Ater Tumti, creating Heaven on Earth

My partner and I volunteered at Ater Tumti with genuine intentions, we worked hard, stayed extra hours, and always tried to contribute positively. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing. From the start, communication was inconsistent, expectations kept changing, and we were often criticised despite putting in our best effort. We were accused of things we didn’t do (including taking food we were explicitly told was available to volunteers) and spoken to in a disrespectful and aggressive way on multiple occasions. We picked hundreds of kilos of olives, cleaned, and helped wherever we could, but were constantly made to feel unwelcome. The environment was tense, disorganised, and emotionally draining — far from the supportive and community based experience we were promised. That said, we would like to sincerely thank Carlo and Trente for their kind hospitality and wonderful energy during our stay at their home. Their warmth and generosity were a bright spot in an otherwise difficult experience. We’re grateful for the food and shelter provided, but would not recommend volunteering here unless the management changes their approach to how they treat people.

An incredibly magical place, far from civilization, yet so close that you can still experience picturesque Sicily for a few days after the retreat. The retreat center has all the luxury you could need: the apartments, the dining room in the ancient winery, everything has been renovated and built with fantastic taste and style – the name says it all – heaven on earth. And yet it is pristine and down-to-earth – directly on the surface of Mount Etna, with a 180-degree view of the sea, energetically very special. The owner, Filip, is a wonderful host. Thank you.

I stayed here for less than a week and I felt so taken care of by Sara (the hostess with the mostest - you are a gem!) and the crew who live there. It was cold and they stocked me up with firewood so I’d be warm, eating meals together was wonderful and the WIne they shared from their vineyard - best I’ve had in forever! Highly recommend staying here and taking some day trips to Mt. Etna during your stay!! Hope to see you all again soon!!! Kara

Thank you Trente and Filip. Ater Tumti is an extraordinary, charming and beautiful place, tucked in between Mt Aetna and the Mediterranean. The scenery is unbelievably beautiful - sunrises, the Italian coast in the distance, the crystal clear waters, the volcano, and the picturesque fruit and olive trees make for a truly special, relaxing, and invigorating environment. The food is delicious, and the wine from their vineyard, Terre de Trente, is something the heart desires. I can genuinely say it is the best wine I have ever tasted. What makes the experience even more special are fantastic hosts Filip and Trente, their incredible staff (Salvo and Sara), and the wonderful volunteers, all of whom are warm and gracious, making you feel like part of the family. There are a number of special places to visit, and you will always find warm Italian people to welcome you and make you feel at home. I visited Ater Tumti in 2021 for a 2 week retreat, one of the best experiences of my life, and returned this year on vacation. And finally, in the evenings, a tasty pasta dish, a glass of Terre de Trente wine, and great hosts really put the exclamation mark on the day. Looking forward to the next visit.

The attention to detail, the hospitality, and the magical location are the perfect mix to fully experience the essence of the retreat.