What's included:

  • Shared Accommodations, 6 Nights (2 beds per room with en suite bathroom - I will pair you up unless you request to room with someone in particular. 2 private rooms available at extra cost)
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • 5 Dinners
  • Boat Tour / Day Trip (with Lunch)
  • 4 Slow Art Workshops
  • Daily Meditation & Daily Italian
  • Group transport to/from airport

What's not included:

  • Airfare
  • Optional Activities

 

Prospective Itinerary:

DAY ONE

Travel day (Group transportation from the Catania Airport. Be there by 2pm to be eligible for a group pick up, otherwise we can arrange private transport for $150 per person) 

Check in at 5:00pm

Meet at 6:30 for welcome drinks followed by dinner

DAY TWO

7:30-10 Breakfast 

10-1:00 Meditation, Italian, Slow Art Workshop - Modern calligraphy with Diva: Learning the fundamentals, practicing our A-Z's, advanced students design their own alphabets! All materials provided.

FREE TIME to relax or explore on your own -or- *Optional* Join the group for lunch in town, explore the local church and shops, then walk to Punta Scario, the rocky beach. 

6:30 *Optional* Meet at Signum terrace bar for aperativi 

7:30 Dinner at La Pinnata del Monsu (my favorite!) - known for their fresh seafood pasta and outstanding cannoli.

DAY THREE

7:30-10 Breakfast 

10-1:00 Meditation, Italian, Slow Art Workshop - Modern Photography: Shooting & editing for Instagram success! Get an inside look at Carolyn's personal approach to telling her travel story: Shooting, editing, all while building a strong online presence.

FREE TIME to relax or explore on your own -or- *Optional* Lunch and a swim at the hotel, then visit Santa Marina, the port town, for shopping at the local boutiques filled with art, ceramics, and other charming gifts. Take breaks for gelato, a granita, or to walk along the marina. 

5:30 *Optional* Wine Tasting at a local award-winning wine cellar

8:00 Dinner at Principe di Salina (farm to table seasonal menu).

DAY FOUR

7:30-10 Breakfast

10:00 Meditation and briefing with Diva & Carolyn

11-4:00 Boat tour and day trip in the islands, lunch included

FREE TIME (dinner/evening out with recommendations)

DAY FIVE

Breakfast  

10-1:00 Meditation, Italian, Slow Art Workshop - Modern Calligraphy: Practicing with Italian words & phrases, designing custom motifs & crests inspired by the island.

FREE TIME to relax or explore on your own - Discover the hidden tiles of Malfa! Sketch and photograph to your heart's content. -or- *Optional* Take a spa day at Signum: Book a treatment, enjoy the natural thermal baths, or lounge by the pool with an icy drink. Grab lunch at Signum or in town.

7:00 Caper Festival in Pollara! Dinner & Dancing included.

DAY SIX

7:30-10 Breakfast 

10-1:00 Meditation, Italian, Slow Art Workshop - Self Portraits with Carolyn, learn from the pro!  Pair up to direct your partner to take a series of interior or nature based portraits.

FREE TIME to relax or explore on your own -or- *Optional* Join a guided hike at Monte Fossa, an extinct volcano and scenic fairyland! Reserve your spot for this day trip, bag lunch and transportation to/from hotel included. 2.5 hour hike, moderate intensity.

7:00 *Optional* Meet at Signum terrace bar for aperativi 

8:00 Farewell dinner, formal attire encouraged

DAY SEVEN

7:30-10 Breakfast

Travel day - I will arrange group transportation, including ferry and car to Catania airport, to leave at 10am (I suggest you plan your flight departure for the evening, after 2pm at the earliest. Or stay in Catania a night or two! Either way, account for 4 hours travel time to the airport when buying your tickets, keeping in mind the earliest ferry may not leave until 9am).

 

SLOW art RETREAT / SICILY, ITALY / JUNE 16 - JUNE 22, 2017

The Art of Slow Living on the Aeolian Island of Salina

A six night retreat in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, on the Aeolian island of Salina in Sicily, Italy--  and staying at Hotel Signum-- a magical place I swore to return to one day!! I designed this retreat on the sparkling Mediterranean to rejuvenate & inspire, to connect creatives while making time for self care. Our mornings will begin with a luxurious breakfast, followed by a meditation, a short Italian lesson, and a slow art workshop. The workshops will include modern calligraphy for all levels with Diva (me!) and travel photography for Instagram with Carolyn Stritch of @theslowtraveler.  See itinerary for workshop details. In the afternoons you're welcome to take time for yourself of to join the group for optional excursions exploring the island (hiking, shopping, wine-tasting, swimming, etc.). We'll meet again for evening drinks & dinner out at lovely restaurants, sampling the local fare with stunning sea views. On Day 4 we'll see the islands by boat, stopping at secret swimming spots & for lunch at Da Alfredo (the BEST granita in the world!). Our last night together we'll dress up for a decadent farewell dinner. 

Early Bird Fee:  $3100

After January 31st:  $3500

To reserve your place you can pay the total amount (non-refundable) or give a $1500 deposit (also non-refundable) to be paid in full by April 1st. 

Optional Excursions:  

Wine Tasting:  Visit a family winery that has been on the islands for generations, known for their award winning Malvasia. Reserve with payment by April 1st.  $45

Spa Treatments: If you'd like to reserve a treatment I will send you the spa menu. Reserve by April 1st. 40-120€