June 6 - 13, 2026
Sweat & Soul Sicily
Sweat an Soul Join Mari and Phil on Retreat in enchanting Sicily for 8 days of yoga, movement, breath and emodied connection!
Discover the magic of Sicily with Sweat & Soul Sicily: Movement, Connection & Curiosity—a private 8-day retreat designed to awaken your body, nourish your spirit, and invite deeper presence. Guided by Mari’s mindful, breath-led yoga and Phil’s dynamic strength and wellness coaching, this experience blends movement, curiosity, and connection against the serene backdrop of Danena Sicily. Together, we’ll explore embodied practices that balance effort with ease, creating space for renewal, growth, and authentic rhythm—all while soaking in the rich beauty and culture of southern Sicily.
Our home for the week is Danena Sicily, a lovingly restored 19th-century farmhouse—La Masseria—set among rolling hills, olive groves, and the sparkling Mediterranean landscape of southeastern Sicily. Unlike a hotel, Danena offers a private, rustic, and intimate retreat experience, where the entire property is reserved exclusively for our group.
Here, life unfolds at a slower pace: nourishing meals prepared daily by your local hosts, cozy and uniquely styled rooms, and spaces that invite both connection and quiet reflection. With just 14 bedrooms, a serene pool, shaded courtyards, and sun-drenched terraces, Danena feels more like staying in a warm Sicilian farmhouse than a resort.
You’ll practice together in a spacious indoor yoga shala and an expansive outdoor platform, surrounded by the scents of citrus and the sound of birdsong. Between sessions, wander the gardens, rest by the pool, or enjoy fresh Sicilian flavors at long, communal tables. Your hosts are on hand not only to cook, but also to share their insights into the land, culture, and traditions of this soulful region.
Just 15 minutes from the sea and close to historic treasures like Noto and Siracusa, Danena is the perfect base for exploration—yet always a haven to return to for rest, renewal, and connection.
About your hosts
Mari and Phil have been movement practitioners and teachers for over 40 years combined and are interested in building community, inspiring curiosity and connection, and cultivating discipline and awareness in all facets of their lives.
Phil has been coaching and training for 2 decades.
He lives what he teaches and believes that optimal health and performance is a matter of adopting the right habits and making them a part of your lifestyle. He takes a holistic approach and uses his different skill sets in order to develop an individualized approach to suit each client's needs.
For more information about Phil go to his website
Mari believes that growth comes from the willingness to challenge ourselves and explore stepping outside our comfort zone.
Transformation occurs when we are curious and open to what is possible. I want to be brave enough to always try even if I fail and fall and to have the courage to rise again. The yoga practice provides a safe space where she can play in the unknown- can connect with what is real- here and now, and delve into that deeper part of herself that is true and ever steady.
Mari teaches an alignment-based practice of movement and breath that is both accessible and challenging- a flow that is dynamic, strong and fluid with lots of opportunity to get rooted through the hands and play upside down.
She is humbled and inspired everyday she get to teach and to share space and watch courageous yogis go deep into themselves and realize their own potential.
For more information on Mari, click here.
Accommodations
You'll stay in the lap of luxury with the option to choose from the following accommodation packages:
*** Payment due in full by end of March 2026.
Deposit Payments
Make a deposit to hold your spot!
$500 Can (non-refundable deposit)
Early Bird Discount??
Shared Accomodation
SHARED: twin room with each other. I can team you up or come with a friend. Shared bathroom.
$2350 CAN tax included per person.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Private room with shared bathroom. These are limited and you share a bathroom with one other person??.
$2550 CAN tax included.
Private Rooms
Private Single Accommodation (Includes private bathroom)
DELUXE
$2950 CAN tax included for a single occupancy-early booking advised.
$2400 (per person) CAN tax included for shared-deluxe with Ensuite bathroom.
LOFT STYLE with Ensuite
Enjoy a loft bedroom with (twin or double occupancy) in an apartment with kitchenette and living with it’s own private bathroom
$2550 CAN Private / $1950 CAN shared
*Contact Phil for payment plans.
**There may be other accommodations options based on availability. Please contact us to inquire.
Included in your retreat package:
Shared Accommodation (Double Room)
€1,600 per person
Approx. $2,350 CAD / $1,750 USD
Includes: 7 nights shared accommodation, daily brunch & dinner, all sessions, full use of facilities, and group activities
Single Accommodation (Private Room)
€2,000 per person
Approx. $2,950 CAD / $2,200 USD
Includes all of the above with private room & bathroom
Payment Terms
Deposit: €500 (non-refundable) to secure your spot
Balance due: 60 days before retreat start
Flexible payment plans available — inquire for details
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Deposit is non-refundable
Cancellations made 60+ days before retreat start: 50% refund of balance paid
Cancellations less than 60 days before retreat start: no refund
Please check your passport expiration date
We recommend purchasing travel insurance
Not included in your retreat package:
Flights to/from Sicily
Airport transfers (can be arranged)
Optional excursions and activities
Alcoholic beverages and all gratuities
Spa and body treatments
About Danena
Our food it's all local, organic and delicious
enjoy farm-to-table gourmet dinners and energising healthy brunches made by our chefs.
We are also offering a series of creative workshops and activities, such as cooking classes, wine dinner tasting, live music events, sound healing baths, boat trips and more.
Danena Sicily is a community retreat destination
offering a revitalizing fusion of activities centered around yoga, nature, meditation, music, various body treatments, purification, and healthy food.
Our main location in Noto, is a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse nestled in the lush natural landscape of southeastern Sicily, surrounded by 80 acres of fertile farmland and the serene Mediterranean Sea.
As well as offering beautiful and peaceful accomodations, Danena Sicily offers, wellness retreats, tailored yoga classes, detox programs, pilates, meditation and relaxation sessions, super food cuisine, use of the outdoor pool, creative workshops, cooking classes and various life enhancing practices.
How to get here
Here’s how to travel from Vancouver (YVR) to Danena Sicily (La Masseria near Noto/Siracusa):
1. Fly from Vancouver to Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
No direct flights are available from YVR to CTA. Most routes require one or two stopovers, commonly in cities like Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt, or London.
FlightRoutes.comFlightConnectionsFlight durations range from approximately 12 to 21 hours, depending on connections.
FlightConnectionsFlightRoutes.comAirlines offering these routes include: KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Edelweiss Air, Turkish Airlines, and combinations via Air Canada, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and others.
FlightConnectionsEstimated round-trip fares (subject to change):
Around C$858 via British Airways (Skyscanner)
Approximately C$1,050–C$1,200 depending on carrier and timing
From Catania Airport to Danena Sicily
Danena is located about 1 hour’s drive south of Catania Airport, set along a peaceful country lane just 10 minutes from the historic town of Noto.
Transfer Options:
Private Transfer (Recommended)
Since Danena offers a private and rustic experience, arranging a private shuttle or taxi from the airport is the most comfortable and direct. Pricing varies depending on group size and provider.Shared Shuttle / Taxi
Shared shuttles cost between €25–90 per person, depending on group size and service level.
Car Rental (Recommended)
Rent a car at CTA to explore at your leisure. Recommended since public transport to Danena is limited.
CAr rental website??Public Transport (Less Practical)
While trains and buses run from Catania Airport into the city, they don’t reach close to Danena. You’d still need a taxi from the nearest stop, so this option is not ideal for this location.
No matter where you’re traveling from, the journey to Danena offers stunning views and a sense beauty and nature. Once you arrive, you’ll feel the tranquility of this property and be ready to dive into your Sweat and Soul Retreat. If you have specific questions or need help coordinating your travel, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
Helpful Tips for Smooth Travel
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