Dalia Carella Presents: An Immersive Dance & Cultural Experience in Sicily
May 15- may 22, 2027
High in Sicily’s breathtaking Madonie Mountains, on 25 private acres surrounded by nature, join Dalia for an immersive dance and cultural journey where artistry, history, cuisine, and authentic Sicilian experiences unfold. Awaken to golden sunrises, dance in beautifully restored 17th-century spaces, and unwind beneath spectacular sunsets overlooking the mountains at the historic Masseria Sgadari.
At the heart of this retreat is the opportunity to study intimately with Master teacher, dancer and choreographer Dalia Carella as she shares her signature fusion style, Flamenco Araby—a passionate exploration of Middle Eastern influences, Flamenco fusion passionate technique and storytelling and prop work. Dalia will be teaching her new theatrical work "Le Ardenti” for this retreat. Read below!
A special highlight of the retreat is being part of a dance video project shot throughout the estate's evocative grounds AND hopefully, capture a magical short video snippet of the dance members dancing in front of the famous Agrigento's Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), one of the world's most extraordinary Greek archaeological sites.
Dance Immersive Package with Dalia Carella Includes:
7 night stay at a stunning, historic Masseria (organic farm) surrounded by olive groves and tranquil countryside and the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets
Roundtrip airport transfers, with gratuity included
Two unforgettable cultural excursions exploring the beauty, history, and traditions of Sicily with transportation
Daily farm to table Organic meals (Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options)
Light breakfast (coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit)
Full brunch and dinner prepared with seasonal local ingredients
Unlimited water, herbal teas and coffee throughout the day in the serene Tea Lounge
PLEASE NOTE: The Retreat does not allow people with Airborne Allergies
16.5 hours of dance immersion with Dalia focusing on a theatrical Flamenco Araby - dancing with Sombrero Flamenco (Hats) and passionate armwork and storytelling. Dalia’s will be introducing her new work called "Le Ardenti” , (the firey or passionate woman)
A filmed and edited dance video in one of the Masseria’s breathtaking locations—a keepsake you'll treasure forever
Hafla: special performance opportunity where you can showcase your style and talent in Sicily
Dalia’s Full Moon Ceremony in Sicily exploring the meaning with astrology, crystals and tarot
Beautiful swimming pool and terraces, full, private use of all retreat spaces: yoga/ dance space, lounges, restaurant, and surrounding gardens, olive groves and nature walks.
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 (required for all retreat participants)
Taxi or Van Fare from Palermo Airport to hotel on 5/14
Hotel in Palermo, Sicily on 5/14 (Santangelo Travels will assist in booking)
Some café visits and meals will be on your own
Tips for staff at Retreat to show your appreciation if you wish
Pooled tips for driver on excursions (approx. 3 to 5 euros per person, (Note* CASH tipping is customary for transportation in Italy/Sicily, but in restaurants is not necessary, but they still enjoy them) and Tour guide (if applicable) split equally among participants if you wish.
Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees (cappuccino, espresso), prosecco, wine, and beer purchased at the retreat
Optional massages and Ayurvedic treatments (appointments required and subject to availability)
Cultural Excursions:
🏛️ Agrigento
More than 2,500 years ago, Agrigento flourished as one of the wealthiest Greek colonies in Sicily. Founded in the 6th century BC as Akragas, it became one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Today, its magnificent Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece. Beyond the archaeological park, the historic center reveals centuries of history through winding streets, magnificent churches, and traces of the ancient Greek city woven into modern Agrigento. Transportation, bagged lunch and tour guide included.
🏰 Castelbuono
Castelbuono is one of Sicily’s most enchanting medieval villages, nestled in the heart of the Madonie Mountains. Explore its charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and savor local specialties At the heart of the village stands the magnificent 14th-century VentimigliaCastle, built in 1316. A unique blend of Arabic, Norman, and Swabian influences, the castle houses a civic museum and the beautiful Baroque Chapel of St. Anne, home to the treasured relic of the town’s patron saint. No visit to Castelbuono is complete without a stop at Fiasconaro, the renowned Sicilian pastry shop known for its panettone and other handcrafted creations featuring local ingredients such as pistachios, almonds, citrus, honey, and the rare Sicilian manna. Transportation included.
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Accommodations in Palermo and Retreat Bus:
Arrival in Palermo
Friday - May 14th: All participants are required to fly into the Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO). We worked with Santangelo Travels (Stephanie Santangelo), in providing a service to find reasonably priced B&Bs or hotels for our one-night stay in Palermo. I highly recommend arriving as early as possible in am to enjoy shopping, sightseeing, dinner, and exploring the beautiful Kalsa district of Palermo.
Saturday, May 15: retreat bus departs from the Palermo Historic Center. The group meeting point details will be announced closer to the retreat date. Departure will be approximately 1:00–2:00 pm.
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Accommodations at Retreat:
The retreat is set within a beautifully restored 17th-century Sicilian Masseria, offering charming rooms, suites, and cottages—each with its own unique historic character. Most accommodations are double occupancy with two twin beds, with one King Suite available for single occupancy. You're welcome to room with a dance friend, or we'll thoughtfully match you with a compatible roommate.
Please note that this is an authentic mountain 17th century retreat, not a five-star luxury resort. The property features cobblestone paths, steps, and uneven terrain, so guests should be comfortable walking and climbing stairs. Unfortunately, this retreat is not suitable for those with mobility limitations.
Room assignments are finalized based on the number of participants. Prior to the retreat, you'll complete a brief questionnaire to help us make the best roommate matches and gather important planning information.
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Pricing of Retreat Package and Rooms: contact Dalia Carella at info@daliacarella.com and a pricing list will be sent to you with room availability and a dance form. Deposit: All deposits are non-refundable. First Deposit: $260. Please do not send any money, until you return your dance form to Dalia. Considering this last retreat, sold out, we are expecting another SOLD OUT retreat.
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Travel Insurance and Stipulations:
Travel insurance is required for this retreat, as no refunds will be issued by Dalia Carella. I highly recommend purchasing either a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy or a Classic Travel Plan through your preferred provider or credit card company.
Important: Most CFAR policies must be purchased within 14 days of your initial retreat deposit to Dalia to qualify for full benefits. Classic plans generally do not have this deadline.
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Travel Agent Assistance: I highly recommend Stephanie Santangelo of Santangelo Travels (716-523-0943). She was a so amazing with her assistance. She can assist you with:
One-night accommodations in Palermo before the retreat (and after if needed)
Private airport transfers, if desired
Travel insurance quotes
Flight assistance, if desired ($100 fee)
For travel insurance quotes, please email her with your state of residence and birthdate stephanie@santangelotravels.com.
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Cancellations: You may transfer your retreat spot to someone you know. Remember, there are NO REFUNDS under any circumstance, that’s why I highly recommended Cancellation Insurance.
Missed Flights or Retreat Transportation
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. We can recommend a transportation service but cannot assume financial responsibility for alternate travel arrangements.
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Dance Level: If you plan to participate in the Performance Project, attendance at all classes is expected. This retreat is open to Intermediate through Professional dancers who are currently taking classes or actively dancing. A dance form will be required for you to fill out when you inquire. Whether or not you choose to participate in the performance project, you are welcome to learn a beautiful combo choreo during the retreat but depending on the number of inquiries, I will be taking performance project dancers first. If you're unsure whether the level is right for you, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@daliacarella.com
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Daily Schedule:
Day 1 –Saturday, May 15
We plan to depart the historical center in Palermo by approximately 1/2:00 pm to the Sicilian Retreat (approximately 2–2.5 hours travel time) via bus or vans.
Retreat Arrival: Approx. 3:30PM
7:00 PM – Welcome Dinner Party & Wine Toast (Dinner includes one glass of wine). Alcohol, cappuccino, soda can be purchased)
8:30 PM Onward - Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room Evening: Relax on the terraces, swim under the stars, or bedtime for the week ahead
Day 2 –Sunday, May 16
7:30 – 8:30 AM – Light breakfast (coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit)
8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace or Yoga Room (your choice to join in at any time)
9:00 – 11:15 AM – Flamenco Araby Technique - Arm and Posture Technique
11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 3:15 PM – Flamenco Araby Technique - Sombrero (Hats) and Arm work
3:30 - 7:00 PM – Free time: pool, terrace, nature walks, lounge, massage etc.
7:00 - 8:30 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit
8:30 PM Onward - Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room
Day 3 –Monday, May 17
7:30 – 8:30 AM – Light breakfast (coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit)
8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace or Yoga Room (your choice to join in at any time)
9:00– 11:15 AM – Flamenco Araby - Hat, Arm Technique intro "Le Ardenti” - Part 1
11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 3:15 PM – Flamenco Araby - Hat, Arm Technique combo "Le Ardenti” - Part 2
3:15 –7:00PM - Free time: pool, nature, relaxation, massage
7:00 – 8:30 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit
8:30 PM Onward - Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room
Day 4 – Tuesday, May 18
Excursion to Agrigento - Valle dei Templi (please read in Excursion Section)
7:30 – 9:00 AM – Light to medium breakfast
9:30- 4:30 PM – Excursion to Agrigento, bagged lunches will be provided and tour guide
4:30 - 7:00 PM – Free time: pool, nature, relaxation massage, etc
7:00 - 8:30 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit
8:30PM Onward - Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room
Day 5 –Wednesday, May 19
7:30 – 8:30 AM – Light breakfast (coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit)
8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace or Yoga Room (your choice to join in at any time)
9:00– 11:15 AM – Flamenco Araby - Combo "Le Ardenti” - Part 3
11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 3:15 PM – Flamenco Araby - Combo "Le Ardenti” - Part 4
3:15 –7:00PM - Free time: pool, nature, relaxation, massage
7:00 – 8:15 PM – Dinner at Sicilian Spirit
8:15 PM Onward - Full Moon Gathering Under the Sicilian Stars with Dalia - bring your fav crystals!
Day 6 – Thursday, May 20 - Class and Excursion to Castelbuono (read in Excursion section)
7:30 - 8:15 AM – Light Breakfast
8:15 - 8:45 AM - Morning Stretch on the Terrace or Yoga Room (your choice to join in at any time)
8:45 - 11:00 AM - Combo Formations (formations will be taught to all dancers who are in the project or not)
11:30- 3:30 PM - Excursion to Castelbuono Village (group lunch and exploration)
7:00 – 8:30 PM – Dinner
8:30 Onword – Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga room
Day 7 –Friday, May 21 - Film Project Day and Hafla
6:30 – 7:00 AM – Light breakfast (coffee, tea, biscuits and fresh fruit)
7:00 – 10 AM – Video Film Project
10:00 – 11:30 AM – Rest
11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
4:00- 6:00 PM - DancerHafla Chill Performances - Dance in your clothes or a costume (Optional) Please let Dalia know if you are performing. Dance no longer then 3-4 min.
7:00 - 8:30 PM – Farewell Dinner Celebration
8:30 Onward:Terrace time, swim, relax in intimate lounges or unwind in the yoga and pack!
Day 8 –Saturday, May 22 - Departure Day - End of Retreat
7:00am. Approx. - Early Group transport to Palermo Airport or Palermo Historical Center
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Special Announcement: Optional Post-Retreat Escape in Cefalù
Continue your Sicilian journey with Dalia on a relaxing two-night escape to the charming seaside town of Cefalù. This optional extension includes two nights of accommodations, round-trip train tickets from Palermo, and a scenic boat excursion along the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast. It's the perfect way to unwind, enjoy the slower pace of Sicily, and savor a few more unforgettable moments together before heading home.
Pricing and additional details coming soon. Separate Pricing Package