Pasta & Pilates in Puglia

Begin Your Escape

BOOK EXPERIENCE

An intimate Luxury Culinary and Pilates retreat  staying in a Castle  along the coast of Puglia,Italy

Led by renowned Chefs Elizabeth Falkner, Ben Ford, and Pilates Founder Dru Mouser

Chef Ben Ford

A globally inspired chef known for his European flair and wood fire cooking, Ben is the former owner of Chadwicks of Beverly Hills, Fords Filling Station, and currently Galerie on Sunset in Los Angeles and has been personal chef to iconic artists such as Chris Stapelton and Pink. He is also an author, pilates studio owner, and dedicated father.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner

An award winning chef known for bold creativity and impeccable technique. Elizabeth has been personal chef for culture shaping creatives including Rosie O’Donnell and Sam Levinson, and brings edge, artistry, and soul to every table she sets. She is an author, documentary filmmaker, fitness enthusiast, and founder of of T’MARO Brands,Inc.

Pilates Founder Dru Mouser

Original co-founder of House of Core in Los Angeles and current co-founder of Village Life Pilates in Beverly Hills,Dru is a Pilates instructor, a health coach, embodiment guide, actress and mother. Dru creates experiences that awaken and recharge the body, also softens the soul. This retreat is her love letter to beauty, movement, and presence.

Puglia, Uncovered

BOOK EXPERIENCE

Coastal Days, Candlelit Nights

Mornings begin with movement.

Days unravel by the sea.

Evenings gather around long tables.

Southern Italy, in its most seductive form. Ancient stone villages carved into cliffs.

Roman ruins kissed by salt air.

Hidden sea caves glowing in blue light.

Puglia holds the longest coastline in mainland Italy — and still feels untouched.

It also produces more olive oil and wine than any region in the country, and the food tells the story of the land:

Cloud-soft burrata

Hand-rolled orecchiette

Tiella baked in tradition

This is not Italy through a tour bus window.

This is Italy through barefoot dinners and salt-kissed hair.

Wander ancient villages where time moves slowly.

Explore Roman ruins.

Swim beneath limestone cliffs.

You’ll spend your nights beneath candlelight and stars —

where conversation lingers as long as the last glass of wine.

This retreat is designed for indulgence, connection, and discovery.


Inclusions

6 nights at Castello di Ugento

Daily Italian breakfasts

6 chef-led dinners (alternating chefs + collaborative finale)

2 hands-on culinary experiences with Chefs Ben & Elizabeth

8 movement sessions (Mat Pilates + Yin Yoga)

3 excursions (boat + beach day, Alberobello & Locorotondo, winery visit)

3 lunches (beach club, masseria, winery)

Bicycles for town rides

Live folk music night

All ground transportation to and from activities + airport transfers

Itineary

Day One

Benvenuti al Castello

Private transfers from the Airport

Check-in & relax

Welcome circle + gentle grounding stretch with Dru

Aperitivo di Benvenuto in the courtyard (by Castello team & Chef)— regional snacks & drinks.

Dinner by In-house Castello Chef (local, seasonal Puglian cuisine)

Day Four

Terra e Riposo (Earth & Rest)

Leisurely breakfast

Pilates for Posture & Core Connection

Hands-On Cooking Class with the chefs on-site

Free afternoon time

Yin Massage Yoga with Dru

Dinner by Chef Elizabeth — elegant seasonal menu

Day Two

Radici e Ritmo (Root & Rhythm)

Italian breakfast

Morning Mat Pilates —

“Root & Realign”

Culinary market tour with Chefs Ben & Elizabeth + street food tastings

Free afternoon

Dinner prepared for the group with the Chefs.

Day Five

Cultura e Connessione

Italian breakfast

Mobility Mat Flow

Excursion to Alberobello & Locorotondo — trulli villages, etc. (transfers and guide)

Lunch at a historic masseria + olive-oil tasting

Dinner Pizza Party by Castello with Pizza Master Chef

Live folk music & pizzica dancing

Day Seven

Arrivederci

Light breakfast

Closing circle & gentle Yin stretch

Private departures to Brindisi Airport

Day Three

Mare e Anima (Sea & Soul)

Light breakfast

Pilates Flow —

“Breathe & Lengthen”

Full-Day Boat & Beach Excursion (swims, caves, seafood lunch and afternoon at

beachclub)

Dinner by Chef Ben — seafood & herbs

Sunset with local wines + acoustic music

Day Six

Celebrazione e Chiusura

Breakfast

Beachside Mat Pilates & Meditation

Winery Tour + Vineyard Lunch

Free time

Collaborative Final Dinner — multi-course celebration of land & sea

Music, toasts & farewell reflections