Ohhh… so this is why I moved to Italy
Sometimes you follow a feeling before you understand why.
Looking back, almost every meaningful change in my life started that way.
Not with a master plan.
Not with certainty.
But with curiosity, movement, trust, and the feeling that life wanted something different from me.
Almost three years ago, that feeling brought me to Italy.
What started as the renovation of an old farmhouse in the hills of Piemonte slowly became something much bigger than a house project. Over time, it evolved into Meraviglia — a calm and beautiful place where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, reflect honestly, and explore what truly wants to change, begin, or move forward.
At the same time, I realized that Meraviglia quietly brought together almost everything I have been exploring and building over the past fourteen years.
Much of my work has always revolved around one central question:
How do we create a life that feels lighter, more alive and more truly our own? A life shaped by clarity, curiosity and trust in ourselves instead of pressure and expectation.
That question led me through many different phases of work, study, personal growth, coaching, writing, and thousands of conversations about work, relationships, purpose, systems, leadership, change, and what it means to live in a way that actually feels aligned.
Together with my dear friend Lisé — who created retreats in Spain through her work in Yoga, embodiment and wellbeing — we have now brought our experience, skills and shared passion together into something new:
Meraviglia Retreat & Mentorship Programmes
in the hills of Northern Italy.
These are not simply retreats to “escape life” for a few days. They are transformational, educational Programmes specifically designed to help you answer/resolve a burning question that is keeping your stuck. And to not only answer it, but to come away with the confidence and guidance to take those first steps to change…
As we work better with our peers, and the challenges we face tend to change over time, we have designed the programmes for different life phases and transitions – from Young Professionals searching for direction and meaning, to people entering a Next Chapter and quietly questioning what truly matters to them now.
They are intimate small-group programmes that combine mentorship, reflection, assessments, embodiment practices (Yoga, meditation and breath-work), practical tools, silence, nature, honest conversation, deep rest, and meaningful human connection.
And after years of preparation, building, renovating, dreaming, doubting, learning and creating behind the scenes… we are finally ready to open our doors.
We are therefor incredibly excited to announce the very first:
“There Must Be More” Retreat & Mentorship Programme
for Young Professionals
22–27 July 2026 — Piemonte, Italy
Additional programme dates including those for Next Chapter Professionals are already available on the website.
As this is the very beginning of Meraviglia, the first programme is currently offered at a special founding discount of 55%, and programmes two and three at 20%, while some parts of the house and gardens are still being completed over the coming months.
If you would like to explore the programmes or simply follow the journey, you can find all details here on this website.
And if, while reading this, someone comes to mind who might deeply resonate with this experience, please feel free to share this message with them. Link: https://luciennekoops.com/writings/ohhh-so-this-is-why-i-moved-to-italy
With love from Italy,
Luciënne
