Yoflaminga's Soul of Sicily 2019 Retreat Location, Sicily, Italy.

Soul of Sicily – 8 Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat

May 18 - 25th, 2019 / Sicily, Italy

Nurture yourself with a full week of harmony and bliss, experiencing the Sicilian way of life. Awaken your body, open your mind and fuel your soul with daily Breath Work, Yoga and Meditation overlooking colorful landscapes. We will immerse in both dynamic and gentle yoga practices, exploring different sequences and poses from simple to advanced, diving deep into the practice. In guided meditations and mindfulness ceremonies we honor the present, reconnect with ourselves and find our true inner center.


Come to meet like-hearted people, eat nourishing locally-grown and home-made vegetarian food, swim in the pool, walk in the hidden oak forest and explore the banks of our “private” river. Our retreat center, a 17th century typical Sicilian Masseria, is the perfect environment for self-renewal and revitalization; an energizing place where you can relax, truly be yourself and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience more than just a vacation - this week in paradise will leave you renewed, feeling balanced and centered from the inside out. All are welcome. Come as you are.

Program

We start every morning with yogic breath work that cleanses the body on the physical and energetic level and awakens our spirits. We then flow through dynamic Vinyasa Yoga sequences that strengthen the body and leave us feel energized and balanced. We build the sequences step-by-step leaning about the alignment that allows the energies in our body to flow freely and release great healing potential.

Every day we focus on a different part of the body, its energy center and the aspects of our live that it relates to, exploring the connection between the body and the mind. In the afternoon we take our practice further in workshops to understand Asana (posture) and their effect on the muscular and endocrine system, but also on emotions and mental wellbeing (Hatha Yoga).

We will indulge in the healing practices of soothing Yin Yoga for deep tissue release and dive deep into guided meditation (Yoga Nidra). In special sittings we meditate with the sunrise and the sunset, surrounded by candlelight or accompanied by the sound of Mantra.

Yoflaminga's Soul of Sicily 2019 retreat location San Giovanni Sgadari

The Place

Like a secret escape in the Madonie mountain park, a few miles away from Gangi – “Most beautiful village in Italy” winner in 2014 - and about 40 miles away from the enchanting fishermen village of Cefalù, you find our yoga and meditation center. A 17th century “Masseria”, beautifully renovated, respecting her ancient feudal structure. An impressive 25 hectares park, at 650 meters above the sea level, offers you silence and nature at its best. Explore the secret inner paths, get lost in the labyrinth garden, enjoy the stunning view from the beautiful terrace, take a sunbath or swim in the freshwater swimming pool. 

Participants will be hosted in 13 double rooms, distributed between the main building and the lovely garden cottages. The fully equipped 130 sqm yoga room is located in the old barn. Three different lounge areas offer the perfect space to relax and recover. The first one (70 sq.m.), furnished with cushions, rugs and comfortable sofas, welcomes our guests with herbal teas, juices, fruit and small snacks, during their breaks from exercises. The second room (60 sq.m), can be used for meditation and personal practice. A third lounge, located above the restaurant, is our living room - perfect for a chat after dinner, equipped with WiFi, board games, books and magazines.

The cozy restaurant and the stunning 400 sqm terrace overlooking the mountains and the valley will be our place to enjoy our three delicious vegetarian Sicilian meals a day, prepared with the own products of the Masseria, a certified organic farm for 15 years.

Our group will be accommodated exclusively in the main house and the cottages of the Masseria in 13 double rooms. Every room is equipped with double beds, whichcan be separated or joined together, depending on the needs. Two of the rooms (around 20sq.m each) with private bathroom, are located in the main building, above the Yoga room. A third room with private bathroom is in a cottage in the garden, with its own private patio. The other 10 double rooms, with shared bathroom – one every two rooms – are located in five cottages (around 50 sq.m each) in the garden, all with their own equipped private patio and their own kitchenette. All rooms have heating and air conditioning facilities and are elegantly furnished with antique or Sicilian style furniture.

The Food

With its 25 hectares park, its 700 olive trees, the vegetable garden, the orchard and the vineyard, the Masseria is a certified organic farm for 15 years and produces its own extra virgin olive oil, wheat, wine, vegetables and fruit, preserves and jams. OurSicilian chef will prepare with the locally grown products three vegetarian buffet meals a day based on traditional Sicilian recipes expertly reworked and lightened by him. From oranges to lemons, to basil, mint, capers, wild fennel, saffron, tomatoes and artichokes, everything contributes to create dishes that are unique in taste and nutritional properties.

In addition, we will offer vegan, gluten free and sugar-free options for every need. Herbal teas and fresh juices made from the locally grown medicinal plants and fruits from the Masseria garden will be available throughout the whole day for everyone.

What is included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 1 x evening welcome yoga and meditation session on the day of arrival
  • 6 x 120-minute morning yoga: Meditation, Pranayama and Vinyasa Flow Yoga
  • x 90-minute afternoonyoga: deep-work Hatha Yoga workshop, Yin-Yoga, Mediation
  • 3 x special evening mediation / ceremonies (varying techniques)
  • 7 x substantial vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • 1 free day to use for excursions and sportive activities
  • Daily free time to relax, read, walk or swim 
  • Yoga mats and materials
  • Bed linen, towels
  • WIFI

What is not included:

  • Flights
  • Airport transfer (can be organized at additional cost)
  • Additional sportive activities or excursions 

Prices

1 Person, Shared Double Room, Shared Bathroom
910,00 € until February 18th, after that 980,00 €


1 Person, Shared Double Room, Private Bathroom
1.020,00 € until February 18th, after that 1.090,00 €

1 Person, Private Double Room for Single Use, Shared Bathroom
1.220,00  until February 18th, after that 1.290,00 €

1 Person, Private Double Room for Single Use, Private Bathroom
1.320,00 € until February 18th, after that 1.390,00 €

2 Persons, Private Double Room, Shared Bathroom
1.600,00 € (instead of 1.900,00 €) until February 18th, after that 1.700,00 € (instead of 1.900,00 €)

2 PersonsPrivate Double Room, Private Bathroom
1.780,00 € (instead of 2.080,00€) until February 18th, after that 1.880,00 € (instead of 2.080,00€)

We offer different payment plans on request.

Booking and Information:  retreat@yoflaminga.com

How to get there

We recommend flying to the airport of Catania, which is approximately 100km from the yoga retreat center and the easiest way to get there. Alternatively, you can fly to Palermo (approx. 120km). You can either rent a car or we arrange a pick-up from the airport (not included in the price).

If you wish to be picked up at the airport please let us know in your booking request, so we can arrange a shuttle. We also gladly help you arrange travel groups with other participants of the retreat both for the shuttle and car rental.

If you come by car from the airport Catania, take the freeway to Palermo (A19), then take Irosa exit, head to the village of Blufi (follow the directions). Cross the village Trinità-Pianello and from there, head to San Giovanni-Verdi and the signals to San Giovanni Sgardari. 

Retreat Highlights

  • Daily Vinyasa morning yoga
  • Daily Breath Work
  • Guided Meditation sessions
  • Leisure time to relax at the pool and to explore the surrounding nature
  • Daily vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables
  • 7 nights accommodation in a typical Sicilian Masseria

Level

  • Beginners
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
     

Yoga Styles

  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Yin Yoga
  • Yoga Nidra

We cater to the following nutrition preferences

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Sugar-free
  • Biological

 

Optional activites

  • Excursions to beautiful villages, e.g. Gangi, Celafù, Valle dei Templi 
  • Sportive activities such as Trekking, Nordic Walking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, River Crossing by boat, River Trail
  • Guided Etna walks