Imagine waking up with the sun on the beautiful island of Sicily, doing a delicious movement practice, then slipping into the infinity pool to cool off, eating a nourishing brunch, and heading out to explore the local villages. This week in Sicily will reconnect you with pleasure and your desires, helping you see what you genuinely want and making you come alive.
Often, the things we chase aren't really what we're after. What we're actually seeking is what lies beyond them – a sense of freedom, unguarded joy, ease, belonging, aliveness. We tend to look outward, convinced that once we finally get the thing, we'll feel complete. But in truth, that thing is just an entry point – a way of pointing us back to something that was already within us the whole time.
It's easy in our modern world to slip into thinking and focusing on everything that isn't going well – what we aren't getting done, what isn't working. This is our negativity bias in action, and it's often part of how our brains have been wired. This retreat will focus on retraining your brain to see what is working, to feel the support and beauty around you, and to notice what you are doing and getting done.
This retreat is a gateway to rediscovering your life's purpose – and the tools to manifest it. It's a journey of learning how to do your work, to practice, to show up for yourself, your loved ones, and the world, and to surrender the fruits of your labour to something greater than yourself. It's about realizing that despite our diverse backgrounds and life experiences, we are all in this together, and that the universe is conspiring to help us fulfill our desires.
This retreat is especially attuned to what it means to arrive at this stage of life — a moment ripe for reflection, recalibration, and reclaiming what truly matters. Whatever brought you here, you'll leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a concrete plan to turn your dreams into reality. You'll discover that you already possess everything you need to navigate life's challenges and transform your mind into your greatest ally and friend.
We'll be staying at the gorgeous Danena retreat centre in Noto. It is a beautifully restored 1800s farmhouse, tucked among olive and almond groves just 15 minutes from Noto, one of Italy's most stunning World Heritage towns. The property features a yoga studio housed in a restored barn, fully equipped with props, plus an outdoor shala overlooking the orange garden.
Between sessions, you can unwind by the freshwater infinity pool, relax on one of the patios, or book a treatment in one of the two massage rooms. As the sun sets, the terrace is the place to be. When you're ready to explore, wander the groves on foot or by bike, take a dip at one of the island's most secluded golden-sand beaches at the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve, or venture into the historic towns along the coast.
The property is about an hour south of Catania Airport on Sicily's east coast.
Retreat Schedule
May 29th
Arrival from Catania Airport ~ 3 pm
Welcome Circle and Grounding Yoga Practice 4:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
May 30th
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am
Free Time - Book a body treatment, relax by the pool or wander into town
Afternoon Class 4:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
May 31st
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am
Visit Local Villages included excursion
Afternoon Class 4:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
June 1st
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am
Visit to a Local Beach included excursion
Afternoon Class 4:30 pm
Pizza Night 7:30 pm
June 2nd
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am
Free Time
Afternoon Class 4:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
June 3rd
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 10:30 am
Winery Tour and Tasting included excursion
Dinner at a local restaurant 7:30 pm
June 4th
Coffee, tea and fruit available 7:00 am
Yoga 8:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am
Free Time
Afternoon Class 4:30 pm
Dinner 7:30 pm
June 5th
Breakfast 7:30 am
Departure - Time TBD
*Timings and events subject to change
Classes and Workshops
The movement portion of the classes will include a variety of Pilates, mobility, and yoga postures to strengthen, awaken, and deepen our bodies and minds. Each class will end with a long savasana, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day.
The morning classes on this retreat will start with a dharma talk/discussion exploring themes from yoga philosophy that will help us understand our most profound relationship — the one we have with ourselves. These talks and discussions will help us discover how to care for ourselves so we can show up more fully in the world and engage with others from a sacred place.
The afternoon classes will offer more time for self-reflection. We'll do a variety of practices, including restorative yoga, yin yoga, chanting, journalling, and breath work. These classes are designed to deepen the work we do in the morning and to discover the skills we need to engage with the world as fully expressed human beings.
Dharma talks to frame the day and deepen our understanding of the practice.
Meditation grounded in yoga, Buddhist philosophy and modern psychology and embodied presence.
Dynamic morning movement
Sanskrit chanting to get us out of our heads and into our hearts.
Introspective afternoon sessions to deepen awareness of ourselves, the world, and our place in it.
Guided reflection and journalling on identity and impermanence and desire.
Yoga Nidra to take us on journeys beyond what we think is possible and leave us feeling deeply nourished.
Time in nature and culture – beach walks, lounging and exploring local villages
Yin Yoga to allow the body to soften into sensation and let go of our resistance.
Long savasanas and restorative yoga to allow our nervous systems to integrate the deep work we’re doing and help us navigate the bumps of living a human life.
Accommodation & Pricing
Early Bird Pricing Before October 3rd, 2026.
*All prices will go up €300 after October 3rd.
Private Standard Room (shared bath)
€3450
Double Occupancy Standard Room (shared bath)
€3050 per person
*bathroom shared between two rooms
Private Standard Room (private bath)
€3550
Double Occupancy Standard Room (private bath)
€3150 per person
Superior Room Single Occupancy (private bath)
€4800
Superior Room Double Occupancy (private bath)
€3400
Deluxe Apartment for 2 - 4 people
€3600 per person if double occupancy and €3400 per person if triple or more shared bath
All prices go up by €300 on October 3rd, 2026
Please note:
1. You must register with another person to secure double occupancy pricing.
2. All prices are in Euros.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A €800 Non-Refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
The balance is due on October 20th, 2026.
Alternative payment plans are available upon request.
Travel insurance is recommended.
Discounts and Fine Print
A loyalty discount of €150 on all prices will be applied to past retreat participants.
1) Please note: Prices are in Euros and will be converted to either CAD or USD
(depending on your preference) at the time of payment.
2) All payments are subject to a 4% credit card fee.
3) All registrations will be organized by Amy Basseches who is affiliated with Travel Edge Network (TICO Registration #50013138) at 2 Queen St. E., 20th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5C 3G7.
For reservations and more information, you can contact Amy at amy@farandwidebyamy.com
Food: Fresh, Local, Nourishing
The food: it's all local, organic and delicious. Enjoy farm-to-table gourmet dinners and energizing healthy brunches made by the Danena chefs.
What’s Included
7 nights accommodation
All yoga classes
2 meals a day, plus early morning coffee/tea and fruit
All excursions
Transportation to and from the Catania airport providing you arrive and depart in the appropriate windows based on recommended flights
What’s Not Included
Flights to Catania airport
Travel insurance
Massages and wellness therapies
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for retreat centre staff
Dinner at a local restaurant