Vanaprastha: The Art of Living with Purpose
Yoga & Meditation Retreat to Sicily: October 11 - 18, 2025
6 month payment plan offered for limited time only
Join Petra in the Madonie area, in the very center of Sicily, surrounded by a lush private park, a small river and labyrinth garden. Our retreat location, La Masseria, is a 17th century farmhouse situated on an organic farm producing extra virgin olive oil, wheat, vegetables and fruit.
Explore and find solace in the Sicilian culture, hospitality and soulful traditions that have a great part in our life path and sustain us to live in harmony with ourselves, others and Nature.
This week will be a safe space for you to deepen your practice as we explore the Vanaprastha or Forest-Dweller stage of life. Learning to spend time with yourself, individualize your practice and allow space for solitude. Taking a step back from an accelerated pace of life and slowing down to explore how your unique gifts can now sustain you as you move forward in new, creative ways.
THE THEME:
In the journey of life, the stage of Vanaprastha, or the "forest-dweller" phase, invites individuals to transition gracefully into the later years. Traditionally rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, this phase encourages a mindful approach to aging, emphasizing purpose, reflection, and personal growth.
As one enters Vanaprastha, it becomes essential to reassess life’s priorities and goals. This is a time to shift from external pursuits and responsibilities to inner exploration and fulfillment. Embracing this phase with intention can lead to a deeper connection with oneself and the world.
Ultimately, Vanaprastha encourages aging with grace, purpose, and an open heart. It’s an opportunity to cultivate a life rich with meaning, where each day can be approached with curiosity and gratitude. Embracing this phase can lead not only to personal fulfillment but also to a lasting impact on others, leaving a legacy of wisdom and kindness.
““Italy is incredible: and you have to go to Sicily
to see how incredible Italy is””
THE PLACE:
Nested in the heart of the Madonie mountain park, a few miles from Gangi – “Most beautiful village in Italy” prize winner – and about 50 km from the enchanting fishermen village of Cefalù, Sicilian Spirit hosts yoga, meditation and art retreats in a 17th century “Masseria”, wonderfully restored respecting her ancient feudal structure. Surrounded by the silence offered by its enclosed 25 hectares park, at 650 mts above the sea level, we will be able to walk for hours in the secret inner paths and in the hidden centuries-old oak forest, get lost in the labyrinth garden of the 18th century, explore the banks of our “private” river, meditate and practice yoga at sunrise and sunset on the terrace overlooking the mountains and the valley or just sunbath and swim in the infinity pool.
With 12 between suites and double rooms, distributed in the main building and in the garden cottages, this luxury retreat center can host up to 24 people, who will have the use of a large indoor yoga room of 130 sq.m., located in the old barn, three different lounge areas for every moment of the day, a special space dedicated to massages and as well as their cozy restaurant, where we will be enjoying delicious Sicilian meals, prepared also with the own products of the Masseria, a certified organic farm since 20 years.
Your All-Inclusive Experience Offers the Following:
☞ 7 day stay at Sicilian Spirit Yoga & Meditation Retreat Center
☞ 2 yoga classes on most days, including asana, pranayama, meditation & specialty workshops
☞ herbal teas, juices, fruit and small snacks before morning yoga and during breaks
☞ generous buffet style brunch with breakfast and lunch options & dinner daily - all meals are vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options upon request; chicken will be served during Sunday and Tuesday dinner, and Thursday dinner is on our own in Cefalu
☞ 1 group cooking class
☞ Valle dei Templi day trip - one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek art and architecture in Sicily
☞ High Madonie Hike - hike through a breath-taking Sicilian landscape
☞ Cefalù day trip - a treasure trove of history, nature, and Mediterranean charm - from its UNESCO-listed Norman cathedral to its inviting beaches and vibrant streets, Cefalù offers a rich travel experience that caters to all
☞ Gangi visit with wine tasting - winner of the award of most beautiful village in Italy in 2014, Gangi is a medieval small town, built on an ancient Greek settlement and placed at over one thousand meters altitude, from its “belvedere” it’s possible to admire a breathtaking view of Etna
ACCOMODATIONS
6 month payment plan offered for limited time only
All beds can be separated into twin beds for double occupancy , or joined together for single occupancy. All rooms have heating and air-conditioning, and are elegantly furnished with antique Sicilian style furniture.
Luxury Rooms with Private Bathroom
located in the main building above the yoga room - aprox. 25 sq.m
The Blue Room
Located on the first floor of the main house. Intimate and romantic, furnished with antiques furniture, the Blue Room is particularly suitable for couples or singles. It has a private bathroom and offers an enchanting view of the courtyard of the Masseria and the fields. It has in room Wi-Fi service.
The Green Room
Extremely quiet and placed in front of the Blue Room, the Green Room is furnished with antique Sicilian furniture, has a beautiful view on the countryside and a private bathroom. Particularly suitable for couples or singles. It has in room Wi-Fi service.
The Yellow Room
Twin to the Green Room, and as well extremely quiet and placed in the main building, in front of the Blue Room, the Yellow Room has also a beautiful view on the countryside and a private bathroom. Particularly suitable for couples or singles, it offers in room Wi-Fi service.
Suites with Private Bathroom
located in the cottages with its own living room, a kitchenette and a terrace - aprox. 50 sq.m
Suite La Conigliera A
Located in the garden, this suite shares a large, panoramic patio with its twin suite, Conigliera B. It’s composed by one double bedroom, one living room with kitchenette and one bathroom.
Suite La Conigliera B
Very similar to her twin apartment, also La Conigliera B offers one double bedroom, one living room with kitchenette and one bathroom.
Double Rooms with Shared Bathroom
one bathroom for every two rooms, located in three cottages around 60 sq.m each in the garden. every one cottage has its own private patio and a kitchenette & Each cottage has two double rooms, one of which is separated by colorful heavy curtains, which can be opened to create a large common area. SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES AND GROUPS OF FRIENDS.
EACH BEDROOM IS OFFERED FOR SINGLE OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.
La Fromaggia
Decorated with stone walls, the antique cheese warehouse is also 90 sq.m. large. It offers two double bedrooms, one of which closed by curtains, a living room, a bathroom with bathtub. It overlooks the ancient courtyard of the Masseria.
La Stallatta
Offering a beautiful view of the swimming pool and of the fields, La Stalletta is a 60 sq.m apartment, two double bedroom, one delimited by curtains, bathroom with bathtub, and a large exclusive patio outside.
Marcato
The former sheep stable has a very large, private patio with an amazing round view, and it is composed by two bedroom, both with king size or two double beds. One of the bedrooms is delimited by curtains. It has a bathroom with bathtub.
Not included in the price of the retreat…
flights (1 stop overnight flights available from New York airports to Palermo or Catania)
transportation to and from the airport in the US
transportation from and to the airport in Sicily - private or group transport can be arranged, you can share the cost with others depending on your arrival time
trip insurance (recommended - visit https://www.travelinsurance.com for more info)
Cancelation policy…
If you cancel on or before March 31, 2025:
You will forfeit your 1st installment payment
You will be responsible for an additional $100 Cancelation Fee.
If you made any payment other than the 1st installment payment before that date, however, the remainder of your payment will be refunded to you (i.e. after deduction of the above amounts).
If you cancel after March 31, 2025 (for any reason including, without limitation, physical or mental illness or injury, voluntary departure, and personal emergencies):
You will not be entitled to any refunded amounts, and
You will be responsible to pay an additional $100 Cancelation Fee, and
You will forfeit all payments paid before that date.
Please note:
+ 6.35% CT sales tax applies