Welcome! The Birth of Sirona Retreats...

Hi, I'm Pandora – Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher, and Wellbeing Coach!

(And food obsessed culture vulture!)

I'm thrilled to welcome you to our website and share the story behind Sirona Retreats, and our journey to bringing this unique and profound experience to life!

As life post-lockdown whirls into a frenzy, an increasing number of people find themselves grappling with burnout, chronic stress, and fatigue. In response, Sirona Retreats emerges with a mission to rediscover the ancient wisdom of savouring the pause. Rooted in the coastal charm of Terracina, Southern Italy, our co-founder, Patrizia, has imparted invaluable insights into this forgotten art within our Western culture.

In today's world, it's almost a skill to simply stop, to embrace moments of stillness. Some lively debates on mindfulness suggest that our relentless busyness stems from an inability to break habits and a desire for social validation. We've become addicted to doing, making it incredibly challenging for many of us to pause and truly savour the present moment. Yet, the correlation is undeniable – when we slow down, we feel better, more content, and more present. As stress diminishes, life satisfaction soars. Our aim is to cultivate this skill, nurturing the art of pausing to better navigate the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Our retreat is centred around practicing various rituals that embody this concept, allowing participants to fully embrace the rewards of doing less to ultimately experience more. Patrizia's journey, marked by the profound challenge of battling cancer twice, has gifted her with an unwavering gratitude for life. Through her resilience and mental fortitude, she has illuminated a path of cherishing every moment, teaching us that true mindfulness transcends mere existence.

In our culture, the idea of pausing often translates to doing more. However, Patrizia's journey has shown us a different perspective – one of mindfulness, connection, and the profound truth that cherishing life means committing fully to the present moment. Embracing a pause is, at its core, an act of cherishing life, finding peace in the simple act of being present.

Embracing this principle may lead to a profound shift – a slowing down, a sense of enjoyment in taking one's time rather than succumbing to anxiety about falling behind. It's an acceptance that certain tasks must be done but can be approached with a sense of cherishment rather than rush. Rather than hurriedly consuming a coffee or hastily grabbing a bite, it's about crafting experiences and embracing each moment as a gift.

We've crafted a dynamic program that explores various traditional and non-traditional methods of embracing and savouring the pause. From breathwork and meditation to movement practices, alfresco dining, and the art of Italian hospitality and food preparation, our retreat ventures into unexpected territories, including the spiritual awakening of caffeine and the rejuvenating rituals of the Mediterranean diet.

Our workshops delve into the essence of socializing, food preparation, decisiveness, mind-mapping, and setting personal intentions, empowering participants to reclaim agency over decision-making and prioritize their lives.

Ultimately, our aim is to provide a space and influences that reconnect individuals with their innate wisdom and the immediate joy found within life's experiences. Join us as we embark on a journey of rediscovery and gratitude at Sirona Retreats' debut retreat in September – where the art of savouring a pause awaits.