About The Retreat
2026 Dates
17th – 23rd May
Location
Retreat on the Island of Ortigia at a stunning historic retreat sanctuary of peace and renewal, perched above the sea. This enchanting destination is a healing oasis for wellness, offering transformative yoga and healing programs.
Overlooking the crystal-clear waters and infused with the island’s timeless energy, our Ortigia retreat invites guests to immerse themselves in restoration and healing, and the profound beauty of nature.
The small Baroque island of Ortigia and the historic centre of Syracuse, is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. Inhabited for over 3,000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage, it is a UNESCO landmark for its “remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries” and makes for a perfect weekend escape in any season.
Dotted with impressive church facades, outdoor restaurants, elegant piazzas and surrounded by a crystalline sea, Ortigia is more manicured than Catania, less overrun that Taormina and as delicious as Palermo.
Ayurveda and Yoga By The Sea
Welcome to Danena Home, a heaven of peace and rejuvenation nestled within a beautifully restored house that gazes out over the sparkling waters of Ortigia, Sicily. This stunning home, with its elegant architecture and timeless charm, offers the perfect setting for a transformative retreat.
Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, Danena Home provides an intimate and welcoming sanctuary, where every corner is designed to inspire serenity and reflection.
Immerse yourself in a week of deep renewal on the sun-drenched island of Ortigia, Sicily. This retreat is a sanctuary for body and mind — designed to help you release tension, reset your system, and return to a state of balance and vitality.
Each day offers a carefully curated rhythm of yoga, mindful movement, meditation, and rest — complemented by nourishing meals and therapeutic bodywork. Our detox and deep tissue treatments are designed to cleanse, stimulate circulation, and support the body’s natural ability to restore itself, leaving you lighter, clearer, and deeply revitalized.
Between sessions, soak in the Mediterranean sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or wander through Ortigia’s ancient streets — allowing the gentle pace of island life to deepen your sense of calm and connection.
This retreat is a journey of purification and rejuvenation a time to slow down, breathe deeply, and realign with your most vibrant self.
Retreat Yoga Teacher
Andrea Pustilnik has been practicing and teaching Yoga and Ayurveda for over 23 years.
Andrea studied in India, New York and Buenos Aires. She has completed four yoga teacher trainings (studied Hatha Yoga at Swasthya, Derose method in Argentina. Vinyasa at Loom Yoga Studio, in NYC. Also Ashtanga Yoga, with Sachidananda, at Mandala Mysore school, in South India. She’s also certified in Prenatal Yoga, studied at Pure Yoga, in NYC.
In addition to being a certified yoga teacher and an Ayurveda life coach, she is also a translator in literature and a therapist (she studied addictions, childhood trauma and neuroscience with Dr. Gabor Matè). Andrea has written and published two poem books and two on Ayurveda. Born in Argentina, now lives in Syracuse, Sicily where she works with consultations and coaching, as well as Yoga and Ayurveda .
In this retreat, we will practice a mix of Hatha and Vinyasa Flow n the AM. This active class grounds you with the Earth and helps you strengthen and stretch your body through the permanence in the different postures.
In the afternoon, we will attune with the energy of the Sun and honor the sunset, when the energy of the day begins to fall and we naturally become more yin (inwards). We will move softly, stretch and meditate together.
Daily Schedule
9 AM – Herbal Tea Begin the day slowly with a calming herbal infusion to awaken the senses.
9:30 AM – Morning Yoga (Hatha Flow – 1h15)A dynamic and grounding practice to energize the body and clear the mind.
11:00 AM – Nourishing Brunch Enjoy a wholesome meal prepared with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoons – Free Time & Body Treatments Relax, swim in turquoise waters, indulge in a detox or deep tissue treatment, or explore the charming streets of Ortigia.
6:00 PM (on two afternoons) – Sound Healing Meditation Gentle, introspective practices to, unwind, and find inner stillness as the sun sets.
Healthy Food
Our food it’s all local, organic and delicious. Enjoy farm-to-table gourmet dinners and energising healthy brunches made by our chefs.
Accommodation
We have 3 very elegant double bedrooms, one of them is a sea view apartment.
Retreat Price
€1500 shared room
€2000 private
Included
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Daily Hatha Yoga in the mornings
- Guided Sound Healing Meditation on two afternoons
- Daily herbal tea & nourishing brunches
- 2 body treatments (detox and deep tissue options available)
- Filtered water and herbal teas available throughout the day
How To Get Here
Catania is the nearest airport, we can arrange airport transfers.
Book Your Place
Please complete the form below if you have a question and to book your place. Get £25 off your first booking with Trips With A Soul.
