From bare land to retreats: how to create a glamping space in Sicily

How Danny went from bare land to a glamping retreat? Our road from bare land to a glamping retreat in Sicily? When we arrived in Sicily, we were incredibly fortunate to meet a few amazing (expat) networkers who became the base of everything we have now. One of the key people responsible for us choosing Siculiana (where we live today) — and for countless introductions since, is Danny. Networking is nothing new to him, as he once worked as PR for chef Jamie Oliver, but the way he does it here is so subtle and natural that I sometimes wonder if he even realizes the impact he has. The most casual gatherings at his house often turn into fascinating conversations. You’ll find yoga masters, film directors, actors, farmers, chefs, CFOs, and volunteers, all casually connecting over a glass of wine and usually a potluck dinner.

So what does this have to do with glamping and retreats? If you’ve followed my Instagram, you might already know the connection 😉.

In July, I took on the challenge of helping Danny create a space that would support his gift for connecting — with friends, with family, and with himself. The result: a bell tent! In just a few months, that tent has seen more uses than we imagined. Families visiting have stayed there. The first ceremonies have taken place. Friends from his gatherings have crashed for the night. The kids turned it into a playroom. And Danny himself loves retreating to it — escaping the house during hot nights, taking naps, or simply meditating.

Now, the tent is about to take on yet another role: the centerpiece of a retreat. This October, Danny will host a retreat led by a breathwork guide and a yoga teacher, focused on helping guests find their purpose. After the retreat, I’ll share more about how it went and what that could look like in the future. For now, let’s look at the simple steps to go from from bare land to a glamping retreat.

👉 You can follow Danny’s journey more closely on his Substack: A Slow Life in Sicily

Why glamping works so well for retreats

• Connection to nature: Guests feel grounded and inspired when sleeping under canvas, close to the elements.
• Flexibility: A glamping tent can host yoga sessions, ceremonies, meals, or simply serve as accommodation.
• Lower investment: Compared to building fixed structures, glamping allows you to test your idea with much less money.
• Community vibe: Guests often bond more quickly in outdoor, shared settings.

The simplest way to start

If you have a flat piece of land, it can be as simple as putting up one or more tents and adding sleeping gear (beds, mattresses, or even inflatables).

👉 Basic setup costs:

• Bell tent + basic platform: €2,000–€3,000 (check out tents here)
• Small solar generator for light and charging: €300–€500
• Furniture and decoration: depends on taste, but can start minimal.

For bathrooms and kitchens, you don’t have to invest heavily right away. Danny’s land already had a bathroom, and his kitchen was built in a planned spot. But if that’s not your case, there are plenty of creative solutions:

• Temporary event toilets or compost toilets
• Food trucks or catering services
• Minimalist outdoor kitchen with basic utilities

This is enough to host a private retreat in the “gray area” of permits and licenses, especially if it’s temporary and privately organized.

Scaling up and making it beautiful

Once you’ve tested the idea, you can add comfort and atmosphere:

• Proper beds and quality linens
• Semi-permanent bathrooms and kitchens
• Shaded spaces for group activities (pergola, yoga platform)
• Fairy lights, rugs, and cozy details

Each investment not only makes the space prettier but also raises its value, meaning you can charge more for retreats.

Danny’s example

Danny’s retreat this October will use a single bell tent as the central point, supported by a breathwork teacher and a yoga master. The focus will be on guests finding their purpose, combining sessions and shared experiences. In the future, more tents will be added for accommodation, but even with just one, the potential is already there.

👉 You can follow more of Danny’s reflections and projects on his Substack: A Slow Life in Sicily

Business potential

Glamping retreats can be a powerful way to generate income while creating something meaningful. You can:

• Host your own retreats, sharing your skills (or inviting friends with complementary ones).
• Partner with teachers, coaches, or creatives to organize events together.
• Start small, then scale into a seasonal business.

Even a retreat of 10–15 people can bring in attractive revenue over a weekend, especially if costs remain low.

Mini checklist for a retreat-ready glamping space

✅ Flat space for tents
✅ Sleeping gear (beds, mattresses, or inflatables)
✅ Toilets (event, compost, or portable)
✅ Kitchen solution (existing, temporary, or catering/food trucks)
✅ Shaded group space (pergola, tent, open-air platform)
✅ Atmosphere (lights, paths, seating)

Final thoughts

A tent can be so much more than just a place to sleep. It can be the heart of a gathering, a stage for transformation, and the seed of a business. Whether you’re dreaming of hosting a retreat for friends or building a new income stream, glamping offers a flexible, inspiring, and surprisingly affordable path to begin.

✨ If you’d like guidance on creating your own retreat-ready glamping site in Sicily, that’s exactly what I help people with through my consulting. Reach out and let’s design your space together.