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SPIRIT AND SOUL SICILIAN YOGA RETREAT
29th October to 5th November, 2022
Join me for a blissful week of twice daily yoga at ‘Sicilian Spirit’ Yoga and Meditation Retreat Centre in Western Sicily.
The location is exquisite, not just for yoga but also for exploring the beauty and abundance of this beautiful island. Sicily is renowned for its’ authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the Masseria has been certified an organic farm for 15 years. The retreat centre also offers cookery lessons!
‘From oranges to lemons, to basil to mint, capers, wild fennel, saffron, tomatoes and artichokes everything contribute to make dishes which are unique, delicious and nourishing.’ .
Located in the 17th century farmhouse the yoga space is truly stunning. It’s vaulted beams and soaring arch provide a spacious setting for each of our 2 hour morning vinyasa flow classes. Our evening practice will vary each day, offering the chance to experience meditation, mantra, kundalini kriyas and fascia release through yin yoga.
The 25 hectare estate includes a stunning pool, an 18th century labryrinth garden and a secluded oak wood. A private river offers the chance to wild swim or to take in the beauty with a meditative walk. For thrill seekers rafting, river walking and hiking to Mount Etna are all possible.
The nearby town of Gangi has been voted Italy’s prettiest town 3 years running and there are traditional fishing villages such as Cefalu, with it's ancient town and uncrowded beaches, also within an easy drive. (Taxis and transfers can be arranged for any of these excursions, there is no requirement to hire a car and airport pick ups and drop offs can also be organised.)
We will have exclusive use of the retreat space.
Accommodation Options
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Single Occupancy with private bathroom £1399
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Double/Twin Occupancy with private bathroom £1099
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Double/Twin Occupancy with shared bathroom £899
There are 13 rooms distributed between the farmhouse and the tranquil garden cottages. The main house has four private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The remaining rooms are in the cottages which nestle themselves into the landscaped grounds. Each cottage has two twin/double bedrooms sharing 1 bath with a kitchenette and terrace area. All ‘twin rooms’ have two beds that can be separated or joined together so you can stay on your own and share with another yogi; come with a friend or a partner. There are two single occupancy rooms available.
All rooms have heating and air conditioning facilities and are elegantly furnished with antique or Sicilian style furniture.
A non refundable deposit of £250 is required upon booking.
What's Included?
6 days, 7 nights, accommodation
2 x 90 minute yoga classes each day
3 vegetarian meals per day
Transfers to/from airport
(Price excludes: air travel, car hire/taxis and any excursions chosen, wine with meals.)
Sample Itinerary
8:30am Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga Class
10am Breakfast
Free time - sit by the pool, explore the olive groves, meander by the river or wander in the labyrinth garden.
1:30pm Lunch
Free time (option to enjoy other activities on or off site: ayurvedic massage; cookery class, visit to Gangi or Cefalu or a spot of river rafting?)
6pm Yin Yoga Class
8pm Dinner
The yoga classes will follow a dharmic theme illuminating aspects of authentic yoga philosophy and Hindu mythology. Each class will be designed to ensure that everyone can participate fully - with modifications and advancements offered and props used for safe accessibility and to inspire creativity. Morning classes will integrate some simple kundalini kriya practices, mantra and meditation where relevant. Some of the evening Yin practices will include a delicious yoga nidra relaxation offering. Hands on assists will be offered if it is safe to do so and are entirely optional.
The nearest airport is Catania, just an hour and a half’s drive. You can also fly into Palermo airport, approximately 3 hours away – Note: inclusive transfers are from Catania only.
For more information or to reserve your place, please email me on: emma@yogaavenue.me.uk
Autumn in the Masseria:
"The wheat is gone, the ground around it is ocher and brown, the light is magical, the days are warm, the water in the pool still suitable for swimming. October is a wonderful month in Sicily, the temperatures are about 20-25 degrees in the day and in the evening you’ll need just a sweater to stay out. After the middle of the month could be necessary to turn on the heating for the night, which will also serve in November. The farmhouse is at the height of its activity. You will have the chance to take part in the grape harvest and, from the 20th of October through November, to pick olives and follow their transformation into extra-virgin olive oil. In November, the forest takes on extraordinary colors and the first rains will come, yet there will be still hot and sunny days. Autumn soups will be the real queens of the table together with mushrooms and chestnuts."
To experience more of the authentic flavours Sicily has to offer, please take a scroll through the photos below; a collection from our October 2019 visit.
