About The Retreat
Escape to the breathtaking island of Ikaria, Greece – an unspoiled haven where time slows, and life is lived to its fullest. Famed for its thriving centenarians and as one of the world’s rare Blue Zones, Ikaria is your gateway to uncovering the secrets of a vibrant, healthy, and joyful life.
On this six-day immersive retreat, you’ll dive into the Ikarian way of life—a rhythm that nourishes the soul and inspires vitality. Spring is the perfect time to begin again, shedding the old and stepping into a vibrant, healthier you.
Our retreat venue for the week is the Cavos Bay Hotel, Armenistis.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
🌟 Panigiria Dancing Festivals
Feel the joy and connection of the Ikarian community as you join locals in traditional dance celebrations. These vibrant festivals are alive with music, movement, and camaraderie—a true expression of the island’s spirit.
🍯 Honey Tasting
Savor the island’s famed honey, a sweet and nutrient-rich elixir linked to vitality and healing. Discover its medicinal properties and the role it plays in the Ikarian diet and lifestyle.
🌿 Invigorating Hikes
Explore Ikaria’s breathtaking natural beauty with scenic hikes through lush trails and pristine landscapes. From verdant valleys to rugged mountain paths, each step is a journey into serenity.
🎨 Ceramic Workshop
Unleash your creativity with a hands-on pottery session led by local artisans. Craft a one-of-a-kind piece to bring home, a lasting memento of your transformative retreat.
🌊 Swimming in Crystal-Clear Waters
Dive into Ikaria’s turquoise seas and let the gentle waves refresh and invigorate your spirit. Daily swims complement your yoga practice and connect you to the island’s natural rhythms.
🥗 Cooking Classes
Discover the culinary secrets of Ikarian longevity with interactive cooking sessions. Learn to prepare delicious, healthful dishes rooted in the Mediterranean diet, using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
🧘♀️ Daily longevity morning yoga and meditation and, evening Restorative with Yin.
✨ Each day on this retreat is a step closer to discovering the essence of health, happiness, and connection – an unforgettable experience on one of the world’s most enchanting islands.
Join us and embrace the Ikarian way of life, where joy and well-being flow as naturally as the island’s crisp mountain streams.
Teachers / instructors
Meet Julia, your dedicated yoga teacher and holistic health coach for our upcoming retreat. With over 7 years of experience and a passion for holistic health, Julia’s teaching style prioritizes safety, mindfulness, and self-discovery. She guides you on an inner journey towards inner peace and offers a variety of yoga styles/ practices including; Hatha, Mindful movement flow, Somatic movements, breathing techniques, Yin and Restorative.
Julia’s distinctive teaching approach blends strength and softness, fostering creativity and self-exploration within each student. Beyond yoga, she’s a holistic health coach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nutrition, lifestyle choices, and yoga for overall health and longevity. Join us for a transformative experience with Julia as your trusted guide.
Schedule / Typical day
Morning Energising Yoga at around 8 – 9am
Activities afterwards: Guided Hike, Ceramic Workshop, Dancing or Cooking Class is planned during the day.
Afternoons are free for swimming at the local beaches, enjoying a free time to rest and rejuvenate.
Evening: Evening Yoga to ease the body and, delicious dinner at a local taverna.
For sample of Itinerary, click here.
Food / Cuisine
6 Breakfasts are included in the price and, are prepared locally with a fresh ingredients and served at the stunning hotel where we will be staying, Cavos Bay Hotel, Armenistis.
Evenings meals will be going out to local Tavernas, close by villages where fresh Greek homemade cooked meals can be experienced. These local places are a full of character and traditional dishes full of flavours.
Location and how to get there
The location is Ikaria island, Greece. I will organise the transport both location: at the Ferry and, at the airport on specific time of the day.
There are a couple of ways to get from the UK to Ikaria.
1st option:
Return flight to Mykonos directly with Easy Jet or BA.
Airports: Luton, Stansted, Gatwick with BA.
Then, take appx. 2 hours scenic ferry journey from Mykonos – Evdilos, Ikaria. Only about 45 mins by car to the Cavos Bay Hotel, Armenistis.
2nd option:
1st flight – London to Athens. Then, take a flight to Ikaria Airport ( JIK ) Agios Kirykos, operated from Olympic Airlines from Athens. Appx. 2 hours by car to the Cavos Bay hotel.
Retreat Price
£1,055 per person double occupancy ( sharing with a friend )
£1,455 single occupancy
What’s included
- 6 Nights Accommodation at the stunning Cavos Bay Hotel, located in Armenistis, Ikaria.
- 6 Greek Breakfasts: delicious, traditional Greek breakfasts, with fresh local ingredients.
- Morning & Evening Mindful Yoga and Meditations held in serene natural settings like the beach or hotel grounds, designed to deepen your practice and reconnect with your inner self.
- Creative Freestyle Ceramic 2-hour Workshop at Artemis Studio, Nas during a hands-on ceramics where you’ll create your own pieces.
- Longevity Cooking Class: At the Karimalis Winery owners George and Eleni, featuring local longevity recipes.
- Guided Mountain Hike: Explore the breathtaking Ikarian mountains with a professional guide. Light snacks and water will be provided to fuel your journey.
- Excursion Transportation: All transportation for group excursions.
How to book
You can book directly here, and secure your place with a deposit of £255. After 10th February a 50% of the amount must be paid to secure your place.
Not included
- Flights to and from Ikaria. Flights to the island are not included, but assistance with recommendations for flights and ferry options will be provided upon request.
- Lunches & Dinners. Lunches and dinners are not included, giving you the flexibility to enjoy local cuisine at nearby tavernas or during your excursions.
- Daily Tax. A €3 per day room tax is to be paid at the hotel upon checkout, as per local regulations.
- Transfers to the Hotel. Transfers to Cavos Bay Hotel are not included. However, a group pick-up and drop-off service will be organized from Ikaria Airport or the nearest ferry port for your convenience.
- Optional Hike & Swim in the Canyon. An additional, optional hike through a nearby canyon with a refreshing swim is available for those who want to explore even more of Ikaria’s natural wonders. ( This activity may incur an extra cost. )