LIVING WHOLLY RETREAT, SICILY

A retreat to slow down, listen inward, and live more fully

12th - 19th September 2026

Val di Noto, Sicily

Living Wholly is an invitation into a slower, truer way of being…

Held in the wide, grounding beauty of southern Sicily, this retreat is for those who feel the call to pause, not to escape life, but to meet it more honestly.

This is not a retreat about self-improvement or becoming someone new. It’s about creating the conditions to listen, soften, and come back into relationship with yourself.

It’s also about fun. Aliveness. And awakening what’s inside you. All of you.

Over the week, we move slowly.

There is space for stillness and inquiry.
Space to explore what feels stuck or tender.
Space to open gently into places that have been waiting for attention.

Through movement, reflection, shared meals, laughter, and rest, something often begins to reorganise- not through effort, but through permission.

Why Sicily? The land in the Val di Noto holds a particular quality - earthy, spacious, sensual, and unhurried. Its rhythm invites the nervous system to downshift, the body to exhale, and the heart to open at its own pace.

Danena is a stunning traditional ‘la masseria’ (farmhouse) set on 80 acres amongst olive and almond groves just 15 minutes from the unspoilt UNESCO world heritage town of Noto. A beautifully restored pitch roofed barn houses the indoor yoga studio, with an outdoor shala overlooking an orange orchard. An infinity pool, massage rooms and plenty of spaces to eat, relax or watch the sunset creates an intimacy and spaciousness where you can rest into togetherness, peace and solitude.

This retreat may be right for you if:
- you’ve done personal work, but feel something wants to deepen or integrate
- you’re tired of pushing, striving, or fixing yourself
- you’re in a life transition (visible or invisible)
- you’re longing for depth held with warmth, humour, and humanity

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR WEEK:

• Seven nights’ accommodation in a private Sicilian Masseria, surrounded by olive and almond groves - a setting chosen for its grounding, spacious, restorative quality

• All meals lovingly prepared using fresh, local ingredients - nourishing, vegetarian food designed to support the nervous system and deep rest.

• Daily yoga and meditation practices, weaving together gentle hatha, yin, and restorative styles offered as a way to listen inward rather than push

• Somatic movement and embodiment practices to support the release, expression, and integration of emotions held in the body

• Wellbeing workshops exploring themes of living in alignment, nervous system regulation, self-massage, and what it means to live wholly

• A traditional Italian cooking class

• A boat trip along the local coastline

• Time at nearby beaches and nature reserves

• Spacious, unscheduled time to rest, reflect, swim, journal, or simply be.

Optional:

• Massage treatments and bodywork (booked separately)

What’s not included:

• Flights to Sicily (closest airport is Catania Fontanarossa or Comiso)

• Transfers to Danena retreat centre from the airport (we recommend you hire a car, or we can arrange transportation for an additional cost)

• Travel Insurance (required)

YOUR INVESTMENT:

Living Wholly is intentionally held as a small, intimate retreat. Your investment reflects not only the beauty of the location and accommodation, but the depth of facilitation, the care woven through the week, and the spaciousness of the experience. Payment plans are available, and a 30% deposit secures your place.

Accommodation Options:

Prices range from €1970 – €2890 per person, depending on room selection. All options include full accommodation, meals, daily practices, workshops, excursions, and retreat facilitation.

Queen or Twin Room with private ensuite (shared living space):

• €2290 per person (based on two persons sharing a room) *€400 single supplement

Double or Twin Room with shared ensuite (two rooms sharing bathroom) + shared living space:

• €2190 per person (based on two persons sharing) *€400 single supplement

Superior Queen or Twin Room with ensuite:

• €2490 per person (based on two persons sharing a room)

Deluxe Apartment with ensuite (two King Size beds):

• €2890 per person (based on two persons sharing)
  

FAQs:

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for thoughtful, growth-oriented humans who feel ready for fun, connection, exploration and deeper inner work. You may be navigating transition, burnout, relationship shifts, creative blocks, or simply sensing there is “more” beneath the surface. You do not need prior experience in therapy or retreat work, only curiosity and willingness.

I’m travelling solo — will that feel awkward?

Many of our participants attend solo! Living Wholly is a space where we endeavour to create both connection and community. It is also a great opportunity to dive into what is moving through you and do your own inner work and rest! By the end, people often describe the experience as deeply bonding and surprisingly easeful.

How long does it take to travel from Australia?

From Australia, travel time to Sicily is typically 22–30 hours total, depending on your departure city and layover times.

There are no direct flights, so most routes involve:
• One stop in the Middle East (e.g. Doha or Dubai)
• Or one stop in a major European city (e.g. Rome or Milan)

I recommend allowing yourself a buffer day to rest and adjust before the retreat begins, if possible!

Do I need to arrange my own airport transfers?

Yes — flights and transfers are not included in the retreat cost.

However, once the group is confirmed, I will:
• Help coordinate arrival times
• Connect participants who may wish to share transfers
• Provide clear guidance on the easiest route to the venue

You won’t be left to figure it out alone!

When should I arrive?

I recommend arriving in Sicily on the morning of the retreat start date at the latest — or ideally the day before to settle in and regulate after travel.

The retreat will begin in the late afternoon/early evening on the first day.

I’ve never travelled to Italy alone — will I be okay?

Absolutely! Many participants travel solo. Once booked, you’ll receive detailed guidance and can connect with others attending if you wish (and some suggestions of where else to explore if you are interested!) Sicily is one of my favourite places on Earth and is warm, welcoming and culturally rich. Part of the retreat experience is being held in that beauty, and the magic of ‘la dolce vita’… The sweet life!