Been There, be.retreated: A First-Hand Account of The Sicily Retreat

I’m Roshini (Rosh-nee), writer for the be.retreats blog and two-time retreat attendee. I’ve been to both the Sicily retreat and the England Weekender and let me tell you - nothing else comes compares.

When I first signed up for the Sicily retreat, I was equal parts excited and anxious. I was already working with Georgia (our lovely founder) as my coach, and we’d discussed how I could throw myself out of my comfort zone more. I’ve always loved to travel so attending a retreat sounded like an obvious fit. 

However, I’d never done anything like it before, and the idea of travelling alone, meeting a group of new people, and giving up the reigns to let someone else plan a trip felt incredibly intimidating.

But, at the time, work had taken over my life - I was burnt out and constantly overwhelmed. I didn’t know exactly what I needed to help myself – that’s where Georgia came in. 

From the moment I arrived, I felt completely taken care of. Georgia had thought of everything. Every detail - from the accommodation to the perfectly planned days - everything was crafted with so much intention. It allowed me to finally breathe and just bepresent without having to worry about anything.

We stayed in the most beautiful, family-run spot in the Sicilian countryside, and it felt like coming home to your grandma’s house (if your grandma happened to have impeccable taste and cook like a dream) The building had a rustic bricked exterior, a pool at its centre and sweeping views of Mount Etna. Our meals were enjoyed at a long outdoor table where we’d gather like old friends, even though many of us had just met. Everything was home-cooked, with Concetta and Giuditta paying such close attention to what we liked, disliked, and needed- they were genuinely invested in making sure we were comfortable and happy.

I also met the most wonderful people (many of whom are my close friends now!) each on their own journeys, and we instantly clicked. We ate together, laughed endlessly, shared stories, and held space for each other in a way that felt good for the soul. And the food? Honestly, some of the best I’ve ever had (I still dream about the pasta we had!)

But there’s one day from the retreat that really stuck with me - almost a year on. 

We were on our way to Nebrodi National Park with Antonio - our wonderful driver who, despite the language barrier, used a translation app to make sure we were always comfortable. And his warmth really set the tone for the day. When we arrived at the forest, something in the air shifted. We stood in a circle, held hands, and shared a moment of silence. It might sound simple, but it was incredibly grounding. As someone born and raised in London, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that kind of stillness before. Surrounded by trees and quiet, it felt like the outside world had paused.

In the lead-up to our trip, there had been a drought, and we were told the waterfall we were hiking to that day would be dry. But as we walked, we began to hear the unmistakable sound of running water - and our faces lit up. Somehow, against all odds, the waterfall was flowing.Without a second thought, we all took off our shoes and socks and stepped into the cool stream. 

After the hike, we had the most incredible lunch (including the best pistachio ice cream of my life) and then headed to the beach. Some opted to soak in the sun on the sand while others dove into the water. In the distance, we could see tiny islands and volcanic silhouettes on the horizon, and it was the perfect backdrop for us to talk about everything and nothing; just easy, open chats among friends. 

And just when we thought the day couldn't get any better, our car broke down on the way back.

But somehow, even that worked out perfectly. 

Stranded on the side of the road with the sun setting behind us, what could’ve been a stressful mishap quickly turned into one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Instead of letting it dampen our moods, we sang songs, laughed until our stomachs hurt and had an impromptu Italian lesson from Antonio. It was messy and unfiltered, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt more present. Not once did I feel the need to reach for my phone or scroll through social media. 

Later that evening, we returned to an outdoor dinner under fairy lights and grape vines, where we were served the most delicious fresh fish and local wine. It honestly felt like a scene from a movie. 

That day reminded me how good life can feel when you slow down, connect deeply, and let go. 

If you’re thinking about joining a be.retreats trip but feel a bit unsure - I completely understand. I had the same reservations. But choosing to go was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The Sicily retreat gave me space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with myself in a way that everyday life rarely allows.