Our retreat is set in Sicily, Italy where you can experience the transformative potential of 'la dolce vita' - the sweet life; where you can slow down and slip into a softer pace and allow your nervous system to reset and nurture your soul.
Our itineraries are intentionally designed to offer a wide range of experiences that will nurture your mind, body and soul. Included in your retreat experience is daily brunch, dinner and wine. Professional yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions. Excursions to Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo Beach, wine tasting under the stars at a local vineyard, day trip to Marzamemi, a local fishing village and a boat trip to Portopalo, as well as a fun homemade pizza night are all included.. Swim in the onsite, outdoor pool, relax and explore the wonders of Sicily. Working with an amazing local travel company, we have designed three exceptional optional excursions, you won't want to miss.
Our retreat location, Danena, is a stunning traditional 'la masseria" (19th Century farmhouse) set on 80 acres amongst olive and almond groves just 15 minutes from the UNESCO world heritage town of Noto. Close to a breathtaking beach and nature reserves, it has a special kind of magic that can only be found in Sicily.
We will have the entire property for the retreat, with unique and charming rooms. There is also a Yoga studio which is in a beautifully restored barn as well as an outdoor yoga-shala overlooking an orange orchard. An infinity pool, massage room and plenty of spaces to eat, relax or watch the sunset creates an intimacy and spaciousness where you can rest in togetherness, peace and solitude.
The nearby ancient town of Siracusa is one of the main attractions, as are the hilltop town of Noto and Vendicari nature reserves. Sicily is a land full of history; Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Norman, Greek, and Spaniard. There is much to explore on this incredible island - beautiful beaches, passionate people, fantastic food, and the infamous Mount Etna.
Each Day Begins with Restorative and relaxing Yoga and meditation with Andi Vatika.
Each day has specially curated activities that can be combined with the optional excursions - check them out.
Our days end with dinner either on site or when you are off on an excursion.
Evening closes with a debrief of the day, planning for the next day and beautiful and relaxing sound bath.
Jaye Smith and Lisa Failla
Your Trip Leaders
Jaye’s career as a facilitator, executive coach and experience curator. She guides individuals and small groups of people through an exploration of self and the external world of possibilities. Her goal is always to leave a lasting impact, utilizing a wide range of experiences, exercises and approaches to educate and support personal growth, and mind, body, spirit wellness.
For 15 years, Jaye led cultural trips to Cuba, sharing her love and passion for the country and people.
She is looking forward to sharing Sicily with you, with the help of her dear friend and colleague Lisa Failla. Their goals are to provide you with a rich, nurturing and fun adventure. You will have the opportunity to gain personal insights in the context of the beauty of Sicily and the experiences we have curated.
Jaye has been certified in Sound Healing from the NY Open Center Integrative Sound and Music Institute and the London School of Sound Healing. She will bring those skills and insights into the trip itinerary.
Jaye holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from New York University and a B.A. in Psychology from City College of the City University of New York.
Lisa Failla has a very long and distinguished career and focus in the music industry and fast-growing startups supporting their human resources, always ensuring a rewarding career, culture and environment where people can thrive, grow and develop.
During COVID, Lisa migrated to Sicily, Italy to be in touch with her Italian roots. She shared with me her passion and love of her newly adopted country when I visited Sicily last year. Together we conceived the idea of this retreat then and we are both eager to share much of what Sicily has to offer.
Lisa will be our in-country coordinator and local support. She is also working with Iris, owner of Maremonti Travel. Lisa has worked with Iris to design three exceptional excursions to further enhance your Sicilian experience. You can see the details of each excursion here on the site.
Visit of the most important Greek colony, Siracusa. We start at the Archaeological Park. Here you will witness history and see one of the biggest Greek Theaters, the Roman Amphi - Theater, the “latomie del Paradiso (ancient quarries) with the so - called Ear of Dionysius and the Altar of Hieron II. After the visit of the Archaeological Park, we move to the island of Ortigia, the historical center of Siracusa. We start with a stroll through the market and have lunch at a restaurant at the market.
After lunch we continue our visit on the magical island of Ortigia: Temple of Apollo, Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral, once Temple of Athena, the Arethusa fountain where you will learn about the myth of the nymph.
Itinerary
9:30AM - Departure from Danena
10:15/30AM - Start visit of the Archaeological Park
Must Sign up by March 30th -
50% Deposit Required to hold your space on this excursion
To Sign Up Contact: Maremonti Tours - [email protected] - Tel - + 39 334 124 75 79
Mention you are with the Travel Within Group
Deposits of 100 Euros per person are required to hold space for each excursion.
Payments: All payments for these specially designed excursions are paid directly to Maremonti Tours can accept payments through a bank transfer, credit card (3% fee applied) or through Revolut (free of charge)
Balance is due May 15th, 2025
Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, and Taormina are without doubt the most famous sights of Sicily and must not be missed during a journey to Sicily. We visit the south side of the volcano, Rifugio Sapienza for an easy hike around. There are several options along the extinguished craters of San Silvestri. Or we can take the cable way and go up to 2400m. Good/closed shoes (sneakers) necessary. From Mt. Etna we continue to the winery in Santa Venerina for a tasting of the famous Etna wines with a light lunch. After lunch we continue to Taormina, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. You have time on your own to explore the little streets and enjoy the atmosphere and the views over the Ionian Sea. Taormina has a beautiful Greek-Roman Theater with breathtaking view on Mt. Etna.
Itinerary
To Sign Up Contact: Maremonti Tours - [email protected] - Tel - + 39 334 124 75 79
Mention you are with the Travel Within Group
Deposits of 100 Euro per person, per excursion are required to hold space for each excursion.
Payments: All payments for these specially designed excursions are paid directly to Maremonti Tours can accept payments through a bank transfer, credit card (3% fee applied) or through Revolut (free of charge)
Balance is due May 15th, 2025
Itinerary
To Sign Up Contact: Maremonti Tours - [email protected] - Tel - + 39 334 124 75 79
Mention you are with the Travel Within Group
Deposits of 100 Euro per person are required to hold space for each excursion.
Payments: All payments for these specially designed excursions are paid directly to Maremonti Tours can accept payments through a bank transfer, credit card (3% fee applied) or through Revolut (free of charge)
Balance is due May 15th, 2025
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