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Mindfulness Retreats in Italy/
Mindfulness Retreats in San Giovanni/
Art of Being: A Mindful Arts Retreat in Sicily
Art of Being: A Mindful Arts Retreat in Sicily
July 11 - 18, 2026
San Giovanni, Italy
7 nights, 8 days
15 person retreat
Highlights
Immerse yourself in the nurturing landscape and gentle pace of the Sicilian countryside
Develop and deepen your meditation practice
Learn to use the arts as a contemplative practice
Explore your place within the Larger Tapestry of an interdependent world
Visit the picturesque town of Castelbuono for a workshop with Sicilian photographer Gianni Cusumano
Details
There are times when we need to step out of our lives to see the big picture, to remind ourselves that we are part of something much larger and grander, "A Larger Tapestry." Get ready to zoom out for a panoramic view as we explore this theme together in Sicily! Ancient Buddhist teachings remind us that we and everything in our world arise out of an infinite web of interdependent threads. The circumstances of one moment in time give rise to what comes next. Taking this more expansive view can help us to see more clearly what truly matters and envision a path through life that is aligned with our deepest, most heartfelt aspirations. In this signature Art of Being retreat, we will join mindfulness meditation with contemplative arts experiences designed to help you see your life from a larger perspective. Each day you will be guided through practices you can take back into your daily life and arts experiences intended to cultivate your innate capacity for artistic expression. No experience in meditation or art required. The process is more important than the work we produce. We will explore contemplative approaches to weaving, map-making, and photography. All of this takes place in the pastoral setting of a centuries-old farm estate set amongst the gently rolling hillsides of San Giovanni Sgadari in the heart of Sicily. The capstone of our week will be a visit to the charming mountain town of Castelbuono for a workshop with celebrated Sicilian photographer Gianni Cusumano.
Venue
Sicilian Spirit
5 ★ 4 Reviews
There are places that belong to our souls. We know that we have finally landed there in the moment we see them for the very first time. After a long search, we found one in the most enchanting part of Sicily, and we made Sicilian Spirit become your perfect, luxury, yoga retreat center in Italy. In our 17th-century farmhouse, surrounded by 25 hectares of a lush private park that includes a secluded oak wood, a small river, and a labyrinth garden of the first half of the 18th century, we host your yoga, meditation, and art retreats. Located in the Madonie area, in the very centre of Sicily, the Masseria is a certified organic farm and produces extra virgin olive oil, wheat, vegetables, and fruit that we use to prepare our healthy vegetarian meals and our homemade preserves and jams. If you are a teacher, we will heartily welcome you and your students in our 12 suites and luxury double rooms, our fully equipped 130 sq.m large yoga room, and our Ayurvedic treatments area and we'll support you in every step of your stay during your retreat. Our heritage of Sicilian culture, hospitality, and soulful traditions play a great part in our life path and sustain us to live in harmony with ourselves, others, and Nature.
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Yoga Studio
Garden
Restaurant
Kitchen
Heating
Bathroom
Accommodation
Private Farmhouse Room
1 Room Left
Private room for 2
$2,462.85 USD / person
Private Farmhouse Room
1 Room Left
Private room for 1
$2,685.60 USD total
Private Cottage
1 Room Left
Private room for 2
$2,478.60 USD / person
Private Cottage
1 Room Left
Private room for 1
$2,997 USD total
Shared 2-Person Cottage
2 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$2,478.60 USD / person
Shared 4-Person Cottage
4 Spots Left
4-person shared room
$2,063.70 USD / person
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The Masseria San Giovanni Sgadari offers three room categories in the main farmhouse building and a collection of stone cottages overlooking the valley. Rooms and cottages reflect the style and character of our historic countryside location and are fitted with elegant antique furnishings evoking a timeless connection to the Sicilian heartland. Rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, but ancient stone walls will also keep you naturally cool.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free
Be nurtured by the simple, healthy meals prepared in the Kitchen at San Giovanni Sgadari by our in-house local chef. The loving attention she showers on our guests is one of the staples of our retreat! Many of the natural ingredients come from the farm itself and the surrounding region. Meals are vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available. Breakfast is simple and light, but we have a large brunch at 11:30am. Please let us know of any other dietary restrictions you may have, and rest assured we will accommodate your needs to ensure your comfort, health, and well-being throughout your stay with us in Sicily. We will do our best to accommodate other dietary needs. Please let us know in advance!
Testimonials
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Host
What's Included
7 nights accommodation, towel, sheets, and 1 room cleaning per week
Excursion to Castelbuono
Coffee, tea, and continental breakfast each morning
Wholesome vegetarian lunch and dinner each day
Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, tea, coffee) & snacks each day
Meditation cushions and mats for your use
Basic dry & wet art materials, weaving and photographic print materials
Not Included
Airfare
Ground transport (available for additional fee)
Travel insurance
Notebook, pen, camera, any personal art materials
FAQs
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.
