Sicilian Dolce Vita Retreat
Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Delicious Food & Deeply Lived Life
1 ROOM LEFT
May 20-25th, 2024
“Going to Sicily is better than going to the moon” - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
“And anyone who has once known this land can never be quite free from nostalgia for it” - DH Lawrence
“I do not envy God’s paradise because I am so thrilled to live in Sicily” - Frederico II, Emperor of the Roman Empire
Friends, this is the dream trip. Can I introduce you to the concept of dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing — an Italian phrase describing a relaxed, carefree idleness; to be without hurry.
There is plenty to do on this retreat, but it’s all centered around a deep savoring, an un-hurriedness. The way we sit down to delicious meals together will be the way we step onto our mats, will be the way we remember to live each day; savoring deeply. Being satiated with what Life serves up.
You don’t want to miss this.
As many of you know, 2022 was a year for us. And when I sat at the edge of the ultimate loss, I remember reflecting on things and thinking “I don’t have regrets. I said YES to life, I did my best for me and my family, to live what has been thrown my way as fully as I can”
May we all sit at the edge of uncertainty with the certainty that - at least - we took the chances, we did our best, we said YES to Life.
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Our villa is situated in the luscious natural landscape of Southeastern Sicily. The villa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, set amongst olive and almond groves, and minutes from beautiful beaches and historical sites including the World Heritage site of Noto, Siracusa, Modica, Scicli and Ibia.
A 15 minute drive east is the Nature Reserve of Vendicari, a haven of wildlife and some of the island’s most beautiful and deserted golden-sand beaches.
The villa is a one-hour drive south from Catania airport, on the island’s east coast. We recommend hiring cars from the airport. Alternately, we can arrange transport for you from the airport.
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La Masseria is a private, beautifully restored 19th century farmhouse villa situated in the luscious natural landscape of Southeastern Sicily. The villa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, set amongst olive and almond groves, and minutes from beautiful beaches and historical sites.
The center includes a fresh water infinity pool, loads of different patios and living spaces, spaces to eat or simply relax, two massage rooms and a stunning sunset terrace.
The yoga studio is a beautifully restored pitched roof barn, fully equipped with all props, with an outdoor wooden shala overlooking the orange garden.
Free time can be used to walk through plantations of almonds, olives and watermelons fields or cycle on trails amongst the groves.
Treat yourself to a massage, swim in the freshwater infinity pool, enjoy the wonderful beaches or Sicilian historical towns nearby.
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Though this may change, the basic daily schedule includes the following, buffered by ample free time:
Meditation
Vinyasa Yoga
Pilates
Brunch
Optional Excursions
Meditation and Dharma Talk
Yin or Nidra
Dinner
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INCLUDED:
Lodging (price per person)
2 Meals & Beverages a Day (Brunch and Dinner) with ample snacks mid-day
All Classes, 2-3 daily in Vinyasa, Pilates (mat, circle, portable reformer bands), Yin and Meditation/Dharma
NOT INCLUDED:
Excursions
Special Events (cooking classes, cheese making, wine tasting)
Transportation to/from retreat
Travel Insurance (required)
Tips for staff or guides
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Guests may immerse in the culture through many different optional activities or excursions:
Cooking classes
Visiting ancient cities of Siracusa, Noto, Ragusa
Wine tasting in local organic Italian wineries
Hiking in the most beautiful nature reserve by the sea - Vendicari
Visit Taormina
Explore the wonderful coast on a boat trip
Cheese making classes
Body treatments, massages, facials, etc
Space is limited, and based on interest, we expect to fill up quickly.