Sicily: A Yoga + Wellness Retreat to Remember
17 – 22 September 2023
6 days | 5 nights
From $3995AUD per person
Are you ready for an Italian Adventure? Join Lisa Allwell and Jennifer Newport on a retreat to the magical island of Sicily. Famous for cathedrals, vineyards, island beaches and amazing architecture, this will be a retreat to remember. Ragusa is the perfect backdrop for you to nurture yourself and truly unwind. Immerse yourself in six glorious days and five nights of traditional Sicilian village life, food and culture.
Located off the southern tip of Italy lies the beautiful, mysterious, volcanic island of Sicily. The largest Mediterranean island, with a population of 5 million people, has long captured the attention of readers, travellers and explorers - from ancient times all the way to today.
Sicilian is still widely spoken – a language completely distinct from Italian. While Sicily was once it’s own independent state, it has also been ruled by many of Europe’s empires including the Ancient Greeks, the Byzantines, the Romans, the Arabs and the Normans.
The Villa where we will hold our retreat is in the town of Ragusa, part of the Val di Noto UNESCO sites and a little gem of baroque style. We kick of our retreat with a half day walking tour to explore the area.
The Sicilian climate is typically Mediterranean – dry in the summer and mild in the winter. The climate and the volcanic soil make Sicily ideal for growing grapes and the island is home to several wine regions. Rest assured that we have included a tour to a local winery to sample the most famous Sicilian wines!
Some of the best -preserved Greek ruins outside Greece are in Sicily and we experience these when we visit Syracuse – birthplace of the famous Greek mathematician, Archimedes.
If you love food, travel, yoga and wellness – with a little bit of history for good measure – or you just want to spend some time on a beautiful Italian island with like-minded souls, then this retreat is for you!
Bookings and information
To register your interest in this retreat email us hello@seedyogawellness.com.au and we’ll be in touch. with our booking conditions and payment plan details.
Sunday 17 September : Settle in to your room and explore the architecture of this stunning villa, deserving of it’s ranking in the small luxury hotels of the world. Wander through the gardens and have a dip in the pool. We’ll have a welcome circle, where you will connect and mingle with your new friends, followed by an organic buffet dinner and a selection of local organic wines.
Monday 18 September : We start with sunrise yoga overlooking the garden. After a gorgeous breakfast in the villa’s former chapel, we will head off on a guided walking tour of the ancient town of Ragusa. Expect to see winding cobblestone streets, quaint buildings and local life. This tour will give you your bearings for further exploration over the coming days.
Lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Our villa team are welcoming and will help you to find hidden local treasures. Expect evening yoga before another sumptuous Sicilian meal.
Tuesday 19 September : After yoga and breakfast, we will visit the Hyblean Countryside to explore a cheese factory, winery and olive oil mill with tastings of local produce including the most famous Sicilian wines. This tour includes lunch. We’ll be out and about for the day, returning to the villa for yoga and our evening meal.
Wednesday 20 September : Yoga and breakfast, our daily dose of goodness. Today we participate in a Sicilian cooking experience in the villa’s beautiful former chapel. Using traditional Sicilian ingredients to create a meal to remember, which we will share for our lunch.
Afternoon at leisure: You might enjoy the villa, a spot of shopping in Ragusa, or head to Marina di Ragusa for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. You can also hire bikes for a leisurely cycle along the foreshore before returning to the Villa for a relaxing Yin class. Dinner is another example of Sicilian cuisine with traditional dishes from Nonna, Mother Nature, the Earth and the Sea.
Thursday 21 September : After yoga and breakfast we’ll head to Syracuse for a day trip to explore the local surrounds. Syracuse is known as ‘the greatest of all Greek cities’. This day trip combines a tour of the Neapolois Archeological Park, a boat to the Island and a walk around Ortygia to visit the Temple of Apollo. We will also visit the Temple of Athina and the Fountain of Arethusa. We’ll have lunch along the way and will return to the villa for afternoon yoga. It’s our last evening together, so we’ll eat out in a quaint local restaurant. Walk home admiring the lights, laneways and local colour.
Friday 22 September : Morning yoga and meditation followed by breakfast. Closing circle and farewells.
Daily Activities
Each day begins with the option of an energising and uplifting yoga and meditation session. These beginner friendly sessions are suitable for all levels of yoga experience (including none!) and are designed to put a spring in your step.
One of the secrets we will learn from the people of Sicily, is that they understand the importance of finding time to relax and be still. We will blend this philosophy with yogic principals so that you can create a daily ritual to take home to help you stay calm and centred.
There will be time for a shower or swim, before your sumptuous and nutritious breakfast.
We will show you all the best parts of Ragusa, but this will be paced to allow you time to relax and unwind. The retreat schedule allows plenty of free time for you to explore, rest and reflect.
Each afternoon, there will be yin yoga and sometimes yoga nidra, a guided meditation to help you sleep beautifully.
All daily activities are optional. This is YOUR retreat!
Testimonials from Past Retreats
The (length of ) the retreat felt luxurious and really allowed for full immersion in all experiences. The food, massage, classes and workshops were superb! I loved the thematic link of classes each day, the beautiful natural environment and facilities - Georgia
I loved all of it! The flow and balance - of Lisa/Jen, of rest/activity. The pool and sauna were an unexpected pleasure. The retreat opened my eyes to a whole new world! - Madeline
I enjoyed the opportunity to practice different types of yoga every day and the lack of judgement - I didn't feel pressure to do anything if I didn't feel like it - Cathy
I loved the sense of humour both Jen and Lisa incorporated into the sessions and the meals were amazing. This retreat will be hard to replicate - Mandy
Don't change a thing. The retreat was 10/10! - Sue
Inclusions
5 nights accommodation
5 breakfasts
3 lunches including locally grown organic wine
4 dinners at the villa and 1 dinner at a local restaurant; including locally grown organic wine
Welcome gift – it’s a surprise!
Winery Tour including tastings *
Walking Tour of Ragusa *
A Sicilian cooking class *
Historical tour of Syracuse *
Joyful daily yoga and meditation with Lisa and Jennifer
Plenty of free time to relax by the pool, read, shop, explore or snooze
* Seed Yoga and Wellness does not own, manage or control any hotels, restaurants, transport companies or other service operators. Whilst we take all necessary care in selecting the accommodation venue and tours, we do not accept responsibility for the conduct or any act or omission of the independent service providers arranged by the accommodation venue for this retreat. Our full Booking Conditions will be emailed to you prior to making your Retreat Payments.
Exclusions
Airfares
Airport Transfers
Travel insurance, which is mandatory for this retreat
Entrance to Duomo on the Syracuse Tour
Expenses of personal nature
Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000AUD is required at time of booking
Further payment and cancellation conditions apply. Refer to booking conditions, which will be provided at time of booking.
Participants will be required to sign an indemnity form prior to commencement of this retreat
Booking terms and conditions apply.
For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $20 bank service fee apply per transaction.
Private Single Room with ensuite $4395 AUD – includes $400 AUD single supplement.
Twin Share Room with ensuite $3995 AUD per person. Please indicate if you are travelling with a friend or are happy to be allocated a room with someone else.
How do I get to Sicily?
We suggest flying to Catania International Airport. We will provide further information about transfers from the airport to the villa. It’s a 90 minute drive, approximately.
Tell me about the Accommodation
Expect luxury boutique accomodation in a villa that we have booked just for us. There’s a swimming pool, beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Each room in this hotel is air conditioned and has a private bathroom. For your comfort you’ll find toiletries, bathrobe and hair dryer. Free wifi. Free private parking is available onsite.
Tell me about the Yoga and Meditation
This retreat is suitable for all levels of yoga experience from absolute beginners through to those with an established yoga practice are welcome. The morning yoga classes will be more energising and uplifting, designed to put a spring in your step. The sunset yoga sessions will be restorative and gentle. We’ll explore guided relaxation and yoga breathing techniques called pranayama.
Together we’ll discover mindfulness meditation techniques; learning to tune in to your breath, to your body and to your surroundings. We’ll learn how a regular yoga and meditation practice can hold you steady in times of turmoil and how creative solutions appear naturally when you trust in the flow of life.
You will leave Sicily more in tune with your body and mind, better equipped to manage the stressors of daily life and maintain optimal wellbeing long after the retreat is over.
(Please do not worry about being “good” enough. Or flexible or thin enough. Or whatever enough. You are perfect just as you are.)
Tell me about the food?
Our villa uses locally sourced, organic ingredients. Expect seasonal, intense flavours and rich nutritious delicacies in an authentic Sicilian style. The food will be delicious. Wine is traditionally served with the evening meal…who are we to mess with tradition? Food intolerances can be catered for.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Absolutely! We hope that you will bring a friend or family member. If you are intending to share a room with a friend, please indicate this in your enquiry or at the time of booking.
Do I have to attend all the activities?
No, this is YOUR retreat. It’s a time for you to relax and renew. You are free to do as little or as much as you like.
Who is leading this retreat?
The retreat will be hosted by experienced retreat facilitators Lisa Allwell and Jennifer Newport. Lisa has facilitated sold out retreats in Australia, Bali and India.
Will there be time to explore?
The retreat schedule allows for a balance of free time and structured activities. There is so much to do (or not do) in Sicily. Included in the retreat package are day trips to quaint villages, local attractions, cooking and wellness classes and more.
Lisa is a yoga and meditation teacher. Her classes focus on cultivating well-being and mindfulness. She has developed a strong following of students who are drawn to her creative, nurturing teaching style. She has lead retreats in Australia, India and Bali and is the co-founder of Seed Yoga + Wellness, a thriving yoga studio in Blackburn, Victoria.
On this retreat you will participate in a light-hearted contemporary yoga practice to balance mind, body and spirit. Life is often serious and perplexing, so Lisa’s aim is to encourage you forget about your ‘to do’ list, your issues and challenges for the duration of each yoga session.
Her favourite yoga asana is the smile, and she aims to encourage her students to strive for lightness, vitality and balance, both on and off the yoga mat. Lisa sincerely trys to meet each student at where they are at in their yoga, helping them to get the most from each pose, each practice, each breath.
It’s Lisa’s clear intention that you leave this retreat feeling energised, peaceful and fabulous.
Jennifer Newport
Jennifer initially began taking Hatha yoga classes at a local community centre for the breathing techniques in order to alleviate her asthma symptoms. In the 35 years she has been practicing yoga, she has tried various styles including Ashtanga, Iygengar and Bikram yoga.
Eventually settling on restorative yoga to help combat the challenges of a busy executive career, Jennifer found this slow, gentle form of yoga allowed her body and mind to quiet down and relax and the supported poses let her drop into a soothing state.
Jennifer has attended yoga retreats in Australia, Bali, Mexico, Italy and India - and it was while on retreat that she made the decision to study yin yoga teacher training with the intention of deepening her personal practice.
She completed her advanced yin yoga teacher training with Melbourne trainer Leonie Lockwood - who herself has completed over 550 hours yin yoga training with Paul Grilley and over 130 hours with Jo Phee.
After what had started as a dream job eventually left Jennifer feeling burnt out and disillusioned with the corporate world, she decided to put her yoga training to use. And in 2022, pulling together the best elements from the retreats she has attended, she organised her first retreat in Byron Bay with resounding success.
Jennifer believes that empathy and humour are key ingredients for teaching and, with this in mind, she will lead the yin yoga sessions on this retreat. Together, Jennifer and Lisa will ensure you have a truly magical experience!