Sicily Retreat
La Dolce Vita Meets
The White Lotus
Sicily, Italy
Val di Noto, Sicily
October 6th – 10th, 2024
Starting at £2,800 (based on double occupancy)
Our most glamorous retreat destination to date, located on the stunning island of Sicily. We will be staying in the south eastern tip of Sicily in the Val di Noto area. This part of the island is home to mile after mile of largely unspoilt sandy beaches and an impressive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The mornings will begin with a daily practice of Yoga, Pilates and Breathwork and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing surroundings, incredible chill areas at the villa plus an optional rejuvenating full body massage.
We will enjoy true Sicilian culture, its incredible cuisine and of course the Nero d’Avola wine region, with a trip to a local vineyard. We will discover one of Sicily's most important archaeological sites, the Neapolis Park, which hosts the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Syracuse with a half-day guided walking tour. And to get our bodies moving, there is an optional 50km E-bike Tour taking a scenic route through the Valle degli Iblei to admire the baroque treasures of Noto from above. Our SPN retreat would not be complete without a chartered boat trip with lunch visiting hidden coves and untouched beaches and swim spots. We will end the retreat in true Sicilian glamour with a gastronomical delight and dinner at a local hot spot.
We are confident you will leave this retreat feeling all the Italian love…🇮🇹💚🇮🇹
The beautiful island of Sicily
“If you had to sum up Sicily in just a few words, it’s an island of extremes. Rocky volcanic coastlines give way to white sandy beaches. Crumbling architectural treasures of the ancient world sit next to some of the most theatrical and perfectly preserved paintings of the Baroque. Menus feature hearty pasta dishes next to the freshest raw seafood, while the grandest of five-star luxury accommodations are found alongside meticulously designed boutique hotels and charming farm stays. It’s a cliche, but in Sicily, there’s truly something for everyone”
Vogue, September 2023
Masseria Cardinale Villa
Featured recently in World of Interiors our residence; Masseria Cardinale is a generously proportioned seven bedroom property, warmly welcoming, and immersed in glorious countryside infused with ancient Sicilian features. A myriad of original features firmly root the property in its context, while a thoughtful, creative and minimally invasive conservation project has rejuvenated the whole house, bringing a new dynamism, a sense of vivacity, and a series of discreet, understated 21st-century comforts.
Masseria Cardinale is full of riches when it comes to al fresco living. First is the stone-flagged central courtyard, with a variety of shady areas equipped for lounging and sitting. Next comes a smaller secluded courtyard and home to a dreamy dining area and gives way on one side to the main grounds, planted with age-old carob and olive trees.
Paths crisscross the grounds, most leading down to the alluring pool area. Additional amenities within the property include a large kitchen, cinema room with bar, gym, and theatre.
All bedrooms feature ensuite bathrooms and can be made up for single or double occupancy.
Sicilian Cuisine
Healthy and fresh Italian food is a big part of the experience, your stay includes breakfasts and dinners daily, as well as dining experiences in the local restaurants of nearby towns. Our in-house chef will prepare an inspiring and Italian menu using fresh and locally sourced ingredients for the meals we take within the villa.
The Itinerary
-
Daily Yoga, Breathwork, Pilates + Meditation
You will set your intention for the day and be guided through a morning movement and meditation.
Breathing is philosophy in action. Jaime will teach you daily breathwork practices that will help combat stress, overthinking and anxiety.
-
Historic Ortigia and Neapolis Park Tour
This half day walking tour will allow you lo discover one of Sicily's most important archaeological sites, the Neapolis Park, which hosts the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Syracuse. After delving into the Sicilian antiquity, you will make your way across town to Ortigia, the elegant and vibrant centre of Syracuse. At the end of the tour, make sure you grab some food in one of the charming restaurants in the heart of the market.
Tour highlights: Neapolis Archaeological Park (Greek Theatre, Greek stone quarries, Ear of Dionysius, Altar of Hieron II, and Roman Amphitheatre) and Ortygia (Temple of Apollo, Cathedral and Temple of Athena, Church of Santa Lucia, and Fountain of Arethusa).
-
Sailing Around The Coast of Syracuse
Leottiana is a luxury sailing boat, perfect for connoisseurs and the ideal boat from which to discover the coast of Ortigia.
Tour Highlights: Oritgia by sea, Plemmirio natural reserve with a stop for swimming/snorkelling, cave Pirillina with crystal waters and mythological past.
Light Sicilian lunch, wine + soft drinks included.
-
A Tour of Planeta Buonivini Winery
Buonivini is the third winery established by the Planeta family; founded in 1998, the winery takes the name from the contrada where it is located. Here, Nero d'Avola and Moscato are the protagonists, with the soil and the exposure of the hills creating the perfect conditions for these grapes.
Tour Highlights: Visit to the winery, wine tasting of 4 Planeta wines from their DOC Noto selection, Lunch including tasting of 3 Planeta olive oil varieties + tasting of other local products.
-
Optional E-bike Tour (at extra cost)
Discover Noto and Palazzolo Acreide on an E-Bike.
Take a scenic cycling route through the Valle degli Iblei to admire the baroque treasures of Noto from above. Enjoy picturesque views all the way to Palazzolo Acreide, a small traditional village that seems to have been untouched by the crowds of modern tourism. It's like stepping back in time to experience the authentic beauty of Sicily's charm.
From Noto to Palazzolo Acreide, passing by Serravento, Testa dell'Acqua, Santa Lucia.
Duration: approximately 6 hours, 50 km
Prices are per person for a minimum of 4 participants and include pick-up from your villa in Noto.
Price Up to 4 People: €210pp
-
Optional Full Body Massage (at extra cost)
You will enjoy a unique body massage using signature herbal-infused oils to release tension, impurities and trapped energy within the body.
You will fully surrender to 60 minutes of total bliss and a sense of wellbeing.
Your Host
Jaime Cooke, Founder of SPN will be hosting this incredible retreat and brings with her a positive attitude, magnetic energy, a love for adventure and everything Italian.
She has been hosting successful retreats since 2016 and carefully curates these excursions to include iconic destinations, beautiful accommodation, shared new experiences, mindful movement and a taste of local culture.
Jaime will also be guiding you through a daily practice of breathwork, yoga and Pilates to feel grounded and energised throughout the retreat.
She is a UK Level 3 Body Control Pilates instructor and Supervising Teacher, also certified in Breathwork with Yogalap and Bionic Breathwork.
Her love for the outdoors is infectious and she will provide the trip of a lifetime on her favourite special island.
Jaime Cooke
The Detail
Pricing.
5 days / 4 nights (Oct 6th-10th, 2024)
DETAILS / PRICING (Per Person)
Single Occupancy £3,200
Shared Occupancy £2,800
Deposit to hold space = 50%
Max Number of Guests = 14
* Final balance due 90 days before retreat start date. Read full cancellation policy in our Terms and Conditions.
Included.
Group transfer to and from Catania Airport (on recommended arrival/ departure times only)
Luxury 5-star residence (spacious bedrooms, private bathrooms)
Daily maid service
Private chef to provide all meals in-house (wine will be served with dinner only)
Daily Yoga, Breathwork, Pilates and Meditation
A private boat charter sailing around the coast of Syracuse to coves and beaches for a swim and lunch
A 2.5 hour tour of Planeta Buonivini Winery including lunch
A half-day historic Ortigia and Neapolis Park walking tour
Transportation to/from day trips
Use of residence facilities: cinema room, pool, gym
Location.
Val di Noto, Sicily, Italy.
Nearest international airports: Catania (CTA) 81.4km, Palermo (PMO) 113.7km
One group transfer will be offered on the start day and one group transfer will be offered on the end day to and from Catania airport, times for this to be confirmed.
Let’s Explore Sicily Together…
Have any questions, or want to find out more? Click here to book a FREE discovery call with SPN Founder, Jaime.
The Small Print.
-
Not Included
Flights to and from Catania Airport.
Additional alcohol taken.
In-villa massage treatments - available upon request at extra cost.
Additional excursions - e.g. 50km e-bike cycling tour available upon request at extra cost.
-
Additional Info
Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Activities may change slightly in chance of unforeseen circumstances or weather. If so, a similar activity of equal value will be included.