sacred balance yoga retreat in greece
September 23-29, 2024
With Saraswati Clere and Jennie Hayes
intention
nourish your body, mind & soul
The Fall Equinox is a time of sacred pause and reflection as we move into the darker days of the year. The week of our retreat is optimal for cultivating a sense of inner balance through rest, meditation and yoga, as we unwind from the dynamic energy of Summer and prepare to settle our bodies into the slower cadence of Fall and Winter. We offer you a time to soak in the warm Greek sun, enjoy the mystic beauty of Kea Island and create meaningful intentions for the last quarter of the year.
yoga & Meditation classes
The all-level classes will be led by Saraswati Clere and Jennie Hayes. We will have daily (morning and late afternoon/evening) classes. We offer a variety of yoga classes as well as meditation, relaxation, and restorative yoga sessions. During the yoga classes, we will explore classical poses with a strong focus on breathing, meditative awareness, and deep relaxation. Yoga classes will be multi-level. Attendees will be responsible for their own heath and well-being and asked to sign release waivers.
About the island
kea island
Kea Island is a well-kept secret vacation destination of the Athenian people and home to some of the most quietly beautiful beaches on the Aegean.
The island has a unique and serene energy that is distinctly its own. There are legends and myths that Kea was once inhabited by mythological water goddesses, called nymphs. It is for this reason that the island is said to possess a powerful healing and feminine energy.
Our host at Villa Als Marmarei, Anais Tera Filio Triantafillidou, is a published poet and writer with an incredible knowledge base of the myths of Kea Island. She also has in-depth background and study in Ancient Greek mythological history. She is a wonderful resource and will share with us some of her wisdom on this retreat!
Due to Kea’s accessibility only though the smaller Lavrio port, the island is less touristed then many others, such as Santorini. It is truly a hidden gem and you will soon discover why it is treasured by the Greek people.
optional adventures
local excursions
Hike to the ancient seaside ruins of Karthea and visit the mythological Lion of Kea. There are two archaeological sites we will visit on the island. The ancient site of Karthea features a downhill hike (followed by an uphill hike!) to temples of Apollo & Athena by the Aegean. There is also a lovely beach to take a dip in before heading up the hill and back to the villa. The Lion of Kea is a mysterious 6th century lion statue embedded in the hills of Kea. The statue has mythological roots, which our host Anais will share more about!
Excursions are optional but we welcome your participation!
accomodation
our sanctuary for balance
Our villa is a hidden gem, a genuine escape from the world, with spacious indoor/outdoor lounge areas, an infinity pool, beautiful views and bedrooms for single or double occupancy. The property has incredible eastern-facing views of the Aegean Sea and there is a heavenly cove of Sikamia Beach within 15 minutes walking.
Check out the details of our incredible Villa Als Maramarei here.
Nourishing foods
What we will eat
Our meals will be prepared by local private chefs and contain fresh, locally grown ingredients. Our meals will be light, healthy and vegetarian. There are three kitchens available on-site at the property for use if you would like to plan an excursion and get special items for yourself to prepare.
We will have light breakfast foods offered such a bread, eggs, honey, greek yogurt, fruit and nuts. There will be coffee and tea.
Our lunches will typically be salads, spanakopita and other greek “pies,” (these are flakey and light dishes that are absolutely divine!) along with other dishes specific to Greek cuisine.
Dinners will be warm, delicious and healthy traditional greek meals. We will have wine available that is fresh and from the island. It is exceptional.
If you have a food allergy or other restrictions, please reach out and let us know.
A holistic experience
retreat schedule
Monday: arrival and check-in, followed by a gentle yoga practice and dinner
Tuesday through Saturday: morning and evening yoga practices. Excursions to local seaside ruins of Karthea exploring ancient temples of Athena & Apollo, the Lion of Kea, local Sikamia beach and Koundaros Beach Club.
Afternoons are reserved for free time and any activity you want to do. You can enjoy the venue, hike, get a massage or astrology/tarot reading with Jennie (spaces will be limited and this will be booked additional to retreat cost). You will also have time to explore the local towns, markets, beaches, (booked separately as a group or individually, with the help of our host).
Sunday: early practice, breakfast and morning departure
a curated experience
What’s included
Lodging for 6 nights & 7 days
Choice of private or shared accommodation
Daily brunch and dinner, tea, coffee and water
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Not included
Flights, taxis
Gratuities
Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
About your guides
Jennie Hayes has devoted the past 15 years to healing and self-discovery through Bodywork & Yoga. She attended the National Holistic Institute in 2008 to receive her certification in Massage Therapy and went on to continue her studies in Ayurveda & Yoga in 2014, receiving a teaching certificate from Mount Madonna Center. She has taught regular public classes in San Francisco since 2014. Her other noteworthy educational pursuits have included a NASM Personal Training Certification and Kinesiology studies at College of the Redwoods. Outside of the wellness space, Jennie is an astrologer, feminist poet and visual artist.
Saraswati Clere, ERYT 500 is a San Francisco Bay Area, award-winning film-maker and founder of Yoga Kula. Teaching for more than two decades, Saraswati shares the depth of her experience and knowledge to reveal a uniquely accessible, authentic and integrated approach to yoga. Saraswati is well known for her ability to convey the essence of the wisdom teachings of yoga with exceptional clarity, insight, and relevance to students of all levels and from all walks of life. Saraswati teaches with a combination of rigor and challenge balanced with sensitivity, humor, and compassion. Her classes weave together the technical precision of refined alignment-based practice with an ever-present awareness of the great wisdom of yoga philosophy distilled from decades of intensive study and practice. Saraswati is a certified Anusara Yoga teacher, and has been a dedicated student of Iyengar Yoga for more than 20 years. E-RYT 500, YACEP Licensed Continuing Education Provider, Anusara Certified
Investment
The Prices: All prices are per person, include all classes (Yoga/Meditation/Relaxation), lodging, daily brunch and dinner, tea, coffee and water, for 6 nights/7days.
The number of rooms is limited, so make sure you reserve your space on time!
Double room (Two people) $1150 per person by April 15 / ($1250 after)
Single room (One person) $1650 early bird by April 15 / ($1750 after )
If you would like to come with a friend, please let us know when you reserve your spaces. We will accommodate each request to the best of our ability.
FAQS
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FULL REFUND, EXCLUDING NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT, UNTIL MAY 1, 2024.
NO REFUND AFTER MAY 1, 2024.
WE SUGGEST THAT YOU BOOK YOUR AIRFARE & TRIP WITH A CANCELLATION INSURANCE.
IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF US CANCELING THE RETREAT, WE WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND, INCLUDING DEPOSIT.
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We recommend flying to Athens and you may wish to take a couple of days to explore Athens. The ferry from Athens is just a short ride to the Island of Kea. We will forward you the ferry times and we can organize pick up. You can let us know if you want us to organize this for you once reserve your flight tickets.
Flights, transfers and afternoon trips or activities, and insurances are not included in the price.
Please note that a valid passport is needed for US citizens to enter Greece (no Visa required).