Pilates and true taste of Italy with Flavours Holidays

 by Marion Ainge

Arms stretched wide and sitting atop a Pilates balance ball I keep my focus with steady concentration. It's a photo pose, not my best look, and I'm aware that one wobble could result in an involuntary backward somersault into the swimming pool!

I'm on a Flavours Holidays' Pilates-themed week in Sicily. It's about an hour and a half from Catania Airport to Cammaratini near Modica and the delightful Villa Siké, a traditional Sicilian farmhouse dating back to the 1830s. Owner Pepe, 34, inherited the property and the 37-hectare farmland from his great, great grandfather. He installed a beautiful swimming pool, large kitchen and shaded sitting/dining area and converted old barns to bedrooms, retaining all their character. My door, within a cobbled courtyard opens to a cool, stone-walled sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. It's restful and charming. From the window I can see a lemon tree and olive trees. The setting is serene and tranquil and boasts stunning views over the countryside.

Culinary wizard Carla, 74, travels from home to start at 7.30am preparing breakfast, then lunch and dinner, working happily, sometimes until around 10.30pm. Carla's nonna taught her to cook when she was a child. We feast on delicious meals using local produce - fat red tomatoes, plump aubergines and juicy olives, figs and pears picked from Carla's garden, plus home-made pasta and, of course, tiramisu. Four cookery students spend two hours each morning in Carla's kitchen and proudly share their dishes at lunchtime. Our host, the ever-smiling Mihaela from Romania, who speaks five languages, looks after us and attends to our every need. But we hardly need to ask for anything. We love that both Mihaela and Carla sit with us at mealtimes. We're all friends together.

Flavours' Pilates small-group holidays, based on relaxation, health and fitness, are suitable for any age and ability. This trip caters for absolute beginners to those with years of Pilates' experience. The heat is intense as the day warms up, so we Pilates' students start at 8am with a cup of tea on the terrace before an hour-long session in a shaded area by the pool. Except for birdsong, it's quiet and peaceful. Experienced Pilates and yoga teacher, Kathy, 59, from Hale, Cheshire, helps and guides as she puts us through our paces at each individual's own pace. She has a great sense of humour which is useful! Enjoying the warmth of the sun on our bodies, we relax and stretch in this low intensity workout which is focused on balance, building strong core muscles, flexibility and posture. Additionally, Pilates can also help those with back problems and arthritis. There is also a late afternoon class.

During this week, three photography students are instructed by tutor Patrick. Pilates, cookery and photography students all meet for pre-dinner drinks and sit together at the long table. Wine flows as does the conversation and there are lots of laughs. The Flavours' recipe for these all-inclusive, adult solos', themed villa stays with like-minded guests in unspoilt areas of Italy, Spain and Morocco is just right. Excursions are included in the cost, too.

We visit the beautiful cruise port of Siracuse, a thousand year-old Grecian city on the Ionian coast of Sicily, which features some well-preserved archaeological ruins, an amphitheatre, castle, cathedral and stunning beaches. Market day is buzzing, so we join the throngs of visitors to walk around the colourful avenues of stalls showcasing wonderful cheeses such as Mozzarella di Bufala, Gorgonzola, Pecorino plus virgin olive oil and the exquisite, organically grown vegetables and fruit plus the irresistible cannoli, classic Italian pastries with crisp shells and creamy, sweet Ricotta filling.

It's 39 degrees today and the local, golden, honey-toned limestone of the buildings in the Sicilian Baroque, small town of World Heritage Site Noto, is sun-kissed and warm to the touch. The town is around 40 kilometres from Siracuse. Following the earthquake of 1693, Noto was rebuilt and now boasts palaces, churches and cathedral. There's also a lovely beach. The Caffe Sicilia reputedly sells the best ice cream in Noto. But as it is located at the end of an upward sloping street, the heat beats us and we settle for an cooling, icy granita in a nearer shaded cafe.

This trip is full of temptation. The Antica Dolceria Bonajuto cioccolateria in Modica has produced chocolate for six generations and more than 150 years. We listen patiently to a talk about the history and watch a demonstration but we can't wait for the tasting! The master confectioner products include chocolate-dipped, candied orange peel, There's also chocolate flavoured with cinnamon, donkey milk and jasmine plus nougat with roasted almonds or Arabian sesame seeds. Mpanatigghi biscuits are made from a very old recipe combining meat and chocolate, used to preserve meat for long periods.

Ancient legend has it that Hercules founded Modica. The Trenino Barocco (tourist train) enables a fascinating 25-minute ride through the higher parts of the city where houses cling to the rocky walls of the quarries which cross it. During the journey, lively Italian music entertains within the gaps between the bi-lingual commentary. Excitable children shout, run alongside and wave us on our way. We pass palaces and churches, snatch sights of winding back streets with washing draped over balconies, a nonna carrying a basket of vegetables and a black cat lazing in the shade. At the top we dine al fresco on fresh fish at the restaurant da Ignazio.

A true taste of Italy and a Flavours Holiday to savour.

by Marion Ainge

Factfile:

www.flavoursholidays.co.uk/pilates-holidays/sicily-italy/ 

Marion's visit 2024: 7 nights Pilates Holiday Sicily: £1,799

Included: transfers; 2 daily Pilates lessons; full board/wine

2 cooking lessons; 2 meals out; excursions; 

Private en-suite accommodation in luxury villa with pool

2025 dates: May/June/September/October

email info@flavoursholidays.com or call 0131 343 2500

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