FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SAFETY
IS SICILY SAFE?
'Sicily is generally a very safe place to travel, and the likelihood of your vacation being affected by crime is low, especially if you follow a few common sense precautions.'
I have always felt very safe in Sicily, even at night time with the alleyways of the city always being lit up like the corridors of a home. Of course, crime happens everywhere so remain vigilant as you would in any big city, not leaving wallets or mobile phones down on restaurant or cafe tables and do be careful with back pockets or easy access bag zips when using overcrowded bus services.
Despite what the Godfather movies may depict, organised crime is far more subtle these days so you won't witness anyone being gunned down in front of the Massimo theatre as seen in the famous Francis Ford Coppola epic.

The Mafia still exists but it is so deeply rooted in Sicilian society that it has more to do with some bus routes not going through certain areas so that those areas can instead be serviced with extortionate taxi rates and no other travel option… Don’t fret though - we’ll organise taxi services for you ... though the bus, tram and rail services are also a great experience, generally very safe, clean and reliable.
WEATHER
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN AUGUST?
August is Sicily’s hottest month with average highs of 30°C / 86°F in the peak of the day and lows of 19°C / 66°F after dark.

Superior and deluxe apartments all have air conditioning throughout the entire apartment. Standard apartments have air conditioning in the bedrooms.
The taxis also have air conditioning.
The palazzo and where we will be practicing yoga is well ventilated and our yoga class schedule will be morning and evening times when it is cooler.
For more detailed information about the weather in Sicily in August.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN SEPTEMBER?
September is just slightly cooler than August with average highs of 27°C / 81°F in the peak of the day and lows of 19°C / 66°F after dark.

Superior and deluxe apartments all have air conditioning throughout the entire apartment. Standard apartments have air conditioning in the bedrooms.
The taxis also have air conditioning.
The palazzo and where we will be practicing yoga is well ventilated and our yoga class schedule will be morning and evening times when it is cooler.
For more detailed information about the weather in Sicily in September.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN OCTOBER?
Palermo has an average high of 24ºC / 75.2ºF in October, so it’s still nice and warm. You should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings though as it cools to 16ºC / 60.8ºF at night. The sea temperature’s 23ºC / 73.4ºF, while humidity’s low.

Superior and deluxe apartments all have air conditioning throughout the entire apartment. Standard apartments have air conditioning in the bedrooms.
The taxis also have air conditioning.
The palazzo and where we will be practicing yoga is well ventilated and our yoga class schedule will be morning and evening times when it is cooler.
For more detailed information about the weather in Sicily in October.
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN APRIL?
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN MAY?
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN JUNE?
CLOTHING
WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?
You shouldn’t need much more than shorts and T-shirts although it is a good idea to bring a few extra layers just in case.
Palermo has an average high of 24ºC / 75.2°F in October, so it’s still nice and warm. You should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings though as it cools to 16ºC / 60.8°F at night.
Wear whatever you will be comfortable in to practice your yoga and to go on excursions but be prepared to get sweaty !
Nicoletta and I had joked that we should call this a hot yoga retreat because of the high temperatures in Sicily in August and September but we will be practicing yoga in the morning and the evening when temperatures are at their coolest of the day - so that shouldn’t be the case.
Sea temperatures in August and September remain between 25ºC / 77ºF and 27ºC / 80.6ºF and 23ºC / 73.4ºF in October, while humidity’s low so do plan for a beach day at spectacular golden-sand Mondello beach - we will arrange your air-conditioned taxi service for this.
I WANT TO TRAVEL LIGHT - DO THE APARTMENTS HAVE WASHING MACHINES?
Yes - every apartment is equipped with a washing machine, laundry capsules and a clothes drying rack.
YOGA
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE YOGA PACKAGE?
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Personal Skype/WhatsApp call to connect
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Personalisation of package to suit you
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Free WiFi
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Taxi collection from the airport
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Taxi transfer to the airport
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Four continental breakfasts
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Eight group yoga classes
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Breathing practice
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Meditation practice
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Self-practice set up
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A self-practice poster to bring home
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A journal book
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Use of our yoga mats
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24/7 translation help
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24/7 reservation assistance
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Discounted spa session prices
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Discounted massage prices
HOW LONG ARE THE GROUP YOGA CLASSES?
The duration of a group yoga session is between 60 and 90 minutes long, taking place every morning and evening.
These are optional sessions, so if you’re not feeling up for your yoga one morning, feel free to have a lie in and join us for breakfast afterwards.
WHAT YOGA STYLE WILL WE BE PRACTICING?
Morning classes will be based on the Ashtanga Primary Series with Iyengar alignment which will leave you vibrating on a higher frequency of energy before you start your day with meditation and breathing practice built into the session.
Morning classes will be dedicated to building on this practice so that you are able to take it home as self-practice to incorporate yoga into your daily life with a take-home poster of the series.
Your evening class will be a focus class to take things more slowly while we work on your alignment, to absorb what you have experienced throughout the day and to settle down for your evening.
WHAT IS THE ASHTANGA PRIMARY SERIES WITH LYENGAR ALIGNMENT?
Iyengar and Ashtanga are both a form of therapy yoga, to find peace and calm, focusing on breath (pranayama) and posture (asana).
Both are rooted in the eight limbs of yoga, which guides one on how to consciously live a life of meaning and purpose.
The primary series contains all of the necessary elements to lead to full body health, inside and out, purifying the body and the mind.
I will teach you how to harness the full power of ujjayi breathing and vinyasa krama through sun salutations, forward bends, twists, backbends, lifting, headstands, and many other movements, detoxifying and realigning the physical body.
While our breathing and meditation practice that is built into the yoga sessions will teach you techniques on how to quieten your mind and come to stillness.
What you will learn from yoga on the mat will give you priceless lessons to take on into your everyday life.
HOW MANY YOGIS WILL BE ON THE RETREAT?
We will be accepting bookings for groups of 8 up to 12.
CAN YOU ARRANGE A YOGA RETREAT FOR SPECIFIC DATES?
Yes, drop me an email and we can discuss creating personalised group yoga retreats with your specific dates for birthdays, hen does, couples retreats, family gatherings, yoga group getaways or anything else that I haven’t covered here!
APARTMENTS
DO THE APARTMENTS HAVE WiFi?
Yes - there is free WiFi connection in all of the apartments and within the palazzo.
WHAT AMENITIES DO THE APARTMENTS HAVE?
The apartments are designed to be your home away from home.
All of the apartments have wifi and TV.
The fully equipped kitchen has a gas stove and oven, microwave oven, refrigerator, cutlery, utensils, pots and pans, kettle and coffee percolator, cleaning products and basic pantry provisions (tea, coffee, milk, jam and toast).
The tap water is filtered so is safe to drink.
Your apartment also comes with a washing machine, ironing board and iron, hairdryer and central heating and air conditioning.
Superior and deluxe apartments all have air conditioning throughout the entire apartment. Standard apartments have air conditioning in the bedrooms.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE TO STAY IN THE APARTMENT WITH ME BUT NOT DO THE YOUGA COURSE? IF SO, WHAT IS THE COST?
Yes, absolutely.
You can bring a friend to stay in the apartment with you at no extra cost as you are paying for the use of the apartment but they will not be able to join you for anything included in the yoga package.
You can however both book in for the optional experiences and private yoga sessions on the booking form or let me know via email.
DO ALL OF THE APARTMENTS HAVE TERRACES?
Please have a more detailed read of each apartment on our ESCAPE page as they all vary, so do not all have terrace access.
Apartment prices vary depending on which you choose but options range all the way up to the exclusive number 9; with the Sicilian sun-soaked rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and a grand piano in the lounge.
All however are stunning in one’s own right and spacious enough for personalised, private, upon-request one-on-one yoga classes. Book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
FOOD
ARE ALL MEALS INCLUDED AT THE PALAZZO?
Continental breakfast will be included every morning but lunch and dinner is not included in the price.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN BREAKFAST?
A delicious variety of sweet and savoury pastries baked fresh every morning from our favourite pasticceria, mouthwatering seasonal fruit from the local market, strong Italian coffee made the only way that it should be - with a stovetop percolator - and simply-squeezed fruit juice.
WHERE CAN I EAT WHILE I'M ON THE RETREAT?
As the apartments are fully equipped you can choose between taking the skills you’ve learnt from your Day Cooking with the Duchess and putting them to good use in your own kitchen, cooking up a storm with the freshest ingredients from the markets or exciting your tastebuds with local cuisine from our recommended restaurant list - of which we will arrange reservation and travel for you, so no hassle is involved in meal time.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WHAT IS NEARBY?
The fascinating Botanical Garden is less than a few minutes walk.