Harvesting LIGHT:
an early fall retreat under
the warm sicilian sun
September 26-October 3, 2026

SAVOR THE SWEET ISLAND OF SICILY AS YOU ENJOY YOGA, THE SEA, AND THE GROUNDING ENERGY OF FALL.

The Lingering Light of Summer in the early days of all

Experience a transformative yoga retreat in Sicily that gracefully bridges the last golden days of summer with the gentle arrival of fall. This unique journey offers a perfect balance of playful exploration and peaceful pause, blending moments of deep introspection with vibrant communal joy. Set against Sicily’s breathtaking landscapes, the retreat promises unforgettable memories and heart-opening experiences that will stay with you forever.

Stay

La Masseria by DANENA is a restored 19th-century farmhouse set among olive and almond groves, located 15 minutes south of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Sicily. It is also a 15-minute drive from the Vendicari Nature Reserve, known for its wildlife and secluded beaches. Situated one hour south of Catania Airport, the property offers 15 unique bedrooms and en expansive property rich in character. Facilities include a yoga studio in a renovated barn with an outdoor shala, a freshwater infinity pool, patios, two massage rooms, and a sunset terrace. Guests can explore the groves on foot or by bike, swim, or visit nearby beaches and historic towns.

Dream Stations

Our yoga practice will unfold within a beautifully converted stone barn, a space where history and tranquility merge. The expansive studio features natural wood floors beneath a stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling of local stone. Echoes of the past remain in the original animal troughs, now repurposed for yoga mats, adding a touch of rustic charm. Bathed in natural light, this bright and spacious environment provides the perfect sanctuary for finding inner silence, inspiration, and deepening our yoga and meditation practice.

Nourishment

We will indulge in the most beautiful farm to table meals by the Masseria’s chef. Expect a harmony of seasonal, fresh foods in our daily brunch and dinners.

What we will get up to…

This retreat will give you the best of all the worlds. A little R and R, history, seaside magic, inland nature, and more! We will have 1-2 yoga classes per day; create energy through active morning classes and delight in the truest form of self-care (nervous system work) in deeply relaxing evening yin+restorative practices. Your free time can be spent adventuring from inland to the coast, forest bathing in the nearby natural reserve, or explore summer markets in the countless charming towns surrounding our retreat.

Drumroll for the EPIC group activities included in the retreat packages…

A day hike in the VendicarI nature reserve

Matera, Italy, is a city renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, which have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, creating a truly unique and evocative landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into a remarkable past, where history is carved into the very rock of the city.

A boat day, because it is a must!

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Puglia, where we'll explore three enchanting villages nestled in the Itria Valley. First, we'll wander through the perfectly circular streets of Locorotondo, a charming town that seems plucked from a fairytale. Then, prepare to be mesmerized by Polignano a Mare, where dramatic cliffs meet the azure Adriatic, creating a breathtaking coastal panorama. Finally, we'll ascend to Ostuni, the "White Town," a dazzling hilltop city where you can savor an authentic Italian gelato or aperitivo in a sun-drenched piazza, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and timeless beauty of these remarkable destinations. Each village offers a unique glimpse into Puglia's rich history.

-ThE italian way-

Package includes:
—7-nights stay at Danena.
—1-2 high-quality yoga practices daily in various styles ranging from Vinyasa, to Katonah, to yin/restorative+more.
—Half board meals—fresh brunch and dinner daily.
—Group boat afternoon.
—Group day trip to???
—4 completely free days (aside from yoga+meals) to plan your own adventures or get some pool time in!
-Expected group size: 15-18 guests.
Check in after 3:00pm on Sept. 26 - there will be an evening welcome circle around 6:30pm before dinner.
Check out by 10am on Oct. 3 - purely leaving day with breakfast available in the morning.

PACKAGE PRICES
(ALL IN USD)

Rates:
Room with Private Bathroom
Single - $3,800 (Limited in quantity - 3)
Double Occupancy - $2,600 per person

Room with Shared Bathroom
Double Occupancy - $2,800 per person

Please note that package does not include:
—Roundtrip airfare to Catania, Sicily
Catania airport is 60min from retreat
—Transportation to the retreat location - our Masseria can help coordinate airport rides, or you can rent a car to use to adventure throughout the retreat (highly recommended. The Masseria can also help you organize car rental from the property for a couple days.
—Offsite meals.
—Staff gratuities.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
to secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $800usd is required.
deposits are per person, not per room.
please specify room category at time of deposit.
-remaining balance due no later than July 15, 2026.

Payments can be made through any of these methods (ordered by preference):
—Wise App is by far the most preferred method. Deposit here.
—Bank Transfer (inquire for info.)
—Zelle willisjohnston@gmail.com
—Venmo @Willis-Johnston (last digits 9295)
(friends + family to avoid fees—all fees will be at the expense of guest)
Any fees taken out by Venmo or other methods will be at the guest’s expense and applied to final balance.
Please choose friends and family options if asked.

**due to the financial responsibility of the retreat host for booking and holding the luxury property, all payments are non-refundable once paid. it is recommended that the traveler has a travel insurance policy in the rare event that cancellation on the traveler’s end is unavoidable (Squaremouth is a great search engine for trip insurance). However, if you must cancel, you are able to transfer to a friend or family member to come in your place. In the event of border closures that prevent entry for the group, we would have full credit for a future date with absolutely no penalties or fees incurred. This is highly unlikely to happen, but bases are covered if so.