About Favignana

For this retreat, we’re heading to a tiny island off the coast of Sicily - Favignana. Your friends haven't been here before (keep sending them to Amalfi please), this is a place whispered by Italians in the know. Favignana is a rough-cut version of the best that Italy has to offer. When you arrive at the Port, you'll rent an e-bike, which will be your transport around the island for our week together.

There’s no instagram girlies here, no tourbuses, and no English menus.  This is a dry, ochre-hued land of limestone cliffs and cool italians who care more about having fun than being cool - too languid to have much of a scene. The food is homely and unfussy. Favignana is hot, dry and remote, retaining a flavour of its Greek past.

This retreat is all about embracing the Mediterranean: ripe apricots, boat adventures and cliff jumps.

The Properties

Our private 19th century villa is the summer Dukes residence.  It’s a historic and whimsical villa, surrounded by a large garden of pine, olives and palms. The entrance to the villa is magnificent: a private alley lined with century old trees.  We’re just steps from small port of Tricasse, with it small fishing boats and the clear Adriatic water. The water is so calm and clean, it’s lovely to take a dip in the late afternoon.    

We'll practice yoga on the outdoor terrace under the centuries-old olive trees.  We already have yoga mats, you just show up! 

Le Camere, The Rooms.  Each room is unique, with it's own charm. Some rooms have terraces, some have a ocean view, some garden view.  You can opt for a single or double room. Please note that this a stone house on a tiny island: its whimsical, carefree and fabulous. If you are looking for resort experience, this is simply not the retreat for you. If you are looking for understated sophistication and to live out your Talented Mr. Ripley fantasy, then this is the retreat for you! Space for this retreat is limited to 18 students.   

La Cucina, The Food. For breakfast, expect local eggs, local cheeses, homemade jam, fresh brewed coffee, local melon. Lunch is on your own, most of the beaches have cute little shacks to grab an easy meal.  For dinner, expect traditional Sicilian Island fare: lots of vegetarian options, handmade Orichette pastas, grilled local veggies, and ancient grains.  Local wine is available and not included, from our friend's fabulous winery.  The Italian cooks are working with produce from our farm, so the food will be spectacular. The menu items listed above are just to give you an idea. 

How To Arrive. The easiest option is to fly into Trapani (a town in Sicily). From there, take the 30 minute ferry to Favignana. Alteratively, you could fly into Palermo, and then hire a car (90 minute drive) to Trapani. 

Activities. Days in Favignana follow a simple rhythm: after yoga & breakfast, we'll hop on our e-bikes and set off to explore the island, in search of the next perfect swim. Think hidden limestone coves, sea caves, crystal-clear water and rocky outcrops made for sunbathing and cliff jumping. Bring your goggles, this is some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. We leave the afternoons unplanned, with plenty of time to read, nap in the sun or simply linger by the sea. A few evenings we'll cycle into town for aperitivo, fresh seafood and festive communal dinners.

What's Not Included? Boats, e-bike rentals, 3 dinners out, and your international travel.