Zaytuna & Vigna
Secrets of the Mediterranean
A Women’s Culinary Retreat
October 22nd to 26th, 2025 - Castiglione Di Sicilia
Early Booking Rates End June 1st
Join us on our four night retreat immersing yourself in the rich traditions and culinary secrets of the ancient Mediterranean. This retreat is designed for women seeking not only a Siciliaan getaway but a holistic journey towards personal well-being and knowledge fo ancient spices, recipes, with a focus on Egyptian, Greek and Sicilian cultures.
The retreat is designed to leave women feeling nourished and empowered, with a deeper understanding of Mediterranean diet and culture to infuse into their daily lives.
3 SPACES LEFT
A Life-Enriching Retreat
This is your opportunity to slow down to the pace of Sicily’s people, land, flavors, and traditions while being pampered by Chef Lulu—the first woman in Egypt to become an expert olive oil sommelier—and Michelle (Miche), a feminine anthropologist and the founder of Cummari.
This retreat is perfect for women seeking to empower themselves with knowledge of ancient Mediterranean recipes and spices—time-tested elements that not only help us live longer but support more vibrant, thriving lives as women. Chef Lulu will offer cooking classes on Egyptian, Sicilian, and Greek traditions, and will also educate us on the history and value of quality extra virgin olive oil.
Guests will engage with local artisans—makers of olive oil and natural wines—whose craft is deeply rooted in the renowned Etna Volcano agricultural region.
Our Location
Our retreat will take place in a private Sicilian villa, featuring three houses, seven bedrooms and a pool with mesmerizing views of Volcano Etna. Situated in the heart of the Alcantara River Valley near Castiglione di Sicilia (voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages), we will have exclusive access to a sprawling 14 hectare (35 acre) vineyard estate. Every moment of our retreat will be framed by the breathtaking panorama of our mesmerizing rural Sicilian landscape.
Whats Included?
This is an all-inclusive retreat.
All meals are included, with lunch & dinners - lovingly prepared on site by Chef Lulu (or at local rural Sicilian restaurants)
Egyptian & Sicilian cooking classes
Daily women's circles focused on Sicilian feminine history and culture led by Miche
Visit to the olive oil mill & a local olive farm
Visit to local village farmer’s market
Olive Oil Tasting led by Egypt’s first expert olive oil sommelier (Chef Lulu)
Wine tasting & tour at a local Etna DOC winery
Private wine tastings at our villa with two women from the local natural wine industry.
Herbal class with local female herbalist
Four night stay at a private luxury Sicilian villa
Transfers to/from Catania Int'l Airport
Cairo Street Food
“Koshary is one of my favorite Egyptian comfort food dishes. It is a Cairo street food favorite that has been moulded by all the different nationalities that lived among locals. Each street shop or house has a twist, my mom cooks the rice and lentils together, using the oil that the crispy onions were fried in, for extra flavor.” ~ Chef Lulu
Visiting Etna DOC Wineries
We will have the opportunity to visit a Volcano Etna winery for a tour and tasting in addition to Cummari’s twist on “paint and sip” with painter Giulia Zanellati and member the Eduardo Torres Acosta winery famous for natural wines.
Herbal Workshop
With Katharina, a passionate herbalist we will explore the abundant local herbology that thrives in the volcanic soil of Etna—plants revered not only for their medicinal properties but also for their spiritual significance.
Join Us!
ONLY 3 ROOMS LEFT!
See below our offering of private rooms. Rooms types are on a first come first serve basis.
Early booking discounts before June 1st.
To reserve your space we kindly ask for a 400 euro deposit (deducted from the total).
The included transfer leaves from Catania Int'l Airport will leave at 2:30pm on October 22nd and will return at 11am on October 26th.
Private Room with Bathtub & Shower
Early Booking Before June 1st ~ 2500 euro
Standard Rate (after June 1st) ~ 2700 euro
Private Room w/Shared Bathroom
Early Booking Before June 1st ~ 2200 euro
Standard Rate (after June 1st) ~ 2500 euro
Private Room w/Private Bath
Early Booking Before June 1st ~ 2300 euro
Standard Rate (after June 1st) ~ 2500 euro
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The retreat is designed for women who want to leave feeling nourished and empowered, with a deeper understanding of Mediterranean diet and culture to infuse into their daily lives.
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This is an all-inclusive retreat. The following is included:
All meals are included, with lunch & dinners - lovingly prepared on site by Chef Lulu
Four night stay at a private luxury Sicilian villa
Transfers to/from Catania Int'l Airport
One wine tasting & tour experience at Etna DOC winery and one private tasting at our villa with Giulia of Eduardo Torres Acosta winery
Herbal Workshop with local herbalist, Katharina
Excursion to the olive oil mill & a local olive farm
Daily morning meditations and women's circles led by Miche
All local transportation to activities
Expansive villa grounds for exploring
Plenty of eating, relaxing and laughing!
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Zaytuna means olive in Arabic, Chef Lulu’s mother tongue of Egypt and Vigna is vine (grape vine) in the local Sicilian language.
Meet Your Hosts
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Chef Lulu (Alia) from Cairo, Egypt is a Culinary Consultant & Expert Olive Oil Sommelier trained in Italy and Egypt.
She will guide us to the exploration of the world of olive oil, Mediterranean spices and ancient nourishing recipes.
We’ll be celebrating the season’s finest Sicilian produce with a vibrant focus on harvest seasonal dishes, deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Sicilian, Greek and Egyptian cultures. From sun-ripened tomatoes and velvety eggplants to fragrant herbs and freshly pressed olive oil, every meal will highlight the incredible flavors of the region. These plant-forward dishes aren’t just a nod to sustainability—they’re a delicious homage to the heart and soul of Mediterranean cuisine.
Be ready for hands-on cooking workshops, where Lulu will also be teaching you how to cook some of the most loved Egyptian dishes such as Falafel, Koshari (one of Lulu's favorites) and Besara (fava and greens dip).
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Michelle (Miche) Titus was an international correspondent reporting across the world from Belgium to Australia, Finland to Malaysia, soaking in diverse cultures and perspectives along the way.
She later became the founder of three female-led publishing companies. Six years ago, she transitioned to her passion project Cummari, hosting women focused retreats and opening Europe's first travel house for solo female travellers, artists and nomads in Sicily.
She is a student of matriarchal anthropology studies with International Academy HAGIA and hosts feminine pilgrimages to ancient feminine sties in Sicily with SheLegends and runs a local women's community, Zingarelle di Sicilia.
