‘DONNA, DIVA, DEA’ – Sicily, Italy.
Ten glorious days of yoga, meditation and lazing by the pool, strolling through the gardens, ‘al fresco’ dining, massage, sunshine, style and tranquillity. Oh yes, and did we mention three full-day outings through the Sicilian countryside, villages and boutiques?
When: To Be Advised (10 nights – 11 days).
Investment: AUD6970 per person – Twin Share
Single Supplement upon request
This journey embraces:
• the philosophies and practice of Patanjali’s ‘8 Limbs of Hatha Yoga’
• the philosophies and practice of Yin Yoga
• the philosophies and practice of Mindfulness Meditation
This retreat will be themed… and is based on ‘The Qualities of Humanity’. Details forthcoming.
The retreat is for pure rest, peppered with fresh, simple, seasonal Italian cuisine, 5-star accommodation in the group’s private villa and deeply, soothing, relaxation classes.
You will spend time in the hills and time by the sea, exploring cobblestone streets and cafe bars with a Gelato in one hand and an espresso in the other.
During the ten days we also visit some of Sicily’s beautiful historical sites, towns, street markets and cathedrals; and sample each region’s unique cuisine at local cafes and a selection of interesting and quirky restaurants.
We will spend a day in Taormina. Gorgeous, charming, magical Taormina. Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, Taormina towers above two stunning alcove-bays below, and on the southern side, you can view the top of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. An elegant town, a holiday haven to the discerning and stylish. Stroll through the alley-ways and visit ‘Corso Umberto’ – dotted with fine boutiques, cafes and pastry shops. Taormina has been referred to as the Mediterranean Pearl and in 1787, J.W. Goethe, in his novel ‘Italian Journey’, pronounced Taormina as a ‘patch of paradise’. And as for the food! Well…
A trip to Catania, which sits at the foot of Mt. Etna,( an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit). The city’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell’Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants (where we will go to lunch). Great shopping opportunity for all too!
A day in Siracusa, notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. The finest area is the coastal Ortigia, dense with gorgeously crumbly but also beautifully restored Baroque buildings, lovely restaurants, and one of the most gorgeous piazzas in Italy. The shopping is rather striking too.
click on the images below to view them as a slideshow.
The month of May is usually a great month to travel to Sicily. Before the onset of the tourist season and when Sicily is in flower.
If you would like to view some more photographs of the 'Donna, Diva, Dea' Retreat visit:
Annemaree's Pinterest board: donna-diva-dea-retreat
The Hatha yoga classes, Yin Yoga sessions, deep relaxation 'Yoga Nidra' practices and meditation instruction are experiential and simply executed.
These methods are ideal for beginners as well as those who wish to ‘deepen’ their already established yoga practice.
All are welcome.
We will have all the time in the world, to reflect, restore and to have fun!
Your itinerary:
• Arrive in Catania and be transferred to the villa.
• Spend ten days retreating!
• Yoga twice daily (except on village tour days - once daily)
• Modalities - Hatha & Yin Yoga
• Meditation daily
• Yoga Nidra
• Visit to Taormina (scenery, shopping, culinary delights)
• Visit to Catania (scenery, shopping, culinary delights)
• Visit to Siracusa (scenery, shopping, culinary delights)
...and much more!
Donna, Diva, Dea retreat package details
Your package includes:
• A series of Hatha Yoga classes
• A series of Restorative/Yin Yoga sessions
• A series of Meditation/Mindfulness practices
• Buffet Continental breakfasts daily (vegetarian and non-vegetarian)
• 10 nights twin share or single accommodation
• 6 Light lunches (When touring we feast out!)
• 6 light afternoon snacks
• Dinners each evening at the villa
• 'Al Fresco' dining on the warmer evenings
• Use of spa, dry sauna and hammam on 5 afternoons
• One massage
• Use of yoga kit (mat, block, blanket)
• Transfer airport to the villa from Catania airport at an agreed time
• Three full day tours/recreational afternoons:
• Taormina
• Ortigia (with local guide for half day tour)
• Catania
• Local Land operator (English speaking escort)
• All current applicable taxes
• Basic Tips at villa and on tour
... and more
Donna, Diva, Dea retreat costings
Land only fees for 2020:
Twin Share: AUD6970 per person - Twin Share
Single Supplement: Upon Request
(Fees in Euro and GBP upon application). International guests are most welcome. All yoga sessions will be delivered in English.
Assistance will be given for flights to and from Australia to Italy.
Connelly & Turner Travel Associates will only be to happy to assist with extensions to and from the retreat to other parts of Italy and Europe.
• Travel insurance is compulsory
• A visa will not be required
If you decide to spend additional time in Sicily, Sicily à la carte, our land operator, will advise and organise all that you require including car hire, accommodation, restaurants etc.
Exclusions:
• Airfares
• Private Transfers
• Additional Massages
• Reflexology
• Lunch on the three days of touring
• Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
• Any other meals/services not mentioned in the program.
• Any increase in Tax structure levied by the Govt. of Italy.
The costs are are based on minimum 12 full paying passengers travelling to Italy.
Assistance and/or advice on inoculations, insurance, clothing requirements, yoga attire, dress code and pharmaceutical supplies will be forthcoming.
People/partners who have not practised yoga are warmly welcomed to join us. It is not obligatory to join in the classes. However, as the yoga method is very gentle, soothing and easy to follow, some may wish to take the opportunity to try yoga and to experience the many benefits that it has to offer.
*This retreat is expected to fill quickly, so please book early.
A preliminary itinerary, booking form, booking conditions, deposit refund details and tour cost information will be forwarded to you upon registration.
NB: A deposit of AUD1250 will be required upon registration to secure your place.
Final payment will be due 15 December 2019.
Prices were re-calculated 06 September 2019. Currency fluctuations may occur and will be monitored accordingly.
This tour is being operated in conjunction with Connelly & Turner Travel Associates, Australia, and Sicily a la Carte, Italy.
Please note travel agency commission does apply. Please contact Cool, Calm & Collected for details.
Flight Information:
The most direct flights ex Melbourne into and out of Catania, Italy, are currently being reviewed.
Donna, Diva, Dea retreat - Our tour partners
This tour is being operated in conjunction with Connelly & Turner Travel Associates, Australia, and Sicily a la Carte, Italy.
Meet our wonderful tour operator in Sicily. Annamaria. Yes, it will be confusing with Annemaree and Annamaria but we'll all get used to it!
All travel arrangements from Australia are made through Connelly & Turner.