Danena is a stunning yoga retreat center on the famous southeast coast of Sicily and the ancestral home of my ancestors. The main structure is a 19th-century farmhouse - La Masseria - situated in a natural landscape surrounded by the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea. This will be my second time teaching there--we had a fantastic experience in 2019. The nearby Greek town of Siracusa is one of the main attractions, as are the hilltop town of Noto and the Vendicari nature reserves. Sicily is a land full of history; Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Norman, Greek, and Spaniard (my other relatives!). There is so much to explore on this incredible island; the beautiful beaches, passionate people, fantastic food, and the currently erupting volcano Mount Etna. The last retreat sold-out. Registrati presto!! Early bird discount extended through July 31!
Travel in The Age of Covid: No one knows where we will be with this pandemic by fall but we are hopeful. Participants will need to be vaccinated and up to date with boosters, airlines will have their own updated protocol for air travel and Italy will have its own regulations. Danena will serve meals al fresco, the studio is sanitized twice daily and has good circulation with doors open. If needed we will practice outdoors (not my preference.) All participants will need to be vaccinated by September 1st.
I would encourage you to allow time before and after the retreat to see more of Sicily, including Taormina and Palermo. These two articles on Sicily were just published in the New York Times during our 2018 visit. The second article talks specifically about the side of the island that the retreat is held. Just click on Sicily for it and Palermo for the other.
And, this recent article in The Guardian, February 23rd 2021 on the current eruption of Mount Etna.
What To Expect
This week is both a Yoga Retreat and Travel Adventure. Our days will include two yoga sessions such as Deep Flow, YIN Yoga, Yoga Therapeutics, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Yoga Lab, Qi Gong, Authentic Movement, and Heart Circles. Free time is from after breakfast until the afternoon session at 5:PM. Mornings will be silent until brunch. We will enjoy two sumptuous and healthy meals daily--brunch and dinner, that are primarily vegetarian with occasional fish and other seafood options. There will be ample time for laughter, casual hanging-out, group sharing, along with time for self-reflection and silence, plus options for excursions to nearby towns and beaches. Registration includes a day excursion to the Greek town of Siracusa, all instruction, room, board, transfers to and from the airport, and staff tipping. Space is limited to 25 students.
MEALS: We will have a hearty brunch each day at 10:30. Lunch is on your own as most will take day trips during this time. For those who stay on property, there will be plenty of fruit, nuts, and tea available. Dinner (7: pm) is a big part of the evening activity and is graciously served by the staff. Wine is also optional, as is an outing to a local vineyard for a wine tasting. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated as much as possible.
"We had a wonderful time in a beautiful location with a marvelous teacher. Inspiring and beautiful experience." Margaret -- United Kingdom
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life..." Mary Oliver
Heart Circles are a big part of our being together, creating a more intimate experience of ourselves in relation to others. They also afford us the opportunity and, give us permission, to be authentically ourselves.
Housing
Syracuse:
“More than any other city, Syracuse encapsulates Sicily's timeless beauty. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards, cafe tables spill onto dazzling baroque piazzas, and honey-hued medieval lanes lead down to the sparkling blue sea. It's difficult to imagine now but in its heyday, this was the largest city in the ancient world, bigger even than Athens and Corinth. Its 'Once Upon a Time' begins in 734 BC, when Corinthian colonists landed on the island of Ortygia and founded the settlement, setting up the mainland city four years later. Almost three millennia later, the ruins of that then-new city constitute the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites. Across the water from the mainland, Ortygia remains the city's most beautiful corner, a casually chic, eclectic marvel with an ever-growing legion of fans.” Lonely Planet
Airport: Catania Fontanarossa:
There are two airports in Sicily. The closest to the retreat center is Catania Fontanarossa. You can rent a car there, or I can arrange for a transfer from the airport to Danena. There will be only one pickup from the airport on the day the retreat begins, October 15th, at 2:PM
Most of you will fly direct to Rome. Flights leave from Rome to Sicily hourly and are usually very affordable.
Car Rental or Airport Transfers:
Driving in Italy is an exhilarating experience and not that different from driving in the states, except that stop signs and the road laws are more of a suggestion than something you can count on. I even learned how to not signal! Fortunately, there are plenty of open back roads with sparse traffic. I would suggest renting a car if you can, to and from Danena, or taking day trips. If not, I can hire a driver for transfers to and from Catania airport or for afternoon excursions for an additional cost. Riding with those who rent a car is possible once I coordinate this.
Your transfer to or from Catania airport is included in your registration. It takes about an hour to get to Danena from the airport. There will be a one-afternoon pickup from the airport on the afternoon of our start date- October 15th. This is usually by 2:PM but will need to be determined by the drivers and the center. If you arrive days early and what to get a ride, you must get back to the airport at the designated time. There will also be one transfer from Danena to the airport on the morning of October 22nd for the exact cost. If you are arranging your transfer, it will cost you about $100.
From Catania Airport, follow signs towards Siracusa, then take the Siracusa - Gela highway towards Rosolini, come out Rosolini take the exit on you right towards Pachino, after 4.8 km you'll see a little white sign Contrada Belliscala, turn left, you will find us up the road.
Google Maps - https://goo.gl/maps/T6ZUeBuQ9q4HG13G7
The retreat starts on the 15th at 7: pm--there will be group welcoming and orientation at this dinner hour.
The retreat ends on the 22nd at 10: am --after a light breakfast.
Because Danena is booked back to back for the season, please do not arrive before 3:30 pm on the 15th and plan to leave by 10: am on the 22nd. They are not able to accommodate pre and post-retreat stays.
Shared Occupancy: $2585.
Single Occupancy: $3885.
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Wifi: Internet is available on site, however, it can be spotty so adjust your expectation and all will be swell. In fact, take a vacation from it! (Impossible, I know!) Electrical outlets use European adapters.
Yoga Props: The studio has most yoga props.
Driving To Danena: If you are driving: From Catania Airport, follow signs towards Siracusa, then take the Siracusa - Gela highway towards Rosolini, come out Rosolini take the exit on your right towards Pachino, after 4.8 km you'll see a little white sign Contrada Belliscala, turn left, you will find us up the road.
Google Maps - https://goo.gl/maps/u435edun16v
Shared Occupancy: $2585.
Single Occupancy: $3885.
Cancellations: Cancellations received 60 days or more prior to the departure date are refundable less the deposit.
Reservations canceled less than 29 days prior to the departure date are non-refundable.
Full payment is due by August 15th, 2022. Your deposit is non-refundable.
Travelers Insurance is recommended, either as a separate policy or through your credit card company. In the registration process through WeTravel you will also be given an opportunity for insurance.
World-class Yoga Instructor David Moreno, ERYT 500, YACEP, SFT, has led international yoga adventures and retreats to; Bali, India, Costa Rica, Jordan, and Mexico. This is his fourth yoga retreat in Italy and this picture of him in handstand was taken previously in Venice. He has also taught throughout the U.K, Germany, Thailand, Greece, South Korea, and Jakarta.
Read David’s comical travel adventure in Yoga International
