In the hills of the Italian Riviera, Villa Porto Rapallo stands as a haven of serenity. This exclusive enclave combines the majesty of the natural surroundings with a holistic approach to wellness. Since its opening in 2021, its creator, Lisa Pelloso, has brought to life a space where luxury and health converge, inviting guests to a transformative experience that transcends time and space.
Lisa Pelloso is the soul behind Villa Porto Rapallo. Her story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From fashion showcases to naturopathic sciences, her life changed radically after facing a medical challenge at the age of 25. This turning point led her to discover in nutrition a form of healing, not only for herself, but for all those who seek to rediscover their wellbeing.
As part of her commitment to holistic wellness, Lisa Pelloso is leading the exclusive Revitalisation Retreat: Anti-Aging, Longevity & Style, a transformative retreat to be held on the stunning Italian Riviera. Together with a team of renowned experts including Karen Burka, Cindy Jackson and Isobel Kershaw, Pelloso offers a holistic experience designed to rejuvenate body and mind, while refining personal style and enhancing natural beauty.
This retreat combines best practices in anti-aging, nutrition, movement and style, providing a holistic approach that nurtures mind, body and spirit. With carefully designed programmes, attendees will learn how to adopt a balanced and healthy lifestyle through nutrition workshops, beauty rituals, movement sessions and style consultations. The next editions will be held from 5-9 March 2025 and 2-6 April 2025, offering participants valuable tools to incorporate into their daily routine and transform their wellbeing in a sustainable way.
For those interested in discovering more about this exclusive experience, a webinar presenting the retreat has been organised, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the benefits of this holistic experience.
What led you to change from a lifestyle based on comfort eating to one focused on holistic health?
‘The turning point in my life came after years of digestive problems that culminated in surgery at the age of 25. My doctor warned me that if I didn’t change my diet, I would face the same problem the following year. This warning led me to consult nutritionists who showed me how food can heal or harm. That discovery not only transformed my health, but ignited in me a passion to help others through nutrition.’
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced during your training in nutrition and wellness?
One of the biggest challenges was learning chemistry and biology, subjects I had never studied before. I was coming from a 25-year career in fashion, working for brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, and going into medical science was a huge change. But it was also incredibly enriching.
Discovering, for example, that vitamins, which are essential to our health, were only identified in 1912, gave me an appreciation of the importance of nutrition as a science. This knowledge motivated me to delve deeper into the field and apply what I learned to transform lives.
What motivated you to pursue a diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition and how has it influenced your practice?
After my surgery, my curiosity about nutrition led me to explore books and consult with experts. Gradually, I began to notice a pattern among my friends and colleagues at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren: they often complained of health problems and relied on medications without getting real solutions.
By sharing what I was learning, I saw how small changes could make a big difference in their lives. This awakened in me a desire to support others in a deeper way. Earning a diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition was a natural step, allowing me to formalise my knowledge and guide people towards sustainable wellness.
How do you apply the principles of naturopathy in your work with clients?
Naturopathy is a holistic system that seeks to activate the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms, using tools such as nutrition, fasting, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Its essence is to treat the whole person, considering physical, mental and environmental factors.
In my work, I use organic food as medicine and design personalised protocols that address not only the symptoms, but the root causes of health problems. It is a deeply human and transformative approach.
What do you think are the most common misconceptions about holistic health?
Many people think that holistic wellness is too restrictive or complicated. In reality, it’s about balance, about finding what works for each individual. It is not perfection, but progress, with small, sustainable changes that create lasting results.
Another myth is that holistic practices lack a scientific basis, but aspects such as nutrition, meditation and herbal medicine have strong research support. Finally, there are those who believe that it is a one-size-fits-all solution, when in fact it is deeply personalised and tailored to each individual.
