photo by Lavinia Cernau, on retreat 2019
Slow art Sicily
Salina Island, Sicily / October 14-19 & October 21-26, 2024 (5 nights, 6 days) / $3500-4100
My new favorite month to be by the Mediterranean! October in southern Europe has been so warm and peaceful these last few years, and we’ll be on the prettiest and greenest of the Aeolian Islands, Salina. This will be my fourth time hosting a retreat on Salina and each time I discover something new that I love about it. This year we’ll stay at the stunning Principe di Salina, where views of the sea are everywhere ! We’ll meet the delightful couple who renovated our island relic turned gorgeous boutique hotel, and hosting us together with her parents (mom will make us seasonal and local dishes), we’ll feel right at home. This is a very special place, each room has its own balcony with sea view, the pool - and all the details! - is super dreamy, we’re only a 5 minute walk to the little town, and there is an amazing calm throughout — you’ll just have to see it to believe it!! Travel sketchbooking, swimming in the turquoise sea, incredible meals, sunset sea views.. The good life! Slow Art workshops are for everyone (only draw stick figures? This is for you too!), we’ll let our sketchbook and watercolors be our mindfulness practice to soak in all the beauty around us. Let the fun begin!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
All group transportation during our retreat, from/to Catania CTA Airport and the island
Accommodations, 5 nights & 6 days
Most meals, seasonal & local
Guided Meditations & Journal Prompts Daily
Daily Slow Art Workshops (Sketchbooking & Watercolor): Still life to color stories, landscapes and abstract.
Prospective Adventures: Visit & swim at Pollara where Il Postino was filmed, a boat trip along the coast to secret swimming spots
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Possibly a meal or two during free time
Art supplies (I’ll give you a list of my favorites & top suggestions)
Transportation if traveling separately from the group
Slow Art Prospective Itinerary
Day 1
1:00pm Meet at CTA Catania Intl Airport for group transport (car-ferry-car)
5:30pm Check-in, time to unpack and relax
6:30pm Welcome Ceremony Soirée
7:30pm Sunset Dinner
Day 2
8-10am Breakfast (fit for a queen!)
10-1:00 Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Still Life and Watercolor Fundamentals, inspired by the island
1:00pm Lunch at our place, free time by the pool, in town, or at the beach
5:30pm Meet for cocktails on the terrace for a Sip n’ Sketch :)
7:00pm Dinner out - handmade pasta, fresh fish, amazing cannoli.
Day 3
8-10am Breakfast
10-1:00 Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Flora & Fauna, inspired by the island
1:30pm Boat trip or Pollara visit with picnic lunch
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch :)
7:00pm Dinner at our palace
DAY 4
8-10am Breakfast
10:00 Slow Art Workshop: Color Stories Around Town
1:00pm Free time, perhaps lunch in town then to the beach?
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch :)
7:00pm Dinner, out on the town!
DAY 5
8-10am Breakfast
10-1:00 Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Landscapes/ Seascapes
1:00pm Lunch at our place, pool time then shopping in town or to the beach
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch :)
7:00pm Farewell dinner by candlelight (let’s dress up! Sparkles encouraged)
9:30pm DANCE PARTY !
DAY 6
8-10am Breakfast
11am Check-out, Group travel (car-ferry-car) to Catania Airport CTA, to arrive 2:30-3:30pm
Please submit your requests below, I will consider each according the the order they are received, and for newcomers will schedule a phone interview. We have two retreats here, October 14-19 & October 21-26. Please indicate your preferred dates below.
Room options, priced per person: $3500 Shared Room* (2 twin beds or 1 double bed) - balcony with sea view, $4100 Private Room - balcony with sea view.
To hold your spot you may pay a deposit, $1500, non-refundable. Remaining balance due in 30 days. *Shared rooms are not bigger in size, they have two twin beds next to each other, so best to share only with someone you already know and love. Group size is limited to 8 people.