Experiencing Spirit
Sicily, Italy August 21 - September 4, 2021 Lose your mind and come to your senses during a mystical mountain retreat in beautiful Sicily!
Give yourself the gift of time, as you indulge in two weeks of exquisite nurturing and care. Your mind, body, and spirit will be nourished with guided meditations and yoga, delicious, Sicilian vegetarian cuisine, and transformational therapeutic experiences. You will become emersed in the Sicilian culture and soulful traditions on this enchanting retreat experience.
We will be staying in a charming, 17th-century restored farmhouse in the Madonie Mountain area of Sicily. Their philosophy includes hosting retreats that emphasize living in harmony with ourselves, others and nature. They grow organic produce and masterfully prepare it to create authentic Sicilian meals. The grounds include an infinity pool and a labyrinth garden set among wheat fields, oak forests, fruit orchards, and olive trees. What's Included?
14 Nights accommodation in a 17th century Sicilian manor estate
Round trip transfer from Palermo or Catania airport
All meals while at the estate, made of ingredients grown on the farm or locally sourced
(Vegetarian/Vegan). Any restaurant meals during excursions are not included.
3 visits to a nearby ranch for *Therapeutic Equine Experiences and horseback riding
Twice daily yoga and meditation sessions
Exclusive use of the entire property and all of it’s splendor including lounge areas, restaurant, swimming pool, other public areas of the Masseria, and its park
2 days without any schedule to do whatever you would like
Free WiFi in the lounge area
Therapeutic process for ultimate renewal and rejuvination of mind, body, & soul.
*NOT INCLUDED: Airline flights Optional spa services and excursions Accommodation Options and Pricing
Single occupancy with private bath $4995 per person Double occupancy with private bath $4895 per person Single occupancy with shared bath $4795 per person Double Occupancy with shared bath $4695 per person
All rooms have air conditioned facilities and are modestly furnished with antique or Sicilian style furniture.
Cancellation Policy: Due to our small group size, we have a strict cancellation policy. There are no refunds within 90 days of retreat unless we can fill your spot. Getting There
We recommend flying into either Catania ( approximately 60 miles from retreat center) or Palermo airport (approximately 75 miles from retreat center) Your transfer will be arranged after registration.
Insurance and Liability Please make sure that you have all necessary insurances in place before the trip including but not limited to traveler’s insurance and health insurance. All activities are done at your own risk and Jody Cross, Epona Retreats, Sheila Maitland and The Relationship Enrichment Center are free from all liability. Typical Day in the Life
7:30am Meditation and Yoga for all levels 9.30am Breakfast 10.30am "Exquisite Self-Care" Therapeutic Group Process 12pm Free time, or relaxing massage or body treatment 1pm Lunch 2pm Excursion to the ancient Sicilian village of Gangi, "Italy's most beautiful village" 6pm Restorative Yoga 8pm Dinner 9.30pm Guided meditation under the stars During excursion days, yoga may not be offered due to time constraints.
Please email us if you have any questions. [email protected] [email protected] Some of the Many Optional Excursions! Ancient, Coastal Cefalù
Spend the day in historic Cefalù, a coastal city in northern Sicily, Italy. It’s known for its Norman cathedral, a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers.
Volcanic Mount Etna Mount Etna is the highest volcano in Europe, and one of most active of the world. Its spectacular eruptions and its fiery lava flows, has always aroused the interest of scientists along with the curiosity of visitors from all over the world.
High Madonie Mountain Trekking Spend the day hiking the Madonie Mountains, Sicily's highest mountain range. The Madonie Park lends itself to walking and hiking with many wonderful routes varying in difficulty and length.
Valley of the Temples
The Valle dei Templi is an archaeological site in Agrigento, Sicily. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily.
Pollina River e Gole di Tiberio
Spend the day rafting, swimming & trail walking are among the highlights at this striking ancient gorge.
12th Century Palermo Spend the day in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Palermo has a large architectural heritage and is notable for its many Norman buildings. Explore busy markets such as the Ballarò street market and the Vucciria. Meet Your Facilitators!
Jody Cross Sheila Maitland LCSW, CET II, EAP I, EMDR LPC, LPCS, CSAT-C
Jody has over 15 yrs of experience leading therapeutic Sheila has over 20 years of experience working with workshops and wellness retreats. She is a Licensed individuals, couples, groups and families. Sheila Clinical Social Worker and holds specialized certifications in Experiential Therapy (ASETII), Eye Movement works with her clients to discover the cause of their Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Equine-Assisted pain, uncover trauma and heal these wounds. In Psychotherapy (EAPI), and Psychodrama. Jody addition, Sheila is certified to teach yoga and has specializes in healing relationship trauma, dysfunctional incorporated this body, mind, heart practice in her relationship patterns, attachment issues, codependency, own personal life as well as sharing it in her work grief, loss, depression, and anxiety. with clients for powerful healing and recovery.
In 2014 Jody created EPONA RETREATS: Sheila loves helping people of all ages, sizes and Majestic Adventures and Inner Journeys, abilities, to access a safe place in their body, and "I wanted to offer a program that combined the best of explore all that resides within. mental health practices along with more traditional wellness activities, set in beautiful and inspiring locations around the world, for a one-of-a-kind, transformational experience."