Elite Y  ga Escape

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.'

- Lonely Planet

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.

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.

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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.

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WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN APRIL?

Sicily in April has rising temperatures and reducing rain as it leaves the wet winter behind. If you’re going at this time you’ll have plenty of warm and sunny weather. Averages The average high in capital Palermo is 18ºC / 64.4°F, which is perfectly warm enough to relax by the pool or on the beach. You should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings though as it drops to 11ºC / 51.8°F at night. The sea temperature is 16ºC / 60.8°F, while humidity’s low. There’s 47mm of rain over nine days, and you can expect 13 hours of daylight with seven hours of sunshine each day. UV levels will be high so don’t forget your sun cream. Sunset’s at 7.30pm at the start of the month and gradually gets later.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN MAY?

Sicily in May is wonderful, summer is just around the corner and the weather is warm and sunny with very little rain. Averages The average high in capital Palermo is 21ºC / 69.8°F in May. This falls to 14ºC / 57.2°F at night, so you should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings. The sea temperature is 19ºC / 66.2°F, while humidity’s low. There’s 22mm of rain over five days, and you can expect 14 hours of daylight with nine hours of sunshine each day. Don’t forget to pack your sun cream as UV levels will be very high. Sunset’s just before 8.30pm by the end of the month.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SICILY IN JUNE?

With its warm Mediterranean summers, Sicily is a beautiful place to enjoy a holiday in June. At this time of year the island has plenty of sunshine, blue skies and warm seas, making it the perfect place to relax on the beach or swim in the crystal clear waters. The island sees cooler temperatures in June compared to the intense heat of the peak summer, so this is a good month for exploring further inland too. Averages With average highs of 25°C, you’ll need to pack plenty of sun cream for your holiday to Sicily. In the evenings temperatures dip to around 18°C, so it’s worth bringing a few light layers for the cooler nights. At this time of year the sea’s a warm yet refreshing 21°C, ideal for swimming with the kids or getting adventurous with some water sports. At the start of June, the sun rises at 5.45pm and sets at 8.25pm.

WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?

In April and May, Sicily is warm enough to relax by the pool or on the beach. You should bring some warmer clothes for the evenings though as it drops to 11ºC / 51°F at night. In August and September the weather reaches 30°C / 86°F in the peak of the day and we do not expect rain.

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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE YOGA PACKAGE?

• Personal Skype/WhatsApp call to connect

• Personalisation of package to suit you

• Free WiFi

• Taxi collection from the airport

• Taxi transfer to the airport

• Four continental breakfasts

• Eight group yoga classes

• Breathing practice

• Meditation practice

• Self-practice set up

• A self-practice poster to bring home

• A journal book

• Use of our yoga mats

• 24/7 translation help

• 24/7 reservation assistance

• Discounted spa session prices

• 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!

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.

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.

WHAT IS NEARBY?

We are located in the heart of the historic centre of Palermo, in the Kalsa quarter, from the the Arabic Halisa, the elected citadel of the Emirs. Many of the most significant monuments, cultural and artistic sites of the city are within walking distance of the Palazzo. Many of them are inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List (the Cathedral, Royal Palace with the Palatine Chapel, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, San Cataldo, Martorana). Also, you cannot miss Monreale, just a bus ride away!
The fascinating Botanical Garden is less than a few minutes walk. The Baroque churches of La Pietà and Santa Teresa alla Kalsaare nearby, and so is Santa Maria della Catena, facing the recently restored charming marina. A few steps away are the main museums, Palazzo Abatellis with the enchanting Annunziata by Antonello da Messina, the International Puppet Museum, Palazzo Mirto, Palazzo Chiaramonte, and the Gallery of Modern Art. A short walk through the old market La Vucciria and the scenographic Piazza San Domenico takes us to the celebrated Archaeological Museum. From there, the lively via Bara all´Olivella hosts the Cuticchio family Puppet Theatre (Teatro dei Pupi), which is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. will lead us to the Teatro Massimo, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Behind it, the picturesque market Il Capo. Butera 28 Apartments are just a few minutes away from the not-to-be-missed oratories of Santa Cita, Rosario and San Lorenzo, with Giacomo Serpotta´s splendid 17th-18th century stucco works. Also nearby are the churches of San Francesco, Santa Cita, San Giorgio dei Genovesi and Santa Maria in Valverde. Via Alloro, with its museums and palazzos – many of which have recently been restored to their original splendour – easily leads to the Quattro Canti, the heart of the city centre, around which rise the Baroque churches of San Giuseppe dei Teatini and Santa Caterina with their “mixed marbles”, the Norman San Cataldo and Martorana, and the mannerist fountain of Piazza Pretoria. From the Quattro Canti along via Vittorio Emanuele we will reach the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the breathtaking Cappella Palatina, a culmination of Arab-Norman art. After visiting San Giovanni degli Eremiti, a stroll through the Albergheria quarter and the lively Ballarò market takes us to the Baroque Chiesa del Gesù or Casa Professa. It is an easy stroll back home through Piazza Bellini and Via Alloro. Furthermore, if you would like to relax after a long day of sightseeing, the beautiful, clear waters of Mondello beach are just thirty minutes away.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Get in touch with me for any queries or questions and I will get back to you!