7-Day Yoga, Cacao, SUP, Massage, Art & Workshop Retreat in Sicily

The 7-day retreat at The Place World is built around giving you both structure and freedom. Most days include a morning meditation or pranayama session, followed by a more energetic yoga class – often Vinyasa or Hatha. After a leisurely breakfast buffet, the rest of the day is yours, with options like the free beach shuttle, a bike ride to the lagoon, or joining an organized excursion. One afternoon is dedicated to a yoga philosophy workshop, where you'll explore breathing techniques and mindful practices. The evening yoga class is typically more restorative, like Yin or Somatic Movements, and often ends with a sound bath or Yoga Nidra.

What sets this retreat apart is the mix of activities beyond yoga. A cacao ceremony with a sound journey is included, which is a grounding experience that connects you back to your heart. There's also a meditative art workshop and a philosophy workshop that give you a deeper understanding of your own psychology and energy. The week includes a stand-up paddleboarding trip in the beautiful Lo Stagnone lagoon, which you can do in a group. If you want more, you can add on a windsport or kitesurfing course for an extra charge, or book extra massages with Marco, the in-house therapist.

The hosts, Janina and Andrea, are both experienced yoga practitioners who met in a yoga ashram in India. Janina is a German yoga practitioner who discovered yoga in 2015 and trained in India, teaching asana, pranayama, mantra chanting, and sound healing. Anastasia, another teacher, blends kriyas, mantra chanting, and Buddhist philosophy into her classes. Their teaching styles are described as supportive and suited to all levels.

The location itself is a major draw. The property overlooks the world heritage pink saline and the Stagnone lagoon, which is a kitesurfing hotspot. The center is surrounded by a 'fairy forest' with chillout areas, and it's a short bicycle ride to ancient ruins, a lagoon with bars and restaurants, and sandy beaches about 9 km away. You can easily visit the nearby towns of Erice and Favignana if you have a car, or join the free daily beach shuttle. The vibe is authentic Sicilian, with a focus on community, good food, and simple pleasures.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation - Daily breakfast buffet - 4 dinner nights at the restaurant - Welcome drink - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes (2 per day) - Pranayama classes - Cacao ceremony with sound journey - 1 hour massage treatment - Philosophy workshop - Meditative art workshop - Group stand up paddle boarding or kayak activity - Daily beach shuttle - Luggage storage - Parking - WiFi connection - Unlimited use of hot tub / jacuzzi

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (extra massages) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary (e.g., windsurfing, kitesurfing courses) - Meals not specified (lunch, 2 nights out)