Greece Yoga Retreat in Review

If you couldn’t join us this year in Greece, you can read all about this year’s Greece Yoga retreat.

Perhaps it will help persuade you to come along next year!

Greece really is the most ideal setting for a Yoga Retreat. After a few days in the hustle and bustle of Athens, you are longing for that island adventure.

Welcome to Athens

This year the group was able to co-ordinate travel dates and times to arrive together in Athens. A few fun filled, busy days of wandering the avenues of Plaka. Exploring the magnitude and impressive feat of the Acropolis. Bar hopping some of the finest roof top venues, eating the most delicious Meze. Let’s not forget the gelato, coffee shops and gyros.

Evening in the city of Athens

Our regular meeting spot was the fruit market. Fresh cherries and strawberries like you can’t believe, everyday! Right on the doorstep of Monistriaki Square. Around every corner there are quirky, fun and colourful shops to match the even more colourful graffiti that is in abundance throughout the city.

The meeting spot

Whether it is a Monday night or a weekend, restaurants have live music. And even encourage breaking plates after your dinner!

Athens is truly a city that speaks to your soul. Luring you in with its history, edginess and welcoming residents.

The time came for us to catch our taxi to Lavrio port. About an hour from Athens, the drive gives you a broader sense of how big the city actually is.

On arrival at the port, a quick stop to collect tickets and all aboard! The ferries are comfortable with a variety of seating options. Inside or outside. But don’t expect them to leave on time. You can expect a slight delay in departure.

Rooftop views from Porto Klaras

Within two hours from departure we arrived in Kythnos.

With one night to settle in before the Yoga retreat began.

Our taxi drivers had been waiting patiently for us to arrive, final destination in Port Lavrio : Porto Klaras

A 15min drive on some very windy roads. Plenty of incredible scenery from local farm homes to churches and of course a donkey or two. We arrived safely at the hotel.

Scenery you can expect in Kythnos

We received such a warm welcome at this Father and Son owned hotel. The rooms provided ample space, each with en suite bathrooms. The VIP suites are on the top floor, quite a staircase to climb, but well worth the view. It was here that we practiced Yoga. An ideal shala, looking over the bay of port Lavrio.

Did I mention that our playlist included the sounds of the water below us and the birds chirping in the distance? Utter bliss.

Students that attended the retreat enjoyed a variety of styles cleverly planned to get the maximum benefits out of the additional time on the mat. Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin classes with a silent walking meditation. All with the intention of soaking up the new surroundings, working with their individual Sankalpa and energetically rebooting.

Morning Yoga practice

Our morning practice started much too early for the locals to join us. It appears that Greeks understand how life should be lived! No early starts, gentle wake-ups, strong coffee and afternoon siestas. Followed by leisurely dinners and good conversation late into the night.

Port Lavrio offers a variety of Tavernas and bars within walking distance from the hotel. Our breakfast was enjoyed daily at Sofrano

Not only do they offer a delicious breakfast but any meal! Traditional Greek cuisine with a modern spin. All locally sourced ingredients.

Breakfast is served

Day activities included exploring the capital city of Chora. A walk to one of the most popular beaches on the island, Kolona. It has a strip of white sand with sea on both sides. Soaking up some vitamin D, a short dip in the local hot springs and exploring the many bays within walking distance of the hotel. Many a viewing deck and beach strip was soon discovered!

Kolona Beach

But like all good things, the Yoga Retreat had to come to an end. Our closing ceremony was held on the final morning before taking the windy roads back to the port. All aboard the ferry ride to Athens. Some last minute shopping in the city and some headed home. Others took a few more days in Athens.

The Yoga retreat encouraged balance, fun, laughter, good food and an amazing variety of daily Yoga classes accessible to all levels of practice.

Thank-you to everyone who joined us. It was such an incredible experience because of your energy, enthusiasm, photo galleries and appetite for adventure!

Good bye Kythnos