“For me, stepping inside Cummari meant instantly feeling at home which is a feeling I don’t often get anymore after many years of traveling. It is a special place where I worked and lived, but also a place where I made friends, laughed, cooked, hiked, soundbathed, relaxed, meditated and where I got in touch with my dormant artistic side. It is so refreshing to step into a space that was designed with women in mind and where I could be myself. I highly recommend it both to first time travelers and women who have been living a nomadic lifestyle for years.” ~ Maggie from many places on Earth
“After spending time at Cummari I feel renewed. As a creator and mother my time is precious and I continue to seek spaces and community where my energy can be transformed and cultivated in new ways. There is a calming and inspirational vibration at Cummari- I spent my days alternating between rest and action. The daily rhythm of watching the sun rise over the sea from the rooftop and saying goodnight to the moon over Etna was unforgettable.
Miche brings historical feminine context to the unknown corners of Sicily. She shares a wealth of knowledge that makes me want to confront more deeply what it is to be a woman in the present day. A modern day wise woman with the heart and drive to move us collectively forward as women in community while reminding us where we came from..” ~ Hana from California
“Miche has created something truly special with Cummari — a beautiful space in Sicily that feels less like a place to stay and more like a true third space for women. It’s a warm, welcoming home where women from around the world can come to live, work, reflect, and connect while building their lives here.
As someone who lives in Sicily and is part of the Zingarelle community Michelle created, I’ve had the chance to spend time at Cummari for gatherings and events. Watching the space come to life — and seeing the way women connect there — has been incredibly special.
What makes Cummari unique is that it isn’t just a physical space — it’s connected to a wider community. Women who stay there are welcomed into the circle of inspiring women living and creating lives in Sicily through Zingarelle gatherings, events, and spontaneous adventures around the island.” ~ Sarah from Sicilia
“Michelle captures the magic and meaning of cummari providing a one of a kind travel and authentic Italian living experience. Each of us solo travellers arrives a stranger and leaves a cummari. Even the volcano and the region became my cummari.
My experience staying at Cummari was everything I had hoped for and then some. From a spontaneous ski adventure on Mt Etna to a cooking lesson with Nonna Maria, Michelle imbues a lovely essence in everything she touches. I am looking forward to spending more time at Cummari.” ~ Louise from USA
“My time in Cummari, being so close to the energy of Mount Etna, continually moves me deeper into my heart. And with this, I let go of more and more things. Therefore, what is truly important to me becomes clearer and brighter.
Cummari makes me able to see so clearly how I want to live. In a physical sense of home and in a sense of connection.
I allow less to get my ego in the way. I am softer to myself and the world. I feel like that this shift happened over the last year, and when I am in Cummari pieces coming together.” ~ Yvonne, from Germany
“My time at Cummari was a tonic for the soul. There’s something about being surrounded by art, artists, creatives, and matriarchal powerhouses that reignites the senses and fulfills the very deep need for authentic connection and real practice of community.
Miche has not only been a grounding, caring presence, but it’s seeped into the very walls of the space. Etna’s energy, being the driving undercurrent, and the view from the roof, infused everything with the very essence of primal feminine power.
Miche also shared a lot of matriachal stories that historically originated from the land. She walks the talk of making a real change and affect to the work she’s infused in Cummari.” ~ Salma from Qatar
“Cummari is more than a place for women travelling alone. A community created by the hostess and former digital nomad Miche, who, full of heart and soul, tells the story of the creation of Cummari and creates a feel-good atmosphere for women from all over the world with her helpfulness, liveliness and creativity.
Living and working, but also exchanging ideas with women who could not be more different in some cases and yet sit together at a round kitchen table, laughing, eating pasta, exchanging ideas and learning from each other - that is what made my stay at Cummari an unforgettable time of my life. Never forget: "Eat spaghetti to forgetti your regretti."” ~ Judith, from Germany
“Having spent part of my summer in Cummari, it’s been a crossroads of divine serenity and growth. Michelle provides a sacred space for women who are nomadic and traveling on their own. I have encountered so many amazing mutil-cultural women with one core essence in mind, soul growth and coming together as a community of powerful women.
My time here has been enriched as a woman and has provided more insights into my own life journey. I would recommend Cummari to anyone looking for a beautiful escape.” ~ Nicole from USA
“The second Coliving I came to was Cummari, I picked it on a whim which was very uncharacteristic for me but there was something so beautiful about it. My transition here was a bit rocky and I stumbled a few times (both emotionally and on the uneven sidewalks) but the lessons I learned here were incredible. There is a raw and gritty energy that gets into your veins and propels you out of your comfort zone while the space and the host Michelle offer a haven to process your feelings and ground.
There is some sort of divine, wild magic at work here and it gave me an opportunity to learn so much about myself. Cummari and Sicily helped me heal and find my confidence. There are no words to describe the impact this place has had on me and I will forever be grateful for my time there.” ~ Miranda from Canada
“Miche curated an amazing set of experiences and I have lots of memories to cherish, but perhaps more importantly I feel nourished, refreshed and more joyful” ~ Karuna from London
“Michelle is the most down-to-earth spiritual teacher I have met. Combined with her stories of (female) anthropology and analysing of myths, the retreat turned out to be tailor made for me.
I also loved the flow of the days, nothing was pushed, time was flexible, and yet everything went smoothly and got done. Very well organised! ” ~ Jasmijn from The Netherlands
“When I booked my space at Cummari’s Divining Creativity Retreat, I hoped to re-open my stream of creativity. Little did I know that I was on a completely different quest.
While I've always carried a creative streak, I didn't give it enough room in my life and instead focused on things I needed to do as an adult. Throughout the week, I learned that what actually brought me here was the desire to connect with myself. To find my home within me, so I could stop searching for the missing pieces.
I enjoyed being surrounded by so many different women, each on their own journey, but coming together to witness the strength of community.” ~ Margarita from Germany
“Going into the Cummari retreat I had expectations of connecting super deeply with the women given my other experiences this year doing these types of activities (dinner with strangers, adult summer camp, starting a book club in the neighborhood, etc) - BUT what I found is that while I really enjoyed each and every person, I was able to connect more with myself and with the area around me and feel grounded in a way that felt calming to me. Goes to show you don't always know what you need.” ~ Taylor from New York
“ Cummari is one of those special places where you immediately feel at home: the cozy atmosphere, the small details brought to the decoration, the quietness of the space. Perfect to release and recharge, but also to work as it’s a space where it’s easy to focus on what you have to do. It became the perfect cocoon for me during my time there!
Michelle is very kind and reliable, always here in case of any issues, and to give you the best tips to discover the treasures of Sicily. I know that I will come backI enjoyed being surrounded by so many different women, each on their own journey, but coming together to witness the strength of community.” ~ Claire from France
“Cummari is a very special place and like nowhere I have stayed before. I have travelled around the world staying in homestays, Air BnBs, hotels, etc. and nowhere compares. When I arrived, the airline had lost all my luggage and Michelle was there ready to help in any way she could. She was always like that during my 6 weeks stay- super thoughtful, cooking the most delicious lunches, and sending tips and different places to check out when she knew what the guest was interested in. Fantastic host and with so much knowledge of Sicily in general, loads of connections, and just a very interesting person to talk to about anything really (especially all her travel experiences!).
The women staying in Cummari help to make the place so special as well. I met numerous women during my stay- all different backgrounds, ages, jobs, etc. which made for unique connections every time. One of the aspects I loved was being able to do my work during the day and then switch off completely and go out exploring Catania at night- the food, bars, even just strolling around the city is lovely
Overall Cummari is an experience, not just a stay. It doesn't leave you and you'll always want to go back- hence why Michelle has so many women returning!” ~ Caitrona from Ireland
“Cummari is a safe space to be in, and to come home to. It’s a calm haven to rest your head, while still managing to create space for social activities and connections to be made. It’s a space where women of all backgrounds come, but who have in common that they are independent, driven and adventurous. Cummari offers a unique combination of space to focus and be ambitious, but also to socialise, explore and go on adventures. Michelle is a tireless, never-ending wells of information and will go out of her way to share her knowledge about the area, but also an insight to life in Sicily in general.
Cummari is the perfect place for someone who wants to connect with other remote-working women, learn about culture and life in Sicily, and who also want a tranquil space to call home during their stay. “ ~ Sofia, from Sweden