I am very excited to announce that I will be hosting a five night Wellness Retreat in the charming Mediterranean island of Sicily.

“The island’s charm, food, warmth and slow pace make it the perfect destination for a late summer retreat”

This retreat will be held at the 4* Villa Ginevra, a 16th century farmhouse, located in the Nebrodi mountains of Ficarra, north of the island and two hours drive from both Catania and Palermo airports. Perched high above the sea of Brolo, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands and the picturesque hills surrounding Ficarra.

We’ll have exclusive access to the venue which sits on 20 acres and includes a plethora of olive groves and fruit trees. There are 14 ensuite bedrooms with breathtaking sea or mountain views, each coming with either a terrace or balcony. Rooms are spacious with Kingsize beds for single occupancy. The twin rooms have two single beds and the Family Rooms sleep three adults. There is an outdoor private swimming pool, with panoramic views of the mountains, the sea and Aeolian Islands.

“Awakening and moving the spine to experience more lightness and movement within the body”.

Carolyn Reul is a Scaravelli inspired Yoga teacher and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. Carolyn has lived and practised in the UK but now resides in Germany. Carolyn also hosts her own retreats worldwide.

Vanda Scaravelli’s Yoga is a deeply meditative experience. Through conscious, gentle movements and connection with the breath, the mind calms, the body relaxes and tensions gently release. Through soft, fluid movements and deep breathing, you will:

Harmonize the nervous, digestive, immune and connective systems.
Reawaken the liquid, fluid quality of the body – especially in the spine, neck & skull.

Activate the natural pulsation of cerebrospinal fluid to release blockages and restore mobility

Support health of the brain and the prevention of degenerative conditions such as dementia.

The sessions are suitable for all levels of Yoga

Our wonderful Mary Ann Weeks will be taking our Pilates sessions daily. Always fun, energising and full of personality. Each session is upbeat.

Starting with a warm up of flowing movements, core strengthening exercises and stretching designed to lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

We will include a session of Pool Pilates too!

Craniosacral Therapy originates from Osteopathy. It’s a focus on the craniosacral system. The skull (cranium) and sacrum form the two poles of this system. Nestled between the meninges (membranes) of the brain and spinal cord is the central nervous system.

During the treatments, Carolyn will guide you back to your body’s self regulation. By gently sensing your rhythmic pulse, the cranial wave, restrictions and blockages in the tissues are detected. Decompression, the release of blockages, old traumas or degenerative processes are harmonised. Holistic relief occurs at the deepest level. Deep relaxation is promoted and the body’s self regulatory and healing powers are activated and supported.

Through light touch, Carolyn will listen and sense into your body and discover where unprocessed experiences and stressors may have manifested in your tissues. Craniotherapy can release blockages and help restore vitality and wellbeing throughout your entire system.

The session lasts for 60 minutes and costs €90 (£78)

In addition to the included 60 minute spa treatment of your choice, you can book additional treatments such as Swedish Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stones Massage, Eve Taylor Facial, Facial Massage, LED Therapy, Buccal Massage plus more. See Booking Form.

Depending on numbers, there is an opportunity to experience wine tasting on board a boat at sunset from Port of Capo d’Orlando, a 15 minute drive from the venue. This will be organised to take place after dinner. The cost is €50 per person to include tastings and food pairings of local produce to complement the wines. Transport will be provided.

You may wish to extend your time in Sicily, beyond the retreat. You will need to book your own accommodation and transport from the venue.

The nearest train station is Brolo (10 minutes from the venue). Although there are no direct trains to Palermo and Taormina, you can navigate to some of the major cities in Sicily.

If car hire is an option, the Jewel of the Med, Taormina is a must at 1 hour 40 minutes away and spectacular Syracuse is 2 hours 40 minutes by car. Closer to the venue (30 minute drive) is Tindari, a pilgrimage site, Sicily’s most worshipped shrine and famous for its Black Madonna, who is believed to have healing powers.

This retreat combines holistic treatments, movement, nutrition, mindful practices, whilst meeting like minded women and having fun and laughter along the way.

In September, Sicily enjoys warmer weather and is more comfortable than in the summer months.

Sicily offers a rich natural backdrop: olive groves, citrus orchards, Mediterranean coastline, mountains and forests. These surroundings lend themselves to restorative practices like mindful walks, outdoor yoga or meditation.

You’ll experience reduced stress and enhanced relaxation through nature immersion, spa treatments, slower rhythms and wellness sessions that will support your parasympathetic (rest).

Movement therapies, yoga, fresh air, sea swimming and a healthy Mediterranean diet all contribute to better energy, flexibility, circulation, mental clarity and wellbeing: The combination of a less busy environment, mindful practices and nature helps reduce stress.

Connection to nature can itself be restorative.

The beauty and diversity of Sicily’s landscapes, the sea, mountains and countryside make it easier to feel immersed and detached from everyday stress.

Sicily has layers of history and great food which adds to the depth of this wellness experience.

If you are UK based – It is also advisable to apply for a free GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card via the UK NHS website). It covers emergency treatment and visits to A&E and treatment or medical care for long term or pre existing medical conditions.

Please also note that it is likely from late 2026, non EU passport holders will be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).

Additionally EES (EU Entry/Exit System) will be in operation from April 2026.

Please visit the following Government website for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system

To reserve your place or if you have any questions, please contact Gina Navarro

Telephone: 0779966 7401
Email info@wellnessbygeorgina.com
www.wellnessbygeorgina.com

They say when one door closes, another one opens and that definitely is my case!

Having enjoyed a wonderful 30 year career as a Retail Manager with the John Lewis Partnership, the chapter ended happily with Voluntary Redundancy. I retrained as a Massage and Beauty Therapist. So far in my new career, I have worked with two big brands: Aveda and Facegym. The foundations from my John Lewis career have always been the customer service journey and this is where I thrive. Ensuring my service to my clients is always first class and is of paramount importance to me.

My very first Wellness Retreat in the summer of 2022 was a success. My vision was to create a space where one could go to relax, take time out, enjoy some nourishing food, have a spa treatment and try a Yoga class. For some, it was their first taste of meditation, yoga and even a Hot Stone Massage!

My ethos and passion is to give people the opportunity to take time out of their busy lives and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time away from the stresses of today: this really has been so timely, with many people more stressed, overworked and the fact that many companies are squeezing more out of us, with some ‘engines’ running very low! Simply turning up to my events with all the planning and organising being taken care of, means that our guests can fully unwind and take time out for themselves.

We then moved our retreats to the tranquil, peaceful, The Fintry Trust in the Surrey Hills. This proved a popular venue, set in beautiful grounds.