The Independent Study Retreat
Tuesday, September 29th – Monday, October 5th, 2026
This is an invitation to step into your own personal creative inquiry. The Independent Study is your space to slow down, focus, and fully immerse yourself in a project of your choosing. No deadlines, no expectations, just time to explore, experiment, and follow your intuition.
Set against the backdrop of a farmhouse surrounded by nearly ten acres of ancient olive trees in the Puglian landscape, this six-day, six-night retreat offers dedicated time and space to fully engage with your creative work. The experience is designed to engage all of the senses through beautiful surroundings, providing uninterrupted hours to develop your project, whether that is writing, sketching, designing, or exploring a new concept. Between deep focus sessions, thoughtful conversation and quiet reflection, enjoy a taste of local life. While the retreat is designed to feel authentic rather than touristy, we will make a few visits to outstanding local sites and savor the region’s food and wine, which are themselves works of art and an integral part of our time together.
Come work on something that belongs entirely to you. Give yourself the gift of following curiosity instead of deadlines. Here, you are both student and artist. You are given structure, but also freedom. You are supported, but not directed.
This is not about efficiency, productivity, or deliverables. It is about devotion.
This is your Independent Study.
A Note from Megan
This retreat was born from a longing that was sparked in my heart years ago. While living abroad in Italy, I experienced something that permanently shaped me: slow living. I had time to immerse myself in beauty, to wander and observe, to devote myself fully to a singular creative pursuit. Not for performance or productivity, but for artistic exploration.
When I returned to the US and entered a fast-paced career as a designer, I carried that experience with me. And as beautiful a career as I’ve had, at times I found myself caught in the rhythm of constant producing, delivering, and performing, with little room left for true creativity. I found myself craving that slower pace again, the kind that allows ideas to breathe, evolve, and open all of the senses. So, here we are.
About the Masseria:
Situated in an olive grove between the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, the masseria is a traditional Puglian farmhouse thoughtfully restored to balance historic charm with modern comfort. Thick limestone walls, vaulted ceilings, and exposed wooden beams create a serene, grounded atmosphere. Terra-cotta floors extend through the communal spaces, while arched doorways and windows open onto the surrounding grove, filling each room with natural light.
The house features a large kitchen, comfortable bedrooms available as single or shared, and shared bathrooms designed with both functionality and quiet elegance in mind. Outside, a luxurious pool invites relaxation, and the expansive grounds offer countless nooks to wander, reflect, or work in private. Communal areas are designed for gathering, whether one-on-one or with the group, and at night, the wide Puglian skies reveal a canopy of stars. Most meals are prepared by a local cook, bringing the flavors of the region to your table.
Our Shared Intentions
Respect the space and each other — honor the quiet, the grounds, and the creative energy around you.
Be fully present — arrive with curiosity, openness, and attention for yourself and the group.
No fixing — support and witness others without offering advice, criticism, or solutions unless asked.
Move at your own pace — honor your creative flow. This is your time.
Practice kindness and discretion — the moments here are shared and private.
Engage with intention — participate in group activities and conversations fully, and permission to rest, reflect, and recharge.
FAQs
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A: This retreat is best suited for projects that are quiet, self-directed, and non-disruptive to a shared environment. Writing, watercolor, concept development, photography, sketching, knitting, collage, creative research, editing, journaling, reading, and digital work such as design or content development are all a wonderful fit that will work beautifully in this setting.
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A: No, each participant is responsible for bringing their own materials. The nearest art supply stores are located in Brindisi and Bari and have limited selections. So, it’s highly recommended to come prepared.
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A: A few, thoughtfully chosen outings are included. The majority of the retreat takes place at the masseria, allowing you to settle into a slower rhythm, engage deeply with your work, and experience the environment in a grounded way.
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A: No problem. Just let us know what your dietary restrictions are upon registration.
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A: The property is set in a quiet, quite rural area with limited transportation options. You may look into a rental car, and there is parking available at the masseria. Driving in the area, if you’re unfamiliar with it, is not discouraged but if you choose to do so, please educate yourself ahead of time.
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A: Much of your time will be spent at the masseria. There are generous indoor and outdoor spaces designed for focus, rest, and connection. There are yoga mats, a pool, olive groves surrounding the property for walks.
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A: The retreat is facilitated by Megan Huntz, who has designed the experience to balance creative focus, exploration, and quiet reflection. While programming and the itinerary will guide you through, the retreat is not a concierge travel experience, and participants are responsible for themselves.
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A: This retreat is best suited for those who feel drawn to a slow-down, to take time without the pressure of a busy schedule. If your priority is frequent outings or sightseeing, this may not be the right fit.
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A: Yes. Since we are staying in a home, there is an exterior gate that will be locked around 10pm. This isn’t because the surrounding area is dangerous, it’s just a general safety practice. That does mean, however, that there is an expectation for all guests, out of respect for their fellow participants and the property, that they are back inside the masseria by 10pm.
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A: Most guests will likely arrive via Brindisi Airport, which is less than an hour away from the masseria. Taxis will be available, but if you let us know in advance, we can help you organize a car service or provide other options depending on arrival. It can be a bit tricky to organize transportation so please do that in advance, or let me help you.
Prospective Itinerary
Day 1 – Tuesday | Welcome
Arrive at the masseria. Settle in, refresh, and take a moment to absorb the home and grounds. In the late afternoon, an aperitivo at golden hour. Dinner at the masseria features fresh local ingredients, simple but elegant; the perfect setting to meet your fellow guests and kick off your retreat.
Day 2 – Wednesday | Immersion
Begin your day with breakfast, followed by guided meditation and journaling to set intentions for your creative week. Visit the heart of Ostuni and the farmer’s market, and enjoy lunch in the centro before taking some free time to explore the whitewashed streets, shops, and atmosphere of this charming hill town. Return to the masseria in the afternoon for focused Independent Study, surrounded by olive trees and quiet inspiration. In the evening, gather for aperitivo and dinner at home, savoring a typical family stye meal.
Day 3 – Thursday | Exploration
After breakfast, settle into morning meditation and journaling before diving into your Independent Study session. Lunch at the farmhouse is followed by more time to focus on your project or reflect quietly in one of the property’s many outdoor nooks. In the evening, enjoy a self-guided dinner excursion in Ostuni, with recommended options provided in your welcome guide.
Day 4 – Friday | Creative Flow
Start your morning with breakfast, meditation, and journaling, then return to your Independent Study to immerse yourself in your project. The afternoon continues at your own pace, allowing deep creative focus. Dinner at home features a hands-on pasta-making experience with local ingredients, blending creativity, flavor, fun, and wine.sharing the day’s insights and inspiration with your fellow participants.
Day 5 – Saturday | Day Trip Adventure
After breakfast, set out on a group day trip to Otranto. Arrive around noon to visit the cathedral with an intimate tour led by MH, then enjoy a self-guided lunch and stroll along the historic sea walls. In the afternoon, visit Torre Sant’Andrea to take in the dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters before returning to the masseria around 5:00 PM. A light dinner will be served at the masseria.
Day 6 – Sunday | Integration and Reflection
Begin the day with breakfast, meditation, and journaling. Lunch at the farmhouse. Spend the afternoon in Independent Study to integrate and refine your creative work and participate in a group discussion. The week concludes with a farewell dinner at the masseria, celebrating your progress and sharing reflections with the group. Guests may choose to depart this evening or stay overnight for an early departure the following morning.
Day 7 – Monday | Departure
For those staying overnight, early morning transport to Brindisi Airport is available.
