About Panarea

For this retreat, we're heading to the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, just off the northern coast of Sicily. Panarea has long been an escape for Italians in the know, a place where summer unfolds at its own pace and life revolves around the sea. You'll arrive by hydrofoil, settle into island life, and spend the week exploring by boat and on foot.

There's no rush here. Mornings begin with a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, afternoons are spent discovering hidden coves, and diving from volcanic rocks. One day we'll take a boat and drift to a neighboring island. The evenings belong to long dinners, cold Sicilian wine, and the kind of conversations that happen easily on warm Mediterranean nights.

This is Italy at its most effortless: volcanic landscapes, impossibly clear water, fresh seafood, and a quiet glamour that has nothing to prove. Our week together is an invite to slow down, to embrace the feel of a European summer, and fall in love with one of the Mediterranean's most magical corners.

The Properties

We have booked a group of seafront cottages from one of the original families to have settled on Panarea.  This handful of traditional charming cottages are situated on a bluff with private access to the sea below.  They are a short 2 minute walk from one another. 

We'll practice yoga on a protected, shaded terrace situated with a stunning view of the sea.  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 an ocean view, some garden view.  You can opt for a single, double or triple room. Please note we're on a tiny island without cars: its whimsical, carefree and fabulous. If you are looking for a 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. We're bringing our fave private chef for this one! For breakfast, expect local eggs, local cheeses, homemade jam, fresh brewed coffee, local melon. Lunch is on your own, grab an easy meal as you like.  For dinner, expect a local feast: lots of gorgeous veggies, seafood, handmade pastas, etc.  Local wine is available and not included, from our friend's fabulous winery.  We are flying in one of our favorite private chefs, 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 Catania on Sicily's east coast. From there, take a private transfer (roughly 2.5 hours) to the port of Milazzo, where you'll board a 2 hour hydrofoil to Panarea. Alternatively, you can fly into Palermo and travel to Milazzo by private transfer or train (3–3.5 hours), before continuing by hydrofoil to the island Once you arrive in Panarea, everything is within walking distance

Festa di San Pietro. We've intentionally planned this retreat to coincide with the Festa di San Pietro, Panarea's annual celebration of its patron saint. For two magical evenings, the island comes alive with candlelit processions, music, communal feasts, and fireworks over the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's a super special opportunity to experience Panarea at its most authentic, when locals & visitors gather to celebrate the island's rich maritime traditions.

Activities. Days in Panarea follow a simple rhythm: after yoga & breakfast, you can walk down our private little crumbling staircase to our own swim spot right out front. 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, lunch, 2 dinners out, and your international travel.