SICILIAN SPLENDOR Retreat: Sept 21-28, 2024 (SOLD OUT)

Join me as we explore the mesmerizing island of Sicily, full of extraordinary history and traditions.  Where art, culture, and sublime food come together with wonderful natural beauty. From the sea to the beautiful countryside. Settle in for La Dulce Vita experience on this Sicily Yoga Retreat.

We are staying in the southeastern region of Sicily known for its numerous UNESCO-listed  Baroque towns such as Noto, Ragusa, Modica. The architechture is a delight and so unique to this whole area.

Our boutique retreat villa is very close to the beautiful hidden gem of Scicli, (pronounced sheek-ly), another UNESCO Baroque town. 

Just over an hour away is the city of Syracuse/Siracusa (another UNESCO site), the Neapolis Archaeological Park containing the stunning Greek Theatre as well as the Roman Amphitheater that combine to make this one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.

Charming Ortigia Island – the center and the heart of Syracuse, is a delight. Enjoy the beautiful promenade along the sea where you can find the Fountain of Arethusa, famous for the Greek myth, the Greek Apollo, ancient narrow streets meandering through the whole island, and of course fantastic food.

I can’t wait to share this area of Sicily with you.  Of course, this is where the Cannoli originates from and I’ve never tasted anything like it. The ricotta here is out of this world. The pasta is scrumptious along with everything else!  

PRIVATE FAMILY OWNED LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

I’ve curated a delightful and charming Boutique Hotel/Villa for our retreat. It boasts a wonderful terrace with a panoramic seaview. Is surrounded by the intense colors of the hills and the sea, olive trees, carob trees and prickly pears and is filled with the scents of the Mediterranean scrub.

The salt water swimming pool is a refreshing oasis of relaxation where you can chill out and enjoy the view of the sea and the vivid colors of this remnant of Sicily. With plenty of sun loungers and a short walk to the beach, our home for the week will make you want to stay much longer.

At sunset, when the sun slowly fades, it becomes an evocative setting for sipping a cocktail or an aperitif after our evening yoga class.

The main residence, clad in soft local stone, expresses ancient beauty and tells of its connection with this land. The rooms, all different and full of great charm and atmosphere, each have a patio or garden.The environment, is in a harmony between rural and refined, combining Mediterranean tradition and modern design.

Everything here leads back to a past time that can be savored through the details, atmospheres, scents and flavors of tradition.  There amply outdoor lounging areas, dining terraces and yoga areas as well as a comfortable and cosy indoor lounge area.

The local little fishing village has a beautiful sandy beach which is within walking distance with beach bar.

YOGA PRACTICE

Yoga practice will be outdoors on the terrace over looking the Mediterranean Sea as we immerse in nature.

As a master teacher I’ve 20+ years of experience. You will learn so much from the skillful manner in which I teach and how I guide you in practice. This is accessible for all-levels.

Each day will include meditation, breathwork, yoga asana (poses), variety of types of classes and movements, mantras, chanting and time to restore a deep connection with your own self.

CUISINE

Oh the best part…Deliousness awaits!!! Sicilian cooking is a feast for the senses, the pasta, the pastries the cannoli’s. Food is a yummy vegetarian style on retreat. Dietary needs such as allergies can be accomodated. 

7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 7 Dinners are all included.

On excursion days you will have lunch out (not included) which gives the opportunity to sample other local delicacies and flavors.

ACCOMODATIONS/BEDROOMS

All the rooms are beautifully appointed, thanks to the furnishings that symbolize the close link with the territory, and will welcome you in an atmosphere of great charm.

There are a variety of rooms from Sea View Rooms to Garden View Rooms all ensuite with private outdoor area.

There are 3 levels to the villa, upper, main and lower. The bedrooms range from single to triple rooms. The pictures are a sample of a few different rooms and views.  

Prices are listed in per person in Euros. Payments in US $ will be subject to current rate of exchange.

Each bedroom is ensuite and includes:

• Air conditioning
• En-suite bathroom
• Private patio outdoor sitting area
• Flatscreen TV
• Complimentary toiletries
• Shower
• Hairdryer
• Bidets
• Clothes hanger stand
• Household linen
• Towels

UPPER LEVEL BEDROOMS:

2 SEAVIEW rooms with shared terrace:

Double Room for 2 people with 1 double bed and 1 single: €2900 pp

MAIN LEVEL BEDROOMS Sea View and Garden View:

3 Garden View Rooms:

Twin Room for 2 people with 2 twin beds: €2800 pp

Double rooms for 1 or 2 people, 1 double bed: €2800 pp

Side Seaview Room:

Double room for 2 people with 1 double and 1 single bed: €2850 pp

3 Seaview Rooms:

Double rooms for 2 people with 1 double bed: €2900 pp

Extra €500 supplement for single occupancy

LOWER LEVEL BEDROOMS

3 SEA VIEW Rooms:

Double room for 2 people with 1 double and 1 single bed: €2900 pp

Double rooms for 2 people with 1 double bed: €2900 pp

Extra €500 supplement for single occupancy

Retreat Includes:

• 7 nights accommodation at safe and secure private villa with exclusive use of the property including the pool. Check in 3pm on September 21st, check out 10am on the 28th
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners, mostly vegetarian meals daily,  tea/coffee
• 2 daily all-level yoga classes. Morning class includes meditation, pranayama, all-level flow, mantras. Evening class is gentle and restorative. All yoga is outdoors
• 3 Day Trip transportation to the following Baroque UNESCO listed towns Syracussa, Noto, Scicli. These are self-guided with plenty of time to explore

Does not include:

• Flights, ground transportation, body treatments such as massage, reiki, beverages, any other day trips or tips.

Extra Excursions and things to do:

Cooking class

SUP Tour

Visit other towns

PAYMENT SCHEDULE/TERMS & CONDITIONS

A €850 non-refundable registration fee is required to book and secure your spot and room choice.  

All Prices are Per Person in Euros. Payments in US $ will be subject to rate of exchange of date of payment.

Cancellation policy: €850 registration fee is non-refundable unless the retreat is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Talk directly with Elaine about any concerns.

1st payment towards balance due March 1st 2024

Remaining payment due by June 15th 2024.

Once payments are made they are non-refundable.

NO refunds after March 1st payments (in case you pay in full at the initial registration). This is a strict policy. There are no refunds and no exceptions for any reason, including Covid, injury or any other illness.

If for some reason you need to cancel, you may be able to transfer your spot to someone else. However, the new person will need to pay a new registration fee. Any changes need to be approved by Elaine. If you signed up with someone to share a room, then your roommate needs to be ok with any change.

Please contact Elaine directly to make your reservation with your preferred room choice. 

***It is HIGHLY suggested to have your own travel insurance such as “cancel for any reason” in case you need to cancel last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you read what your insurance covers you for. You need to take full responsibility for your own health or if any health issues arise. Again, payments are non-refundable and it is not the responsibility of Elaine to refund for any part of your trip.***

FLIGHTS

Catania airport in Sicily is the closest airport. The venue is about an 90 minutes drive from airport. 

Group pickup for additional charge can be arranged on the arrival and departure day.

If you wish to explore more independently then I recommend hiring a car.

I highly recommend taking extra time to explore other places in Sicily.

Staying in Ortiga island which is part of Syracussa is really nice as its lively at night time and bustling with restaurants.  We are visiting here on one of our day trips but it is great for wandering around the narrow streets and exploring. 

Taormina is another very picturesque town set high up in the mountains overlooking the sea. It’s the setting of the hotel from “White Lotus”. It is very touristy though.

Of course plenty of other places in other areas of Sicily!

What to Expect on a Yoga Retreat?

A yoga retreat is the perfect combination of traveling without the hassle of figuring out all the logistics. This retreat is at a family run boutique hotel in the SouthEast Region of Sicily.

Everything on retreat is optional (even the yoga). You decide how much you wish to participate. But there is the healthy focus for your mind and body with daily practice offerings. It is a super opportunity to delve deeper into your yoga practice and to understanding yoga and meditation on a different level and ways to incorporate it into your everyday life.

Times of classes may change depending on the group and activities.  All Breakfasts, dinners and 2 lunches are included. This gives you the opportunity to sample other food on day trips or visit local restaurants. Alcohol is permitted but respectful consumption and behavior is required.

Enjoy free time to relax when we are not doing trips. Massage and energy healing sessions can be booked.

Aside from yoga practice which is guided by Elaine, participants are responsible for what they do with their free time.

Who is it suitable for?

Single travelers, friends, couples are all welcome. If you are a go-with-the-flow type of person who has a good sense of humor, is up for a bit of adventure then this retreat should be a good fit. If you want to have a unique experience, be open to new experiences then sign up!

However, if you know you are high maintainence, if you need someone to do things for you all the time, if you are use to staying at hotels, resorts, high end places, then this most likely is not the trip for you!