Holiday itinerary
The wellbeing retreat where the holiday is set overlooks the charming fishing village of Agios Nikolaos Lefktro. The Taygetos Mountains create an energising backdrop, set just behind the wellbeing centre, with walking trails leading up to the peaks and the start of the trans-Europe hiking route.
Yoga and walking are a wonderful combination and complement each other perfectly. The 5 walks during your stay will range from easy strolls lasting a couple of hours to more demanding ascents and walks along the gorges, mountains and ancient kalderimi (dry stone footpaths) that might last 4 to 5 hours.
Your yoga lessons will take place in either the light and airy yoga studio at the retreat, on the balcony or in the pretty garden pergola, leaving you with a great sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Your friendly tutor Kerry, a hatha yoga practitioner who draws on the teachings of BKS Iyengar and his background in healing, will be on hand to ensure you gain the utmost from your 10 weekly yoga sessions over the week.
A wonderful vegetarian lunch will be provided daily and you’ll enjoy delicious regional specialities made using fresh and healthy local produce including the centre’s own honey and olives.
Accommodation is provided at the centre or within 5-15 minutes walk away in local traditional Greek houses. The wellbeing centre has a lovely al fresco dining area, organic vegetable and herb garden along with terrace where you can relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy a yoga and walking holiday amidst olive grove foothills, beautiful coastlines, traditional Greek villages, old Byzantine churches and traditional stone houses for a yoga and walking Holiday with a difference.
Suitability
- Yoga is suitable for all levels from beginners seeking an introduction to the joys of yoga through to advanced practitioners
- The walks range from easy strolls lasting a couple of hours to more demanding ascents and all activities are optional
- Minimum age 16 for the classes although under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult
- Note: yoga classes and guided walks are given in English
Travelling Solo?
- This yoga and walking holiday makes a great singles holiday as it is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
- Prices are based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a room
- A compulsory single supplement applies for those travelling solo who wish to book a twin/double room for sole occupancy as a single room
Non-Participating Partner
- Non-participating partners are welcome to join you and share a room for a discounted price
- To check the price click on the ‘costings and extras’ tab
Yoga And Walking Holiday Start Days
- The yoga and walking holiday run on set dates from May to early October each year
- Yoga and walking holidays are for 7 nights/8 days
- If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
Yoga And Walking Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on weather, the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival day
- You can check into your room anytime after 2pm, take your time to explore the centre and gardens or take a walk to the village to have a swim in the sea before dinner
- A delicious welcome vegetarian dinner is served at the centre this evening to help you get to know your fellow guests
Days 2-7 – Yoga And Walking
- Note: You will have 5 yoga classes and 5 guided walks spread across days 2-7, the exact schedule will be given to you on arrival as yoga classes may take place in the mornings with walks in the afternoons or vice-versa
- You will have free time for 2 half days (between days 2 - 7)
- After a self-service breakfast in the morning you will enjoy your first walk, the walking combines local mountain village hikes, coastal walks and amazing gorge walks, including some of the most picturesque routes you will find in Europe
- Early afternoon enjoy a leisurely and delicious lunch at the centre with your fellow guests
- In the late afternoon 1.5 hour yoga practice of the day with your tutor which will include opening the breath, asana preparation, sun salutation, strengthening, stretching, relaxation and/or meditation
- After your yoga class on days 2-6 you can arrange your own plans for evening meals visiting any of the lovely local Tavernas or restaurants in either Agios Nikolas or in nearby Stoupa or you making the most of the self catering apartment
- On your last evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group around 7.30pm at the wellbeing centre
Day 8
- Today is departure day and you’ll be asked to check out of your room around 11am ready for your returning home feeling relaxed, restored and revived
Your Yoga Tutor
- Your expert yoga tutor Kerry has many years’ experience teaching yoga in the UK and Greece and has previously been a healer at the Bristol Cancer Help Centre in the UK
- Kerry teaches a strong hatha yoga style that is influenced by the teaching of BKS Iyengar
- Kerry also worked as a restaurateur and has a passion for good food cooked from fresh, seasonal ingredients so meals at the centre are always a treat
- Rediscovering his Greek roots, Kerry practices what he calls 'Integral Healing' – a bringing together of many healing traditions including energy healing, Reiki, Zen shiatsu, Christian healing and dream healing
- Kerry draws on his background in healing as well as his yoga knowledge and experience throughout his classes and you will find Kerry’s friendly approach will inspire your yoga practice
What Will I Learn?
Yoga
- The style of yoga taught at the wellbeing centre is a strong hatha yoga style that is influenced by the teaching of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar
- Yoga practice will cover Asanas (physical movements), Pranayama (breathing practices), Meditation (stilling and calming of the mind & inner self) and Relaxation (complete mind, body relaxation)
- The small groups allow you to explore alignment within your pose as well as fluid movement from one pose to the next working with our teachers to deepen your practice whatever your level
- Yoga sessions are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to those who regularly practise and sessions will be tailored to suit your level as group sizes are small
Walking
- The walks range from easy strolls lasting a couple of hours to more demanding ascents and walks along the gorges, mountains and ancient kalderimi (dry stone footpaths) that might last 4 to 5 hours
- Some will be set amongst foothills covered with olive groves, winding past traditional Greek villages, old Byzantine churches and traditional stone houses
- Other paths and routes wind along magnificent gorges with their old monasteries
- You will also experience the coastal walks that follow the breathtaking coastal paths and cliff edges
What To Bring
- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move in easily for your yoga practice
- Sturdy walking boots are required for the walking element
- It can be very warm in the summer months so please bring clothing that will be suitable for practising in hot weather and warmer clothes for cooler nights
- Yoga mats are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
Treatments / Massages
- Therapeutic massage and other wellbeing treatments are available to book at the centre for an additional cost
- Choose from shiatsu, Thai and Thai yoga massage, Aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, healing and Reiki, life coaching and dream journeys
The Accommodation
- The wellbeing centre has two rooms and sleeps a total of four people
- Other guests will stay in local Greek accommodation, all of which have an en-suite bathroom and cooking facilities as well as access to a lovely swimming pool
- This accommodation is located between 5 and 15 minutes’ walk from the wellbeing centre where your yoga classes and meals will be taken
- Rooms are located on a first come first serve basis in terms of location but all options offer the same level of comfort and quality
- All rooms are simply furnished, comfortable, light and airy
- The wellbeing centre has a lovely terrace for guests to relax
- You can enjoy the al fresco dining area and organic vegetable and herb gardens at the centre
- Accommodation is included for 7 nights/8 days in a twin/double room and prices are based on 2 sharing a room
- Solo travellers will have to book a compulsory single supplement as sharing is not possible on this holiday (check the costings and extras tab for the compulsory supplements)
- Check in any time after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 11am on day 8
Meals
- A hearty brunch/light lunch is served at 12 noon on days 2-7 after your morning yoga session
- Delicious vegetarian welcome and farewell dinners are included on days 1 and 7
- The meals served are vegetarian and the menu is designed to reflect the wellbeing centre’s belief that food should be not only delicious but nutritious and healing
- The centre uses locally produced cheeses, the famous locally produced olives and olive oil, wild herbs, vegetables and its own honey produce at the centre
- On days 2-6 when dinner is not included, you can visit the local villages where fresh fish is a treat (if you are not vegetarian) or many other vegetarian dishes are served at reasonable prices in the local Tavernas
- If you have dietary requests these must be communicated to us at the time of booking
Free Time In Greece
- Outside of your yoga classes and walks, you have a host of activities to do in your free time
- You can relax on one of the wonderful beaches located within walking distance, go cycling, hiking in the surrounding mountains, horse riding or just meander through the streets of the surrounding villages
Enjoy a yoga and walking holiday in this captivating Greek retreat steeped in natural beauty and wildlife, breathe the fresh sea air and take time out for yourself on this holistic yoga and walking with a difference.