A Journey to Le Palare: Finding Connection in Nature
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- November 13, 2025
I’ve always believed that nature is humanity’s greatest medicine, a reminder that we are all intricately and harmoniously connected. After all, no one hates a waterfall or a sunset. Somehow, when we’re in nature, in the subtle silence, the cool breeze, we rediscover a quiet calm. These moments are intoxicating in their simplicity, yet wonderfully grounding. We start to feel a sense of connection again, with ourselves and with our oft-forgotten friend, the natural world.
When choosing where to journey, I seek the path less travelled, places and people with an intrinsic link to nature. My latest exploration took me deep into Italy’s Umbrian countryside, to a hillside sitting in peaceful isolation just outside the medieval hamlet of Montone.
The road trip itself was part of the experience, through France, Switzerland, and finally into Italy. I’m often asked, “Why drive? Flying is so much quicker!” But that’s exactly the point. While air travel is convenient, I find it sterile. You’re lifted from one place and dropped into another, detached from the geography that connects them. Driving, on the other hand, allows you to feel the landscape shift beneath you — to savour the journey and the anticipation of the destination.
After two days on the road, a gentle stillness washed over me as I reached northern Italy. The further I drove into Umbria, the more the towns and traffic seemed to fade away. The countryside came alive in golden autumn sun, illuminating the groves of ancient olive trees and warming the terracotta rooftops scattered across the rolling hills.
Winding up a narrow dirt track, dust swirling behind me, I wondered if I’d taken a wrong turn. But this, the uncertainty, the trepidation, is the part of travel I love most. And then, cresting a hill, I saw it: an old Land Rover Defender perched proudly on the ridge. Standing beside it, Rob, smiling broadly, his faithful Italian Spinone by his side. This was La Palare, a humble hamlet turned glamping haven, seamlessly tucked into the Umbrian hillside.
I had come in search of a place rooted in well-being and connection with nature, but what I found was so much more — a story of love, companionship, and resilience.
La Palare has been a 7 year evolution now lovingly run by Rob, his wife Fran, and their two wonderful children. As I wandered through their gardens, I immediately felt calmness envelop me, that rare, unmistakable feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere truly special.
The story of La Palare began with an overgrown, rustic farm. Through vision, love, and patience, it was transformed into a retreat of tranquillity and natural beauty. Four welcoming glamping tents nestle gently into the hillside, with a private kitchen, BBQ and a beautiful bio pool all surrounded by vineyards and rambling olive groves.
And yes, as countless guests have noted before me, the beds are something extraordinary. The pillows and duvets were so soft, it felt like sleeping on a cloud. Each morning, stepping outside to panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside felt like waking up inside a perfectly curated nature documentary.
Nature may have shaped this land, but it was Rob and Fran’s vision that brought it back to life. Their dream of new beginnings and their partnership infused every corner of this place with warmth and soul.
If you’re looking to escape the madness of modern life, to find peace in isolation, and to immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of nature, culture, and connection. La Palare offers the perfect recipe for renewal.
DISCOVER: lepalare.com
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Matthew Robertson is an adventurer, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Momentum Media. With over 30 years of experience in adventure travel, he has curated bespoke expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking locations, from the summits of South America to the deserts of Jordan. Matthew is deeply passionate about the transformative power of nature and its ability to promote mental wellness. His work now focuses on creating wellbeing-focused adventure experiences, particularly for men seeking personal growth and connection. Through his platform Momentum Men, he offers resources, retreats, and a podcast to help men rediscover their strength and navigate life’s challenges. Matthew believes that nature holds the key to healing and reconnection, and his mission is to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, embrace adventure, and find peace through outdoor experiences. His personal journey of growth continues to shape the adventures he offers today.
