- Retreat -
THE EMIRATE OF SICILY
September 17th to the 22nd 2025
- SICILIA -
Amidst the sun-dappled olive groves of Sicily, where the earth is perfumed with the sweet scent of citrus and orange blossoms, bathed in the golden light of the Mediterranean, the echoes of Muslim stewards who once tended these lands still linger in the air. These devoted souls, who honored the earth as a sacred trust from Allah, transformed arid soil into a flourishing landscape of beauty and abundance.
Their enduring legacy calls us to reflect: What will our heritage be? Will we tread lightly upon the earth, attuned to its delicate beauty and inherent fragility, or will we squander its gifts, forgetting the profound responsibility entrusted to our care by our Creator?
Our Sanctuary
Perched gracefully above the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, we’ll stay in one of the island’s most majestic homes — a place of quiet grandeur overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Bathed in golden Mediterranean light, Sicily holds within its stones, its trees, and its air, echoes of a time when the island thrived under Muslim stewardship — a legacy still felt today.
During this retreat, we’ll walk among terraced hillsides carved by Muslim hands — landscapes that once captured rain and brought barren soil to life. These ancient terraces, now lush with olives, citrus, figs, and pomegranates, are a living legacy of Islamic agricultural brilliance. As we journey through them, we’ll reflect on our role as khalifas — stewards of the Earth — and explore how early Muslim communities transformed and revived the land.
We’ll trace the steps of the Muslims who once flourished here — farmers, engineers, artisans, and scholars — who brought with them new crops, technologies, and a worldview rooted in harmony with nature. Enlightening talks will explore how Sicily became a vibrant crossroads of cultures, where Muslim scholars helped shape the destiny of both Sicily and Europe, preserving and expanding knowledge in medicine, astronomy, agriculture, and philosophy. All carried by the words of our Prophet ﷺ:
“Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.”
Each day, we’ll savor the Arab culinary legacy of Sicily — saffron rice, citrus-laced sweets, almonds and dates in ancient recipes — flavors still shaping the island’s cuisine today.
But more than a journey through history, this is a homecoming — a return to a way of living where every step on the earth is a remembrance, every harvest a gift from Allah. Like the Muslims who once nurtured this land, we’ll walk slowly, barefoot, hands in the soil, hearts open to the signs.
This island becomes our sacred refuge — soft and still, where every breath is dhikr, every gaze a reflection, and every moment a step closer to the Divine.
We are blessed to collaborate with exceptionally gifted female chefs, each raised with a deep, sacred understanding of Barakah, the Divine blessing infused into our sustenance by Allah. At the sanctuary, every meal becomes a celebration of the Creator’s blessed bounty.
5-Night All-Inclusive Stay: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our majestic abode.
Nourishing Abundant meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Relish in bountiful and lovingly prepared, artisanal meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced produce, each one honoring the abundant blessings of our Creator.
Daily lectures around Islamic History in Sicily, workshops and mindful practices: Each day unfolds with mindful devotional practices, insightful lectures and workshops. Our retreat offers a journey of spiritual renewal, an embrace of sacred beauty, and a wellspring of inspiration that will stay with you, long after you leave.
A Dreamy Boat Escape: An absolutely dreamy excursion aboard a traditional island fisherman’s boat, where we’ll privately swim in a hidden cove, followed by a scenic tour of the island. As the day fades, we’ll anchor on a secluded beach, where we’ll dine under the open sky and take a moonlit swim beneath the stars,
Beyond the structured sessions, ample time will be provided for personal reflection, meditation, and prayer, allowing each participant to internalize the teachings and connect more profoundly with the earth beneath us and therefore, our Creator.
Offerings
Rooms and Rates
Shared Grandeur, Shared Spaces:
At our retreats, togetherness and the warmth of shared spaces are central to our ethos. It’s in these meaningful moments that friendships flourish, and shared experiences become lasting memories. Rest assured, within the grandeur of our historical abode, you’ll find plenty of room for quiet reflection and intimate tranquility.
Shared occupancy, sleeps two guests, price per person:
Shared deluxe room overlooking the sea, with two single beds or a double bed and ensuite bathroom: €2890
Limited Private Sanctuaries:
For those seeking a more intimate experience, exclusive private rooms await. These rooms offer a secluded haven, and due to their exclusivity, we recommend swift booking to secure your private sanctuary.
Shared Private Casita, two single beds: €4100
-
You can choose to land in either Palermo or Catania, and then take a ferry to the island. Once your booking is confirmed, we'll guide you through all the steps to join us and connect you with the other guests, so you can travel together to reach us.
-
Our retreat extends a heartfelt invitation to those of various faiths or those who choose a non-religious path. Our only request is that participants bring an open heart and a deep respect for the spiritual nature of the retreat. While we celebrate the diversity of beliefs, we ask that everyone honors the spiritual atmosphere we aim to cultivate. What unites us is a shared commitment to respect, courtesy, and savoir-vivre.
Please note that this is an alcohol-free retreat. In honor of the space and its sacred purpose, alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the property.