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.

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. 

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

Palermo

  • Explore the vibrant capital of Sicily

  • Enjoy a culinary experience at Moltivolti — where traditional Sicilian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines come together (lunch and transportation included) tips not included and is optional if you like

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.       

Optional Excursion Not Included that Dalia recommends:

Gangi Village + Wine Tasting (Approx. $28 + shared transportation cost)

  • Discover this medieval mountaintop gem, named Italy’s “Most Beautiful Village”

  • Savor wines at the picturesque Tenuta San Giaime Vineyards

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. A clearer picture will emerge by winter when the second deposit is due.  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:

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

First Deposit: $250 due at sign-up. We have only a few spaces left. You can purchase at anytime, but I cannot guarantee there will be availability so please write to me as soon as possible. There will be three deposits or you can pay in full in advance (no refunds). Send deposit via Venmo: @Dalia-Carella or Zelle: 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 eligitability 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 beautiful movements in the styles presented at this retreat

Day 1 –Saturday, May 30

Arrival + Welcome

  • Arrival via group shuttle from Palermo Airport to Sicilian Spirit Retreat Center

  • 7:00 PM – Welcome Dinner Party & Wine Toast (Dinner included)

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

Day 2 –Sunday, May 31

Opening the Body, Awakening the Spirit

  • 8:30 – 9:30 AM – Light Breakfast

  • 9:30 – 10:00 AM – Morning Stretch on the Terrace

  • 10:00 – 11:30 AM – Turkish Roman Technique with Dalia (Fusion of Arabic danse & Flamenco

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Brunch / Lunch

  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Flamenco Araby Technique

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

  • 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 – 8:30 AM – Breakfast

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM –  Morning Stretch on the Terrace

  • 9:00 – 11:30 AM – Technique: Flamenco Araby & Danse Orientale Raqs

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM –Interpretive Exploration Part 1 for Flamenco Araby Arabesque

  • 3:00 – 7:00 PM – Free time: pool, nature, or relaxation

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Dinner

  • 8:00 – 9:30 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 – Breakfast

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM –Morning Stretch

  • 9:00 – 11:30 AM – Interpretive Movement Part 2: Flamenco Araby Arabesque

  • 11:30 – 12:00 PM – Lunch

  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM –Interpretive Movement Part 3: Flamenco Araby Arabesque

  • 3:00 – 6:00 PM – Excursion to Gangi Village + Wine Tasting (Optional, not included)

  • 7:00 PM – Dinner

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

 

Day 5 –Wednesday, June 3

Excursion & Evening Creation

  • 7:00 – 8:15 AM – Breakfast

  • 8:15 AM – ~2:30/3:00 PM – Excursion to Cefalù: Enjoy cafés, artisan shops, or a dip in the sea (Included)

  • 4:30-6:30PM – Group Project: Interpretive and Group Combo Session

  • 7:00 – 8:15 PM – Dinner

    Evening: Pool & terrace celebration under the stars, storytelling, mischief, etc

Day 6 – Thursday, June 4

Palermo + Hafla Night

  • 7:00 – 8:15 AM – Breakfast

  • 8:15 AM – ~4:00 PM – Excursion to Palermo: Explore the cultural heart and cuisine of Sicily (Included)

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Dinner

  • 8:00 – 9:30 PM – Hafla Night Chill: Optional performances by retreat guest either on Terrace or beautiful farmhouse

Day 7 –Friday, June 5

Rehearsal & Film Project Day

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM – Breakfast

  • 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Morning Stretch

  • 9:00 – 11:30 AM – Group Project Rehearsal

  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

  • 3:30 – 6:30 PM – Video Shoot (Optional – your presence is welcome, but your growth and joy are what matter most!)

  • 7:00 PM – Farewell Dinner & Celebration

  • Evening: Pool & terrace celebration under the stars, storytelling, mischief, etc

Day 8 –Saturday, June 6

Departure Day

  • Breakfast served before departure

  • Group transport to Palermo Airport (departure time will be arranged closer to travel)