Known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean, Pantelleria is a wild volcanic island located off the coast of mainland Sicily. It is a unique place where time seems to have stood still. Ancient dammusi stone houses lie hidden in the hills and dusty, winding roads weave through abundant green nature. The whole island is like a big natural open-air spa with smoky fumaroles, thermal baths and hot springs.
Our retreat location is a beautifully designed property in the heart of the archeological Sesi park. Set just 200 meters from the sea, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, art and history, you’ll find a collection of restored dammusi and stylish villas where the black volcanic stone architecture is seamlessly integrated into the landscape. Dotted around the spacious property you’ll find peaceful relaxation places, a large pool and plenty of rooftops perfect for sunset views.
You’ll practice yoga twice each day, delving deep into your practice, experiencing a balance of asana, pranayama and replenishing restorative yoga. Every yoga session includes active and restorative postures and each day your first session begins with meditation and journaling.
The island is small and the pace of life is slow so you can take your time exploring. Head to the harbour village of Cala Gadir to soak in the thermal sea baths. Slather on mineral-rich mud at Specchio di Venere, a heart-shaped lake in a volcanic crater and rinse off with a swim in the emerald and aquamarine water.
Mid week you’ll have a day off where you can choose to relax by the pool, book a massage or head out to explore boat for the day, where you’ll find some beautiful swimming spots hidden in the quiet coves. On our last day, we’ll walk together with our local hosts on Montagna Grande, the islands highest peak, visit a natural hot sauna in a grotto on the mountain before wandering to the top where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the island and the horizon.
Who's Teaching: Anna Ashby

A senior teacher and trainer, Anna has been studying and practicing yoga for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years. She holds the highest level of certification by the Yoga Alliance Professionals – Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) and Yoga Alliance (US) E-RYT-500.
Anna’s classes weave together a variety of yoga practices which may include chanting, flowing artful movement, detailed alignment, as well as stillness practices. In your morning sessions, you’ll practice a purposeful sequence at a slow and measured pace which will enable a deep sense of connection and joyful presence.
Anna also specialises in teaching Restorative Yoga, so your afternoon sessions will mainly focus on Restorative postures, breath awareness and cultivating present moment awareness all of which support the relaxation response. Longer, supported holdings and breath awareness enable the nervous system to move towards balance bringing about a profound shift of perception and experience of renewal. Meditation may also be part of a sequence.
At times during the yoga retreat journaling/dialogue may be suggested as a way to support a contemplative and transformational environment for accessing insight and cultivating renewed perception.
We have space for 15 people on this retreat in 11 suites or bedrooms. We have 7 private suites/rooms and 4 double or twin suites/rooms.
The visionary owners have restored their family owned place with dedicated attention to detail, taking their love for raw materials, imperfections, curated objects and art to create beautiful, harmonious and relaxing spaces. Many of the rooms are built into the lava rocks so they are cool and quiet, giving the feeling of sleeping in a beautiful cave. These rooms do not have a/c as they stay naturally cool. Each room has its own unique qualities, giving us a range of accommodation options:
Private suites and rooms:
Double or twin suites/rooms
Your menu for the week will be delicious Italian food created with love by our expert chef.  Local products like capers, tomatoes, fresh alici on olive oil and oregano are all the symbol of the island to the world.
We do not serve alcohol on this retreat until our last evening when we celebrate with an aperitivo and pizza night!
What’s extra:
This weekend is suitable for everyone. The yoga is a gentle, deep and layered so it’s suitable for all levels. Yoga takes place in a shady outdoor space.
The accommodation is very stylish and most of the rooms are small and built into lava rocks, so they are quite dark. Perfect for a great night’s sleep but you’ll use the many quiet spots around the property, or spend time poolside for reading and relaxing.
Pantelleria is a wild and quite raw place – much of the tiny island is undeveloped and it takes a bit of time to find the beautiful spots. Swimming is mostly off rocks in beautifully clear pools, but there are no beaches. Due to it’s remote location it can sometimes be quite windy, so be prepared to plan your days around the weather.
Travel from UK (mail us if you’d like advice on travel options from another location)
Our destination is Pantelleria island, which you can reach from UK via Rome, Milan and Palermo.
Slow travel/low impact options:
Flight options:
You fly direct to Palermo from UK in 3 hours and then from Palermo you can fly to Pantelleria with DAT 45 mins.
The flight schedule between Palermo and Pantelleria has not been released yet, we will update you when these flights are available to book.
You can also take the ferry from Trapani with Liberty Lines, which takes just over 2 hours (note that ferry schedules can sometimes be disrupted by weather).
From the airport or ferry port you have a journey of around 20 minutes by road. We can arrange transfers for you with a trusted driver.
Responsible Retreat Rating 3.75/5
We are committed to operating in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This is includes being transparent about the current eco-credentials for each retreat and providing a Responsible Retreat Rating (0 is the lowest and 5 the highest score).Â
| Yes/No/Some | |
| YES | The venue is locally owned and operated |
| YES | The venue is operated in partnership with a local owner |
| YES | The venue employs local staff with good pay and working conditions in compliance with all local laws and regulations |
| YES | Staff are offered employee benefits and professional development opportunities |
| YES | The venue partners with and supports local suppliers for activities and products |
| NO | The venue gives preference to suppliers with ownership from diverse or underrepresented populations |
| SOME | The venue runs on renewable energy |
| YES | The venue uses a sustainable water supply |
| YES | There is a comprehensive waste management system |
| YES | There is limited use of single use plastic |
| NO | Biodegradable products are used |
| YES | Sustainable, local food sources are available |
| YES | The venue measures its environmental impact and operates in compliance with all local laws and regulations |
| YES | The venue is actively involved in conservation |
| YES | The location is not over touristed/we are visiting out of high season |
| SOME | The location has slow travel/public transport options |
| YES | The venue has its own sustainability strategy/targets |
Read our Responsible Retreat Plan here.