About halfway between Italy and Tunisia, Pantelleria juts out from the Mediterranean ocean as a black volcanic rock.  Exuding a sense of mystery & magic, its known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean.  While officially Italian, the land & architecture feels somehow closer to Africa than it does to Sicily.  It's rustic and wild: there's no umbrella-lined sandy beaches, thumping nightlife or postcards for sale.  Rather, people come here to spend their afternoons hiking to the Lago di Venere, where the tradition is to get slathered in sulphuric mud from the milky-turquoise water. Wander off property, and clamor down a rocky path to explore the thermal baths below. 

The beauty of Pantelleria is subtle & understated.  This sparsely populated island, with it's terraced slopes of wild herbs, capers & olives, is home to more reclusive icons like Giorgio Armani.  Still today, it's one of Italy's best kept secrets.  

We're staying on the west coast of the island, in the heart of the archeological Sesi park in Pantelleria.  You might recognize Pantelleria from the stunning Luca Guadagnino film, A Bigger Splash.  The surroundings are dotted with caves, lava sculptures, and emerald coves. Our property is dotted with exotic palms, fruit orchards, and art. At night, the estate becomes charming and magical, conceived for strolls among the trees under the stars.

Black volcanic stone architecture is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, surrounded by an environment filled with history, natural beauty and secular traditions which evolves with the rhythms of quiet and slow living. With a dedicated attention to detail, Parco Dei Sesi combines raw materials, imperfections, curated objects and art to create beautiful, harmonious and relaxing spaces.The property has a few smaller plunge pools and one full-sized swimming pool.  

Le Camere. (the rooms) There are plenty of rooftops to lounge on. The property is expansive, with gardens, pools, pine-forests and palm groves. Space for this retreat is limited to 18 students.  Each room is unique, with it's own rustic charm.  Some bedrooms have one large bed, and some have two twin beds.  Some rooms have adjoining living rooms, which have typically have a single bed in as well. Rates vary depending on if you decide to share a bed, to share a room but have your own bed, or opt for a triple. Please keep in mind this is not a resort - it's a private villa. If you are looking for a JW Mariott with staff, central AC and turn-down service, this is simply NOT the retreat for you.  If you appreciate understated beauty, barefoot adventures, and thermal energy all around you, then this IS for you!  The property is so spacious, with many places to relax, chat or study - and that from our experience people really only use their rooms to sleep. 

La Cucina. (the food) For breakfast, expect eggs, local cheeses, homemade jams, fresh brewed coffee,  local melons.  For lunch, expect cured local meats, rocket salad, beetroot hummus, and caprese. For dinner, expect lots of vegetarian options, of course Italian pastas, grilled local veggies, and ancient grains.  Local natural, unfiltered wine is available for purchase at a reasonable price.  We are flying in Lauren Gerrie to oversee the menu, so the food will be spectacular. The menu items listed above are just to give you an idea!  

How To Arrive. Take the short hour-long flight from Sicily's Palermo Airport to Pantelleria. DAT (Danish Air Tranport) offers daily flights.  From Pantelleria's airport to the property is a 45 minute drive through the gorgeous coastal road.  Depending on if you're travelling alone or with a friend, the easiest option for most people is to rent a car.  If you don't feel comfortable renting a car (or just don't want to), we can pair you with someone else arriving at the same time, so that you can drive together.  Renting a car in Pantelleria is extremely easy & affordable.   If you have time before or after the retreat, we recommend a couple nights in Sicily!

Activities. Our property has a gorgeous swimming pool, perfect for lounging the afternoon away.  (it's early summer, so we're expecting sunshine during the day, with cooler evenings).  There are plenty of gorgeous places nearby to explore.  Thermal baths, hikes, hot springs, the lake with its famous sulphuric mud, and some charming nearby towns to visit.

What's Not Included? Extras like massage (unless you ask Anton nicely!) wine, car rental, one meal out with the group, and your international travel.