Slow Art Sicily!
Our retreat home for the week! Tonnara di Scopello, Sicily
Slow art Scopello
Scopello, Sicily / June 1-6, 2026 / September 6-11, 2026
A wildly inspiring place to soak in the slow life of Sicily by the sea— this is truly one of my favorite places, anywhere!! We had a wonderful retreat here in 2023, and then the hotel has been sold out with weddings and VIP bookings, and now WE are the VIPs !
The Tonnara was born in the 13th century when it was a thriving tuna fishery, later a noble family built and expanded the villa in the 15th and 16th centuries. And now the rooms have all been beautifully renovated, keeping the history and charm but with all the modern comforts. We have our own private little beach, two outdoor terrace-slash-studios, and a popular dock to swim from as well. We’ll visit the tiny old town of Scopello up the hill for lovely restaurants and gelatos, hike and swim at the stunning nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve, sleep to the sound of the sea, and soak it all in with our Slow Art workshops— noticing aallllll the beauty, from the changing colors of the sea to the warm glow of the rocky coast.
P.S. > Absolutely no skills necessary!!! Super duper beginners welcome. We’ll play and make a mess— it will be fun, I promise ;)
Photos from our 2023 retreat. by Lavinia Cernau ♡
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodations, 5nights & 6 days
Daily breakfasts fit for a queen, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Daily Slow Art Workshops (Sketchbooking & Watercolor): Still Life to Color Stories, Landscapes and Abstract.
Daily Guided Meditations & Journal Prompts
Hike & swim at an incredible beach in the Zingaro Nature Reserve
Detailed packing list suggestions and optional Zoom call to help with travel plans
Curated 2 day add-on itinerary in Palermo & Cefalú
Welcome Ceremony Soirée and Farewell Dinner with retreat souvenir!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Some meals during free time (fave suggestions offered)
Art supplies (I’ll give you a detailed list!)
Additional drinks, outside of wine & water offered
Transportation - The hotel says they MAY have a shuttle for next year.. If not, I suggest renting a car at the Palermo airport or pairing up with another driver in the group (we can coordinate!). There’s also the option of taxis, though less reliable.
Slow Art Prospective Itinerary
Day 1 - June 1st
4:00pm Check-in, time to unpack, take a swim, relax
6:30pm Welcome Ceremony Soirée
7:30pm Sunset Dinner with a view!
Day 2 - June 2nd
8-10am Breakfast at the Tonnara
10:30-1 Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Sicilian Still Lifes
1:30pm Group Lunch in Town
5:30pm Sip n’Sketch * Meet at the terrace for cocktails and bring your sketchbook!
7:00pm Free Time Dinner in town or on the terrace
Day 3 - June 3rd
8-10am Breakfast at the Tonnara
10:30am Sketching & Watercolor Workshop: Color stories, Sea and Stone
1:00pm Beach Day at the Zingaro Nature Reserve with Picnic Lunch
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch!
7:00pm Free Time Dinner at the Tonnara or in Scopello
DAY 4 - June 4th
8-10am Breakfast at the Tonnara
10:30-1 Slow Art Workshop: Sketchbooking on the go! Quick & easy out and about :)
1:00pm Free Time Lunch at the Tonnara or in town
5:30pm Sip n’ Sketch ;)
7:00pm Free time, Apericena at the Terrazza d’Amore?
DAY 5 - June 5th
8-10am Breakfast at the Tonnara
10:30-1:00 Slow Art Workshop: Landscapes & Seascapes ~~
1:00pm Free Time, Lunch in Town, at the Tonnara, or on the Beach
5:30pm *Optional Sip n’ Sketch
7:00pm A very special farewell dinner in town xox
10:00pm DANCE PARTY !
DAY 6 - June 6th
8-10am Breakfast at the Tonnara
11:00am Checkout
*Optional Sip n’ Sketch is unstructured studio time on the terrace, drinks or snacks ordered are not included in retreat fees.
Your request will be considered in the order it is received. For newcomers I will be in touch to schedule a phone or zoom interview before accepting payment.
Room options, priced per person (all rooms are in “apartments” - suites with kitchenette):
Shared Suite with 2 beds $4100, Private room in shared Suite $4700, Private Suite $5600, Private Delux Suite in Villa Florio $6800, Private Superior Superior Suite with balcony $7900. Hold your room with a $2000 non-refundable deposit, to be paid in full in 60 days.