Sensational Sicily
A Yoga, Culture & Self Discovery Retreat
SEPTMEBER 2024
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This Sicilian adventure will be a feast for the senses! Our home base will be a 17th century farmhouse-turned-retreat-center in the rolling hills of central Sicily. We'll practice yoga + meditation, learn how to cultivate our intuition, and receive mini reiki treatments during restorative yoga classes. We'll share lovingly prepared vegetarian meals made from our farm's fresh ingredients.
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Our senses will be further awakened on the many excursions included in this trip. We'll visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Valley of the Temples; spend an afternoon exploring Agrigento, one of Sicily's most beautiful villages; spent time at one of Sicily's natural wonders, visit the beach town of Cefalú; and spend an entire day, including a group dinner, in Palermo.
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If it's possible for the senses to be both awakened and soothed at the same time, it's here, immersed in the culture and natural beauty of this singular Italian Island. Andiamo!
PLEASE JOIN US.
(You don’t have to do yoga to come on this adventure) :)
Classes & Workshops
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ACTIVE, GENTLE & RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH HANDS ON REIKI HEALING
MEDITATION
INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP A
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INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP B
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Afternoon In old town Agrigento with a trip to the
natural wonders of the Scala dei Turchi
Morning VALLE DI TEMPLI, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE FEATURING SOME OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF GREEK ART + ARCHITECTURE
DAY AT THE THE BEACH - VISIT TO THE FISHING VILLAGE OF CEFALU
FOOD & CULTURE TOUR, FULL DAY & DINNER IN PALERMO
Excursions
Flavors
Located in the center of the Mediterranean, Sicily has always been a melting pot of culture, art and traditions and also the cradle of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine. A bridge between the Arab world and the West, over the centuries the island has developed what is considered the most original among the Italian regional cuisines. It is based largely on the use and imaginative preparation of the extraordinary vegetables that grow on the Sicilian soil. Therefore it is already largely vegetarian, if not vegan, since the origins. From oranges to lemons, to basil, mint, capers, wild fennel, saffron, tomatoes and artichokes, everything contributes to create dishes that are unique for taste and nutritional properties.
With its 25 hectares park, its 700 olive trees, the vegetable garden, the orchard and the vineyard, the Masseria is a certified organic farm since 15 years and produces its own extra virgin olive oil, wheat, wine, vegetables and fruit, preserves and jams. We offer our guests three vegetarian buffet meals a day, based on traditional Sicilian recipes expertly reworked and lightened by our Chef. In addition, vegan, gluten free, without sugar preparation will always be present on the table. As well as herbal teas prepared with the medicinal plants of our garden, and fresh fruit juices.
Your Hosts
Intuitive Reiki Master and Healer + owner of Bene Mudra, James Bene
Yoga Teacher + Retreat Leader, Kim Larkin
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We are excited to be co-teaching again after having hosted retreats together many years ago in upstate NY and Hoboken, NJ.
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We love combining our unique talents for guiding students through yoga + meditation, providing reiki + cultivating intuition.
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We look forward to sharing these practices and more with you in the breathtaking and inspiring setting of Sicily.
Follow us on Instagram:
find James @benemudra
find Kim @yogagrrrl
Sicilian Spirit
THE MASSERIA
Nested in the heart of the Madonie mountain park, a few miles from Gangi – “Most beautiful village in Italy” prize winner – and about 40km from the enchanting fishermen village of Cefalù, Sicilian Spirit hosts yoga and meditation retreats in a 17th century “Masseria”, wonderfully restored respecting her ancient feudal structure. Surrounded by the silence offered by its enclosed 25 hectares park, at 650 mts above the sea level, you will be able to walk for hours in the secret inner paths and in the hidden centuries-old oak forest, get lost in the labyrinth garden of the 18th century, explore the banks of our “private” river, meditate or practice yoga at sunrise or sunset in the terrace overlooking the mountains and the valley or just sunbathing and swimming in the infinity pool.
Ayurvedic
Massage
Students will have an opportunity to sign up for an Ayurvedic massage given by a highly rated local masseuse. First come first served.
Reiki
James will offer a limited number of one on one sessions during free time at the center. First come first serve via on-site sign-up.
"Just wow! Had a fantastic adventure in Sicily with Kim and James who provided their students with a top shelf experience. From the beautiful accommodations, thoughtful and well paced classes, to the excursions, transfers, and logistics, every detail was anticipated and provided for us before we even had to ask. Highly recommend any event with this duo. Looking forward to attending another retreat together soon! Grazie Mille!"
By Thomas D for Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy on Sep 12, 2023
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"Gorgeous historical property for accommodations, and the staff who help to keep it tidy and running smoothly could not have been kinder. AMAZING and healthy food prepared fresh for every meal by the most affectionate and hard-working chefs. Thoughtfully planned day trips and meditation sessions, restorative yoga and gently encouraging spiritual work thanks to Kimberly and James. Ten out of ten; hope to retreat again! Grazie di tutto!"
By Katharine B for Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy on Sep 11, 2023
Details
MORE DETAILS ABOUT WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Seven (7) nights accommodation
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Vegetarian meals at the retreat center. Almost all meals are included with the exception of a few lunches while we are on the excursions
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The four excursions listed above, including a group dinner in Palermo
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One group airport transfer each from/to Palermo and Catania at beginning and end of retreat
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All yoga, meditation, reiki during restorative yoga and the intuitive classes
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
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International airfare to/from Sicily
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Any airport transfers outside of the group transfers (can be arranged for you for additional fee)
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Travel insurance - strongly recommended. Squaremouth is a good resource to compare travel insurance coverage from many different providers, including “cancel for any reason” options.
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Private Reiki or Ayurvedic massage session
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COSTS:​
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TBA
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Cancellation policy:
If you cancel by May 1 2023, your payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit. Payments are non-refundable after this date.
***We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events. The website Squaremouth allows you to compare many different plans and has “cancel for any reason” options.
