Creative writing course members enjoy a session in the foothills of the nearby mountains before a gourmet lunch
More and more women, according to a recent survey by Trip Advisor, are taking holidays on their own: nearly three-quarters of respondents said that they either plan to travel alone this year, or have already done so in the past.
More than half of those surveyed (54 per cent) said they enjoyed the freedom of being able to do whatever they want, while 35 per cent said they valued ‘the independence and challenge’ of solo travel.
It also appears that there’s a lot to be gained from travelling free of kids, husbands and partners: Fifty-six per cent said their experiences have helped them become more independent, self-reliant, and 43 per cent said they’ve gained more confidence.
Many women, however, do voice safety concerns and adopt strategies like not staying out late and not looking like a tourist.
Well, we think we’ve got the perfect answer to safe, secure, inspiring, fun-filled solo travel (for men as well as women): a painting, creative writing, knitting or Italian language course at The Watermill. From the moment you arrive at Pisa airport on the first day of your week-long course, to the moment we drop you back there the following Saturday, we’ll look after you in safe, secure surroundings – and you’ll get to meet like-minded people, enjoy delicious home cooked food, savour the true Italian lifestyle in unspoilt Tuscany – and be taught by dedicated, sympathetic tutors.
Enjoying painting tuition in the Watermill’s walled garden
At least four out of five of our guests are single travellers. Among their enthusiastic comments: “This was my first holiday travelling alone and what a wonderful place to start. Everything was so well organised from the very beginning. My room was so clean and comfortable with everything supplied, I was made to feel at ease which before I arrived was a bit of a concern because of being on my own but in the event I can only describe it as one big house party!”
Another says: “During the summer I enjoyed my sixth painting holiday at the Watermill and I cannot praise the whole experience too highly. For a single person this is an ideal form of holiday – the groups of like-minded aspiring artists are always very enjoyable company.”
And a third adds: “Coming from Australia I took a huge risk choosing the Watermill…I had no yardstick… and this was to be my trip of a lifetime! (23 hours of flying economy class was a real test). I was not disappointed. From my first moment of being collected at Pisa I was in the best possible hands. The Watermill is in a fairytale setting in Northern Tuscany. Accommodation and meals are superb; there are trips away almost every day to local painting destinations, with meals at local restaurants. Tutors are inspirational and I met other artists of many nationalities in the group.”
Dinner at the watermill..Great tastes, good company.
So, you deserve a break, too, but don’t fancy hectic sightseeing or that boring beach too: What fun to find a new way to express yourself, a fresh enthusiasm. Improving your painting skills, writing technique, knitting expertise or your knowledge of Italian, is both invigorating and relaxing. There’s just enough to do, just enough to concentrate on, that you forget your troubles.
For more about all our creative courses, please click here.
Come and join us! We’ll take care of you.
