Wellness Escape: Yoga, Cacao & SUP in Sicily

The Balance & Cacao retreat is the signature package at The Place World, and it's built around the idea of giving you a taste of everything the center has to offer. Most days include two yoga sessions—one in the morning and one later in the day—along with a meditation or pranayama session. The style is Hatha yoga, and the skill level is genuinely mixed; you'll find complete beginners alongside people who've practiced for years, and the teachers are used to working with a range of experience.

The cacao ceremony is a central piece of the week. It's described as a deep grounding experience that connects you back to your heart center, and it's paired with a sound journey—think singing bowls and other instruments played while you lie down and let the vibrations wash over you. Beyond the physical practice, there are philosophy workshops that dig into the psychology of your patterns, your energy blockages, and your purpose. These are practical, not academic; they give you tools to balance things out when you get back to your normal life.

One of the best parts of the retreat is the setting. The villa sits near Marsala, which is famous for its pink salt flats and as a kite surfing hotspot. The lagoon at Stagnone is a four-kilometer bike ride away, and the sandy beaches are about nine kilometers. There's a free daily shuttle to the beach and lagoon, and bicycles to borrow for the ride to town. You're also within easy reach of ancient ruins, the beautiful island of Favignana, and the hilltop town of Erice—all perfect for a day trip.

The hosts are hands-on. Janina is a yoga teacher who started her journey in 2015 after leaving her life in Germany, and she trained at ashrams in India. Andrea handles the logistics and is often the one greeting you at the door. They're both deeply invested in creating a sense of community, and the reviews reflect that—guests repeatedly mention feeling at ease from day one, making friends quickly, and not wanting to leave.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - Daily breakfast buffet - 2 dinner nights at the center - Welcome drink - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) session in the lagoon - Cacao ceremony with sound journey - Philosophy workshop - One event night (ecstatic dance, movie night, etc.) - Unlimited use of hot tub/jacuzzi - Shuttle service to the beach and lagoon - Bicycle rental for exploring the local area - Water, tea, and coffee available throughout the day - Luggage storage - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers (shuttle available from €30) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunch (not included, but you can cook in the kitchen or dine locally) - Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks - Additional treatments and activities not mentioned in the program - Shuttle service on arrival and departure days - Extra bed or room upgrades - Personal expenses