Mark and I are excited to present another Italian adventure this summer in spectacular Sicily.

“Sicilia,” Italy’s largest Mediterranean island, is famous for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, medieval hilltop cities and ancient ruins and archeological sites.

Sicily is also the place where some of my ancestors come from, making it an extra-special trip for us. In fact, Mark and I visited my family here these past two summers, delighting in all Sicily has to offer.

Now we are thrilled to be sharing again some of these Sicilian splendors with all of you this September!

We will return to the wonderful Agriturismo Badiula, with new planned excursions and we have kept our retreat prices the same as last year's, offering you tremendous value.

• Our retreat center is located between Siracusa and Catania, just 25 minutes from the airport.

• Spend a week in an Italian agriturismo—an authentic farmhouse converted into a rustic resort.

• Get fit and energized with our daily classes, including, Pilates, qi gong, yoga and Fit Longevity. 

• Enjoy classes in our private fitness studio and on the rooftop patio with amazing 360° views.

• Cool off in one of the two swimming pools or enjoy a game of tennis.

• Rejuvenate by treating yourself to a massage or special treatment at the Badiula spa.

• Indulge in delicious regional Italian cuisine, including Sicilian wines with three course dinners.

• Explore majestic Ragusa, with its historic old town below, elegant modern upper town above, and breathtaking panoramic views. 

• Visit the 4th century Villa Romana del Casale, featuring some of the most magnificent and oldest mosaics in the world.  

• Explore the golden "stone garden "city of Noto, with its renowned Baroque architecture and crystal-blue beaches. 

-We had our first Sicily retreat, "Sicilian Splendor" last Sept. and it was just spectacular!

-Mid-September is still summer, but pleasantly less touristy, cooler and more peaceful.

-Direct flights to Catania from the U.S.A. facilitate your trip.

-Take the stress out of traveling and enjoy the comforts of a planned itinerary with comfortable accommodations and easy transport with a fun, supportive group.

-Our lifestyle retreats offer a little bit of all the good things in life: travel, culture, art, history, fitness, leisure and fine dining.

-There is truly something for everybody. You can participate in as much, or in as little as you like, it’s your holiday.

-We have built a small community of happy travelers who enjoy fitness, great food and good company. 

-So come join us and make some new friends. Consider bringing your family!

Set in a citrus grove a couple of miles from the Mediterranean Sea, the agriturismo offers rustic, comfortable accommodations featuring cool stone floors and beamed ceilings.

All rooms are simply furnished and have private en-suite bathrooms, A/C, television complimentary Wi-Fi and outdoor patio.

Choice of private single room, or shared double or triple duplex room.

-Three delicious meals a day are provided at Badiula, with the exception of three lunches out on our excursion days.

-Breakfast: Cappuccinos, espressos, fresh juice, eggs, cereal, yogurt, breakfast meats, Italian bread, pastries and fruit.

-Lunch: Paninis, salad and fruits, served on the beautiful outdoor patio picnic tables.

-Dinners: Three-course, world-class Sicilan cuisine, including pasta, meat, fish, and vegetables with waiter service in an elegant dining room.  

*Wine, salad and desserts are included with dinner. 

All other alcohol may be purchased separately.

-Several ingredients come from the Badiula farm or are locally sourced.

-Special diets are accommodated—vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, peanut-free, etc.

*Fitness: Improve your health, strength, flexibility and mobility.

▪ Option of three daily fitness classes featuring:

▪ LindaFit Pilates, Mark's Fit Longevity, qi gong, yoga, and strength and mobility.

▪ Classes are taught on the spectacular roof-top patio or in the fitness studio.

▪ Classes are modified for all levels and are optional.

* You will need to pack a yoga mat.  We recommend the Primasole portable yoga mat, available on amazon. https://a.co/d/5e26YdM

Wellness: De-stress and clear the mind.

▪ Mark's daily gratitude sessions promote positive thinking.

▪ Meditation sessions cultivate inner peace and calm.

Athletics: Swimming and Tennis

▪ Choose from two outdoor swimming pools—one large lap pool and one smaller pool.

▪ Private patio and whirlpool. 

▪ Enjoy a game of tennis* on a grass court.

*Tennis Rackets and balls provided.

▪ Delight in an array of therapeutic a la carte massages and treatments. 

Schedule these a la carte treatments at the agriturismo.

o  Half-day trip to Ragusa-Ilba and Superiore.

o Half-day trip to Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Amerina.

o Full day trip to the city of Noto and one of its beautiful beaches.

-Our retreat center is only 25 minutes from the airport. 

-You may take a cab from and to the airport on both arrival and departure, and we can help you arrange your transport.

-We can organize pick ups for small groups, helping to defray the cost. 

Transfers are not included in your retreat price.

A non-refundable $500 deposit is needed to secure your spot.

Final payments are due by July 15, 2025.

If you cancel by June 15th, 2025, you will be refunded the cost of the trip less the non-refundable $500 deposit.

No refunds after June 15, 2025, but you may sell your spot on the trip.

A travel insurance policy is recommended, including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance and medical assistance.

All details are subject to change in order to improve our clients’ experience.

Applications and waivers must be received and signed.

All fees will be absorbed by the participant.

The We Travel platform offers a payment plan option.

Feel free to email [email protected] if you need assistance.