Art, matriarchy & belonging in Sicily
Travel House | Retreat Space
Cummari
A Sicilian home for women who travel.
Each room of our restored 1800s fisherman’s house is its own work of art — stay, work and belong, solo but never alone.
Upcoming at Cummari
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New Tools For Women Leading the Way - REtreat
November 4th to 10th
8 SPACES LEFT: Co-Hosted by Inez Aponte, founder of Growing Good Lives and Beautiful Economies— an educator and artist who has spent yearshelping leaders, communities and organisations ask a more honest question: what does it actually mean to thrive?
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Beyond the Good Woman - Retreat
November 15th to 20th
6 SPACES LEFT: What becomes possible when you stop performing and start belonging to yourself? Co-hosted by Kristina Kyser PHD - a 5 Night Women’s Retreat at Cummari
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The Women's Almanac - Community Experience
February 2027 to February 2028
PRE-REGISTER FOR 3RD EDITION: A 12-month, online community experience where a small group of women are supported to align with the natural rhythms of the seasons — rhythms that nurture your true self and support your unfolding journey.
WELCOME
Cummari® is a boutique, women-only retreat and coliving space on the Sicilian coast. It was created by a former international correspondent who spent two decades among change-makers and leaders across 18 countries — and who built Cummari as the soft landing she always wished for while traveling.
Tucked into a small seaside village near Catania — between the Ionian Sea and Mamma Etna — it's a place made for slow travel, deep rest and real cultural immersion in Sicily.
Here you arrive as a stranger and leave as a cummari: the Sicilian word for a bond of female friendship that feels like family.
Whether you come solo, with friends, or to begin something new, Cummari is a women-only space to step out of the hustle and back into yourself.
Cummari Redefines Spaces for Women
“One of the most interesting projects in Sicily is Cummari.” Lonely Planet Sicily
“Whether you’re in need of a restorative break, a place to finally write that book or just to reflect on what you really want from life, Cummari provides a soulful, supportive environment to spend a short or long stay.” Citizen Femme, 40 Of The Most Exciting New Hotel Openings In 2026
“Where solo female travelers and digital nomads can form friendships and create bonds that extend beyond their time in Sicily.” Italy Segreta, Cummari, The Sicilian Word All Women Should Recognize.
Cummari’s Feature in a Harper’s Bazaar
The Concept
Set between a volcanic shore and Etna sitting heavy on the horizon, Cummari is a deeply feminine space — the kind of place whose feeling you don't quite register until you've slowed down enough to feel it.
The women who come here tend to be open-minded, well-travelled, a little hard to categorize. That's exactly who belongs. Our community spans the world and the decades, from women in their late twenties to their seventies.
Michelle designed every room herself, around the thing she never found in years as a correspondent: somewhere comfortable in the way that keeps you at the kitchen table for three hours without noticing. The art on the walls is original — work by international artists she tracked down because it had something to say, not because it matched a colour scheme
If you've been waiting for a place that was made for you, not just available to you — this is it.
“Cummari provides a sacred space for women who are traveling on their own in Sicily. I have encountered so many amazing multi-cultural women with one core essence in mind, soul growth and coming together in Sicily as a community of powerful women.”
— Nicole
“Michelle captures the magic and meaning of cummari providing a one of a kind travel and authentic Italian living experience. Each of us solo travellers arrives a stranger and leaves a cummari. Even the volcano and the region became my cummari.”
— Louise
Cummari’s Founder
Cummari® was founded in 2020, by Michelle Titus (Miche), a community builder, activist and novus feminine anthropologist. From 2006 to 2019, she worked around the world, first as an international correspondent, then as co-founder of female led publishing companies in China, Brazil & North America, moving every four months and living in temporary housing. Along the way, she dreamed of spaces intentionally designed for women vs. the generic white and grey corporate flats without a soul.
When life out of a suitcase began to lose its charm and capitalism nearly crushed her soul, she shifted her entire life to create Cummari…
About Cummari
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Cummari normally books out at least one to two months in advace, to inquire about your preferred dates fill out our booking form here.
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Discover Riposto, a refined seaside town on Sicily’s east coast, between Catania, Taormina, and Mount Etna. Ideal for women traveling solo or independently, it offers safety, authenticity, and calm. Enjoy slow coastal living, local cuisine, and easy day trips—always returning to a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.
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Founded by an international correspondent who retired her suitcase , Miche set out to create what she felt the world lacked—a place with soul, truly made for solo travelers. Read More.
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Cummari is an inclusive environment. Historically women have not always been/felt safe when travelling solo and for this reason we prioritize guests who identify as female. With that being said, all genders and identities are welcomed and are vital to supporting Cummari's vision and existence. Learn more.
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Women from around the world have called Cummari their home away from home in Sicily. Read reviews here.
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Michelle specializes in group retreat planning in Sicily, feminine anthropology and entrepreneurial mentorship. Email miche@cummari.com.