Pasta & Pilates in Puglia
Begin Your Escape
It’s Intimate . It’s Luxury.
It’s Culinary. It’s Pilates.
It’s Wellness. It’s Adventuire.
Join us as we take over a coastline Castle in Puglia, Italy.
Your Hosts
Chef Elizabeth Falkner
Chef Ben Ford
Village Life Pilates Founder Dru Mouser
Chef Elizabeth Falkner
Chef Elizabeth Falkner is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and globally respected culinary leader who worked her way up through fine dining to operate groundbreaking restaurants in San Francisco and New York. A recognized pioneer in modern American cuisine, she continues to cook at private events, Food & Wine festivals, culinary tours, and destination dining experiences, and has cooked for countless celebrities throughout her career.
For several decades, Chef Falkner has also led immersive culinary retreats and travel-based dining experiences around the world, combining hands-on cooking, local culture, and community-driven meals. Her retreat work reflects a deep belief in food as both education and connection—bringing people together through shared experience, movement, and creativity.
Chef Falkner has appeared on television across multiple networks for more than twenty years, including numerous culinary and competition series. She is the author of three cookbooks, regularly cooks, teaches, and speaks internationally, and was a James Beard Award finalist. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the James Beard Foundation and is Chair of the Awards Committee.
In 2020, Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles, where she produced and hosted the documentary Sorry We’re Closed, which screened on the festival circuit and won Best Documentary Feature at the Pasadena Film Festival (2023). The film is now streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
In addition to her culinary work, Chef Falkner is a sought-after recipe and product developer, consulting on projects for major global brands including Barilla (Molino Bianco), Starbucks, Hershey, Pepsi, Nestlé, Clif Bar, Mondelēz, Wrigley, General Mills, Emmi Swiss Cheeses, Mars/M&M, and others.
On the beverage side, Elizabeth and her partner Heather Freyer founded T’MARO Brands Inc., launching three innovative natural spirits in 2024—T’MARO Amaro, T’MARO Eau de Vie, and T’MARO Cacao Nib—all crafted with organic California dates.
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Chef Falkner is known for her “Fit to Cook” philosophy, believing that strength, movement, and balance are essential to longevity in both life and the kitchen.
Chef Ben Ford
Chef Ben Ford is a celebrated chef and restaurateur whose work has helped shape modern American cuisine. His culinary journey began in 1987 at the renowned Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, where he developed a deep respect for organic ingredients, sustainability, and ingredient-driven cooking. Inspired early on by his mother’s exceptional home cooking, and shaped by extended periods living abroad with his father during childhood and adolescence, Ben developed a globally informed palate and a lifelong appreciation for regional cuisine, tradition, and the communal power of shared meals.
After returning to Los Angeles in 1993, Chef Ford refined his craft at Opus in Santa Monica under Eberhard Müller and at Campanile alongside Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel, before opening Chadwick, his own critically acclaimed restaurant. Chadwick earned national recognition, including a rare three-and-a-half-star review from the Los Angeles Times—the first Los Angeles restaurant to receive such a distinction. In 2004, he introduced the gastropub movement to the West Coast with Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City, now celebrating its 20th year as a beloved Los Angeles institution.
Beyond his restaurants, Chef Ford has consulted on the conceptualization and operations of major hospitality and lifestyle brands including Marriott, Barnes & Noble, Bull & Butterfly, and The Electric Jane. For more than three decades, he has also led destination dining experiences, retreats, and travel-based culinary programs around the world, designing immersive meals rooted in place, season, and local tradition.
Chef Ford is deeply committed to community and service. His philanthropic work includes launching an organic teaching garden at Farragut Elementary School in Culver City, serving as Chef Chair for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation: Los Angeles, and ongoing involvement with The LA Mission. He has also served as a culinary ambassador as part of the American Chef Corps, a U.S. Department of State program. His accolades include Food Network Challenge Champion, Cochon 555 winner, and appearances on numerous national television programs including Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Martha Stewart, Beat Bobby Flay, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and more.
Chef Ben Ford’s legacy is defined by creativity, excellence, and a belief in food as a powerful force for connection, sustainability, and community.
Village Life Pilates Co-Founder
Dru Mouser
Dru Mouser is a wellness entrepreneur, Pilates educator, and creative founder whose work centers on movement, healing, and community. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Village Life Pilates, a thriving Beverly Hills–based studio known for its athletic reformer method, intentional design, and deeply loyal community. Prior to Village Life, Dru was a Co-Founder of House of Core in Brentwood, where she played a key role in building the studio’s methodology, culture, and success.
With nearly two decades of experience in movement and bodywork, Dru’s approach blends strength, precision, and recovery, all grounded in both classical Pilates principles and modern athletic training. She has been practicing Pilates since 2007 and holds multiple certifications, including Lagree, Holy Fire Reiki, Yin Massage Yoga, and Integrative Health Coaching. Her teaching style has been shaped by years of yoga practice under Bryan Kest, creator of Power Yoga, alongside her background in alternative healing modalities.
In parallel with her wellness career, Dru has worked as a professional actress in film and television since the age of 18, cultivating a long-standing career rooted in storytelling, emotional depth, and creative discipline. This dual path—movement and performance—deeply informs how she leads, communicates, and designs immersive experiences that resonate on both physical and emotional levels.
Beyond the studio, Dru is a creative producer and lifestyle builder. She develops wellness products, leads retreats, and curates experiences that bring together movement, food, and meaningful connection. Her work emphasizes ritual, beauty, and shared experience—whether through retreats abroad, community gatherings, or intentional daily practices.
Dru’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that true wellness is not transactional, but relational—built through consistency, presence, and belonging. Through Village Life and her broader creative work, she continues to build spaces where people feel stronger, more connected, and more at home in their bodies and lives.
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 bicycle rides into town.
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 learning 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, Lecce, Ortrantro, Sarantino, winery visit)
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3 lunches (beach club, masseria)
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Bicycles for town rides
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Live folk music dancing under the stars night
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In-house massages and wellness experiences available for purchase
Water sports, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach can also be arranged
We will have photograpers/videoographers in attendance
we encourage you to take a break from your phones as much as possible to not only rewire but to truly immerse and connect.
You will receieve photos and videos once trip is complete.
All ground transportation to and from activities + airport transfersItineary
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 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 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 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
Cultura e Connessione
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Italian breakfast
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Beachside Mat Pilates & Meditation
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Excursion to Lecce — one of the most spectacular villages with baroque streets, to tour, shop, eat and wander(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 FIVE
Day Six
Celebrazione e Chiusura
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Breakfast
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Mobility Mat Pilates
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Excursion to Otranto where you can wander the old magical town, visit the famous Cathedral di Santa Maria Annuziata, walk thru the forest to find the sea and witness the Grotta della Poesia and its ancient inscriptions- legend says people came here to bathe, pray, write poetry and heal.
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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
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
The Experience
Our Group will take over the entire Castle
Castello di Ugento , once a Castle, is a renovated unique historic boutique 5 Star hotel in Puglia – a contemporary hideaway encased within golden 17th-century walls. The rooms and suites have all been lovingly curated with modern pieces from talented Italian designers alongside antiques and vintage finds as well as handmade Italian ‘noce Canaletto’ – high-quality walnut – armoires. All rooms feature king-size beds and some which can be twinned.
All rooms offer 21st-century comfort in 17th-century walls
Air-con with humidity control
Screens on all windows
Flat-screen Smart TV
Complimentary WiFi
Olive oil organic based toiletries
Fine Italian linen
Robes and slippers
Evening turn down service
Hair dryer
Safe
Mini-bar
Prices are inclusive of all meals, excursions, travel to and from the airport, guides. AIrline travel is not included. Shopping and extra curricular activities not included.
Room Selections
Junior Deluxe
$9540 Single Occupancy
$10,600 Double Occupancy
Corte Alta – 29 sq.m. / 312 sq.ft.
Corte Alta is a cosy-split level room with a king size bed on a mezzanine one floor up, which allows for a beautiful view of the courtyard. The bathroom is on the first level and has a walk in shower. This is a smaller room ideal for younger adults and beds can be twinned.
Deluxe Room
$9840 Single Occupancy
$11,200 Double Occupancy
Corte del Sole – 23 sq.m. / 248 sq.ft..
Opening onto the castle’s courtyard each charming room nestled in what used to be the staff quarters, offers a king-size bed dressed with the finest Italian bed linen handmade in Puglia and traditional hand-woven bedspreads, custom made walnut furniture, complimentary designer pieces. Ensuite bathrooms with monsoon showers are suited with organic olive-oil toiletries made in Puglia. Beds can be twinned in Corte del Sole, Corte Barocca and Corte Alta.
Deluxe Suite
$10,140 Single Occupancy
$11,900 Double Occupancy
Corte del Giardino – 33 sq.m. / 355 sq.ft.
A lovely suite under the star vaulted ceilings of “pietra leccese” encased within the castle walls, which opens onto a charming patio. Featuring a king-size canopy bed, it is dressed with the finest Italian bed linen handmade in Puglia, and traditional hand-woven bedspreads. Custom-made walnut furniture created by artisans is complemented by designer and antique pieces. Ensuite bathroom with monsoon shower and fine organic olive-oil based toiletries made in Puglia complement the space.
Deluxe Room
$9840 Single Occupancy
$11,200 Double Occupancy
Corte della Torre – 28 sq.m. / 301 sq.ft.
Opening onto the castle’s courtyard each charming room nestled in what used to be the staff quarters, offers a king-size bed dressed with the finest Italian bed linen handmade in Puglia and traditional hand-woven bedspreads, custom made walnut furniture, complimentary designer pieces. Ensuite bathrooms with monsoon showers are suited with organic olive-oil toiletries made in Puglia. Beds can be twinned in Corte del Sole, Corte Barocca and Corte Alta.
Deluxe Room
$9840 Single Occupancy
$11,200 Double Occupancy
Corte Barocca – 28 sq.m. / 301 sq.ft.
Opening onto the castle’s courtyard each charming room nestled in what used to be the staff quarters, offers a king-size bed dressed with the finest Italian bed linen handmade in Puglia and traditional hand-woven bedspreads, custom made walnut furniture, complimentary designer pieces. Ensuite bathrooms with monsoon showers are suited with organic olive-oil toiletries made in Puglia. Beds can be twinned in Corte del Sole, Corte Barocca and Corte Alta.
Deluxe Suite
$10,140 Single Occupancy
$11,900 Double Occupancy
Corte del Pellicano – 40 sq.m. / 431 sq.ft.
This Deluxe Suite opens onto the courtyard and features a bathroom encased in the original vaulted ceiling. The king-size bed, which can be twinned, is dressed with the finest Italian bed linen, handmade in Puglia as well as traditionally hand-woven bedspreads. Custom made walnut furniture created by artisan hands, and complemented by Italian designer pieces as well as a sculptural iron console. Ensuite bathroom under a rediscovered vault, with monsoon shower and fine organic olive-oil based toiletries made in Puglia, sits behind the bed. Corte Pellicano and Corte Sole are connected through a small corridor.
Suite Rosa
$10440 Single Occupancy
$12,500 Double Occupancy
Master Suite della Rosa – 48 sq.m. / 517 sq.ft.
The Suite of the Rose is a stunning large area on the ground floor encased within the older walls of the castle, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, separate living room, bedroom and two bathrooms. The king size bed is dressed with the finest Italian bed linen made in Puglia, and traditional hand-woven bedspreads. Custom-made walnut furniture created by artisans is complemented by designer pieces and antiques.
