Your tour guides
YOUR GUIDES
Kari - Per - Satu
Coming to Villa Rosita is a journey in itself – a journey through beautiful landscapes and into your own inner self. The place carries a special energy that touches everyone who sets foot here, and most do not want to leave the magic of the garden.
When you visit us for a day, Per and Kari will be your "guides." They will share the story of the exciting treasure hunt it has been to rediscover the overgrown park. They will talk about the meaningful encounters with people and the joy of waking up in Paradise every single morning. Experience how good helpers have appeared along the way and how they have become a part of their journey.
You will also get a glimpse into their encounter with Italian culture, the new language, the delicious food, and the new friends. Hear what it is like to turn life upside down and start with a blank slate while building on a solid foundation.
We also customize retreats for you and your loved ones, where Kari and Per will be the guides. In addition, we are fortunate to have found Satu, our personal physiotherapist, yoga teacher, massage therapist, and conversation partner. She is truly a find and will be part of the journey!
If you need any adjustments or further assistance, feel free to ask!
Kari
Kari Hestnes is a multi-artist with a rich background as a knitting designer. Together with her partner Per, she founded Du Store Alpakka, where they were pioneers in Norway by importing alpaca yarn from Peru. This marked the beginning of a success story that has made a difference.
Their success gave them the opportunity to build Mirasol, a boarding school for the children of alpaca herders, which is still in full operation today. In 2012, Per and Kari sold the company, and since then, Kari has explored many of her creative talents. She has published several knitting books and has also painted and photographed, with exhibitions both in Norway and internationally.
Alongside her artistic work, Kari has also trained as a holistic therapist. She has furthered her education as an Ilian guide and studied Continuum movement, healing, meditation, and breath work.
With a unique eye for detail and a deep care for people, she is a master at supporting you on your inner journey with great warmth and compassion.
A few years ago, Kari had a solo exhibition at Hadeland Glassverk, where she presented her crocheted wheels of life, "Wheels of Life," inspired by the chakras in the body. Many of these artworks now adorn the garden at Villa Rosita, where they live their own life in nature. New wheels will continue to emerge as Kari's creative universe expands.
"I’ve never tried that before," Kari says with great enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy, diving into new projects!
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If you need any modifications or additional assistance, just let me know!
Per
Per Svendsen, known as the Caretaker, is Villa Rosita's gardener and handyman, always ready to fix whatever is needed. He is the ever-present partner of Kari, with a twinkle in his eye and a quick reply, always prepared for new opportunities.
Although Per may not always articulate his thoughts, he sees much more than what is obvious. His journey began in India and Nepal, where he spent seven years with various lamas and masters. After this, his path led him to Peru, where he trained as a chiropractor.
In 1998, he met Kari, and together they began their journey that led to Du Store Alpakka, the yoga center Balanzen in Gran, and now to Villa Rosita in Tuscany—a place Per describes as his Paradise.
As a globetrotter in both inner and outer landscapes, Per never ceases to marvel at life. He greatly appreciates good conversations about everything and nothing, and his open heart and curiosity make him an invaluable part of the community.
Satu
Satu Heinicke is half Finnish, half German, and she loves life in Tuscany, with its mild climate and warm people. Together with her partner, she runs an olive farm that produces fantastic olive oil for both the neighborhood and her home country, Germany.
As a trained physiotherapist, Satu has worked for many years with people from all walks of life—from professional football players to children of various ages. Common to them all is the longing to be touched and the desire to feel better. She is proud of the praise she has received for her excellent "Fingerspitzengefühl."
Satu has an exceptional ability to be present, and none of her massages are alike, as she tailors the treatment to each individual. She describes how her hands seek out knots and tight areas, and she loves to help your body release and relax.
When you leave Villa Rosita after a treatment with Satu, it brings her more joy than anything else to know that you are going home feeling a little more balanced and more in touch with yourself.
Satu speaks Finnish, German, English, Italian, and a little Norwegian.