ITALY \ Sicily

Scent of citrus retreat

Yoga & Art Journey

30 Oct - 2 Nov 2026

LIMITED SPOTS

EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF THE ITALIAN ISLANDS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY

LANDSCAPES OF THE SIRACUSANO, A HIDDEN GEM

Siracusano - A Sunny Haven for Beauty Seekers

This retreat will take place in the heart of the Siracusano area, where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly along the southeastern coast of Sicily. Syracuse, the ancient Greek capital of the island, and its surrounding villages offer an escape into a timeless world of breathtaking landscapes and historical wonders.

Perched along the Mediterranean Sea, this region is a perfect getaway from the fast-paced modern world. Here, one can slow down, embrace the rhythms of the past, and take in stunning views of the coastline, baroque towns, and lush countryside. The Siracusano area embodies the authentic spirit of Sicily.

We will be staying close by the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stuns with its exquisite Baroque beauty, while the hidden corners of Palazzolo Acreide and Ferla reveal Sicily’s deeper traditions.

But the magic of the Siracusano is its history. A network of ancient ruins, aqueducts, and catacombs—some dating back to Greek and early Christian times—form a world waiting to be explored. The Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with incredible acoustics, and the Catacombs of San Giovanni, among the largest in the Mediterranean, unveil a fascinating hidden history.

With its harmonious blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty, the Siracusano offers a transformative retreat into Sicily’s most captivating landscapes. Whether exploring ancient ruins, strolling through baroque streets, or soaking in the Mediterranean sun, this region promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sicily.

The history of Noto dates back to ancient times, with its roots in the Siculi civilization. Through the ages, a golden thread connects the events that have shaped it—or perhaps we should call it an amber thread: the limestone that gives the city its iconic glow.

The strategic position of Noto, nestled between the Hyblaean Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, has made it a vital cultural and commercial hub throughout history, from the Greeks to the Romans, the Byzantines to the Arabs, each leaving their mark on this timeless Sicilian jewel.

Old weathered turquoise double doors with peeling paint and a small sign.

Stone angel statue with mossy green wings and weathered torso, set against a blue sky.

Two beach chairs on a sandy beach looking out at rocky cliffs in turquoise water. People swim.

A man standing near a blue scooter in front of a newsstand.

italy - Scent of citrus retreat

A Sicilian ART & yoga Retreat to find Inspiration, rest & Connection

Immerse yourself in the light and vibrant landscapes of Sicily, between sea, hills, and volcanoes, and invite new colors into your life.

During this special Art & Yoga Retreat – The Scent of Citrus, Eli, Maria Rita and Roberta

will guide you on a profound journey of connection with yourself, inside and out.

Let yourself be inspired by a land rich in energy, history, and beauty, and open yourself to big, authentic, and transformative experiences.

Expand your awareness and forge truer, deeper connections.

Explore your inner world through this unique approach to art in a safe, judgment-free space.

You will learn to use watercolor to express yourself freely and spontaneously, even if you've never held a paintbrush before.

Release your visual voice and experience the creative flow guided by your intuition.

Experience the healing power of intuitive art, letting yourself be inspired by the colors, light, and nature of Sicily.

Yoga is a powerful tool for releasing blocks and making space for your true essence.

Through mindful movement and breath, yoga helps to release physical and emotional tensions, allowing your true self to emerge.

It brings clarity and inner peace, nurturing your creativity and your ability to express yourself.

Thanks to Yoga, it will be easier to listen to your intuition and bring it into your Art authentically.

By participating in the Scent of Citrus Retreat, you will live a joyful, inspiring, and transformative experience, regardless of your level of yoga or painting.

In addition to the retreat sessions, we will explore the magical places surrounding us and immerse ourselves in nature, between land, sea, and sky.

The Scent of Citrus Retreat – Sicily - An Art & Yoga Retreat to find inspiration, rest, and connection.

People painting at a table indoors. A woman looks over their shoulders, offering instruction. The setting is bright and airy.

Yoga class: People in warrior pose, instructor guiding, warm-toned studio.

Group of women holding up colorful art in a greenhouse setting. Many are smiling, posing.

People doing yoga in a sunlit studio with mountain views; arms raised overhead in a kneeling position.

OUR Accommodation

Perched on the rolling hills of southeastern Sicily, Zen Sicily is our retreat center is a peaceful retreat surrounded by olive groves, citrus orchards, and the gentle embrace of Mediterranean nature. Overlooking the pristine countryside and just a short drive from the shimmering coastline, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of serenity, comfort, and authentic Sicilian charm.

Nestled between the Baroque splendor of Noto and the untouched beauty of Vendicari Nature Reserve, our retreat center provides an immersive retreat experience. The tranquil setting invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the rhythm of nature.

The property features elegantly designed indoor and outdoor spaces, seamlessly blending traditional Sicilian architecture with contemporary comfort. A spacious, sunlit kitchen becomes the heart of the home, where the scents of fresh local ingredients fill the air. A shaded terrace opens onto a lush Mediterranean garden, offering stunning panoramic views—a perfect spot to unwind, journal, or simply soak in the moment.

Our center is more than just a retreat center; it’s a sanctuary for deep rest and mindful living. Whether you’re practicing yoga in the open-air shala, savoring home-cooked meals under the stars, or exploring nearby villages and nature trails, every moment here is an opportunity to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the breathtaking Sicilian landscape.

WE HAVE LIMITED AVAILABILITIES

*Single rooms are available with a supplement.

Yoga class: Instructor smiling, sitting on mat. Two students seated nearby. Wooden floor, outdoor setting.

Exterior of a small white building with a shaded patio. A table and chairs sit on a brick path, with grassy lawn and small trees in the yard.

Yellow lemon hanging from a branch, with green leaves and a bud in the background.

A yoga instructor demonstrates a pose to a group in a bright studio.

Flamingos wading in shallow water, many pink birds, reed-lined shore, background of trees and distant hills.

Soul Food

Food plays a central role in both our yoga practice and life. We believe food should be varied, unprocessed and nourishing to promote health and wellbeing.

For this retreat, we partnered with our chef, that will cook our delicious, colorful, and plant-based meals for the week. Our chef focuses on healthy, fresh and mostly organic produces to make you feel nourished and energized. Besides your 2 daily meals, snacks will be available throughout the day, and include tea, coffee, water, and fruits.

If you have special dietary requirements or food intolerances, please let us know in advance.

Farm to Table - Food is nourishment for the body and the soul.

Gifted with our own organic garden with the juiciest and tasties vegetables.

With her love and experience, our mom Graziella will cook them to serve you colorful veggie meals, so that you can recharge your batteries for the next yoga practice.

All meals are prepared with local, fresh and organic food that comes from our farm or from other trusted small producers near here. Our land is rich and generous and so are we with servings!

Yellow lemon fruit hanging from a tree branch with green leaves.

Man using a rake in a garden, wearing shorts and a hat, trees in background.

Freshly harvested vegetables: carrots, beets, cucumbers, and greens in a wooden crate.

Woman smiles, holding a basket of fresh produce in an orchard.

The Activities

Three people painting at a table outdoors. Woman in blue denim jacket helps other painters.

Woman smiling, assisting another with a yoga pose on a wooden floor, other people in the background.

Person in yoga pose on a patterned mat, back view. Arms extended, head down. Black top.

People painting at a table indoors. A woman in purple concentrates on her art. Paint supplies and glasses are visible.

Art in your day

08:15 - 08:30 Creative Journaling

11:00 - 12:00 Brunch

12:00 - 15:00 Art Workshop/Practice

15:00 - 19:00-ish Free time*

19:30 - 20:30 Dinner

Possible evening activity

*Free time to explore the area or simply relax!

Art Class will be held in the terrace or in the garden.

Yoga in your day

08:30 - 09:00 Meditation/Breathwork

9:00 - 10:30 Morning practice

11:00 - 12:00 Brunch

19:00 - 19:45 Possible Slow practice

19:30 - 20:30 Dinner

Possible evening activity

*Free time to explore the area or simply relax!

Yoga will be held in the shala or in the garden.

Meet Your HOSTS

Maria Rita

Maria Rita is not just an art lover, she is an artist herself. By using her expertise and knowledge when it comes to different painting techniques she is able to create amazing artwork.

She started to realise how art can be a support and a vehicle when it comes to explore emotional, behavioural, physical and mental struggles. Painting can help that silent part of us to talk and manifest. She uses different techniques to enable students to discover their own language using the creative process that belongs and is an exquisite part of the art universe.

Eli

Elisa combines her communication degree, corporate background, health & wellness coaching experience and love for yoga to help people come back to their pure self.

She specialises both in the energetic and milder forms of yoga in order to bring balance into our productivity driven, stressed and self disconnected lifestyles.

Roberta

Roberta, a full power house and the heart of our beautiful Retreat Center.

Roberta every year sets out and returns, travels, meets the world, and then comes back bringing new visions and inspirations to Zen Sicily.

YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Welcome Ceremony upon your arrival
Plenty of Yoga (Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Breathwork, Guided meditations - the sessions are suitable for all levels)
Watercolor Painting Workshops
3 Nights in the cosy boutique retreat center nestled in an olive garden
2 delicious plant based meals daily; a brunch and an evening dinner
Linen, towels
Wi fi internet connection
Additional offers to explore the area
Enough time for yourself

NOT INCLUDED:

Flights
Arrival and departure (shuttle from/to Catania airport can be booked additionally on request)
Individual coaching and private yoga sessions (can be booked additionally on request)
Excursions by arrangement
Medical/ travel insurance

BOOK YOUR RETREAT IN SICILY FROM : 30 Oct - 2 Nov, 2025

WE ONLY OFFER VERY FEW SPOTS, TO ENSURE AN UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

Prices are per person:

Shared Room - 560 € Single Room - 695 €

Deposit to pay at the booking 290 €

All Prices include: Please see section above

Book your place in the retreat!

Contact Us

Note:

The Double/Triple Rooms will be allocated unless you request to share with someone. You may come along with a friend or we will pair you up with another yogi
You don't need to participate in everything. This is your time to do whatever your heart desires! If that means skipping yoga and going for an early morning walking, do that! Group outings are of course optional as well, there’s no right or wrong here - we provide a schedule, and you choose what you want to do - it’s your retreat!

RESERVATION POLICY

To reserve your space, we require a non-refundable deposit of 290 €
Full payment is required 60 days in advance of the retreat
If we have to cancel or reschedule due to any Covid related lockdowns out of our control, you will have the option for a full retreat refund (deposit included) or to transfer your booking to the new date.
If for any unforeseen reason you are no longer able to participate to the retreat the following policy is in place:

Cancellation - 50% refund on the full amount of the retreat (service & admin charge of 100 Euros applies extra).
Cancellation 1 month before retreat - No refund (unless you find someone to take your place).

Upon receiving the deposit you are automatically agreeing to the booking and cancellation terms of the retreat. Please let us know if you have any questions and we are happy to answer

THE GREATEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN EVER MAKE IN LIFE IS IN YOURSELF