Modern
Spiritual
Wellness
Intuitive Healer, Psychic & Teacher, James Bene
Sensational Sicily
A Yoga, Culture & Self Discovery Retreat
Embark On A Sicily Yoga & Wellness Retreat
September 20-27 & October 4-11
We are thrilled to announce that due to our growing popularity we added not one, but two Sicily retreats in 2025!
Join us for an enchanting escape to Sicily, where our home base will be a lovingly restored 17th-century farmhouse nestled in the rolling hills of central Sicily. This serene retreat center is the perfect backdrop for a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation.
What’s Included:
• Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki Healing: Practice daily yoga with meditation and receive reiki healing to harmonize your mind, body, and spirit.
• Cultivate Intuition: Engage in a workshop designed to enhance your intuitive abilities and deepen your self-awareness.
• Authentic Sicilian Cooking: Learn to cook like a true Sicilian with hands-on culinary classes, using fresh ingredients from our own farm.
• Psychic Message Circle: Receive intuitive messages during a special psychic message circle with the gifted James.
• Gourmet Meals: Savor lovingly prepared vegetarian meals (with some meat options) crafted by our private chef, Nino, using the freshest farm ingredients.
Excursions To Awaken Your Senses:
• Valley of the Temples: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and marvel at its ancient ruins.
• Agrigento: Spend an afternoon wandering through one of Sicily’s most picturesque villages.
• Cefalú: Visit the charming beach town and enjoy its stunning coastal scenery.
• Palermo: Experience the vibrant capital with a full day and evening of exploration, including a food and culture tour and a group dinner.
• Optional Day Trip to Taormina: Discover the jewel of Sicily, recently featured on White Lotus, with breathtaking views and rich history.
This adventure promises to both awaken and soothe your senses, immersing you in the rich culture and natural beauty of this singular Italian island.
Andiamo Ragazzi!
(Note: Yoga participation is not required to join this adventure.)
Our retreat was featured in the Eclectic Kim Travel & Lifestyle Blog!
Classes & EXPERIENCES
ACTIVE, GENTLE & RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH HANDS ON REIKI HEALING
GUIDED MEDITATIVE JOURNEYS
INTUITIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
INTUITIVE READING CIRCLE w/ James
AUTHENTIC SICILIAN COOKING CLASS
AN EVENING WITH SICILY"S MOST FAMOUS TAMBOURINE ARTISAN, FABRIZIO FANZI
MORNING IN OLD TOWN AGRIGENTO &
AFTERNOON IN VALLE DI TEMPLI, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE FEATURING SOME OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF GREEK ART + ARCHITECTURE
DAY AT THE THE BEACH - VISIT TO THE FISHING VILLAGE OF CEFALU
FOOD & CULTURE TOUR, FULL DAY & DINNER IN PALERMO
Optional add-on: DAY TRIP TO THE JEWEL OF SICILY, TAORMINA
Excursions
Option to take a mesmerizing day trip to Taormina on the Friday of your Sicily Yoga and Wellness Retreat! Nestled on the picturesque cliffs of Sicily, Taormina is a jewel waiting to be discovered. Recently featured on the hit series White Lotus, Immerse yourself in Taormina's rich history, breathtaking views, and vibrant culture. Explore the ancient Greek Theatre, stroll through charming streets lined with boutiques and cafes, visit Isola Bella, and soak in the stunning vistas of Mount Etna and the azure Ionian Sea. This enchanting excursion promises to be a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Taormina..a perfect cherry on top of your Sicilian adventure! You will have 6 full hours to explore on your own!
Taormina
AROUND THE MASSeRIA
During your free time you may wish to take advantage of what is available to you on the property and in close proximally. Any excursion off the property would require you to book a private service in advance. You will be able to make these arrangements with us.
CASTLE OF SPERLINGA
The Castle of Sperlinga is one of the hidden gems of Sicily. Only few miles far from the Masseria, the castle was built by the Normans in the 11th century and is carved into a single rock monolith, above caves of sacred temples that date back to 4,000 years ago.
Gangi
Winner of the award of most beautiful village in Italy in 2014, Gangi is a medieval small town, built on an ancient Greek settlement and placed at over one thousand meters altitude. Just 8 kilometers away from the Masseria, from its “belvedere” it’s possible to admire a breathtaking view of Etna.
Hiking Trails
Inside and all around the Masseria’s land, there are miles of trekking trails between woods, fields of wheat and olive trees, over small hills, along which you can walk in solitude and silence, go jogging early in the morning or just breath fresh and clean air.
Dolce Far Niente
Yes, now just lay down, take the sun, read, swim or do exactly nothing around our pool, under the shade of white umbrellas, lying on comfortable loungers. From April to November, the pool with its fresh water will be the ideal place to discover the essence of the authentic Sicilian "dolce far niente".
Flavors
Located in the center of the Mediterranean, Sicily has always been a melting pot of culture, art and traditions and also the cradle of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine. A bridge between the Arab world and the West, over the centuries the island has developed what is considered the most original among the Italian regional cuisines. It is based largely on the use and imaginative preparation of the extraordinary vegetables that grow on the Sicilian soil. Therefore it is already largely vegetarian, if not vegan, since the origins. From oranges to lemons, to basil, mint, capers, wild fennel, saffron, tomatoes and artichokes, everything contributes to create dishes that are unique for taste and nutritional properties.
With its 25 hectares park, its 700 olive trees, the vegetable garden, the orchard and the vineyard, the Masseria is a certified organic farm since 15 years and produces its own extra virgin olive oil, wheat, wine, vegetables and fruit, preserves and jams. We offer our guests three vegetarian buffet meals a day, based on traditional Sicilian recipes expertly reworked and lightened by our Chef. In addition, vegan, gluten free, without sugar preparation will always be present on the table. As well as herbal teas prepared with the medicinal plants of our garden, and fresh fruit juices.
Your Hosts
Intuitive & Spiritual Teacher + Owner of Bene Mudra, James Bene
Yoga Teacher + Retreat Leader, Kim Larkin
We are good friends who live on opposite coasts of the U.S. and have worked together throughout the years. We are huge wanderlusters at heart and this is by far our most favorite co-lead retreat because we have fallen in love with Sicily’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The retreat center itself is run by wonderful people and staff who want us all to have the best experience. We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring you on this Sicilian adventure!
In addition to creating unforgettable retreat experiences, we love combining our unique talents for guiding you through yoga + meditation, providing reiki, and helping you develop your intuition.
We look forward to sharing these practices and more with you in the breathtaking and inspiring setting of Sicily.
Follow us on Instagram:
find James @benemudra
find Kim @yogagrrrl
Sicilian Spirit
THE MASSERIA
Nested in the heart of the Madonie mountain park, a few miles from Gangi – “Most beautiful village in Italy” prize winner – and about 40km from the enchanting fishermen village of Cefalù, Sicilian Spirit hosts yoga and meditation retreats in a 17th century “Masseria”, wonderfully restored respecting her ancient feudal structure. Surrounded by the silence offered by its enclosed 25 hectares park, at 650 mts above the sea level, you will be able to walk for hours in the secret inner paths and in the hidden centuries-old oak forest, get lost in the labyrinth garden of the 18th century, explore the banks of our “private” river, meditate or practice yoga at sunrise or sunset in the terrace overlooking the mountains and the valley or just sunbathing and swimming in the infinity pool.
Ayurvedic
Massage
Students will have an opportunity to sign up for an Ayurvedic massage given by a highly rated local masseuse. First come first served.
Reiki
James will offer a limited number of one on one sessions during free time at the center. First come first serve via on-site sign-up.
"Just wow! Had a fantastic adventure in Sicily with Kim and James who provided their students with a top shelf experience. From the beautiful accommodations, thoughtful and well paced classes, to the excursions, transfers, and logistics, every detail was anticipated and provided for us before we even had to ask. Highly recommend any event with this duo. Looking forward to attending another retreat together soon! Grazie Mille!"
By Thomas D for Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy on Sep 12, 2023
"Gorgeous historical property for accommodations, and the staff who help to keep it tidy and running smoothly could not have been kinder. AMAZING and healthy food prepared fresh for every meal by the most affectionate and hard-working chefs. Thoughtfully planned day trips and meditation sessions, restorative yoga and gently encouraging spiritual work thanks to Kimberly and James. Ten out of ten; hope to retreat again! Grazie di tutto!"
By Katharine B for Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy on Sep 11, 2023
What a truly sensational experience! From beginning to end, Kim and James made sure our group of yogis were guided and cared for. They fostered an environment for deep rest, connection, and exploration. I came away feeling refreshed and nourished. Sicilian Spirit which hosted the retreat is absolutely sublime with amazing vistas, comfy quarters, a warm/friendly staff, and the most amazing food. 100% recommend any retreat that Kim leads.
By Cindy Y for Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy on Sep 20, 2023
Details
MORE DETAILS ABOUT WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Seven (7) nights accommodation
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Private Chef! Vegetarian (and some meat) meals at the retreat center. Almost all meals are included with the exception of a few lunches while we are on the excursions
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The four excursions listed above, including a group dinner in Palermo
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One group airport transfer each from/to Palermo and Catania at beginning and end of retreat
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All yoga, meditation, reiki during restorative yoga and the intuitive class & Intuitive readings
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
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International airfare to/from Sicily
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Any airport transfers outside of the group transfers (can be arranged for you for additional fee)
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Travel insurance - strongly recommended. Squaremouth is a good resource to compare travel insurance coverage from many different providers, including “cancel for any reason” options.
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Private Reiki or Ayurvedic massage session
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Optional day trip to Taormina (held on Friday ) which may added to your trip upon sign-up
COSTS:
A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your spot.
Double Occupancy:
$3195 per person early bird
$3395 full price
Single Occupancy:
$3695 per person early bird
$3895 full price
Taormina Day Trip: $200
Cancellation policy:
If you cancel by April 20th 2025, your payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit. Payments are non-refundable after this date.
***We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events. The website Squaremouth allows you to compare many different plans and has “cancel for any reason” options.
