Reflections on the Sicily Retreat
Reflections on the Sicily Retreat
I'm back home in the frigid mitten. Myself and co-hosts (AKA favorite humans) just wrapped the last retreat of 2022.
The Sicily Retreat got off to a rough start.
I couldn't sleep on the plane (not surprising at all), was up for 24 hours by the time we reached Catania, and I damaged the rental car within an hour of having it (surprising and very unpleasant).
In addition to one of the narrow city streets getting the best of me, navigating hosting in cities and working with a staff other than my usual co-hosts provided new and unexpected challenges.
On more than one occasion, this retreat almost got the best of me with a few rain days, some questionable streets, Italian drivers and food poisoning, but thankfully we had an incredible group that rolled with the twists and turns Sicily threw at us.
I don't know how but we always get the best guests and watching strangers become friends will always fill me with so much joy.
It truly makes my heart feel like it's going to explode.
Sharing the beauty of Sicily didn't suck either.
We saw the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. We explored the hills of Mt. Etna and Taormina, the windy, romantic streets of Ortigia, the beauty and history of the Stair of the Turks and the Valley of the Temples, and tasted our way through energetic Catania.
We shared stories, many laughs, skin care routines, great conversations and homemade, unmarked bottles of booze with one another.
We posed in flying dresses next to the Mediterranean as well as throughout the beautiful villa that we called home for the week.
We ate so much bread, cheese, prosciutto, and pasta as well as Ali's spicy sauce. And don't even get me started on the desserts.
We learned about Sicilian pinecones (and why they should be rebranded to pinechokes), found America's next top model, shared pics you shouldn't send to your mom, tried to pet more cats than you could count, schemed how we could take Ali home, and realized the only way to play Heads Up is by acting it out.
My only regrets are not allowing more time to share Taormina with the group and tasting Ali's homemade not-at-all chocolate liqueur ;)
On a very early trip to the airport on the last day, one of the guests asked if I got what I wanted out of the retreat and it took me a second to respond because I always try to make these experiences all about the guests.
Her questions reminded me that I host retreats for me as well and I believe it's to be reminded that we are all more alike than we are different;
to remember how powerful it is when women come together;
to remind you that taking time for yourself is not only important, it is essential;
and to watch you be reminded that you are worthy of all that you desire.
Join us on our next adventure!
Images by Personal Branding Maven Elise Kutt at Mod Bettie Portraits
My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.
I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.
My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.
Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Travel Designer