Wellness and Hiking Retreat in Sicily's Madonie Mountains

The retreat is based at Sicilian Spirit, a restored 17th-century farmhouse in the Madonie Mountains, about 50 kilometers from the coastal town of Cefalù. The property sits at 650 meters above sea level, surrounded by 25 hectares of private parkland. Inside, there's a 130 square meter yoga studio, several lounges, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. The rooms are furnished with a mix of antique and traditional Sicilian pieces, and each has air conditioning and heating.

Each day of the retreat has a different theme, which shapes the yoga practice. The schedule includes Happy Hips, Heart Opening, Strong to the Core, Twists, Inversions, and Find Your Balance. Mornings typically start with a yoga and meditation session, followed by a large brunch. Afternoons might be free for massage or Ayurvedic treatments, or they might involve a guided walk or a day trip. There are also two full-day excursions included: one to Cefalù, a fishing village with a beach and a historic old town, and one to Gangi, a medieval hilltop village that's been named one of Italy's most beautiful. An optional wine tasting at a local vineyard is available on the Gangi day.

Mindfulness is woven through the week, not just in the yoga but in dedicated sessions and in the way the schedule is paced. There's a mindfulness workshop, a mindful yoga session, and regular Yoga Nidra sessions in the evening to help you wind down. Siôn Jones, who leads most of the sessions, is a mindfulness coach and meditation teacher who has been practicing and teaching for over ten years. He studied in North India and has appeared on BBC and S4C television. His Yoga Nidra recordings on the Insight Timer app have been listened to by thousands of people.

The venue itself is part of the appeal. It's an organic farm that produces its own olive oil, wheat, vegetables, and fruit, so the food is about as local as it gets. The masseria has been carefully restored by a local Sicilian couple, and the grounds include a quiet oak wood, a small river, and an 18th-century labyrinth garden. There are paths for walking right from the property, and the infinity pool has views over the valley. Evenings are mostly free, with dinner together on the terrace and Yoga Nidra to close the day.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - Daily vegetarian/vegan brunch and dinner made with fresh, local ingredients - Hot coffee, tea, and herbal tea available all day in the Tea Lounge - Daily Yoga Nidra sessions before bed - Daily meditation classes - Mindfulness workshop and restorative yoga sessions - Guided walking/hiking trips in the Madonie National Park - Full access to yoga spaces, lounges, restaurant, swimming pool, and gardens - Excursion to Cefalù - Connection with like-minded retreat participants - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee