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Debbie Travis
Debbie’s role is to give you a memorable adventure not only into the Tuscan lifestyle but, more importantly, into yourself. Combining two of her greatest passions, the joys of southern Tuscany and the thrill of inspiring other women. Our guests will share this wonderful villa and farmhouse and its spectacular surroundings while enjoying scrumptious, traditional cuisine, famous local wines and fascinating trips.
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Jacky
Debbie met Jacky over 30 years ago as models working in Tokyo, Japan and have been best friends ever since. Jacky has been holding the retreats with her friend since they began. Jacky is there to ensure that your stay is comfortable, memorable & enjoyable. She is also our resident naturopath with a degree from the Naturopathic Medicine College in London, England. She brings all the latest nutritional advice to Villa Reniella, specializing in regaining and preserving optimum vitality though lifestyle and dietary changes.
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Hans
Hans is a successful businessman who runs a tight ship of two production companies, a branding office and a large editing facility. His biggest daily challenge is his high maintenance wife, Debbie, of 29 years. Hans hangs up his business suit for your week to don a chauffeur’s uniform and be at the beck and call of our guests.
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Chef Francesco
Francesco is our wonderful chef during the Tuscan Girls’ Getaway. He has a passion for cooking and creating delicious gourmet meals. Turning this passion into a career was a natural progression. He will be preparing mouth-watering lunches and dinners at the villa and share his expertise in our cooking classes. Francesco believes in locally sourced food, following in the footsteps of the great Tuscan culinary tradition.
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Silvia
Silvia is in charge of all our bookings, contacts and concierge service for the guests at Villa Reniella. She began her career in 1997 in hotel management. She has been both the front office manager, guest relation supervisor and revenue manager for some of Italy’s most exclusive hotels. Silvia lives in the nearby famous town of Cortona with her husband and beautiful new baby girl.
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Maryana
Maryana works alongside Evelina. Her passion is cooking and between our busy season at Villa Reniella she is studying to be a chef at Centro Europeao di Formazione. Always smiling, many of our guests have tried to sneak her home with them.
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Evelina
Evelina, or Eva as she is lovingly known to us all is originally from Poland but has adopted Italy as her home with her young family. She manages our property and she will be looking after us during the retreat week. Evelina makes the best organic breakfast, iconic cappuccinos, serves a mean gin and tonic, and is everyone’s favorite confidant - all with a beaming smile.
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Mimi
Mimi is from Romania but like everyone here has adopted Tuscany as her home. She is part of Evelina’s team and is always there to help a hand in any capacity.
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Rupert
Rupert Elverson DC, is an Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher. He is also a Chiropractor. He has studied alternative therapies for over 30 years. Perfect for those new to yoga and those more experienced. Yoga at Villa Reniella is held on our stunning wood yoga platform that looks over the valley.
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Pam
Pamela lives in Tuscany but originates from Boston, USA. She has thirty years of personal practice in meditation and mindfulness disciplines, and will guide us through drawing on research-based methods including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MCBT).
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Lalla
Lalla is a qualified Ayurvedic massage therapist. She studied for 10 years in Kerala, India and is a master in Reiki, yoga and massage. Lalla will be offering everyone a relaxing massage in the new massage huts surrounded by woodland and olive groves.
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Chef Angela
Chef Angela is our sous chef and her talents in the kitchen are becoming legionary – food is her great love and we are lucky to be able to experience some of her creations.
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Erika
Erika is the beautiful intern. As part of the chef’s team she is a ‘Jack of all trades’ in the kitchen.
