SLOW RHYTHMS
Explore your inner landscape in Sicily, while savouring the art of slow living
Tuesday 15th - Sunday 20th of September 2026, Scicli, Sicily
ABOUT
Slow Rhythms is a retreat that intertwines inner exploration with the lush landscapes of Sicily. As you delve into the beauty of the island, you’ll discover the parallels between your inner landscapes and the outer splendour of Sicily. Blending yoga and meditation with creative workshops, culinary delights of Sicilian cuisine and an artisanal exploration of food and wine, this experience offers a unique blend of personal growth and cultural immersion.
INTENTION
Tailored for those seeking a break from life's rush and the chatter of the busy mind, this retreat welcomes individuals longing to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. If you're yearning to slow down, immerse yourself in the simplicity of each moment, and deepen your awareness, this one’s for you.
OUR SANCTUARY
Imagine finding yourself in a secluded villa nestled in the Sicilian countryside. Surrounded by olive and almond trees, the villa offers expansive views of rolling hills merging with the distant sea. Wander through fragrant gardens or relax by the private pool, basking in the warmth of the Sicilian sun. You'll find yourself in the perfect setting for slowing down, fully embracing the moment and the beauty of living slowly.
THE THEME
Embracing the essence of slow living, every aspect of our retreat is designed to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of each moment. From creative workshops to cooking and yoga/meditation practices, our explorations are guided by the principles of intentional living and the art of savouring the present. Our dining experiences emphasise the ethos of slow food, further enhancing our commitment to mindful consumption.
SESSIONS
The wellbeing and creative sessions are dedicated to exploring the elements, embracing slowness, fostering awareness, and encouraging expression, offering a serene pause from life's hustle and bustle. Through yoga, meditation, movement, breathwork, a creative workshop and a cooking workshop where we use our hands to create, you'll engage in dynamic practices that awaken your senses. Through art, we’ll explore the world around us and within us, expressing it through colour, textures, and shapes. Each session is a a gentle invitation to reconnect with yourself, listening to the whispers of your desires and the authenticity of who you really are.
A TYPICAL DAY
Morning:
Enjoy a quiet moment to yourself in nature with tea, coffee and fruit
Start your day with a yoga session
Savour a Mediterranean brunch with locally-sourced ingredients
Afternoon:
Explore the local town with us or choose to relax at the villa
Cooking workshop or creative expression workshop
Evening:
Sunset immersion
Enjoy an Italian dinner at the villa
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
5 night stay in our boutique Sicilian villa
Daily yoga sessions with Catherine
Creative expression workshop
A Sicilian cooking class with Simona, our local private chef
Trip to the local town Scicli / a nature spot
A Sicilian artisanal experience exploring food / wine
Daily Mediterranean brunch and Italian family dinners, using locally sourced ingredients with many Sicilian delicacies
INVESTMENT
SHARED OCCUPANCY
A spot in a shared room with another guest (two single beds or one double).
Open-plan bathroom layout - £1950 per person
En-suite bathroom - £2150 per person
`SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A private en-suite bedroom with a double bed - £2950 per person
We understand sharing a room or coming alone can feel daunting, but many participants find it unexpectedly rewarding and leave with new friendships.
Payment plans available.
HOW TO BOOK
Secure your place with a £500 deposit here.
Following this, we will email you to discuss the next steps, which will include the below:
-Arranging payment of the remaining balance
-Completing onboarding form
Payment plans of up to 3 instalments are available depending on the booking date. If paying in full, the remaining balance is due 3 months before the start of the retreat.
If you have any questions at all, please contact us at zagararetreats@gmail.com
What previous guests are saying
“I just returned from Zagara Retreat and it’s hard to put into words what this place gave me. It’s more then a retreat, it’s an experience that stays with you.
We were a small group from different countries, yet it felt like family. Between the yoga, meditations, creative workshops, deep conversations and even just quiet moments by the pool or in nature… I left feeling lighter, more grounded and full of gratitude.
If you are looking for a place to slow down, connect with yourself, meet wonderful people and experience Sicily in the most authentic way, I can’t recommend Zagara enough.” - Musya
“The Slow Rhythm Retreat was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and held in a beautiful space of thoughtful intention, care and ease.
The stunning location, pace, and practice made the experience feel like it was unfolding just for me. Gentle morning yoga and meditation practice, creative exploration through art, and visiting local sights all wove together seamlessly by the most incredible instrutors. The food, rooted in Sicilian tradition and flavors, was so deeply nourishing and evoked so much pleasure and connection.
I left feeling recharged, awakened to my senses, more connected to my inner rhythms, and inspired to bring that same softness into my everyday life back in Canada.” - Karen
FAQs
-
Catania is the closest airport to the villa. We do not recommend flying to Palermo as this is far from the villa.
-
The villa is located near Scicli and is a 2 hour drive away from Catania airport. We can organise a transfer for you to share with other retreat guests. This will cost €40 per person, each way.
Transfer Arrival Instructions:• The transfer from Catania Airport to the villa will leave at 2:30 PM. The drive takes approximately two hours.
• Please ensure your flight arrives before 2:00 PM to allow time for the transfer.
Departure Instructions:
• On the departure day, the transfer will leave the villa at 10:00 AM to arrive at Catania Airport by 12:00 PM.
• Please book flights departing after 2:00 PM to ensure enough time for check-in and security.
Flight Schedule Consideration:
• If your flight schedule doesn’t align, we recommend staying an extra night in Catania or please email us at zagararetreats@gmail.com to arrange a private transfer for you.
-
The majority of people coming on retreats do tend to come alone and meet other like-minded spirits to share the experience with. It can feel scary to share a room with someone you don’t know, but it is such a beautiful experience on retreat. Rest assured, you will have plenty of privacy even with a shared room, as the property has a lot of space for you to have ‘me-time’. The beds will of course be divided in two.
-
We have an Italian private chef who will be cooking for us daily at the villa.
We can cater to many dietary requirements, including vegan or vegetarian options.
If you have any kind of food allergy, it is essential to contact us by email at zagararetreats@gmail.com, before booking, so we can discuss if we can safely accommodate your needs.
-
Included
Accommodation for 5 nights and 6 days, daily yoga sessions, creative workshops, explorations to nature spots and local town, refreshments, daily brunch and dinnersNot Included
Flights, transfer from and to the airport (€40 per person, each way), massages, alcoholic beverages
Meet your Hosts
Catherine Leo
Catherine is an artist graduated in Fine Art in London. She found her path into yoga in the UK before furthering her studies in Hatha Yoga in Rishikesh, India. With a background in art therapy, Catherine explores how art and wellbeing interweave, blending art with yogic practices for transformative experiences in self-discovery, creativity and holistic wellbeing.
Simona Canzonieri
Simona was born and raised in Sicily, where her love for cooking began at an early age, watching the women in her family prepare generous Sunday meals. Through these moments, she learned the techniques and quiet secrets of traditional Sicilian cuisine, developing a deep appreciation for the flavours and heritage of her land.
Kiran Tak
Born in the UK with Indian roots, Kiran’s love affair with Italy started at the age of 16. Following this, she went on to work in various creative fields in Italy, embracing art, wellbeing, and creativity. Kiran is the co-founder and curator of Zagara Retreats, as well as the founder of jewellery brand Āyurituals
Gaetano Terzo
Born and raised in Sicily, Gaetano is a creative storyteller, passionate about sharing the authentic side of Sicilian culture. It’s easy to fall in love with Sicily just listening to the stories he shares and the love he has for his island. Gaetano is the co-founder and curator of Zagara Retreats.