THE WEEK
A Pilates retreat. A proper holiday.
Intelligent Pilates sits at the heart of the week, balanced with wonderful Sicilian food, time by the pool, shared tables and carefully chosen opportunities to explore.
There is structure where it matters and space where it doesn’t — allowing you to move, rest, eat well and enjoy Sicily in the company of a small group.
THE PILATES
Pilates, thoughtfully taught.
Across the week, Sarah will teach a varied programme of Pilates, including a private 40-minute session for every guest.
Classes will reflect the same intelligent and responsive approach Sarah brings to her studio teaching, with a varied balance of strength, mobility, release and stretch.
Some sessions will prepare you for the day ahead; others will help you unwind after time spent exploring.
Sessions may take place beside the pool or elsewhere around the villa, depending on the weather and the rhythm of the day.
VILLA LIVIA
Our Sicilian home for the week.
Set among palms and flower-filled gardens in Partanna, Villa Livia offers a beautiful pool, terraces and peaceful shared spaces. It is large enough to find a quiet corner, yet intimate enough for the group to come together naturally.
This is where the week unfolds: Pilates, long lunches, a swim between sessions, a book in the shade and evenings around the table.
The atmosphere is relaxed and personal — more private house than hotel.
FOOD & WINE
The Sicilian Table.
Food is an important part of the week: nourishing, generous and made to be enjoyed around one table.
Our Sicilian chef will cook for us at the villa, bringing warmth, conversation and a genuine taste of the island.
Expect Mediterranean ingredients, colourful vegetables, citrus, herbs, olive oil and dishes rooted in Sicilian tradition.
Pasta alla Norma may make an appearance alongside other regional dishes chosen according to the season, with relaxed conversation and local wine completing the table.
THE RHYTHM OF THE WEEK
Time to explore.
Time to stop.
The retreat is designed to offer a genuine sense of Sicily without filling every hour.
Selected outings will take us beyond the villa, balanced with generous stretches of time at Villa Livia — to swim, read, rest or simply enjoy having nowhere else to be.
The final itinerary will be shaped carefully around the Pilates programme, allowing both the movement and the holiday to feel unrushed.
YOUR HOST
Why I said yes.
Margaret and Dorianne had been telling me for some time that I should host a Life Holidays retreat. I said I couldn’t agree until I had been on one myself.
So, in 2026, I went to Sicily as a guest. I wanted to understand how the week worked — the Pilates, the villa, the food, the outings and, importantly, how it all felt.
I loved it. It was professional but personal, sociable without being forced and genuinely felt like both a Pilates retreat and a holiday. So I agreed.
My teaching is intelligent, observant and responsive. I don’t work from a fixed script; I teach the people in front of me, adapting strength, mobility, release and stretch to what is needed that day.
I’ll be there throughout the week, teaching the Pilates programme and hosting the retreat.
RETURNING LIFE HOLIDAYS GUESTS
Why they come back.
“Life Holidays are very professional but with a personal touch, and everything is delivered by fantastic people. Beautiful villa; delicious and healthy food prepared by a great chef; very quaffable wine; trips out; and, of course, lots of Pilates.
The guests are always super people and I really enjoy the week — that’s why I keep coming back for more.”
Margaret
“I’ve been on a number of Life Holidays over the last few years and always returned home feeling so much better.
The villas have all been great, Sicily is a wonderful island and somehow, on all the holidays, we’ve met like-minded people and had a great time.
It’s that wonderful mixture of a Pilates retreat and a great holiday.”
Dorianne
YOUR STAY
A room of your own.
Villa Livia’s bedrooms are individually styled, with a mixture of ensuite and shared-bathroom arrangements across the main villa and garden villa.
There is no single supplement. If you are travelling alone, you will have your own bedroom without paying an additional charge.
Life Holidays will discuss the available room options with you and handle the allocation, including stairs, shared bathrooms and arrangements for friends or couples travelling together.
A GLIMPSE OF VILLA LIVIA
From morning to evening.
DATES & BOOKING
Join us in Sicily.
16–23 October 2027
Villa Livia, Partanna
Sarah will host and teach the retreat, with Life Holidays managing all bookings and practical arrangements directly.
Their team will provide the confirmed itinerary, full details of what is included, travel information, room availability and booking terms.
For further information or to reserve your place, please visit the Life Holidays retreat page.