About The Retreat
Location
Spend New Years eve on the Island of Ortigia at a stunning historic retreat sanctuary of peace and renewal, perched above the sea.
This enchanting destination is a healing oasis for wellness, offering transformative yoga and healing programs. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters and infused with the island’s timeless energy, our Ortigia retreat invites guests to immerse themselves in restoration and healing, and the profound beauty of nature.
The small Baroque island of Ortigia and the historic centre of Syracuse, is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. Inhabited for over 3,000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage, it is a UNESCO landmark for its “remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries” and makes for a perfect weekend escape in any season.
Dotted with impressive church facades, outdoor restaurants, elegant piazzas and surrounded by a crystalline sea, Ortigia is more manicured than Catania, less overrun that Taormina and as delicious as Palermo.
Daily Schedule
Begin each day with the soothing rhythm of the sea as you flow through revitalizing yoga and meditation, followed by a nourishing brunch crafted from the finest local ingredients. In the afternoons, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ortigia, swim in crystal – clear waters, before indulging in bespoke wellness treatments that rejuvenate body and soul.
Each morning awaken with a 1.5-hour yoga class as the sound of the waves soothes your practice. Afterwards, savor a delicious and healthy brunch, crafted with fresh, local ingredients, to nourish and energize you for the day.
In the afternoons, take time for yourself with personalized treatments (available at an additional cost), explore the beauty of Ortigia, or simply relax by the sea or in your room.
Celebrate the spirit of the New Year with a special dinner on New Year’s Eve, enjoyed in a warm and peaceful setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
: Herbal Tea
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
: Morning Yoga Class Begin your day with a 1.5-hour yoga session, designed to harmonize body and mind, as you practice with the sound of the waves in the background.
11 AM –
Nourishing Brunch Following yoga, indulge in a wholesome and healthy brunch, prepared with fresh, local ingredients to revitalize and energize you for the day ahead.
12:00 PM – 5 PM
: Free Time & Treatments The afternoons are yours to unwind as you choose. Treat yourself to a relaxing therapy (available at an additional cost), explore the charming streets of Ortigia, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the retreat house by the sea.
5.30 PM
: Optional Gentle Yoga or Meditation (on select days) Some afternoons will offer the option to join a gentle yoga class or guided meditation, allowing you to deepen your relaxation and mindfulness practice.
** NO YOGA ON NEW YEAR DAY
Special Festive Events
New Year’s Eve (31st) Special Dinner
Healthy Food
Our food it’s all local, organic and delicious. Enjoy farm-to-table gourmet dinners and energising healthy brunches made by our chefs.
Yoga Teacher
Pascale is a dedicated Yoga Instructor specialising in Hatha yoga with flow influences, and Yin yoga. Her classes focus on grounding, connecting the mind and body, and fostering mindfulness, with a special emphasis on the breath and cultivating energy within the body. With a background in gymnastics from a young age, her flexibility, strength and mindful approach support her in her teachings, allowing students to cultivate both physical and mental balance.
Pascale began her yoga journey in 2012 and decided to professionalise as a teacher in 2018. After experiencing burnout herself, she saw the profound meaning yoga can have for recovering ones self-care and resetting healthy boundaries in life.
This experience led her to pursue a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. In addition to her Yoga Alliance registered certification, she has participated in multiple yoga retreats, deepening her understanding of yoga’s therapeutic potential. For the past 4-5 years, she has been teaching in various schools across the Netherlands, as well as offering exclusive retreats for women.
Her teaching style is unique in its emphasis on self-care. Rather than pushing participants to their limits, she encourages them to respect their own boundaries in class, integrating mindful self-awareness into every session. She also weaves in mantra meditation and massage techniques to further enhance relaxation and healing, creating an environment of nurturing and space for personal growth.
Outside of yoga, she is passionate about travelling the world, breathwork and polarity work—exploring the balance between masculine and feminine energy. Her background in gymnastics and energy work adds depth and dimension to her classes, where movement and mindfulness harmonise.
As a teacher, she is known for her kindness, playfulness, and humor. She strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and creating a meaningful experience for her students, helping them feel both empowered and at ease. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: everything in the world can wait, but self-care cannot.
Accommodation
We have 3 very elegant double bedrooms, one of them is a sea view apartment.
Retreat Price
€1500 shared room
€2000 private
Included
- Daily morning yoga class
- Daily brunch
- Optional gentle Yoga or Meditation (Tuesday and Thursday)
- Christmas Eve special dinner
- New Year’s Eve (31st) Special Dinner
How To Get Here
Catania is the nearest airport, we can arrange airport transfers.
Book Your Place
Please complete the form below if you have a question and to book your place. Get £20 off your first booking with Trips With A Soul.
