Danena Ortigia
sicily, italy
Magical wellness retreats in an elegant, historical setting
This Sicilian beauty is perched above the crystalline Ionian Sea on the island of Ortigia on Sicily’s east coast - almost as far south as you can go in Italy. Your base is a relaxed villa, where host Renata offers set-date yoga and ayurveda retreats, as well as private getaways, which can include yoga, ayurveda treatments, cooking classes, wine-tasting, sound healing and boat trips. You’ll return inspired and renewed.
our Reviewer harriet poland says:
‘Each of Renata’s choices throughout our week were so thoughtful - they created a foundation that gently nudged us towards relaxation and pleasure, with no sense of pressure’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Renata is a highly experienced retreat host – she’s run Ortigia’s sister retreat NOTO very successfully for 10 years, and she’s a longtime student of yoga and ayurveda. Her retreats are relaxed and informal – support is gentle! No shoes are allowed in the villa so take your own slippers if you’re not keen on hotel ones. Be sure to visit the food market that’s open every day (except Sundays) from 7am until 2pm – it’s perfect for snacks and presents’
Experiences
Set-date retreats pivot on yoga and ayurveda. Top yoga teachers offer hatha flow yoga in the mornings and yin or more restorative yoga in the afternoons or evenings. Ayurveda treatments on offer include Abhyanga and Udvartana massages, or you might opt for a Swedish, sport, Thai or hot stone massage.
Private retreats for groups of friends or family feature yoga and ayurveda, as well as cooking classes, wine-tasting, sound healing and boat trips.
You can swim in crystal clear waters accessible via steps from the house, or head to Cala Rossa beach, a five-minute walk away. Enjoy browsing at the bustling market where stalls sell fruit, vegetables, fish and spices. Local specialities include pistachios from Bronte and almonds from Avola. Be sure to visit the historical sights just a short walk from the villa.
Spaces
On your doorstep in Ortigia there are ancient temples, honey-hued houses, impressive church facades and elegant piazzas. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse is a 20-minute walk away – there you’ll find the Ear of Dionysius (a limestone cave), a Roman amphitheatre and rock-cut tombs.
The retreat is based on the top floor of a building and has a large terrace where you can sit in the sun or shade with a view right onto the sea. Yoga takes place in a cool, spacious, stone-floored room and all props are of the highest quality. Both the terrace and yoga room are elegantly restored and beautifully decorated.
There are three double suites (beds aren’t separable) and bedrooms are full of striking artwork. Rooms have a kettle with a selection of herbal teas, and Bialetti coffeemakers.
Sustenance
Brunch is a smorgasbord of mainly vegetarian cuisine, made from local, seasonal, organic ingredients, and is served on the terrace or in the dining room.
Expect a green smoothie or orange juice, breads and jams, fresh fruit, sautéed mixed vegetables, fresh ricotta, lasagna radicchio and smoked scamorza, egg and avocado on toast, tuna salad, capers, rocket, cucumbers and almonds.
You’re encouraged to dine out in the evening at one of many Sicilian seafood restaurants within walking distance of the retreat.
