Welcome to ITALY

Ríe Retreats | June 17-21, 2026

Location: Masseria Baroni, Noto, Sicily, Italy

Theme: Creative Expression, Cultural Connection & Intentional Rest

🇮🇹 about SICILY

Sicily is sun-soaked, soulful, and effortlessly inspiring. It's a place where life revolves around good food, long conversations, afternoon swims, and lingering just a little longer at the dinner table. Ancient ruins sit beside vibrant markets, seaside villages spill onto turquoise coastlines, and every winding street seems to hold a story.

For our retreat, we'll be slowing down and embracing the Sicilian way of life: savoring beautiful meals, creating with our hands, exploring local culture, connecting with one another, and remembering that not every moment needs to be productive to be meaningful.

at a glance:

🌎 Continent: Europe

🗣️ Language: Italian (English is spoken in some tourist areas but not everywhere)

💰 Currency: Euro (€)

✝️ Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

⏱️ Time Zone: GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time)

🏛️ Region: Sicily, Italy

☀️ Climate: Warm Mediterranean weather with sunny days, low humidity, and mild evenings

💡 Cultural Notes for First-Time Travelers

Language:
Italian is the primary language spoken throughout Sicily. While you'll likely encounter English speakers in larger towns and tourism-related businesses, it's not guaranteed everywhere. Learning a few simple phrases such as ciao (hello), grazie (thank you), and buongiorno (good morning) is always appreciated and often rewarded with a smile.

Pace of Life:
Sicilians know how to enjoy life. Meals are slow, conversations are important, and nobody is in a rush. Don't be surprised if dinner stretches for hours or if a quick coffee somehow becomes an afternoon. This retreat is intentionally designed to embrace that rhythm rather than fight it.

Dress & Comfort:
Italy is known for style, but don't overthink it. Sicilian fashion tends to be effortlessly put together rather than overly formal. Think linen sets, breezy dresses, comfortable sandals, swimsuits, oversized button-downs, and pieces that transition easily from beach afternoons to sunset dinners.

Food Culture:
Food is woven into every aspect of Sicilian life. Meals are social, ingredients are seasonal, and recipes are often passed down through generations. Expect passionate conversations about olive oil, tomatoes, pistachios, pasta, and whose grandmother makes the best arancini.

Weather & Environment:
June is one of the most beautiful times to visit Sicily. Expect warm sunny days, blue skies, sea breezes, and plenty of opportunities to be outdoors. Sunscreen, hats, and hydration will be your best friends.

Navigating Sicily as a Traveler:
Sicily is incredibly welcoming, but it operates on its own timeline. Things may start later than expected. Shops may close for afternoon breaks. Roads may be narrower than they appear. This isn't inefficiency—it's simply part of the culture. Arrive with flexibility and curiosity and you'll enjoy the experience far more.

Food & Dietary Notes

Food is a central part of this retreat experience.

Throughout the week, we'll enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by Sicilian ingredients and traditions. Expect fresh seafood, handmade pasta, seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, citrus, olives, pistachios, stone fruits, fresh bread, and plenty of opportunities to experience the incredible culinary culture Sicily is known for. Meals are designed to nourish both body and connection. Some of the best conversations happen around the table, often lingering long after dessert has arrived.

Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements in advance. We will do our best to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs wherever possible.

Travel flow & retreat guide

Each day is intentionally designed with a balance of structure and spaciousness.

Mornings may begin with movement, journaling, creative workshops, coffee in the sunshine, or slow breakfasts shared together. Throughout the week we'll explore local culture, connect through meaningful conversations, create alongside one another, and experience Sicily through both guided activities and unstructured moments.

Just as importantly, there will be space to rest. The full itinerary will be shared upon arrival, but expect a blend of intentional programming and plenty of room for spontaneity.

The Ríe team will be available throughout the entire experience… from pre-trip questions to support during and after the retreat.

spending money & cash vs. card

Most of our in-villa retreat experiences, accommodations, and included meals are covered as part of your all-inclusive pricing and package.

We recommend bringing a mix of card and cash for personal purchases, souvenirs, cafés, gelato stops, additional drinks, tips, or any activities that will take place throughout your free-time exploring the island.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Sicily, though smaller businesses, beach clubs, family-run cafés, and local markets may occasionally prefer cash.

ATMs are readily available throughout Sicily if you need additional Euros during your stay. We recommend notifying your bank of your travel dates before departure.

Always here if you have any additional questions!

🧳 What to Pack

Essentials:

  • Passport (valid 6+ months beyond your return date)

  • European plug adapter (Type C, F, or L)

  • Any medications or supplements you need

Clothing / Accessories:

  • Lightweight linen or breathable clothing

  • Swimsuits for beach and pool days

  • Comfortable sandals and walking shoes

  • Yoga or movement clothes

  • Light sweater or jacket for evenings

  • An elevated but comfortable outfit for welcome and farewell dinners

  • Sun hat and/or sunglasses

  • Beach cover-up or oversized shirt

  • SPF and after-sun care

Extras:

  • Journal, sketchbook, or any creative project you want to work on

  • Camera, camcorder, or film camera if desired

  • Favorite books, playlists, card games, or inspiration to share with the group

  • Spending money for tips, souvenirs, snacks, or personal purchases

  • Travel-size hand sanitizer & wipes

  • Earplugs (for nature sounds, countryside noises, or shared accommodations)

  • Portable charger for travel days and excursions

Weather Notes (June 17-21):

Expect warm Mediterranean temperatures ranging from approximately 75–88°F (24–31°C). Days are typically sunny and dry, while evenings cool slightly and become perfect for outdoor dinners and late-night conversations under the stars.

final note from our founder:

As we gear up for this journey together, here’s your gentle reminder: this retreat is more than a vacation, and definitely more than another stamp in your passport.

We didn't come all this way just to eat great pasta (although we absolutely will), take beautiful photos, or check Sicily off a bucket list. We came to FEEL something. To reconnect with ourselves, to create in community, to remember what intentional rest feels like, and to laugh until our cheeks hurt. We hope to bring you new memories and maybe even return home with new versions of ourselves.

But here's the thing: travel has a funny sense of humor.

A reservation might run late. Someone will probably get lost in a charming alleyway. An afternoon gelato stop may accidentally turn into a three-hour adventure. There is a very real possibility that someone falls deep into a story-time with a Sicilian nonna they just met exploring the town.

And somehow, those moments always become the stories we remember most.

We've curated this experience with intention, and we'll do everything we can to make sure your week feels joyful, meaningful, and memorable. But when things don't go exactly according to plan (because at some point they won't), go with it.

Embrace the detours.
Order the second aperitivo.
Stay for one more conversation.
Watch the sunset a little longer.

We'll always provide thoughtful alternatives and hold space for what the group needs. Just keep showing up with curiosity, compassion, openness, and care for one another. The energy each of us brings becomes part of the experience we create together!

This is your invitation to live the week moment by moment, slow down, savor, connect, and be fully present in a place where life is meant to be enjoyed. I'm so honored to have you on this journey.

[Founder, Ríe Retreats]