Healing Ground Rhythm, Rest & Renewal Sicily, Italy

“I get up, I walk, I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing.”
We invite you to join us at Femminamorta, an enchanted 18th-century villa nestled between the volcano Mt Etna and the Ionian Sea in east Sicily, Italy.
Our days will unfold on a large, light-filled wooden dancefloor, where the sea breeze moves through open doors and Mount Etna inspires on the horizon.
Each day we’ll surrender to the simplicity and alchemy of the 5Rhythms Wave, trusting movement to soften what’s held and make space for creative change and new possibility.
There will be time between sessions to slow down and receive...to wander the gardens, lounge bu the pool, breathe with the sea air, and visit the nearby beach. Plenty of space to rest, nap, replenish, and be restored by the elements.
Rich is known for shaping a container with a compassionate, gentle, and warm holding that invites surrender without pressure and depth without force.
Expect a field that supports alchemy through simplicity, presence, and listening, with space for both deep work and gentle pacing.
Rich says:
“The 5Rhythms Wave - Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness - has been my healing ground again and again. When life has tightened, it has given me a way back to breath, feeling, and aliveness.
We are joined for this journey by special guest facilitator Sue Rickards. Sue trained with Gabrielle Roth in 1994 and brings over three decades of experience in the work..”
Together, they bring decades of combined experience holding 5Rhythms spaces with care and depth.
We are also delighted to have Nikki Ashley with us as an assistant, supporting the flow and care during the week.
We will also be supported in our practice by wild gardens, a pool, and delicious “soul food.”
Join us!
Come home to your body, rest in the rhythm, and discover your healing ground.
Practical Information - The Essentials
Dates & Timings
The retreat begins on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 19:00 and ends on Monday 14 September 2026 at 12:00.
This is a six-night, five-and-a-half-day residential retreat. Includes dinner on arrival (Tuesday), three meals daily throughout the retreat, and breakfast and lunch on departure day (Monday) - six nights fully catered.
Expect around five hours of sessions on most full days: typically around three hours in the morning before lunch, and a further two-hour session later in the day. Session times may adjust from day to day in response to weather and what best supports the group.
This workshop is accredited for 3 waves level days towards 5Rhythms Teacher Training prerequisites.
Retreat Prices
We’re offering a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, while covering what’s needed to make the retreat viable and well supported. Prices are all-inclusive of tuition, accommodation, and full board.
Early Rate Prices: £850 – £1,040 - Available until 30 April 2026, or until the first 12 places are filled.
Standard Prices: £950 – £1,140 - In place once early places are filled, or after 30 April 2026.
A non-refundable deposit of £250 secures your place.
Accommodation
Most rooms are set up to share with a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 5. Accommodation options include private double room (very limited), twin, triple, and dorm-style rooms, as well as glamping and camping.
Rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis. Please indicate your preferred accommodation option on the booking form.
Once your booking is received, we will email to confirm your accommodation type and the total balance due. Shared rooms are assigned on a same-gender basis.
Room assignments are made with care, and we do our best to meet your requests. Trust the process, it’s all part of the practice!
Food
Expect delicious “soul food”: freshly prepared, vegetarian-based meals using seasonal local ingredients, simple and well suited to retreat practice.
Vegan and gluten-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Meat and fish options may be available upon request for an additional daily fee.
Prerequisites
This is a Waves level 5Rhythms retreat.
Participants are required to have:
A minimum of 30 hours of waves level practice, and
Ideally at least one Waves weekend workshop.
While not essential, it is helpful to have experienced Rich’s teaching.
Comparable experience in a related movement practice may also be considered. If you are unsure whether you meet the prerequisites, please get in touch.
Booking
Please complete our booking form here:
https://forms.gle/vv3gvBACC1R4ZuNHA
Other Information
Group Size
Space for around 27 dancers, depending on accommodation choices
Maximum group size (including facilitation and support team): approximately 30 people
Language
The retreat is held in English. Participants must be able to follow guidance and communicate in English
Alcohol & Substances
This retreat is held as an alcohol and substance-free space
Getting There
Location: Femminamorta, Carruba di Riposto, Eastern Coast of Sicily
Nearest airport: Catania (CTA), with direct and connecting flights from London (including EasyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair)
Boat and train options are also available
From Catania Airport: Shuttle bus to Catania Central Station. Local train (direction Messina) to Carruba Station (approx. 30 minutes)
Retreat staff will provide pick-up from Carruba Station
Further travel guidance will be shared in your confirmation email
Arrival & Departure
Retreat begins: Tuesday 8 September at 19:00
Retreat ends: Monday 14 September at 12:00

For any enquiries, please contact:
retreats@simplybeing5rhythms.com