Sicilian Dolce Vita Retreat
Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Delicious Food & Deeply Lived Life
May 3-8th, 2027 - 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 unlike anything we’ve ever offered — an intimate, insider immersion into the soul of Sicily. We’ve curated a journey that reveals the island at its most authentic: hidden trattorias where locals gather for ricotta-stuffed pasta and swordfish pulled from the sea that morning; artisans preserving centuries-old chocolate and cermanics traditions; and cobblestoned hill towns bathed in golden light.
This is not a typical retreat. It’s a slow-travel experience rooted in connection, pleasure, and presence — where you’re not just a guest, but welcomed as family. We’ll bring you to the table, not simply show you the menu.
Mornings begin with meditation, yoga and/or Pilates, followed by a fresh food and fruit filled brunch and options for quiet walks through olive groves or a dip in the salt water infinity pool overlooking the valley. Afternoons include optional excursions to the sea, breathtaking nature preserves, ancient cities with centuries of stories to tell. Evenings we gather us under the stars for delicious, homemade dinners, where time slows and joy takes over.
Sicily captured our hearts so deeply that we made it our second home. Now, we’re opening the doors and inviting you to experience it the way we do — fully, beautifully, and without compromise.
(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.)
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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 or Yin 1-2 times
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)
Tourism Tax
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
May 3th-8th, 2027
$2900, Pricing is per person
Shared rooms can be 2 beds, or one large bed. Shared room means more than 1 person occupancy. Should a shared room end up with only one person, price is adjusted to a single room cost as pricing is set per room.
Travel insurance is required, and usually needs to be purchased within 7 days of deposit. Message us for recommendations.
Non-refundable, non-transferable
May 3th-8th, 2026
$3700 - single room
Travel insurance is required, and usually needs to be purchased within 7 days of payment. Message us for recommendations.
Non-refundable, non-transferable