HOLDING SPACE [May 19, 2019]
9:00am-5:00pm
South Orange, NJ
*THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves. By giving yourself permission to retreat you gain clarity and space to make positive changes in your life. MEUS will be hosting its first wellness retreat on Sunday, May 19. Top local practitioners will guide you through sessions, including:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Listening to your body
• Taming your inner critic
• Transformations & manifesting intentions

*A nourishing lunch plus healthy snacks are included!

Register at holdingspacegathering.com.

Cost: $249 / *Early bird $199
*must register by April 28 for early bird rate

Thanks to the support of YOU & THEM, we are able to offer financial assistance to those who need it by providing scholarships. If you cannot attend the retreat due to cost, we strongly encourage you to apply for financial assistance.  Visit our site for more info.

SICILY [May 31 - June 5, 2019]
*THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Off the beaten path.
An insider's journey through Sicily.

Our inaugural retreat to Sicily provides an off the beaten path insiders’ journey through the culturally rich fabric of this Mediterranean mainstay. From the ancient food stalls of Ballaro in Palermo and quaint countryside of Sambuca di Sicilia, to the inspiring sights and sounds of coastal fishing villages, we have thoughtfully curated an itinerary in consult with local artists and experts to expose travelers to the authentic terrain, deeply artistic culture, and unhurried pace of Sicilian life. Through exploration of vintage markets along timeless winding streets, cooking in the kitchen of a local chef, raking our own sea salt, meeting native ceramic artisans, and dining al fresco at a boutique family vineyard, we’ll allow ourselves to become vessels for the ancient traditions and vibrant contributions of Southern Italy.

We hope you can join us as we uncover the magical paths of the Sicilian island, enjoying renewed purpose and meaningful connection with the land and one another.

Andiamo!

ITINERARY

FRIDAY, May 31 // Arrival to Palermo. Check into our hotel perfectly located for exploring. Time to relax, unwind and explore the city on your own. Meet in the early evening for dinner together at a favorite local restaurant.

SATURDAY, June 1 // Breakfast. Morning flea market shopping + walking tour with local ‘insider’ guide, Linda Sarris, whose love for Sicily and connection to its heartbeat is unparalleled. For lunch, Linda will take us on a street food tasting to sample her favorite bites and meeting the boisterous local vendors. After lunch, Linda will set us free to shop and explore on our own. In the evening, we will have dinner together at a favorite trattoria.

SUNDAY, June 2 // After breakfast, we will meet Linda to guide us through the winding and bustling alleys of the Ballaro food market to shop for ingredients. We will head back to Linda’s studio above the Bal-laro for a cooking class and lunch. In the afternoon we will travel to the countryside to our home there in Sambuca di Sicilia. After settling into our new digs, we will have time to relax by the pool with a glass of Sicilian wine. In the evening, we’ll tour the organic wine and olive oil estate, Di Giovanna, and have a vineyard dinner alfresco under the stars.

MONDAY, June 3 // Breakfast and morning yoga at the hotel. In the mid-morning we will depart for the coastal town of Sciacca to visit a ceramic workshop, shop and explore. Lunch in Sciacca overlooking the Mediteranean Sea. In the afternoon we will have time on the beach and to take a boat ride. Dinner will be out together at a local seafood restaurant.

TUESDAY, June 4 // Morning departure for the historic port town of Marsala where we will visit the salt pans to rake our own salt, wander the streets and uncover treasures at the markets. After lunch at the port, we will return to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon. In the evening, we will head to old Sambuca to wander the ancient alleys and share a farewell dinner together.

WEDNESDAY, June 5 // Breakfast and departure for the airport.

DETAILS

In Palermo, we will stay in a centrally located boutique hotel. Our local guide will be Linda Sarris, a private chef, author and explorer who splits her time between NYC and Palermo. With Linda by our side, we’ll experience true Sicilian life as a local, and immerse ourselves in the rich culture, vibrant colors and delicious aromas of Palermo.

In the country, we will stay at the charming Don Giovanni hotel in Sambuca di Sicilia, where we will enjoy daily breakfast outside in the courtyard with country views, pool time and warm hospitality. Our local expert will be Melissa Di Giovanna, who runs her families wine and olive oil estate, and is an artist, designer and former New Yorker. With Melissa’s love for her adopted home and her amazing access to the most interesting people, places and things, we couldn’t be in better hands.

Throughout the trip, Marichelle and our local guides will share tips on looking for treasures, curating spaces, and filling your life with the things you love.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: 

• Accommodation for the duration of the retreat: 5 nights, 6 days from May 31 - June 5. 5 overnights in a private room (2 nights in Palermo & 3 nights in Sambuca di Sicilia).

• Airport transportation from and to Palermo (PMO)

• Three meals per day*, June 1 - June 4. We will provide dinner on May 31, but if you arrive earlier you must cover meal expenses; we will cover breakfast June 5, but if you depart later you must cover meal expenses.

• All in-country transportation for all activities in the itinerary

• Curated activities and their accompanying participation expenses as noted in the itinerary

• Guide and service: our team will be accompanying the group during the entire trip, offering in-depth knowledge

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare in and out of Italy; although we are happy to assist you with finding flight options, but we do not facilitate flight bookings

• We do not offer airport pickup from any airport other than Palermo (PMO)

• Passport and/or Visa entry fees, if applicable

• We will provide dinner on May 31, but if you arrive earlier you must cover meal expenses; we will cover breakfast June 5, but if you depart later you must cover meal expenses

• Transportation or activities outside of our itinerary

• Travel insurance

• Extra beverages outside of the meals

• Incidental expenses, such as but not limited to, flight cancellation, lost luggage, property damage, personal injury, etc..  

ARRIVING: Book your airfare to Palermo Airport (airport code: “PMO”) arriving on Friday, May 31, 2019. Once you land in Palermo, we’ll have a driver pick you up and take you to our hotel.  

LEAVING: Book your airfare from Palermo Airport (PMO) departing on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, and we’ll take you to the airport.

INSURANCE: This is required where travelers should have an appropriate package covering unforeseen incidentals, such as but not limited to, flight cancellation, lost luggage, damaged property, personal injury, etc…

PRICING: The total price for this trip is $3000.

A 50% initial non-refundable deposit ($1500) per person is required to reserve a spot and is included in the total price. Final payment is due no later than 30 days prior to the trip starting date. Any booking made after April 30, 2019, the entire trip cost of $3000 is due upon booking.

In partnership with La Buono Scuola, once in a lifetime culinary & wellness retreats in Italy. *Note for online bookings a booking fee of 3% is added to the pricing. 

To book without a free, please call us (Amie) directly (973) 327-2336 or email us at contact@meusshop.com.