-on.

My family are genuinely impressed with my development and I’m incredibly thankful for the week I spent there. It was not always comfortable. The work was hard. But Tess is completely in control of her skills and ability and will astound you if you lean in.

Ellie, USA

This was my first retreat, and I did not know what to expect. From the first moments of meeting Tess and arriving at the monastery I felt very welcome and at ease.

Daily schedules were just perfect — occupied and engaged yet free and flexible. Every day was a new experience as I was learning a lot about myself, my feelings, my emotions, and most importantly understanding, acceptance and empathy towards myself.

Tess is very knowledgeable, attentive, empathetic and real. I enjoyed the group exercises where everyone was very open and engaged. It was truly amazing to see a positive transformation of each individual as we progressed through the week.

The one-to-one sessions were very intense and deep. Tess made me feel like I could completely bear my soul without feeling exposed — she made me feel secure and protected.

The food was absolutely amazing. The quality and everyday variety was impressive. Eszter and Viktoria’s cooking deserves every praise.

I think this retreat is just perfect for anyone who is emotionally distressed and needs that space to just stop and allow yourself to live through these emotions. The stunning monastery surrounded by pure nature, fresh air, and the helping and caring hands of Tess and her team is the right direction to finding light and hope.

Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

Daiva, Lithuania