Get ready to bask in the warm Greek sun! Pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, because Colin, Maria and Robbie are inviting you to join them for a non-ordinary yoga retreat on the stunning island of Kefalonia! This July, we’re all about celebrating the joys of life, and what better way to do that than with yoga, adventures, and friends?

The main focus of our retreat is on the five elements of nature – space, air, fire, water, and earth – and how they relate to our body and mind. But don’t worry, this is not a stuffy science camp – we’ll be using creative practices to explore these elements in a fun and meaningful way. Our classes will be infused with the playful energy of summer. Think outdoor yoga sessions, sea-inspired flows, sunset yin, stargazing, meditation under the night sky, singing, chanting and sound explorations as well as other practices to connect with your deepest Self, the beauty of the season and the stunning surroundings of the Mediterranean.

Let’s not forget one of the best parts of this trip – the food! We’ll indulge in some of the most delicious and fresh local Greek cuisine you’ve ever tasted. From yummy mezes to authentic taverna dishes, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy communal meals and fine wine. We’ll explore the local food scene and share our favorite dishes as we soak up the vibrant Greek culture.

The island is a paradise for those seeking adventure or just some “me time.” You’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of exciting activities. Jump on a boat to explore the pristine island of Ithaca – a land of myth and breathtaking beauty, and the fabled home of legendary hero Odysseus. Relax in natural hot springs, unwind on the beach or by the pool, or explore the scenic coastline on a stand-up paddleboard. Take a leisurely bike ride through picturesque trails, go horseback riding, meander through lush olive groves, or join a friendly game of beach volleyball with newfound friends. With crystal-clear waters to swim in, historic sites to trek through, and ancient mountains to explore, each day on Kefalonia is sure to bring new discoveries.

Our community of kindred spirits will be there to support you every step of the way, creating an atmosphere of warmth and good vibes. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect, share laughs, and make unforgettable memories together. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a newbie, this retreat is the perfect chance to deepen your practice, relax, rejuvenate, and let loose. So come hang out with us in Greece this summer, where the sun, sea, stars, and scents of the Mediterranean will wash away your worries and leave you feeling brand new. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you!

Daily Program
– Morning ritual:

• Tea, juice or smoothie
• Brief lecture, meditation, breathwork or mantra
• Session 1: themed, mindful flow yoga class

– Greek brunch
– Freetime

– Afternoon ritual:

• Session 2: themed yoga class or mini-workshop
• Smoothie or juice
• Session 3: relaxing restorative or yin yoga with sound

– Greek dinner

Dates
July 9 to July 16, 2023

Location
Lourdas Bay, Kefalonia, Greece

About the Island

Voted #1 Best Greek Island in 2023, Kefalonia has been crowned the ultimate Greek island to visit by the prestigious consumer champion, Which?. Its mesmerizing scenery, emerald-colored mountains, hidden coves, mysterious underground lakes, and inviting sandy beaches offer travelers an unparalleled experience of peace and tranquility. Read the article here

Kefalonia, nestled in the heart of the Ionian Sea, is a breathtaking paradise that never fails to inspire visitors. This Greek gem boasts stunning beaches, charming fishing villages, and captivating underground caves. With crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere, Kefalonia is the ultimate summer getaway.

The island is renowned for its picturesque beaches, including Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas, Skala, and Petani. The warm sun, cool sea breeze, and sound of the waves crashing on the shore are sure to soothe your soul.

Kefalonia is the most mountainous island in the Ionian Islands of Greece, featuring the stunning Ainos Mount (Ainos 1628 mt), which divides the island into two parts. The peak of Ainos Mount is a beautiful national park that offers various excursions and is home to a local breed of free-range horses. But that’s not all – Kefalonia also boasts several hot springs where you can take a dip in the warm waters and let the minerals rejuvenate your body and soul.

The charming villages of Fiscardo, Argostoli, Sami, and Assos offer a magical experience with their quaint harbors and scenic landscapes. Lose yourself in the serenity of these charming towns and forget about the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a boat ride to the Melissani cave and explore its turquoise waters, marvel at the stalactites and trees, and enjoy the mystical ambiance of this natural wonder. You can also visit the charming neighboring island of Ithaca, steeped in history and mythology as the legendary home of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey.

For foodies, Kefalonia offers a diverse range of gastronomic options, with innovative chefs adding their creative twist to traditional dishes. Local restaurants make use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, such as herbs, cheeses, and olive oil, to create a true celebration of the island’s gastronomic heritage. Complement your meal with rare wines and delight in the culinary experience. The island is also an ideal destination for vegans and vegetarians, with plenty of plant-based options to choose from.

About the teachers
Maria, Colin and Robbie:

• Maria has a strong passion for the transformative power of yoga and sound. She began her music career in 2003 and later discovered yoga, which she quickly integrated into her daily routine as a necessary complement to her vocal work. Currently residing in Seattle, Maria works as a professional opera singer and offers regular private and group yoga classes to the local community. She is specialized in yoga for seniors and trauma-sensitive yoga. Maria draws inspiration from nature and traditional yogic and Buddhist teachings. Her classes incorporate various elements of yoga, including philosophy, creative asana sequencing, subtle energy work, pranayama, meditation, and mantra. Her main focus is to create a space that allows individuals to recognize and express their authentic selves.

 

• Colin has been practicing since 2005 and teaching since 2015. Coming from an architectural background, it was only when he began to practice yoga that he realised how disconnected he was from his body. Yet the architect in his heart was also what shaped his approach to yoga, which encourages a functional, self-expression of postures, rather than a one-size-fits-all framework. Today, Colin’s teaching draws on trainings with Joe Barnett (Yin, 2014), Yoga Wall with Martin Zilbauer (2016), Maty Ezrtay (Hatha, 2018) and many others. After attending a Gong Bath, Colin was further inspired to add the power of sound to his practice and teaching. Following a scientific methodology developed the British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST), Colin completed BAST’s Group Sound Healing training with Liz Cooper in 2016. Gongs are definitely his favourite instruments. In his classes, Colin is challenging yet rational, creative, and accepting. Through his Gong Baths, his use of sound therapy offers access to deeper layers, helping students transcend limitations and find greater peace.

 

• Robbie is a modern-day yogi, an active seeker and adventurer who thrives on the elements of nature and connecting with other sentient beings. His yoga and spiritual journey spans more than 25 years with an abundance of influences from various healing systems and yoga traditions including ayurveda, Reiki, traditional hatha, mindful vinyasa flow (Annie Carpenter, Seane Corn and Jason Crandell), ashtanga yoga (David Swenson and Prem Carlisi), Iyengar (Maty Ezraty, Lois Steinberg, Ph.D., and Martin Zilbauer), Yin (Jo Phee) and restorative yoga. Robbie has taught more than 3,000 yoga classes, organized retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings in Belgium, as well as in other European cities. His classes combine yoga philosophy, conscious body movements, asana precision, playfulness, pranayama, concentration, and relaxation techniques designed to open the body and mind, challenge, energize, heal, and calm. He places special emphasis on creating a warm and transformative environment for students of all abilities in order to facilitate their self-inquiry and growth. Yoga has taught him that life is so much more than what we perceive through our senses and there is a loving source we can tap into to find more courage, lightness, and freedom in our everyday life. As an eternal student, Robbie continuously studies from nature, the universe, yogis, philosophers, artists and healers from all times and places of the world.

Prices & Packages

Solo Package: shared room with a fellow yogi
Early Bird until Jun 9, 2023
1245 EUR/person
Regular Price
1395 EUR/person

Duo Package: shared room with your partner or a friend*
Early Bird until Jun 9, 2023
1175 EUR/person
Regular Price
1295 EUR/person

Trio Package: shared room with two friends*
Early Bird until Jun 9, 2023
995 EUR/person
Regular Price
1095 EUR/person

*Book and pay together

What does my package include?
– Accommodation for 7 nights
– 2 delicious meals/day: brunch & dinner
– 3 sessions every day including physical practice, meditation, breath work, mantra, sound practices and lectures
– Coffee, tea and fruits during the day
– Access to all the amenities on the property such as common areas, pool, beach volleyball, SUP and bicycle (limited availability)
– Plenty of time between class for rest and excursions
– A folder with hikes, sights, tavernas, restaurants, bars, shops, wellness services, and activities to do in your free time

What is not included?
– Flights
– Excursions and activities
– Extra beverages on the retreat location
– Transportation and transfer to and from the retreat location

Additional info and logistics

First class
Our first official session together will be held on the morning of July 10.

Early arrival and extended stay
If you choose to arrive early or stay longer on the island, you can arrange your own accommodation nearby. There are plenty of options available.

Arrival day schedule 
Ideally, you arrive on Sunday, July 9, unless you are arriving early. Check-in begins at 17:00, and we will be there to greet you. You are welcome to come to the property at any time. There will be an optional grounding practice in the evening, and we will have dinner together. If you arrive later and cannot attend this session, that’s perfectly fine.

Departure day schedule
Our retreat will conclude on July 16 at 10:30 AM. We will practice together in the morning, followed by a brunch, and then say our goodbyes.

How to get there?

By plane

The most convenient way to reach Kefalonia is by taking a flight from Brussels (or anywhere) to Kefalonia International Airport (EFL). Several airlines offer flights from Brussels to Kefalonia with a layover in Athens or another nearby city. You can also check departures from Amsterdam, London, or Paris. These airports are easy to reach from Brussels and they offer direct flights to Kefalonia. You can check the availability and prices of these flights on online travel websites such as Trip.com, Kayak, monmondo or Skyscanner.

By plane followed by bus / ferry

If you’re looking for a more affordable, adventurous and scenic route, you can fly to Athens (ATH), Corfu (CFU), or Zakynthos (ZTH) and take a bus and ferry from there to Kefalonia.

Some routes that are worth checking out:

• From ATH to Kefalonia – click here for flights, ferry or bus options
• From CFU to Kefalonia – click here for flights, ferry or bus options
• From ZTH to Kefalonia – click here for flights, ferry or bus options

For instance, from Athens, a local express bus can bring you from the airport to the Ktel Kifisou bus terminal (lines X93 or X95). There are buses leaving from there on a regular basis and stopping in various location including the city of Patras. From there, you can board a ferry operated by Levante Ferries to reach Kefalonia while enjoying the beauty of Greece’s coastline. The more accurate timetables for the summer period are usually announced around two weeks before, so be sure to check back before you make your travel plans. The approximate price for this route is €30 for the bus and €15 for the ferry.

You can find more information and book your tickets on the following websites:

• rome2rio.com
• ktelbus.gr/kef/ticketweb/#/
• ktelbus.com/en/ktel-kefallonias/
• ktelkefalonias.gr/en/

With more buses and ferries available during the summer months, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Taxi from Kefalonia Airport

Once you arrive in Kefalonia, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach our location. The journey takes about 15-30 minutes from the airport and costs approximately €25. We will set up an online group before the retreat so you can team up with fellow travelers and share the taxi ride.