SUSANNA Raissa TOWNSEND...

As long as she can remember, Susanna has had a passion for Italy, Italian language and Italian culture (art, cinema, food and lifestyle).  She began studying Italian language and art history while in university and had the opportunity to spend a year at the University of Venice studying Italian cinema, art history and literature.

She ended up spending more than 10 years living in the many regions of Italy (including Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and the Dolomites) working as an Academic Director for an American university program and exploring all the food, art, small villages and the hidden gems of the area.  She brings this experience and passion in creating the unique itineraries for Bella Italia Retreats.

As an avid and passionate traveler she has also had the opportunity of living and working in over 12 countries and speaks several languages.

Other than traveling, her other passions are art, film, food & wine, hiking, dance, yoga and meeting & interacting with new people and engaging in conversation both abroad and at home. She looks forward to using her creativity, energy and experience in blending travel and some of these passions in designing incredible and unique retreats for others to enjoy.

Her favorite toast is “mangia bene, vive bene!” (translated as “eat well, live well!”), perhaps the epitome of the Italian way of life.