Sicily Couples Retreat
September 21-27, 2026
Hosted by Dolce Terra Retreats founder, Trisha Li Mura, and Sicilian chef Leonardo Li Mura, this intimate experience welcomes just six couples to gather in a beautifully restored countryside villa—centered around the flavors, traditions, and rhythms of Sicilian life.
Tucked into the sun-washed countryside of southern Sicily, the villa becomes home for a small gathering of couples seeking something deeper than a traditional tourist experience.
Mornings begin slowly with breakfast at your own pace overlooking the landscape, perhaps followed by a dip in the heated pool. Afternoons unfold between nearby villages, the sea, and long, lingering meals—fresh pasta, local ingredients, and traditional dishes thoughtfully prepared by Chef Leo.
Some evenings we gather around a beautiful long table to share authentic Sicilian dinners and stories from the day. Other nights are left open for quiet meals in nearby towns and seaside sunsets.
~Here, the days slow down, conversations linger, and the simple pleasures of Sicily unfold naturally.
The Experience
You arrive Monday afternoon and settle into the villa before gathering for a relaxed welcome dinner prepared by Chef Leo under the Sicilian sky. The days that follow unfold slowly, balancing shared experiences with plenty of time to enjoy the villa and heated pool, or explore nearby villages, beaches, and countryside at your own pace.
Each morning begins with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the landscape. During the week, Chef Leo prepares a long, leisurely lunch to be enjoyed together at the villa. Midweek, guests travel a few miles to the Host Villa, a private countryside home where he hosts an intimate, chef-led culinary experience followed by a traditional Sicilian meal.
For those who wish to go deeper, an optional cooking class the following day offers the opportunity to step into the kitchen alongside him and learn traditional techniques.
Later in the week, a limited number of couples may choose to join Chef Leo for an intimate upgraded dinner experience.
The week concludes with a beautiful closing dinner—an elegant evening celebrating new friendships, unforgettable meals, and the shared experience of Sicily.
Investment begins at $3,750 per person. More details can be found in the Investment section below.
Inner courtyard of The Guest Villa
Meet Chef Leonardo
Chef Leonardo Li Mura, or Chef Leo (Lay-o), was born and raised in Sicily, where his culinary journey began at the age of thirteen when he entered culinary school, training for five years in the traditions of Sicilian cuisine.
For more than two decades, he worked throughout Sicily, refining his craft and developing a deep connection to the ingredients, techniques, and flavors that define the region’s food culture.
In 2018, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he and Trisha were married and began building their life together.
Today, Chef Leo serves as the Executive Chef of Mina, an authentic Sicilian restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. Through Dolce Terra Retreats, he returns home to share the food, hospitality, and traditions of Sicily in a more intimate and personal setting.
Throughout the retreat, Chef Leo prepares traditional meals, hosts a chef-led culinary experience, and invites guests who wish to go deeper into the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class exploring the techniques and ingredients that define Sicilian cuisine.
For Chef Leo, food has always been more than a meal—it is a way of gathering people, sharing culture, and celebrating the simple pleasures of life around the table, just as it has been done in Sicily for generations.
The Villas
The Guest Villa
Tucked into the sun-washed countryside between Modica and the sea, Torre Molino is a beautifully restored Sicilian farmhouse where historic character meets refined modern comfort.
Original stone walls, vaulted wooden ceilings, and traditional ceramic floors reflect the architectural heritage of the region, while thoughtfully renovated interiors create warm, inviting spaces to gather and relax.
Six private bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for each couple, while the villa’s shared living spaces open onto expansive outdoor grounds. At the heart of the property, a large heated pool is surrounded by olive trees, sun loungers, and wide countryside views.
Mornings begin slowly here, with breakfast overlooking the landscape. Afternoons unfold beside the pool, exploring nearby villages and beaches, or simply settling into the peaceful rhythm of the Sicilian countryside.
On select evenings, the villa becomes a beautiful place to gather—long tables, warm air, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together under the Sicilian sky.
For the week of the retreat, Torre Molino becomes home.
The Host Villa
A few miles away, another historic Sicilian estate becomes the setting for some of the retreat’s most memorable moments.
Surrounded by olive trees and open countryside, the Host Villa is where Chef Leo welcomes guests for special culinary experiences throughout the week. A historic stone courtyard and beautiful outdoor spaces create a warm, intimate setting where long tables are set, wine is poured, and authentic dishes are shared.
Here, guests gather for a chef-led culinary experience and traditional Sicilian lunch, while those who choose the upgraded cooking class return to step into the kitchen alongside Chef Leo, learning the techniques and flavors that define Sicilian cuisine. One evening a small number of couples are also welcomed back for an intimate, upgraded dinner experience.
With its peaceful landscape, pool, and open-air dining spaces, the Host Villa becomes a place where the culture, food, and hospitality of Sicily come fully to life.
What’s Included in Your Stay
• Six nights accommodation in a beautifully restored Sicilian countryside villa
• Authentic meals thoughtfully prepared throughout the week by Sicilian chef Leonardo Li Mura
• Daily breakfast served at the villa
• Welcome dinner on the first evening
• Two leisurely lunches, including a chef-led culinary experience at the Host Villa
• Closing dinner celebration on the final evening
• Time to relax at the villa, enjoy the heated pool, and explore nearby villages, beaches, and countryside at your own pace
The historic streets of Modica, just a short drive from the villa
Optional Experiences
During the retreat, a small number of additional experiences are available for guests who wish to go deeper into the culinary traditions of Sicily.
• Hands-on Sicilian cooking class with Chef Leo at the Host Villa (limited to three couples)
• Intimate dinner experience with Chef Leo at the Host Villa (limited to three couples)
Additional offerings may include early arrival accommodations, curated wine pairings during select meals, and professional photography.
Details and availability will be shared with confirmed guests prior to the retreat.
The outdoor kitchen at The Host Villa
Investment
Sicily Couples Retreat
September 21-27, 2026
Early Invitation
$3,750 per person
(Available for the first couple to join us)
To celebrate the first Dolce Terra retreat, we are offering a special invitation at an introductory rate for the first couple who reserves their place.
Investment
$4,250 per person
Because of the intimate nature of this experience, the retreat is limited to six couples.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
Reservation Details
Deposit to reserve your place
$1,500 per guest, due upon acceptance.
Remaining balance 90 days prior to the retreat.
We look forward to welcoming a small group of couples for a truly memorable week in Sicily.
To help create a thoughtful group dynamic, we invite interested guests to complete the short application below.
Once accepted, guests will receive a confirmation email with payment instructions and additional retreat details.
Apply to Join
We invite you to review the details below in the frequently asked questions before submitting your application to ensure this experience feels like the right fit for you.
If this experience speaks to you, we invite you to apply to join us in Sicily.
We review each application personally and will respond within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the retreat?
Your experience includes accommodations at our private villa, daily breakfast is included, two lunches, including a culinary experience lunch with Chef Leo, along with a welcome dinner, and a final evening dinner.
Some meals are intentionally left open to allow you the flexibility to explore local restaurants and experience Sicily at your own pace.
What is not included in the retreat?
Flights, rental car, and most lunches and dinners outside of the included meals, are not included.
Guests are also responsible for personal expenses, travel insurance, and any optional activities.
How do I reserve my spot?
To reserve your place, simply submit an application. Once approved, a deposit of $1,500 per person is required to confirm your reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the intimate nature of this retreat, all payments are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your reservation to another couple. All replacement guests must complete an application and be approved by Dolce Terra Retreats to ensure a cohesive group experience.
Approval is based on maintaining the overall dynamic and intention of the retreat. If a suitable replacement is not found or approved, the original reservation remains non-refundable.
Any financial arrangements related to a transfer are handled directly between guests.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for couples who are looking to slow down, reconnect, and experience Sicily in a more meaningful way. It’s ideal for those who value great food, beautiful surroundings, and time to truly unwind together.
What is the daily schedule like?
Each day is designed with a balance of planned meals and free time.
While there will be select group meals and a chef led culinary experience during the week, there is also plenty of time to relax at the villa, explore nearby towns, or enjoy Sicily at your own pace.
A detailed itinerary will be shared with all confirmed guests prior to the retreat.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies when possible.
As the culinary experience is a central part of the retreat, we may not be able to accommodate more complex or highly specific dietary needs.
What airport should we fly into and how do we get to the villa?
The recommended airport is Catania (CTA), which is approximately 1.5 hours from the villa and offers the most flight options.
A smaller airport, Comiso (CIY), is located closer to the villa, though flight availability may be more limited.
Detailed arrival information and recommendations will be provided after your reservation is confirmed.
Do we need to rent a car or is transportation provided?
Transportation is not included, we recommend having a car for the duration of the retreat.
The villa is set in the countryside, and most experiences, restaurants, nearby towns, and the beach are best reached by car. This also allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
We will provide guidance and recommendations to help you plan your transportation with ease.
How are rooms assigned?
Rooms are thoughtfully assigned by the hosts prior to arrival, taking into consideration booking order, preferences, and the overall flow of the retreat.
Do all rooms have ensuite bathrooms?
Five of the bedrooms include ensuite bathrooms.
One bedroom in the main house includes a bathroom located just next door rather than ensuite. Due to the layout of the home, this bathroom may have limited shared access by the hosts for brief use. This room is offered at a slightly reduced rate.
Is the Kitchen available for guest use?
The kitchen is reserved for retreat use and is not open for guest use. This allows us to maintain the flow of meals and create a seamless experience for everyone.
Will the Hosts be onsite during the retreat?
Your hosts will be present during key moments of the retreat, including included meals, while also allowing plenty of space for guests to relax and enjoy the property at their own pace.
As this is a family-run experience, guests may occasionally see members of the hosts’ family, (their 5 year old daughter and chef Leo’s parents) and during select moments, such as the welcome or closing dinner. Their presence is kept minimal and does not interfere with the privacy, flow, or intimacy of the retreat.
Is travel insurance recommended?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment in the event of unexpected changes, cancellations, or travel disruptions.