YOGA + CULTURE + CUISINE + VINEYARDS + THE SWEETNESS OF LIFE
Sicily,Italy
APRIL 25-MAY 2, 2026
BOOK BY JULY 1 $200 OFF RETREAT ALUMNI $250 OFF
one offer per guest
The allure of Sicily
If you know me, you know that I love all things Italian—the food, the history, the stunning landscapes, and the culture—the “dolce far niente” vibes of slowing down and marinating in all the deliciousness of life.
Italy is calling me back and I would love for you to join me as we explore the South East region of Sicily.
Our home for the week will be a lovingly restored countryside private villa with stunning views of Mt. Etna and the sea. Nestled amongst lush gardens, olive and orange groves, this estate is exceptional.
Its opportune location offers the ability to explore ancient Greek theaters, sleepy fishing villages, Sicilian markets, hillside Baroque towns, gorgeous wineries, and the untamed beauty that is unique to Sicily.
Our Destination: the East Coast of Sicily
The East Coast of Sicily is a perfect location to enjoy the sea, countryside, history, culture and, of course, fabulous food and wine. With Mt. Etna and the sea surrounding you, there is always a beautiful view. The seaside villages of Taormina, Ortigia and Siracusa not only have some of the best vistas in Europe, but they also have some of the oldest Greek theaters and monuments. The quiet fishing village of Marzamemi will take your breath away. And, you will be in awe of the Architecture of the Baroque town of Noto. The influences of the Greeks, Romans, Spanish, German, French and Arab Nations have created a colorful and eclectic culture in Sicily. This will all become apparent while exploring the Island. Most importantly, this unique cultural mix will provide a variety of mouth-watering culinary treasures as well as excellent wine. You will learn this first-hand while visiting two distinctly different, yet both amazing, wineries.
The Details
When & Where
Commenda di San Calogero, in North Syracuse, conveniently located only a short distance away from Catania airport.
Check in: After 3pm on Saturday, April 25 Check out: No later than 10:30am Saturday, May 2
What’s Included
7 nights/8 days accommodations at our beautiful, fully staffed villa, located on 110 acres surrounded by views of Mt. Etna and the sea.
daily yummy yoga & meditation with Lauren in our villa’s enchanting gardens surrounded by olive and citrus groves
4 chef prepared dinners at our villa, including wine
daily breakfast overlooking the villa gardens
3 lite lunches at our private villa
Sicilian cooking classes/experience
3-4 evenings with aperitivo
guided walks of the exquisite property
Catania Market Excursion with the Chef from the Villa
private transfers for all excursions
entry to Vendicari, a stunning seaside nature reserve, which has often been named one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy
visit to the hillside Baroque town of Noto. Here, the main cathedral and the town itself are world UNESCO Heritage Sites.
visit Marzamemi, a picturesque sleepy fishing village
wine tour, tasting and 5-course lunch and pairing at a stunning vineyard
visit Taormina, a beautiful village perched high above the sea, which is home to a Greek Theatre dating back to the 3rd Century BC
guided tour of the Greek Theater of Syracuse and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis a UNESCO site
guided walking tour of the island of Ortigia
my signature white party
Not Included
flights
transportation to the villa (we can help arrange taxis)
meals not listed
wine and alcohol not listed with meals, wine is available for purchase at our villa
optional excursions
spa services
tourist tax to be paid at checkout (approx 2 euro per guest per night)
trip insurance and travel health insurance is NOT included, but they are HIGHLY recommended; World Nomads, Tarwick, and Travel Guard have a lot of options. Take a look at Travel Insurance 101, a resourceful page that will help you get the coverage you need.
Our Home
your home away from home for this adventure will be a countryside, fully-staffed luxury villa on 110 acres surrounded by views of the sea and Mt. Etna…perfectly located to explore the East Coast of Sicily
lavish gardens, numerous shaded seating areas, peaceful look-outs and secluded benches that offer absolute privacy and space for relaxation
the original buildings have been completely restored to provide you with the finest of modern comforts, all while maintaining the charm of an aristocratic luxury home
each beautifully furnished bedroom has a striking en-suite bathroom, as well as an independent entrance, and are all equal in size
the property has a spa, including marble saunas inspired by Istanbul as well as space for massages.
a vast open courtyard, a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploration
traditional Sicilian architecture that creates an elegant atmosphere to enjoy breakfast in the morning or a cool drink in the afternoon under the Sicilian sun
daily cleaning service
wine cellar to purchase some of the best local wines
wifi throughout the villa
salt water swimming pool
heating and air conditioning
satellite television, a mini fridge, and a safe in each tastefully decorated room
Five star mattresses and sheets of the finest materials in Europe
hairdryers & toiletries in each bathrom
Indian pavilions in the garden
Travel
Please plan your flights to arrive at Catania (CTA) Airport in Sicily, ideally mid-day since our housing will not be available until late afternoon. Flights connect from many big hubs like Rome, Milan, London, Zurich and more. Our villa is just a short 20 minute drive from CTA and we’ll do our best to assist with ride shares. As always, there is an opportunity to extend your travels within Italy or Europe on the front or back end of your retreat (always recommended!)
Most flights arriving to Italy from the United States will be red-eyes. Please plan to depart the evening prior to the start of the retreat or beforehand. From Rome, Milan and Naples, there are plenty of flights to Catania. Please note that check in is after 3PM.
When planning departure flights from Italy to the United States, please be aware that you will need to fly from Catania to mainland Italy on the last day of the retreat. To ensure stress-less travel, consider flying back to the US the following day. Enjoy an evening in Rome, Milan or Naples. Please note that check out is no later than 10:30.
Accommodations & Payments
Each room has a gorgeous en-suite bathroom a private entrance, and all rooms are equal in size. Some rooms have the option of two twin beds. Please make a note on your registration form, if you would like two twins. To view some pictures of the rooms, please click here. I have one triple room option available in the main villa. Please ask me for details. The main villa is limited to 25 guests.
Per Person Rates Main Villa Double Occupancy Rate $4250 Single Occupancy Rate $5250
$1000 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking 50% of your balance will be due October 25th, 2025, 6 months prior to our retreat. Final balance will be due on January 25th, 2026, 90 days prior to our retreat.
Payments can be made using Venmo, Paypal or Zelle. All payments are non-refundable. GET TRIP INSURANCE PLEASE!
Contact Lauren to book +1 516 458-8622
Itinerary
Day 1 Check In Welcome and Property History begins at 5:00PM Walking Tour of Villa and Grounds Welcome Aperitivo and Dinner at the Villa
Day 2 Yoga and Meditation with Lauren Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Free Time to Relax at the Villa/Spa Time, Massages Lite Lunch at the Villa Cooking Lesson at the Villa Aperitivo Dinner at the Villa
Day 3 Yoga and Meditation Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Explore Marzamemi: Shop, Watch the Sea, Enjoy Some Food and Wine Explore Noto: Visit the Baroque Churches, Stroll the Cobblestone Streets, Shop, Enjoy Some Food and Wine
Day 4 Yoga and Meditation Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Free Time to Relax at the Villa Lite Lunch at the Villa Guided Tour of the Greek Theater of Syracuse and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis Guided Walking Tour of Ortigia Explore Ortigia: Watch the Sunset next to the Sea, Shop, Enjoy Some Food and Wine
Day 5 Yoga and Meditation Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Optional Excursions can be booked Or, Free Time to Relax at the Villa/ Spa Time, Massages Lite Lunch at the Villa Afternoon Yoga in the Garden. Aperitivo at the Villa Dinner at the Villa
Day 6 Yoga and Meditation Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Free Time to Relax at the Villa Wine Tour, Tasting and 5 Course Lunch and Pairing at Barone di Villagrande on the hillside of Mt. Etna. Explore Taormina: Visit the Greek Theater, Take the Funicular to the Beach, Shop, Enjoy Some Food and Wine
Day 7 Yoga and Meditation Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Shop Catania Market with Our In-House Chef Free Time to enjoy some Sicilian Street Food Cooking Lesson at the Villa Free Time to Relax Aperitivo Farewell White Party Dinner at the Villa
Day 8 Breakfast/Time to Explore Gardens Departure – Check out, no later than 10:30AM
*subject to change, leave room for surprises
