SLOW RHYTHMS
Explore your inner landscape in Sicily, while savouring the art of slow living
Wednesday 10th - Monday 15th of September 2025, 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, an intuitive painting 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 Henika
Intuitive painting workshop
A Sicilian cooking class with Emilia, our local private chef
Trip to the local town / 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 an en-suite bedroom with 2 single beds, shared with 1 other guest
£1950 per person
`SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A private en-suite bedroom with a double bed
£2950 per person
We completely understand that it can feel nerve-wracking to share a room or come alone, but many participants do find it to be unexpectedly rewarding, often leading to new friendships. Shared rooms will be in a spacious single bed formation. Payment plans are 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:
-Set up a payment plan for the remaining amount
-Complete onboarding form
If you have any questions at all, please contact us at zagararetreats@gmail.com
What previous guests are saying
“This retreat was truly a magical experience. The location was so thoughtful and intentional and provided the perfect backdrop for healing and slowing down. The marketing for ZAGARA is very authentic and the experience lived up to my high expectations and beyond! It also attracted a group of amazing people I got to spend the retreat with and get to know on a deeper level. I would enthusiastically recommend this retreat for anyone looking to connect more deeply with themselves and with nature while experiencing the island of Sicily.” - Kelly
“I couldn't have dreamed up a more wonderful experience. the entire retreat was so well thought out and the hosts do such an incredible job of delivering on the promise of the retreat. I feel so lucky to have experienced the magic of a ZAGARA retreat and would go back in a heartbeat.” - Zoe
FAQs
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Catania is the closest airport to the villa. We do not recommend flying to Palermo as this is far from the villa.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Henika Patel
Henika is a yoga and tantra practitioner and the founder of the School of Sensual Arts. She grew up in the UK with an Indian household abundant in tantra rituals and yoga and is passionate about translating ancient wisdom for modern life through unique sensory experiences.
Emilia Strazzanti
Emilia is a local professional chef and the founder of Strazzanti Experiences. Emilia is dedicated to showcasing the incredible produce, culture and spirit of the Sicilian land through her family recipes, experiences and ingredients, inviting you to immerse yourself in the heritage of Sicilian cuisine.
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.