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13 Women are Welcome
Discover Tuscany...
Tuscany is at it's most delicious in Autumn as local markets are teeming with freshly foraged mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, olives, and more. The weather is also very pleasant for lots of walking and dining al fresco. Our getaway begins with 6 unforgettable nights in a beautiful villa overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany. Here we have our own private chef. Next we spend 4 nights in a village where the town square is an astonishing 50 by 30 meter stone basin into which hot spring water has been gushing since Etruscan times. At sunset, when the water vapor begins to rise and envelop the stone edges of the pool, the spectacle is truly fascinating, creating a timeless atmosphere. Unquestionably, one of the most evocative places in all of Italy.
Villages You Will Explore...
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Montepulciano
Cortona
San Gimignano
Sarteano
Bagno Vignoni
Pitigliano
Montalcino
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This Getaway Is For You If...
Historic walks through the past awaken your curiosity. You love dining alfresco. Visiting local shops to taste everything in season rocks your socks. Temperatures in the 60's (18 celcius) are your comfort zone. You adore nature, hiking, exploring. You prefer to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in their way of life. Visiting medieval villages is irresistable to you. And travelling with an intimate group of like-minded women, with more time on foot and less in a vehicle is your jam. There will be a good amount of walking, so comfortable shoes and an appropriate level of fitness is required. Think 10,000+ steps per day with occasional hills and stairs and beautiful cobblestones.
Your Hosts...
How often is it that you go on holiday with the founder of your chosen travel tribe? Solo In Style has more than 600,000 members, and Deborah Ives, the woman who caught lightning in a bottle, will be joining this experience with you. Also looking after you will be the founder of Mallorca by Design, who has been curating travel events since 2010. Her focus is always on the most unique experiences. You’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Join Us...
This Tuscan Getaway is limited to just 13 amazing women. Everyone has their own room with private bath. Rooms are first come, first served ... the sooner you submit your deposit, the more choices you have. Join us as we enjoy each other’s company, share our stories, forge new friendships, and have an insane amount of fun to boot. Laughter and curiosity will be our guides.
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13 Women are Welcome
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Itinerary...
Day 1, Wednesday - October 8 - Sarteano
Driving Time: Florence Airport 90 minutes
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Arrival, Private Villa, Welcome Dinner...
Arrive to Florence Airport, meet your driver, check in to our breathtaking, private villa. This extraordinary property sits on an expansive vineyard with magnificent views of Tuscany's rolling hills. Timeless elegance meets the natural beauty of the surrounding environment in this sanctuary of tranquility. Settle in to your accommodations, go for a dip in the pool, and join us for a meet and greet toast to the week ahead. At Villa Sarteano, our private Chef Simona will prepare the most delicious meals ... you will absolutely adore her. We have private use of the entire estate and our welcome dinner is under the stars.
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Day 2, Thursday - October 9 - Wine and Wellness
Driving Time: 0:00 hours
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Spa Treatments, Wine Tasting...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we simply relax after our day of travel. No cars, no people, just an immersion into self care and a connection to Mother Nature. After breakfast, we visit the incredible spa. Designed with special lights, aromas, and music, it is the perfect space to focus on wellbeing. Massage services are available. In the afternoon we have a guided tour of the winery that includes wine tasting, olive oil from our very own trees, and a special lunch in the garden. At sunset, as the light shifts the atmosphere of our beautiful estate ... we enjoy dinner together, prepared by Chef Simona.
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Day 3, Friday - October 10 - Cortona
Driving Time: 90 minutes
Under The Tuscan Sun...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we visit Cortona, a medieval hilltop town whose soaring position offers 360° views of the incredible Val di Chiana. Spend the day surrounded by beanstalk-like cyprus trees, serpentine roads, sunflower fields, and the most intriguing history and architecture. We begin with an ancient tour to learn about the Etruscan civilization that founded this beautiful walled town. Discover the stories, art-filled spaces, palaces, churches, and monuments. Lunch is solo, followed by an optional 8km hike to see the two Bramasole villas from the popular book and movie, "Under The Tuscan Sun". The first villa is the one that inspired the book, the one that author Frances Mayes purchased and renovated and still lives in today. The second is where the movie was actually filmed. We all meet for a delightful dinner in Cortona.
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Day 4, Saturday - October 11 - Montepulciano
Driving Time: 75 minutes​
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The Underground City, Famous Wine...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we visit another hilltop town, full of history and works of art, surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and pine and chestnut forests. In the city itself, an escort leads us through secret passages and along the monumental path of the fifteenth century "Underground City". Through tunnels dug into the tuff and spectacular brick vaults we find gigantic oak barrels in which the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano reside. Enjoy a tasting of the wines with an explanation of their basic characteristics. Lunch is solo and there will be time for wandering the picturesque streets, enjoying the views, and popping in and out of local shops. We all meet for an exquisite dinner. ​
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Day 5, Sunday - October 12 - San Gimignano
Driving Time: 3:15 hours​
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Frescoes and Towers...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we visit a town with one of the most striking skylines. San Gimignano rises on top of a hill, clearly visible in the distance with its 14 towers. In the fourteenth century, when every rich family built a tower to show their economical power, there were 72 towers. Even the fallen ones, lost to WWII and centuries of time, are still partially visible. Another highlight is the San Gimignano Cathedral, with it's bare exterior and lavishly decorated interior. The walls of the church are completely covered in frescoes ... the left aisle dedicated to the Old Testament, and the right dedicated to the New Testament. Upon arrival to the town, we have a professionally guided tour to give us our bearings. Lunch is solo, after which you can walk freely through more sights and fun shops. Dinner is served by Chef Simona back at our precious villa.
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Day 6, Monday - October 13 - White Party
Driving Time: 0:00 hours
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Dance Party Celebration...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Our final day at the villa is spent in nature and on foot. A beautiful 5km walk in the countryside, along a tree-lined trail, takes us to lunch in the village of Sarteano. Here we can visit the medieval castle with it's seven meter thick walls, ancient trench, and drawbridge. Sarteano is also home to a breath-taking find from the age of the Etruscans: the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga, dating from the IV century B.C. The underground tomb is decorated with frescoes showing vivid scenes such as a racing chariot, pulled by mythological beasts. We walk back to our villa for some pool time and relaxation. Chef Simona prepares dinner in a special wood burning grill and our white party celebration ensues.
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Day 7, Tuesday - October 14 - Bagno Vignoni
Driving Time: 45 minutes
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The Wonders of Nature, Spa Day...
Sleep in, coffee and breakfast. Prepare to be blown away by the wonders of Bagno Vignoni, a tiny hamlet with a population of just 17 year-round residents. The entire village revolves around an enormous natural hot spring that takes up the entire town square. There are hiking trails and more geothermal pools to be found within short walking distance. Guests check in, then head to the spa where you'll find warm pools, waterfalls, a Roman sauna, steam room, light therapy and more. Lunch is solo, we will give you recommendations. In the late afternoon, enjoy a walk around the square, a massage, facial, or Ayurvedic skin treatment. You may even choose to disappear into nature where Mother Nature has a warm foot massage waiting. Bring a book or enjoy the silence. Dinner is at our beautiful hotel, which has been owned by the same family for four generations.
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Day 8, Wednesday - October 15 - Pitigliano
Driving Time: 2:30 hours
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Little Jerusalem of the Tuscan Maremma...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today we visit one of our hands down favorite villages in Tuscany, rich in Jewish history. Pitigliano is built into the tuff of the Southern Maremma, a wild land characterized by unspoilt nature. It stands on a ridge at 313 metres above sea level, surrounded by green valleys and running rivers. For those of you with an adventurous spirit, we offer the option to be dropped off in Sorano, where a 10km hike through cave trails takes you to Pitigliano. A guide will introduce us to all of the hidden gems of this compelling place. Visit the Jewish ghetto and learn how people lived underground in the 17th century ... it's truly fascinating. Lunch is solo. Dinner is back in our little sanctuary at a restaurant that boasts an outstanding menu as well as a passionate team.
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Day 9, Thursday - October 16 - Montalcino
Driving Time: 1:00 hour​
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Women Owned Winery, Herb Infused Gin...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. One of the most famous wines in the world is Brunello di Montalcino. On our way to visit the town, we stop in to a woman-owned winery ... where lunch is a fun cooking class. We then arrive to the hilltop village, crowned by the Rocca which was erected by the Sienese in 1361. Montalcino is a medieval, walled village that has its centre in Piazza del Popolo, overlooking the Palazzo dei Priori with the high tower and the portico and the Gothic loggia. The town itself is surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills of grapes. The views are spectacular. Guests have solo time to explore before meeting for dinner in an unforgettable restaurant. They even make their own gin, which was co-created by Sara, the Erbolista in Bagno Vignoni. End the day with one of the best gin tonics in Italy.
Day 10, Friday - October 17 - Mother Nature
Driving Time: 0:00 hours
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Spa Treatments, Hiking, Shopping...
Morning stretch, coffee and breakfast. Today is your opportunity to leisurely visit all of the unique shops in the village. Fatamorgana is a magical clothing and accessories shop, owned by a mother/daughter duo. Erba Mistica contains endless options for gifts to bring home to friends and family, and it is owned by Sara, the woman who created the gin we drank in Montalcino last night. There is also a book store, perfume shop, locally made ceramics and home goods. Dinner is alfresco, overlooking the beautiful town square.
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Day 11, Saturday - October 18 - Home Sweet Home
Driving Time: 90 minutes to Florence Airport
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Until Next Time...
Bid a reluctant yet grateful farewell to Tuscany. You leave with the most exceptional memories, a Solo in Style outlook on the future, and an all new set of FANTASTIC FRIENDS to boot! Transport to Florence Airport will be arranged.
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Accommodations
The journey begins in a beautiful villa, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. There is a swimming pool, lovely garden, luxurious spa, and we have our own private chef. We are the ONLY guests, as our wish is for you to feel at home in an exclusive space.
Next we check in to a thermal springs spa hotel, in a village situated high above the Val d'Orcia. Bagno Vignoni was a healing and refreshment point for numerous pilgrims who traveled the Via Francigena on their way to Rome ... one of the main destinations for the Christian pilgrimages. The small village is home to just 17 residents, and the family who owns the hotel has been welcoming guests for four generations.
In each hand-selected accommodation, we live amongst the locals. Solo In Style rooms are private and en-suite as always, we do not offer shares. Accommodations are first come, first served ... the sooner you send your deposit, the more choices you have.
Your Hosts
DEBORAH
Founder, Solo in Style
Deborah has always loved to travel and when she found herself suddenly divorced aged 50, her response was to go it alone. It was scary, fabulous, and empowering, in equal measure, and she was instantly hooked. As a solo female traveller over the age of 50, a huge and growing demographic, Deborah felt ignored by the travel industry. This prompted her to create Solo In Style with the idea of connecting like-minded women to encourage and support one another with their solo travels. Alongside a successful 30-year career in marketing, fine wine & culinary arts, Deborah, now aged 64, continues to expand Solo in Style globally to support and encourage as many women as possible to fulfil their solo travel ambitions.
Laura
Founder, Mallorca by Design
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Laura has always been passionate about encouraging women to push their boundaries in order to become powerful. She truly believes this can only be done when you align yourself with other capable women who are willing to support each other. Courage is contagious. Laura is 57 years old, a group fitness instructor, a nationally ranked ballroom dance champion, a triathlete, an entrepreneur, and an extroverted introvert who loves to travel solo. She has been published in Cosmopolitan, Competitor, Shape, Triathlete, and New York Magazine for her accomplishments in the fitness and travel industries. Her celebrity clients include Nicole Kidman, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Keith Urban and Soledad O'Brien.
Pricing and Details
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Pricing Per Person - 10 Nights - October 8 thru 18, 2025
This intimate event welcomes just 13 spectacular women.
7,450 euro per person - Private room and en-suite bath for 10 nights.
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1,500 Euro deposit due at the time of registration – Payment due in full by July 1, 2025
Rooms are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. The earlier you book, the more options to choose from.​
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Included ​
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10 nights accommodation
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All transportation in Italy​
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All meals except 5 lunches. We give you the opportunity to taste and explore. Some will prefer to sit and linger, while others prefer to grab and go for more time shopping and sightseeing. We are happy to guide you.
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Private chef at the villa
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Activities...​​
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Blissful morning stretch sessions ​
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4 private tours - art, history, culture, food
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Cortona
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Montepulciano
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San Gimignano
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Pitigliano
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3 wine tasting experiences
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1 cooking class
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Access to 2 exceptional spas
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Hiking and walking adventures
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White party celebration
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2 dedicated hosts to look after you and celebrate with you
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Solo In Style gifts
Not Included
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Flights
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Alcohol - other than our wine tastings
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5 lunches
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Spa treatments
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Tips and gratuities
Questions and Information
Please contact Laura for more information… laura@mallorcabydesign.com
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Cancellation Policy
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1,500 euro penalty if cancelled prior to July 1, 2025
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No refund if cancelled on or after July 1, 2025
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We will assist you in re-selling your spot to another Solo In Style member, but this is not guaranteed. If we manage to re-sell your spot, there is a 500 euro cancellation fee.
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Subject To Change
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All details are subject to change, in order to enhance the client experience
Terms and Conditions
There is some important information to note before we get to the fun part. Please read our terms and conditions below, as it is your responsibility to be entirely aware of our policies and what to expect.
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Physical Ability and Health Requirements
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Our events have a great deal of walking to best explore and enjoy each location. There will be hills and stairs and cobblestones, and it is entirely possible that we may walk 5 or more miles per day or 10,000+ steps, spending many hours on our feet. We require all guests to have an appropriate level of fitness that allows them to do that. We will provide plenty of downtime for rest and recovery and you are welcome to skip a day. However, we ask that you be cognizant of the itinerary and all that you will experience prior to registering for our event.
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If you have special health issues or take medications, we ask that you advise us prior to registering for our event so that we can ensure there are no red flags and that you are a good fit for the planned itinerary.
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Booking Flights
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Flights should not be booked until we approve your registration and application, and until we officially host our meet and greet on Zoom with your fellow travelers. This is when we discuss the best options.
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Methods of Payment
We accept bank transfers in EURO. Credit cards will be accepted with a 3.5% fee added, also in EURO.
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Cancellation Policy
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1,500 euro penalty if cancelled prior to July 1, 2025.
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No refund if cancelled on or after July 1, 2025.
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We will assist you in re-selling your spot to another Solo In Style member, but this is not guaranteed. If we manage to re-sell your spot, there is a 500 euro cancellation fee.
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Application Process
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Our goal is always to ensure the best possible experience for our guests. Because of this, our process is to ask you to be very sure that the itinerary is suited to your preferences. You then RSVP, fill out our application form, pay your deposit, and schedule a one-on-one call so we can get to know you better. This process is not only FUN, it is also designed to ensure that every guest has a spectacular experience.
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Weather
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Fall is so lovely in Tuscany, as wildflowers bloom and temperatures average 60-70 during the day (16-20 celcius), and 50-60 in the evenings (10-16 celcius). Global warming may have something to say about this as the years tick by. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for evenings.
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Maximum Group Size
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We are accepting just 13 women for this event.
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Eligible to Attend
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This trip is exclusively for Solo in Style members ... women 50+ years of age with a brilliant outlook on life, who love to travel and want to meet like-minded as well as diverse women.
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Pack List
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A pack list will be sent to every guest prior to travel. Casual clothing throughout, comfortable walking footwear, swimwear for the pool and spa, and workout gear if participating. The pack list will be much more detailed.
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Room Selection
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All rooms are private with private bathroom, for maximum comfort and a bit of solo time. They are each uniquely beautiful in layout and decor ... reserved on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. The earlier you reserve your spot and pay your deposit, the more choices you’ll have. The selection process begins once full payment has been received by every guest.
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High Level Suites
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All of our rooms are stunningly beautiful, as this is where Solo In Style stands out. We select exceptional accommodations. However, for some events there are a handful of high level suites that go above and beyond. If this is important to you, you may request these rooms for an additional fee when full payment is due.
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Room Sharing
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Solo In Style is exactly that ... your room is just for you. All rooms are solo occupancy with private bathrooms. Some are on the ground floor, some are on the top floor, some have balconies, etc.
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Mandatory Travel Insurance
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Solo in Style requires each guest to purchase full personal travel insurance for the duration of the trip. It's the safest and best way to travel. We will ask for proof of insurance prior to the event and reserve the right to deny any participant who has not obtained this. Any fees paid towards the event will be non-refundable.
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Dietary Requirements
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Most requirements are possible, although pure vegan and gluten free may be limited. When booking restaurants, we will be sure to give them a heads up with regard to your preferences.
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Photos and Videos
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One of the most fun aspects of any travel event is the photos and videos taken. We provide a shared folder where everyone can drop and download media. Guests are welcome to post these images on social media. You may not sell or otherwise use any of the images taken by us or our photographers or other guests for commercial purposes. When registering for our event you agree and acknowledge that your image and likeness may be used in future promotional material, both by Solo In Style, and our partner companies. We only use the "good ones" where everyone looks great! If you prefer not to be photographed or to appear in any videos, simply let us know.
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Waiver
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Please be prepared to sign a ‘Waiver of Responsibility’ form before you begin your tour. This form is an understanding that all guests need to exercise judgement and care at all times to ensure their own safety and that of their fellow travelers.
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Airport Transfers
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There are two transfers on arrival and departure day. One is earlier, one is later. We will do our best to plan around everyone's choice of flight, but please be aware of our transport times prior to booking. We will discuss flights during our first meet and greet Zoom call.
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Luggage Limitations
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Each guest is permitted one suitcase and one carry-on bag or backpack. You must be able to transport and carry your own luggage at all times, as there is no guaranteed assistance.
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Alcohol and Other Substances
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If you plan to drink, we ask you to do so responsibly. The idea is to enjoy, but not to become inebriated. Drugs and illegal substances will never be tolerated.
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Force Majeure
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In case of a Force Majeure event, we are not responsible for performing our obligations and will not be responsible for any resulting damages. A Force Majeure Event is any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, earthquake, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labor strikes, requisition, pandemics, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. If we, and/or our partners or agents, are affected by a Force Majeure Event, we, and/or our partners or agents, may vary or cancel any itinerary or activity without any obligation or liability.
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Disclaimer
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Solo In Style along with Mallorca by Design and all our representatives, act only in capacity as agents for the guest in all matters connected with travel, sight-seeing journeys and transportation. You agree that we are held free of responsibility for any damage occasioned by any cause. These causes will be laid out more fully in our waiver, which you are required to sign prior to travel. Additionally, we reserve the right to alter our itinerary ​in order to provide the best experience for each and every guest. The bespoke nature of our itineraries means that they may be subject to minor changes, updates and additions as we get closer to departure.
The Process...
RSVP, fill out the application, pay your deposit, then schedule a private Zoom chat so that we can get to know you, and so that we can strive to meet and exceed your expectations. After that, we invite everyone to a Zoom meet and greet. Solo In Style events are about travel, but we also want to share our stories and forge new friendships with like-minded women.