Overview
We are staying at a relaxing and recently restored 1800s farmhouse, a short drive to sandy beaches and the breathtaking architecture of Siracusa. The farmhouse features an infinity pool looking over the olive and almond groves surrounding the property, cozy rooms, and a beautiful garden with spaces to lounge: the ideal place for a week of rest and reset. We will practice yoga daily in the yoga barn and outdoor shala - vinyasa and meditation in the mornings, and relaxing restorative practices in the evening. We are all about resting and slowing down, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings - swim, sunbathe, read, nap. We have also planned some adventures too, visiting the historic Ortigia island, as well as a boat trip and a traditionally rustic pizza dinner. This retreat is an opportunity to rest and explore in the Sicilian sun, with incredible food (and even better company).
Highlights
Daily vinyasa, yin & meditation
7 nights accommodation in a beautiful, recently restored 1800s farmhouse
Day trip to explore the historic island of Ortigia
Delicious meals and refreshments
Plenty of free time to relax, read, lie by the pool or explore the local area. There are nearby sandy beaches and the breathtaking architecture of Siracusa.
A rustic pizza dinner evening out
A boat trip around the beautiful beaches and coastline of Sicily
Hosts
Our retreat hosts are all experienced yoga teachers, workshop hosts and chefs who love nothing more than creating memorable, magical experiences for our guests. *Please note - hosts are subject to change depending on availability*
Maya Howell
Maya is a vinyasa, yin, restorative and nidra yoga teacher and lead host at The Wild Times. She has previously hosted many of our retreats in the UK, Sweden and Morocco, and teaches regular classes across East London.
On the mat, Maya invites you to move freely, explore with curiosity, and drop the idea of getting it “right.” She offers creative flows with options for all levels of yogi - an invitation to take what the body needs in the moment. Think movement that builds warmth and gives space for trying something new while staying soft, playful, and grounding - all set to the sound of soothing Scottish tones. Expect soft knees, self-enquiry, breathwork, stillness, play, meditation, wobbles, poetry, and great playlists.
When not on retreat, Maya is half Scottish selkie, half East London girl. If not found in the sea, you can usually find her warming up in a sauna somewhere or mooching around a market or gallery, getting inspired for future dreams of her own exhibit one day.
Her past life as an events manager means she has a natural knack of making everything feel effortless so you can sit back, switch off, and melt in.
Jenny Clark
Jenny is a yoga teacher, paddle board instructor, writer and Founder of The Wild Times. She has created and held over 80 retreats across the UK and in Morocco, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
Jenny always aims to create a very relaxed, non-judgemental environment on her retreats, where guests can connect to themselves, to others and to nature. She teaches and blends together a range of yoga and meditation styles; vinyasa, mandala vinyasa, yin, yoga Nidra, paddle board yoga.
In her classes you'll find a 'you do you' attitude, a focus on feeling into your body, belly and heart over creating shapes, options for different levels of yogi, a sense of humour and practices themed around the natural elements, with poems and meditations too.
Schedule
Example Schedule | Schedule subject to change / the weather / your mood / going with the flow. Do as much or as little as you like.
Previous
Next
Saturday
3.30pm: Arrive, settle in, arrival snacks
7.30pm: Dinner
9pm: Yoga Nidra
Sunday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation & opening circle
11.30am: Brunch
5.30pm: Yin yoga
7pm: Dinner
Monday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, morning meditation & journalling time
11am: Brunch
12pm: Boat trip
6pm: Yin yoga
7pm: Dinner
Tuesday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, morning meditation & journalling time
11.30am: Brunch
2pm: Optional creative workshop
5.30pm: Yin yoga
7pm: Dinner
Wednesday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, morning meditation & journalling time
10am: Brunch
11.30am: Day trip to Ortigia (explore the town, swim in the sea, spritz and lunch out)
7:30pm: Dinner
Thursday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8,30am: Vinyasa yoga, morning meditation & journalling time
11:30am: Brunch
3.30pm: Optional yoga workshop
5pm: Yin Yoga
7pm: Traditionally rustic pizza dinner out
Friday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation & journalling time
11.30am: Brunch
5.30pm: Yin yoga & closing circle
7pm: Dinner
Saturday
7.30am: Tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt & granola available
8am: Final morning meditation & journalling time
9am: Brunch
10am: Departures
What's included
What's Included
Accommodation in a beautiful, peaceful retreat venue
All delicious meals, snacks + drinks
Daily guided meditation
Yoga mats & bolsters
11 x yoga classes all 60-90 minutes long in a variety of styles, for all abilities
A group boat trip around the beautiful beaches and coastline of Sicily. Lunch, trip and transfers included.
Minibus transfers from Catania airport (leaving at 2.30pm on 25th April & Departing from our venue at 10am on 2nd May)
Aperitivo and snacks on arrival
Fruit, tea and strong coffee available all day
A day trip to explore the historic island of Ortigia, transfers and lunch or dinner included
A rustic pizza dinner at a local farm on our penultimate evening
A luxury Wild Times goodie bag, with snacks and local products
What's Not Included
Transport to and from the retreat (if not on the recommended flight times)
Travel insurance - make sure you have it upon booking, thank you
Gallery
Location: Southern Sicily, Italy
This area of Sicily is truly a hidden, wild gem in the beautiful countryside, just 15 minutes from the most wonderful beaches in Sicily.
Situated in the luscious natural landscape of southeastern Sicily, our venue is a stunning 19th century farmhouse, surrounded by the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea.
We are just moments away from the most wonderful beaches and historical sites such as Noto, Siracusa, Scicli, and Ibla, some of which we will be exploring during our time together. Noto is a beautiful Baroque city filled with restaurants, churches and great gelato, just 20 minutes away (you may recognise it from White Lotus!)
If you would like to explore further you can either hire a car or we can help you with taxis. We also have a few recommendations for you if it's your first time visiting!
We will have the entire Villa to ourselves during our stay so you can fully relax by the infinity pool surrounded by Olive trees, in the lemon garden, or the various sunny terraces with stunning views.
Trip Tips
Do
Arrive and settle in on Saturday afternoon, with snacks and drinks on arrival. Minibus transfers to and from the airport are included if you arrive on the recommended flights in time, otherwise we can recommend how to get to us (you can hire a car!) The start of our retreats are all about grounding and resting, so we will do yin yoga before dinner and yoga Nidra (A.K.A sleepy yoga) after dinner, ready to float off to bed. We will have vinyasa yoga in the mornings, and yin and/or nidra in the afternoons. The yoga classes are themed around the natural elements, bringing nature into your practice. All activities are optional but encouraged, so you can nap, read or swim and explore - it’s completely up to you. On Monday we will have a boat trip (with lunch) together to explore the nearby beautiful beaches of Sicily’s coastline. On Tuesday there is an optional day trip to the historic island of Ortigia, and on Wednesday - our penultimate night together - we will enjoy a traditionally rustic pizza dinner out. There will be plenty of time to relax, sunbathe, walk, read and swim in the pool, amongst the planned trips and activities. When in Italy we like to embrace 'Dolce Far Niente' - the sweetness of doing nothing. This is one of our favourite phrases - encapsulating an Italian philosophy of delicious idleness. So that's what we will be doing (or rather, being) - deliciously idle. If you have any questions about the retreat you can always email us and set up a call with the Founder Jenny before booking.
Stay
On the sun-drenched southeastern coast of Sicily, surrounded by endless olive groves,and wide Mediterranean skies, Danena Sicily offers a peaceful haven far from the bustle of modern life. Just 15 minutes from the baroque town of Noto and within easy reach of Catania airport, this part of Sicily remains a quiet, soulful gem rich in history and natural beauty. Our venue is a beautifully restored 19th-century masseria (farmhouse), thoughtfully renovated to honour its rustic Sicilian roots while offering comfort and elegance. The grounds are expansive and serene, with open courtyards, shaded terraces, hidden corners for reflection, and views that stretch to the horizon. Yoga takes place in a light-filled converted barn, and an outdoor shala surrounded by citrus trees and the scent of herbs. Whether you’re moving through morning practice or resting in quiet contemplation, the setting supports restoration and connection. The saltwater infinity pool offers a refreshing pause, and we can enjoy indoor and outdoor living spaces, including a communal dining courtyard and shared lounge. The bedrooms all have a unique character and charm, blending Sicilian design with natural textures and hand-picked details. Rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. A selection of double, twin, and solo occupancy rooms are available, most en-suite and some shared facilities.
Eat
All the food on the retreat is the very best of Italian cusine cooked in-house with fresh local ingredients - nutritious, wholesome and vegetarian. There will be fruit, granola, teas and coffees on offer in the morning before yoga, a big hearty brunch later in the morning, then an indulgent carb heaven dinner each evening (with dessert!) All meals including our pizza dinner out are included. There will be fruit and a hot drink station for you to help yourself to throughout the days, with herbal teas and coffee in the mornings and at mealtimes. We can cater for most dietary requirements if you let us know beforehand - please fill the form provided upon booking to let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Reviews
FAQs
Who is it for?
The Wild Times retreats are for anyone who wants to re-wild and relax. We welcome everyone over 18 of any ability - just come with an open heart and mind. To get the most out of our yoga retreats, we recommend taking part in at least 3/4 yoga classes before joining.
If you're unsure if it's for you, drop us an email with any questions and we can always have a call.
Do I need yoga experience?
Not at all! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just finding your yogi legs you are very welcome.
Do I need equipment?
For the yoga: Yoga mats, bolsters and blocks are provided. Please bring warm layers and socks for the yin yoga and yoga Nidra classes.
Where is it?
Danena, Noto QXMX+C6, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
The best way to reach our venue is either by the transfer, or car (if you're hiring one).
The nearest airports are Catania Fontanarossa or Comiso.
Danena is a one-hour drive south from Catania airport, on the island’s east coast.