Our 8th consecutive Yoga Retreat in Ikaria offered us a life-changing experience. It is the energy of the island, the people, the relaxed lifestyle, the natural beauty of the landscape with its shifts between sea and mountain, the food, the traditional feasts (panigiria), and the breathtaking sunsets.
This is a place to which I am deeply connected, and for many friends who have followed me throughout these years, it has been an opportunity to redefine and change their lives. This year, we did everything! A series of practices took place in a wonderful setting with specialized flooring and shade every morning and afternoon during the sunset.
We felt and lived like true Ikarians, discovering the island’s stunning beaches like Mesakti, Nas, and Seychelles. we visited Therma, enjoyed wine tasting at Afianes Wines, hiked past the watermills in Raches, visited the Monastery of Theoktisti, took Ikarian dance lessons, and reached a peak at the feast of Agios Ioannis Klidonas, joining in the Ikarian dances and the tradition of jumping over bonfires. “ONLY LOVE” is the core message of the island, as we renew our appointment for June 22–27, 2024. Until then, let go of stress, eat well, exercise, stay active members of society, and always remain optimistic about the future.
Highlights of the Retreat:
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The Setting: Sunset yoga with a view of the Aegean.
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Adventure: Hiking the watermills of Raches and swimming at Seychelles beach.
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Culture: Wine tasting, traditional dance lessons, and the bonfire customs of “Klidonas.”
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Philosophy: Embracing the “Blue Zone” lifestyle of longevity and connection.
Ikaria clearly holds a very special place in your heart
Testimonials
“3rd retreat with Fotini and Petros! The experience was unique, just like the first time! I leave with a sweet ‘fatigue’ and immense gratitude for this gift to myself. I already want to be at the next retreat in the same place because I feel I didn’t have time to see it all. I thank you and I will follow you. Until we meet again!” — M.A.
“I have no words for this new experience. For me, it was a true awakening, a new beginning in my life. A thousand thanks; you were wonderful, with great organization, love, and respect for everyone. My phone battery might be empty, but I am so full for the first time that I can’t wait for our next meeting. I recommend this to everyone regardless of age, with or without company. I wish you health, happiness, and joy. You are in my heart.” — A.G.
“First contact with a wonderful ‘yoga retreat’ experience!!! The impressions exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed yoga with the unique Fotini, who, besides her flawless professionalism, is by every student’s side full of love, empathy, and humor, making every day special. Beyond yoga, there was flawless organization by Petros, through which we got to know the island and its history. Fotini and Petros, we got to know you, we enjoyed you, and we loved you!!! See you at the next retreat! Thank you!!!” — L.P. & E.M.
“First contact with yoga… and the impressions are wonderful!!! It is worth putting into one’s life as a powerful ally! Thank you so much, Fotini, for this unique experience! Many thanks to Petros for the overall organization, and to all the other participants! Have a great summer.” — L.K.
“First contact with YOGA. It’s not just YOGA; it’s Fotini who lights you up and makes you love yourself and your body!!! YOGA WITHOUT FOTINI DOES NOT EXIST.” — G.K.
“Our dear Fotini, Petros, and Dimitra, you gave us 6 happy days full of Yoga, smiles, joy, dance, nature, and so much more that I feel but cannot describe with words! we recharged our batteries with positive energy and beautiful moments. See you at the next yoga retreats with all our love.” — A.M. and my children A. & D.
“I really needed this—to leave the city of Athens and focus on myself, which I rarely do. The coordinator and Fotini gave me the motivation to do it. Fotini, thank you.” — G.M.
“Dear team, you are a very nice surprise! The vibes were beautiful, the exercise was awesome, and the people were special! See you at the next retreat! Fotini/Petros/Dimitra, you rock. P.S. Maybe see you in Aegina.” — S.Ps.
“I truly had to experience this with my favorite teacher and my dear friend. I thank you from the heart for all the years you have been sculpting my body and soul. I love you.” — T.P.
“Thank you very much. You help with mental health. With love,” — I.D.
“Thank you so much for this lovely time. What a fantastic yoga place you have created and what a view!!! A big thank you also for taking such care of us and showing us the amazing island—to both of you! Namaste.” — L.S.
“Amazing experience. The entire organization was wonderful. Thank you, Petros and Fotini.” — I.K.
“I spent moments of happiness with you in Ikaria. Thank you.” — M.K.
“When I started the journey with you, I didn’t know what I would encounter. Now I know I will continue to travel with you, sharing moments and excellent experiences. Thank you and we will keep in touch.” — K.L. & N.T.
“Awesome excursion with my best friends! We had a wonderful time. We’ll meet again. Many kisses!!! The Queen of the Napkin.” — N.P.
“What a beautiful retreat this was! It surpassed my expectations and surprised me in so many wonderful ways. Thank you so much for creating a magical space and community. I’ll never forget it and be back for more. Thank you so very much!” — M.B.
“Every moment with you gets better and better. Keep taking us on journeys, both literal and metaphorical. A big thank you.” — O.T.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. We relaxed a lot and will repeat it, definitely in new destinations.” — K.M.
“Thank you very much for the beautiful experience. I will definitely follow you on other such paths.” — B.B.
“Retreat – Restart – Refresh. Five wonderful days in Ikaria, full of beautiful moments. I am truly grateful for this unique experience—both for the practice (Fotini = Respect) and for the excellent planning of the whole retreat. I relaxed, met new people, and filled up on memories. See you at the next Retreat.” — B.T.
“Thank you very much for the very good organization. You are great.” — S.B. & A.B.
“These were days full of experience. Thank you for the acceptance and the flawless organization. Glad to have met you. With much love.” — K.Ch.
“Fotini and Petros, you are wonderful! Thank you!” — G.L.
“Second yoga retreat with you! I started alone and found myself with a wonderful group on a beautiful island. Fotini, you are special, both as a teacher and as a person. Flawless organization by Petros; we enjoyed every moment. Thank you—see you in Koufonisia!” — K.X.
“A unique experience on a very special and high-energy island. Excellent practices with chakra activations that were very easy to understand. The interplay between Fotini and Petros gives that extra something to the flawless organization. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!” — D.T.
“A daily journey where every minute was unexpected—a journey of body and soul with two special people who complement each other perfectly. Thank you from the heart for the experience.” — P.T.
“Fotini and Petros, thank you very much for this wonderful experience in beautiful Ikaria. I feel so grateful for the huge gift I gave myself, under the unique guidance of Fotini. I look forward to the next retreat. May you always be well! With love,” — Z.B.
“Dear ‘Dream Team,’ thank you very much for the unique and unprecedented Yoga experience with a view of the sea and the Ikarian sun. The program was very well organized and gave me the opportunity to explore and love Ikaria! You did everything to please us. Best of luck with the next ones.” — K.M.
