Pasta & Pilates in Puglia
Begin Your Escape
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
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
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6 nights at Castello di Ugento
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Daily Italian breakfasts
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6 chef-led dinners (alternating chefs + collaborative finale)
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2 hands-on culinary experiences with Chefs Ben & Elizabeth
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8 movement sessions (Mat Pilates + Yin Yoga)
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3 excursions (boat + beach day, Alberobello & Locorotondo, winery visit)
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3 lunches (beach club, masseria, winery)
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Bicycles for town rides
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Live folk music night
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All ground transportation to and from activities + airport transfers
Itineary
Day One
Benvenuti al Castello
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Private transfers from the Airport
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Check-in & relax
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Welcome circle + gentle grounding stretch with Dru
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Aperitivo di Benvenuto in the courtyard (by Castello team & Chef)— regional snacks & drinks.
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Dinner by In-house Castello Chef (local, seasonal Puglian cuisine)
Day Four
Terra e Riposo (Earth & Rest)
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Leisurely breakfast
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Pilates for Posture & Core Connection
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Hands-On Cooking Class with the chefs on-site
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Free afternoon time
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Yin Massage Yoga with Dru
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Dinner by Chef Elizabeth — elegant seasonal menu
Day Two
Radici e Ritmo (Root & Rhythm)
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Italian breakfast
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Morning Mat Pilates —
“Root & Realign”
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Culinary market tour with Chefs Ben & Elizabeth + street food tastings
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Free afternoon
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Dinner prepared for the group with the Chefs.
Day Five
Cultura e Connessione
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Italian breakfast
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Mobility Mat Flow
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Excursion to Alberobello & Locorotondo — trulli villages, etc. (transfers and guide)
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Lunch at a historic masseria + olive-oil tasting
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Dinner Pizza Party by Castello with Pizza Master Chef
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Live folk music & pizzica dancing
Day Seven
Arrivederci
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Light breakfast
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Closing circle & gentle Yin stretch
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Private departures to Brindisi Airport
Day Three
Mare e Anima (Sea & Soul)
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Light breakfast
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Pilates Flow —
“Breathe & Lengthen”
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Full-Day Boat & Beach Excursion (swims, caves, seafood lunch and afternoon at
beachclub)
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Dinner by Chef Ben — seafood & herbs
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Sunset with local wines + acoustic music
Day Six
Celebrazione e Chiusura
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Breakfast
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Beachside Mat Pilates & Meditation
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Winery Tour + Vineyard Lunch
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Free time
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Collaborative Final Dinner — multi-course celebration of land & sea
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Music, toasts & farewell reflections