For the 7th consecutive year, we experienced a unique yoga retreat in Ikaria, a place where time has stood still. Friends from all over the world—Japan, Egypt, Italy, Germany, Cyprus, and Greece—came together for a deeply special experience. We relaxed on the impressive beach of Messakti, visited the natural thermal baths, took a boat trip to the famous “Seychelles” beach, danced at the traditional feast of St. John Klidonas, and visited the Holy Monastery of Theoktisti, creating countless memories that will remain etched in our minds.
Ikaria reminds me of the words of Lao Tzu:
“Take time to listen to what is said without words, to obey the law too subtle to be written, to worship the insignificant, and to embrace the unformed.”
This is the simplicity of life; this is Ikaria. Simplicity is about removing everything unnecessary. We often find ourselves surrounded by demands and roles we must fulfill, making it impossible to relax and enjoy life. Yet, when our external environment is simple, our internal world of thoughts and emotions follows suit.
TESTIMONIALS
E.K. “Another yoga retreat with Fotini and, of course, as always, the best break from a stress-filled daily routine. Fotini and Petros, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to visit a place I’ve always wanted to see. I couldn’t have had better company this time. I can’t wait for the next ones!”
M.R. & A.M. “It was a delightful experience and a rejuvenating break from daily stress. The yoga sessions were truly an opportunity for relaxation and peace with the amazing Fotini and her always pleasant attitude. Excellent organization by Petros, who was always willing and helpful. I thank you from my heart for the beautiful experience!!! Keep going with the same spirit and energy!!!”
M.A. “Ikaria, a special island with a special yoga retreat group full of positive energy and fun, especially our yoga instructor Fotini and the operator Petro. It was my second yoga retreat and hopefully I would have the chance to join them again in the near future for another interesting destination!!”
D.L. “Visiting Ikaria has been a constant challenge for me over the last few years. My decision to combine it with the Yoga Retreat of Fotini Bitrou and Petros was the best decision at a significant phase of my life. It has been 30 days since my surgery (gastric sleeve and -20kg). My doctor encouraged me to take the trip and participate in the retreat without fear, as long as I was consistent with my diet. My intention was to return to exercise and help my body remember and recover.
My choice to go with Fotini was intuitively successful, even though I didn’t know her before. She is an amazing person, an expert in her field, a fellow physical educator, experienced, communicative, and she adapts her lesson to the people in front of her. She provides alternatives for every exercise depending on the fitness level and yoga experience of each individual. She has a unique way of guiding you without pressure, but in the end, she gets the best out of everyone, paying special attention to safety and injury prevention.
Accompanied by a ‘multi-tool’ named Petros, who does all the hard work so she can stay focused on her teaching, they form an amazing duo. They work together in their own unique way, always achieving the desired result. They inform us and guide us without being oppressive. I am very happy I was with them in Ikaria, and I am certain that our meeting at this specific time was no coincidence!!! Thank you!”
S.A.M. “To a very special group, the yoga group, and our best instructor Fotini, we thank you for a wonderful experience that we will never forget. Love.”
A.M. “Thank you so so much for the lovely group and for you as a special trainer.”
T.S. “Incredible!!! Everything is perfect!!! You, the program, the island!! Well done!!! Thank you so much!!! Many kisses!”
L.M. “Let’s start with the basics! The island is perfect for YOGA anyway!! The ‘bonding’ of the practice with the island was stunning. The organization was amazing; the hall is incredible, especially that floor that doesn’t hurt at all. Daily, double, different types of Yoga—and the afternoon session coincided with the sunset. Breathtaking!!!”
D.B. “Next time I will try to actually do the yoga. The sightseeing choices were very successful. P.S. A little more meat on the menu?“
M.T. “I’m having a great time. Fotini is a good trainer. She is taking care of all levels, she has a nice sense of humor. Petros is helping everyone with a good heart. I like the hotel, it is simple and clean. Ikaria is a special island with a very good vibe. I really appreciate the efforts. The group is very nice and very cosmopolitan. It was a perfect idea to attend the retreat.”
C.L. “Grazie mille for the fantastic vacation. Fotini, you are an excellent yoga teacher. Petros, you are the perfect coordinator. Aegina, Ikaria… what will be the next yoga retreats! See you soon.”
E. P. “I can say this experience exceeded my expectations. From the first moment, I felt comfortable, and time flowed beautifully and effortlessly. I truly enjoyed yoga with my dear Fotini and I thank her so much for that. Thank you for the beautiful experience you offered me. I hope we meet again. Until then!”
O.C. “Fotini, Petro, thank you for another blessed yoga retreat in this beautiful magical island of Ikaria. I am blessed to have met you and to share this experience with both of you. I look forward to the next retreat with enthusiasm and love. God bless you both to keep doing what you do so well!”
K.P. “A magical yoga retreat in seductive Ikaria!! Walks to hidden beaches and winding paths. Dives into emerald waters. Sun, sun, sun, and sea. And above all, yoga with Fotini adapting the class to our individual needs—yoga at sunset. Fotini, Petros, I thank you from my heart for the care and effectiveness. Every journey with you is a delightful experience that recharges our batteries and builds relationships and memories. (52 retreats and counting!)”
P.K. “My first time at a yoga retreat! The first time I ever tried yoga! The ideal island to try this unique experience with the one and only Fotini. Incredible images, beaches, places, and unique food. I will definitely follow another yoga retreat and I will definitely return to this unique island with its unique character and way of life. Fotini and Petros, thank you!”
M.S. “Harmony travels… With every change of season, a retreat centered on yoga and the wonderful Fotini. Our teacher, you traveled us to a magical world full of experience and contact with new people and nature. Away from daily life, walking on hospitable paths, changing the way you feel… all this power you receive makes you stronger. I warmly thank you for this wonderful experience, Fotini and Petros, from the bottom of my heart.”
K.M. “First time at a yoga retreat with Fotini and Petros! You are a great team that organized everything perfectly. Fotini, your personality is amazing! I enjoyed the classes. You both made me feel so welcome. Thank you so much for such a beautiful experience! We will surely meet again at another yoga retreat. Keep up the good work. I wish you the best.”
D.I. “An unrepeatable experience. I enjoyed it so much—the yoga, the whole experience, the people I met, the island. Thank you very, very much. We will meet again.”
Θ. Ι. “Thank you for the unique experience. It was better than I expected and in the perfect location. I was happy to meet everyone and hope to take part in more retreats. Love.”
N.T. “Now that we are almost at the end, I am certain that I didn’t find you, but rather you found me. I thank you from my soul for this beautiful ‘journey.’ Love, Happiness, Dreams.”
S. H. “Dear Fotini and Petro, thank you so much for a wonderful week of yoga and fun activities. Beautiful memories of Ikaria with you will stay with me forever. I appreciate the time, effort and love you put in to make this event very special. Much love.”
D.A. “Because nothing is accidental! There is no such thing as ‘it just happened.’ Everything comes with love, passion, organization, planning, work, effort, care, constant searching, understanding, and the right attitude!! That is why you stay at the top!!! Congratulations Fotini and Petros!! May you always be healthy, strong, and loved!!”
M.A. “Thank you once again for the journey, for the beautiful carefree moments, and mainly for the fact that once again I am filled with wonderful memories!! Thank you; stay well and keep giving us these unique moments.”
T.K. “Second experience with you. Congratulations on your well-organized trips that show, above all, respect for the participants. Fotini is full of light, energy, and kindness. Petros is organized and very protective of the whole group. I wish you health, harmony, and creativity.”
N.T. “Filled with light, images, and experiences of unique relaxation and peace on the island of Ikaria—our meeting was beloved. Fotini and Petros, I consider you my own people! The organization was flawless and its success completely expected! I look forward to our next meetings! They fill me with energy and the strength to keep going through the hard times with a smile and positive thoughts.”
E.S. “The experience with you proved to be the perfect gift everyone should give to themselves. A magical journey that I definitely want to repeat in October in Cappadocia! Thank you so much for the love and respect you showed us. Stay well and keep traveling us!”
L.K. “Beautiful island, unique experience. The classes had great energy. I met people and had a lovely time.”
T.P. “You’ve made me feel young again, my dear friends. I don’t know when I’ll ever detach myself from you! But I can’t—you are unique, I love you!!”
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