Escape to a Dream in the Heart of Sicily

Dalia Carella Dance Retreat
May 30-June 6, 2026

Wake each morning in a stunning 17th-century Masseria—a historic estate nestled in Sicily’s Madonie Mountain Park, just miles from Gangi, Italy’s “Most Beautiful Village,” and near the sun-kissed coast of Cefalù.

This breathtaking retreat spans 25 acres of serene, private land at 650 meters above sea level. Wander secret forest trails, lose yourself in an 18th-century labyrinth garden, dip your toes in a private river, and bask by a spectacular infinity pool with sweeping mountain views.

At the center of this experience is the rare chance to study intimately with world-renowned dancer and choreographer Dalia Carella. Daily classes in her signature fusion styles—Flamenco Araby, Turkish Roman, and Danse Orientale—will take place on a panoramic terrace or inside a beautifully restored 18th-century yoga hall.

As a special highlight, you’ll co-create a video performance project, dancing throughout the estate’s evocative grounds. This professionally captured film will be a lasting memory of your transformative journey.

More than a retreat, this is a soulful immersion into beauty, creativity, and connection—where movement, history, and nature awaken the spirit.

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Sicily Dance & Soul Intensive Retreat Package with Dalia Carella Includes:

  • 7 nights stay at a stunning, historic Masseria (organic farm) surrounded by olive groves and tranquil countryside 

  • Roundtrip airport transfers, with gratuity included

  • Daily meals (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available)

    • Light Sicilian colazione breakfast (coffee, tea, local rolls, eggs, and fresh fruit)

    • Full brunch and dinner prepared with seasonal local ingredients (meat can be served off site on excursions)

  • Unlimited herbal teas and coffee throughout the day in the serene Tea Lounge

  • 16.5 hours of Dance with Dalia 

  • 2-3 hours of video shoot 

  • Hafla: special performance opportunity where you can showcase your style and talent in Sicily.

  • Two Cultural Excursions to explore in Sicily

  • Nighttime Event – Mysticism Folklore and Tarot under the Stars

  • Beautiful swimming pool and terraces, full, private use of all retreat spaces: oga/ dance space, lounges, restaurant, andsurrounding park grounds

  • Free Wi-Fi in all lounge areas

  • Welcome Dinner Group Wine Toast

  • One Weekly Room Cleaning

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What isn’t covered?

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Cafes during the day trip to Cefalù 

  • Tips for staff at Retreat depending on what you ask them to do

  • Pooled tips for driver on excursions (approx. 2.5 to 5 euros per person, (Note* CASH tipping is customary for transportation in Italy but in restaurants is not necessary, but they still enjoy them) Transportation is covered.

  • Transportation to Extra Excursions is not covered.

  • Wine, beer, prosecco, cappuccino, expresso is not included

  • Umbrella and Beach Chair (Approx. 10 to 30 euros).  it is your choice to go to the beach, cafe, or shop or all of them.

  • Massages and Ayurvedic Abhyangam treatments available all week with appointments.

  • Cooking Classes (must make a reservation at the retreat, we could get a group together if interested)

Dance & Creative Exploration Included:

  • 16.5 hours of immersive instruction with Dalia in:

    • Danse Orientale

    • Turkish Roman

    • Flamenco Araby Arabesque

  • Video shoot of a passionate combo in a gorgeous location

 Included Cultural Excursions:

Cefalù

  • Visit this breathtaking coastal town and fishing village.Relax on Lungomare Beach, featured in White Lotus Season 2, with cafés lining the scenic promenade.

Transportation included. Any personal outings, such as visits to local cafés or shops, will be at your own expense

Gangi Village Excursion: Lunch, walking, shopping

  • Gangi is a picturesque, award-winning medieval village in Sicily's Madonie Mountains, often named among Italy's most beautiful towns. Discover this medieval mountaintop gem, and enjoy a memorable lunch in the village, hike and expore

  • Transportation included

  • Nighttime Terrace Event: Mystical Night Under the Stars with Dalia

  • Dalia takes you on a journey through the mystical folklore of Sicily, exploring the legends of the Black Madonna, powerful women healers and witches, and the mysterious beginnings of the Tarot in Renaissance Italy.

  • Experience a transformative group Tarot reading guided by Dalia’s 45 years of intuitive practice under the stars. 

More to Explore on your own - Additional local excursions available (solo or in groups) — info coming soon.


Important Retreat Details

Rooming Arrangements:

This retreat was thoughtfully designed with a spirit of community, and is a 17th century farmhouse reconstructed into rooms and cottages.  All accommodations are double occupancy with two separate twin beds with the exception of one King suite available for single occupancy. Ideally, you may choose to room with a fellow dance friend you love spending time with. If not, we will do our best to thoughtfully pair you with a suitable roommate.

Please note that rooming arrangements are subject to change depending on the total number of dancers who register.  At that time, I will provide an update regarding any potential availability of alternate rooming options.

You will also be asked to complete a detailed form, which will help us get to know you better and collect important information necessary for roommate, planning and logistics.

Pricing of Retreat Package and Rooms: contact Dalia Carella at info@daliacarella.com

Deposit/Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance highly recommended

Deposit: All deposits are non-refundable, so take the time you need to decide.

First Deposit: At this time, retreat has to be paid in full (no refunds). Only one space left. Contact Dalia: info@daliacarella.com

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is highly recommended for this retreat, as no refunds will be issued from my end. I recommend purchasing either  "Cancel for any reason (CFAR)", which is a premium package or a Classic Travel Plan.

You’re welcome to purchase insurance through your own provider, your credit card company, or through Stephanie Santangelo of Santangelo Travels—she’s wonderful and can assist with both travel arrangements and selecting the right insurance to meet your budget. Santangelo Travels: 716-523-0943 (she will be keeping an eye on pricing of flights and assisting on travel insurance)

IMPT: Most CFAR plans must be purchased within 14 days of your first deposit that you send to me for eligibility for reimbursement. There is no time deposit limitation for a Classic Plan.

Also, If you need to cancel, you may transfer your spot to someone you know. If I have a waitlist, I will try my best to fill your spot, but please note that there is no guarantee a waitlist will be available at the time you cancel.

Daily Schedule Overview 

Note: you can take as many hours as you like, (and may want to book additional excursions, but to be in the project, you are expected to take all classes.  Whether you are in the project or not, you will be learning a beautiful improv and performance combo  at this retreat.

Special Travel Note: Stephanie Santangelo is offering to book your flights for $50. She will also book your hotel rooms for free. She knows everything about this retreat and I would highly recommend. You should fly into Palermo Airport only because bus will be taking us to the retreat. Bus will be leaving at 1pm to retreat on May 30th.

Important Transportation Note
If you miss your flight or the scheduled group shuttle to the retreat, you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transportation to the retreat. We can provide the name of a transportation service, but we are not financially responsible for alternate travel arrangements.
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SCHEDULE:

Day 1 –Saturday, May 30

We plan to depart Palermo Airport by approximatel 1:00 pm via bus to the Sicilian Spirit Retreat (approximately 2–2.5 hours travel time). Please book a morning arrival to give you time to take the retreat shuttle.

To reduce stress and allow for possible flight delays, we recommend arriving one day early and spending the afternoon/evening in Palermo’s Centro Storico (Quattro Canti area). This is optional, not required. Stephanie will book your flight for free.

If you choose to arrive a day early, we can recommend hotels, and Stephanie can book your hotel for you. I will also be in Palermo the day before and the hotels we are recommending are 2 to 5 min from the participants to choose for early arrival. We will let you know what form of transportation you will need to take to get to either a pickup in the Center or at the airport.

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Day 1 - Saturday, May 30

Retreat Arrival: Approx 3:30PM

  • 7:00 PM – Welcome Dinner Party & Wine Toast (Dinner included and one glass of wine, Alcohol can be purchased)

  • Evening: Relax on the terraces, swim under the stars, or bedtime for the week ahead

Note about classes during Retreat: You can choose to take the full day or whatever you like at your pace. If you are in the performance video project, you are required to take all classes to partake. Please be “On Time” for all excursions.

Day 2 –Sunday, May 31

Opening the Body, Awakening the Spirit

  • 7:30 – 9:00 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace (your choice to join in at any time)

  • 9:30 – 11:30 AM – Turkish Roman Traditional Technique (hand gesturing/footwork and Dunyavi Skirt

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 – 3:30 PM – 1 hr. Danse Orientale Arabesque/1 hr. Flamenco Araby Technique

  • 3:30 PM onward – Free time: pool, terrace, nature walks, or lounge, massage etc.

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit

  • Evening: Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room

Day 3 –Monday, June 1

Fusion Techniques & Mystical Night

  • 7:30 – 9:00 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM –  Morning Stretch on the Terrace (your choice to join in at any time)

  • 9:30– 11:30 AM –  Andalusi-Inspired Danse Orientale / Flamenco Fusion Technique

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM –Interpretive Exploration Part 1: Andalusi-Inspired Danse Orientale / Flamenco Fusion

  • 3:00 PM Onward – Free time: pool, nature, relaxation, massage

  • 7:00 – 8:15 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit

  • 8:30 – 9:45 PM – Mystical Night Under the Stars with Dalia (Terrace Gathering)

Day 4 – Tuesday, June 2

Setting Movement to Intrepretive Performance & Local Excursion

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace (your choice to join in at any time)

  • 9:00 – 11:30 AM – Interpretive Exploration Part 2 for Andalusi-Inspired Danse Orientale / Flamenco Fusion

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 - 3:00 PM – Interpretive Exploration Part 3: Group Project Formations‍

  • 3:00 – 7:00 PM – Free time: pool, nature, relaxation massage, etc. ‍

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit

  • Evening: Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room

Day 5 –Wednesday, June 3

Excursion & Sunset Relaxation Time

  • 7:30 – 8:15 AM – Light Breakfast (eat at retreat or take food to go on bus)

  • 8:30 – 3:00 PM – Excursion to Cefalù: Enjoy cafés, artisan shops, or a dip at the beach (Transportation Included in Package, tiping driver will be pooled, meals and umbrellas not included, see above info about this event)
    Return to retreat approx. 4:30pm.

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner

  • Evening: Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room

Day 6 – Thursday, June 4

Excursion to Gangi Village (Lunch and transportation included)/Hafla Night

  • 7:30 - 8:15 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 8:15 - 8:45 AM - Morning Stretch on the Terrace (your choice to join in at any time)

  • 8:45 - 11:00 AM - Group Project Formations (formations will be taught to all dancers who are in the project or not)

  • 11:30- 3:30 PM - Excursion to Gangi Village (group lunch and transportation included, exploration, pooled tip for driver), Return to retreat approx. 4:00 or 4:30pm.

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Dinner

  • 8:15 – ? – Hafla Night Chill: Dance in your clothes or a costume! Optional performances or sit and watch either on terrace or beautiful farmhouse. Please let Dalia know if you are performing. Dance no longer then 3-4 min. This is informal!

Day 7 –Friday, June 5

Rehearsal & Film Project Day - Perform or have a day off

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch

  • 9:00 – 11:30 AM – Group Project Rehearsal: If you decide not to be in project, you are welcome to dance behind the performance project group dancers or watch and relax.

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 - 3:30 PM - Get ready for shoot, relax, go on an extra excursion, etc.

  • 3:30 – 6:30 PM – Video Shoot/ Staging (Whoever isn’t performing, we would love some volunteers)

  • 7:00 - 8:30 PM – Farewell Dinner Celebration

  • Evening: Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga and pack!

Day 8 –Saturday, June 6

Departure Day -

  • Early Group transport to Palermo Airport leave at 7:00am. (There is only ONE GROUP BUS)