Sicilian Dolce Vita Retreat

Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Delicious Food & Deeply Lived Life

May 4-9th, 2026 - Led by Lora Ksieniewicz

 
 

“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 — and now, it’s even better.

This year’s retreat is different than ever before. We’ve curated an insider itinerary filled with the very best of what this magical place has to offer from our travel and time in Sicily. We’ll take you straight to the hidden trattorias where locals line up for handmade ricotta-stuffed pasta and grilled swordfish pulled from the sea that morning. We’ll introduce you to the artisans behind the island’s ancient ceramic traditions, and stroll cobblestone streets in sun-drenched hill towns most tourists never find.

This is not your typical retreat. This is a slow-travel immersion in the real Sicily — where we know the chefs, the farmers, the nonnas kneading dough behind the scenes. You’ll be brought to the table, not just shown the menu.

Are you ready for dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing?
There’s plenty to do here, but all of it is rooted in deep presence and pleasure. Mornings may start with yoga overlooking the sea, followed by espresso and a slow walk through a lemon grove. Afternoons might mean a private olive oil tasting, swimming in turquoise waters, or learning to make pasta from scratch. Evenings bring long communal dinners under the stars, laughter in the warm air, and the kind of joy you can’t plan—only feel.

You don’t want to miss this. Sicily stole our hearts so completely that we bought a home here. Now, we’re opening up this place we love so deeply, and we’re inviting you in as family.

(P.S. Want to stay a little longer? Our beach home, just minutes from the retreat center, is available the weeks before and after the retreat. Reach out for details.)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 or Yin 1-2 times

    Dinner

  • 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)

    • Tourism Tax

    • Tips for staff or guides

  • 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

Sicily Retreat - Shared Room (1 bed or 2)
from $1,200.00
Sicily Retreat - Single Room
from $1,200.00