Journal Reflection: Memories from the Fall & Harvest Retreat at Masseria Potenti by Zen Aqeel.
There’s something deeply special about autumn in Puglia. The sun casts a warm, golden light over the fields, and the air carries a crispness that feels both invigorating and calming. Masseria Potenti, nestled in the heart of Manduria, feels like a sanctuary during this season—an oasis of warmth, community, and connection. Every time I return, it feels like coming home, thanks in no small part to the incredible Tommasino family who own and runs the beautiful Masseria. Their hospitality turns this beautiful place into a haven of healing, where everyone is welcomed like family. I've attended May's Spring retreat a few years ago, and was excited to come to the Autumn version and experience the changing seasons of Puglia.
Day 1: Welcome Yin in the Wine Cellar
As soon as I arrived, I felt the familiar peace of the Masseria embrace me. Our retreat began with a yin yoga session in the atmospheric wine cellar, an ancient space where the cool stone walls and soft candlelight set the tone for the coming days. May lead the gentle yoga poses were the perfect way to ease into the retreat, helping us let go of outside stress and ground ourselves in the present. From the first breath, it felt like a sacred space to reconnect with myself and the rhythm of this beautiful land. The Masseria already felt like home, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
Day 2: Horseback Riding at the Beach and Holiday Wreath Making with Maria Grazia
The morning of day two was nothing short of magical. We headed to the nearby beach for a horseback ride along the coast. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the gentle breeze in the air made the experience feel like something out of a dream. The horses were gentle and strong, guiding us through the sand as the sun painted the sky in soft autumn hues. Riding along the water felt so freeing, and it was a beautiful way to start the day, fully immersed in the nature and clear shores of the region.
In the afternoon, we gathered for a special wreath-making workshop hosted by Maria Grazia, the heart and soul of the Masseria. Her warmth and passion for creating beauty from the land made the experience unforgettable. The wreaths we crafted were made entirely from elements gathered from the farm and gardens at Masseria Potenti—fresh pine, olive branches, herbs, and pines. Each piece felt so personal and unique, a true reflection of the land we were surrounded by. Maria Grazia guided us through the process with her usual charm and creativity, making each of us feel like an artist. What made it even more special was knowing that we could bring these beautiful wreaths home, carrying a piece of the Masseria with us long after the retreat ended. It was a simple, heartfelt gesture that reminded me of the connection between this place, its people, and the natural world.
Day 3: Olive Oil Harvesting, Tasting with Walter, and Candle Painting
Day three brought a deeper connection to the traditions of Puglia, starting with an unforgettable olive oil harvesting and tasting experience hosted by May’s husband, Walter. We were invited to witness the olive harvest firsthand, walking through the olive groves that have been part of the Masseria for generations. Walter’s passion for the land and the process was palpable, and he took us through each step of harvesting, explaining how the olives are carefully picked and processed to create the finest olive oil. It was a privilege to see the work that goes into every bottle.
Afterward, we gathered in the family garden for an olive oil tasting that was nothing short of a feast for the senses. Walter had curated a beautiful setting with infused oils, each paired with carefully selected dishes that highlighted the flavors of Puglia. We tasted everything from bold, peppery oils to smoother, more delicate varieties, each one offering a different experience. The food pairings were exquisite—perfectly matched with each type of olive oil. But what made it truly special was the setting, surrounded by the gardens and the warmth of the family. It was a beautiful way to not only taste but also experience the love and care that goes into every part of life at the Masseria.
In the afternoon, we turned our creativity to candle painting. Guided by the artistic and charismatic Chiara, we sat together nurturing & crafting things by hand, a form of meditation in itself. The act of painting, of creating something beautiful with our hands, felt like a reflection of the care that goes into everything here, from the food to the hospitality. It was another opportunity to slow down, reconnect with our creative side, and savor the simple pleasures of art.
Day 4: Hiking, Beach Day, and Sound Healing in the Wine Cellar
By day four, I felt completely immersed in the rhythm of life at the Masseria. We started the day with a hike through the surrounding shore side, wandering along the spiaggia pathways, leading up to a beautiful tunnel viewpoint. The landscape was breathtaking—golden sunlight spilling over the hills leading to the beachside, and the fresh autumn air filling our lungs. It felt like the perfect way to take a dip into the sea, connect with the land that nourishes so much of what we had experienced over the past few days.
After our hike, we spent some time at the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea and a lovely picnic. There’s something so restorative about the simple act of being by the water, and I could feel myself soaking in the beauty and calm of the moment. The day ended with a sound healing session back in the wine cellar, where the soothing vibrations of bowls and chimes filled the space. The sound washed over us, clearing away any lingering tension and leaving us in a state of deep relaxation. It was the perfect way to close the day, feeling completely at peace within myself and the world around me.
Day 5 & 6: Wine Tasting, Cooking Class with Maria Grazia, and Ecstatic Dance Pajama Party on the Beach
Our final day was a true celebration of everything that makes the Masseria so special. We started with a wine tasting, savoring the rich flavors of the local Primitivo wines. Each glass was a reflection of the land, and once again, the family’s deep connection to their roots shone through in every detail.
But the highlight of the day was the cooking class led by Maria Grazia, who had become the heart of the retreat for many of us. Watching Maria cook is like watching a master at work—her passion for food, family, and tradition infuses every movement. With her radiant smile and effortless skill, she guided us through the creation of traditional Puglian dishes, teaching us the secrets behind each recipe. We rolled pasta, made bread, and listened to her stories about the history of the dishes we were making. The joy of cooking with Maria is that it feels like you’re not just learning to cook—you’re being welcomed into her family. The meal we shared afterward was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, made even more special by the hands that created it.
That night, we swapped our aprons for pajamas and headed to the beach for an ecstatic dance pajama party under the stars. Dancing barefoot in the sand, with the sound of the waves in the background, was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the retreat. We laughed, moved freely, and shared a sense of joy that can only come from a week of true connection—with the land, with each other, and with ourselves. It was a night I’ll never forget.
Leaving Masseria Potenti is never easy, but it never feels like a goodbye. This place, with its timeless beauty and the love of the family who welcomes you so warmly, has become a second home to me. It’s a place where I can truly unwind, reconnect, and find peace. The hospitality of the family, the warmth of Maria Grazia’s smile, and the love that goes into every detail of life here make it a place I will always return to. Until next time, Masseria Potenti—my home away from home.