What if the way most of us travel—rushing between crowded landmarks and snapping quick photos—is actually preventing us from connecting with the true soul of a place?
In this episode of TALKdesign, host Adrian Ramsay sits down with close friend Wenna Privé, founder of Eratō Retreats, to explore the magic of slow travel, the emotional concept of \"Alma\" (soul in space), and how small, design-led walking journeys are changing the way women experience the world.
Drawing on her extensive background in luxury hospitality, Wenna shares what transforms a simple trip into a deeply memorable, life-changing journey. The secret lies in connection: to local people, to centuries-old craft traditions, to the history embedded in stone walls, and to the shared human energy of those traveling alongside you. Together, Adrian and Wenna explore the stark difference between generic modern \"box\" architecture and spaces built with genuine character, story, and warmth.
In this episode, we dive into:
• The Concept of \"Alma\" (Soul): Why a 500-year-old stone house in Provence feels fundamentally different from a 50-story concrete box.
• Intimacy Over Mass Tourism: How capping retreat groups at 6 to 8 women removes the cattle-prod feel of traditional tours and creates space for lifelong friendships.
• Preserving Local Heritage: The magic of visiting third-generation artisans, like sandal makers in Saint-Tropez handcrafting leather since the 1920s.
• Refilling the Creative Cup: How daily walks through wild landscapes—from the chalk cliffs of Sussex to French villages—act as a natural remedy for burnout.
• \"Favourite People, Favourite Spaces\": Why the emotional energy we share within an environment ultimately defines our memory of it.
Whether you are a creative seeking to recharge your inspiration or a traveller longing for a richer, more meaningful adventure, this conversation will change how you look at place, design, and connection.
⏯️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:
02:15 - Introducing Wenna Privé & The Story of Eratō Retreats
05:00 - The Romance of Slow Travel & Meaningful Connections
10:30 - Curation in the Nuances: Light, Linen, & Quiet Spaces
15:15 - Choosing Unforgettable Places: From the Seven Sisters to Provence
24:00 - Why Small Groups (6–8 People) Change Everything
36:00 - Connecting with Local Artisans & 1920s Sandal Makers in Saint-Tropez
43:30 - The Loss of Soul in Modern Cities & Thomas Heatherwick’s 'Humanise'
54:00 - Understanding \"Alma\": Feeling the Presence of Space
01:08:00 - Solo Travel vs. Group Safety & Curing Creative Burnout
01:22:00 - Refilling Your Creative Cup & Final Inspiration
#TALKdesign #AdrianRamsay #SlowTravel #EratoRetreats #WennaPrive #ArchitectureAndDesign #DesignMagic #SlowMovement #BiophilicDesign #CreativeWellness #UKRetreats #ProvenceTravel #DesignPodcast
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