84. 9th Year at the Unforgettable Yoga Retreat, Ikaria, June 2024

Yoga Retreat Ikaria

9th consecutive year of Yoga Retreat on the unique island of Ikaria, where time seems to have stood still. 9 classes filled with the energy of the June full moon. The full moon is a magical moment that can bring more light and insight.

In a wonderful setting, we enjoyed a gentle practice with a magnificent view of the Icarian Sea. Thus, we experienced our most serene and creative side emerging to the surface under the moonlight. The core characteristics of my classes were balance, harmony, and equality.

They say that during a full moon, our true self emerges, and through practice, breathing, and meditation, we awakened the subconscious and discovered things that were well hidden until then.

Together with our group, which consisted of people from all over the world, we had the opportunity to explore the island, its people, culture, customs, and traditions. We went to traditional feasts (panigiria) after first learning how to dance the Ikariotikos dance, enjoyed beaches of unique beauty, tasted the vegetarian dishes of Stamatis (the local Ikarian cook), and went hiking with Dimitris who introduced us to the island’s atmosphere. Above all, we came to understand the energy of the people and why Ikaria is included among the five “Blue Zones” in the world, where people live the longest.

Remember 5 key elements: nutrition, exercise, no stress, community, and life goals.

Testimonials

“Thank you to Fotini & Petros for the most amazing journey in Ikaria, Greece! I would never have been able to plan such a lovely and relaxing adventure on my own. I so appreciated the hospitality and community of international yogis and new friends!” — L.O’ L.

“Thank you so much Fotini & Petros for a great retreat, well structured practice and many fun, we didn’t have a moment of boredom and it was a great experience of Ikaria island and cant wait for the next retreat! Team Egypt” — D.L. & M.T. & N.H. & D.A.

“Dear Fotini and Petro, thank you for organizing this amazing retreat in Ikaria! It’s my first time in Ikaria and in a Yoga retreat and I have to say that I enjoyed both, class and island a LOT! From the first class I started feeling the positive vibes of you and many surroundings and I could feel it throughout the other days. I could feel my spirits, mind & body changing in a positive way! I will definitely recommend this retreat and will join you for the upcoming retreat. Keep doing what you are doing. It has been magical. Also great hotel choice! The stuff has been lovely and the cook the best!” — S.N.

“Dear Fotini & Petro, We have had such a lovely time – we have loved the yoga – it is so much more than we expected. Your care and attention to every detail far exceeded what we thought it would be like – we hope to do one again as you are so welcoming and professional. Many thanks” — V.B. & P.B.

“Ikaria is a an island different from all other Greek islands. I cannot say is my favorite, maybe too wild and rough. But Fotini’s Ikaria 5 day retreat is amazing. The hotel had good amenities, Mrs Stamatia cooked us great vegetarian meals. But 5 days of yoga with Fotini is truly an experience not to miss. I really enjoyed it and felt so different after the retreat. Thanks Fotini and Petros for all the organization and care and love you give us.” — A.B.

“Visiting Ikaria was one of my dreams! Thank you for showing us its beauties! I will for sure follow you to my next adventure.” — V.P.

“Dear Fotini & Petro, What a wonderful opportunity to spend this time together in Ikaria. As a family we really enjoyed spending the time together. Valentina & I made wonderful memories as yogis! We will remember the retreat & until we meet again to make some more memories!!!” — E.W & A.P. & V.W. & A.W.

“Fotini and Petros, Thank you so much for hosting such a wonderful retreat. We really enjoyed experiencing the island of Ikaria. We have made some great memories and you have encouraged us to keep practicing yoga. Many thanks” — O.B. & C.B.

“I really enjoyed the yoga break in Ikaria with the beautiful Fotini. It was great fun and I am so glad to have seen a lot of the island of Ikaria which is a special place. Yoga and outings, good food and company. Guests from around the world and so interesting to learn the history of the island. A lot of warmth and kindness from the Greek people as well.” — A.H.

“I feel very lucky to have meeting you and practicing to this yoga retreat cause it is like a soul therapy for me and you. Fotini & Petros are wonderful persons! I love Icaria! I love yoga! I’ll follow you to many more yoga retreats for sure! Thank you all” — L.K.

“A wonderful retreat as only Fotini and Petros know how to organize. Beyond our yoga practice (despite the fatigue from the very full program they prepared for us), we enjoyed it thoroughly and got to know Ikaria with its beauties and peculiarities. Five days full of practice, culinary delights—local cuisine—sea, and the history of this amazing place. Gratitude. Thanks. See you at the next retreat!” — [Anon]

“Without you, I wouldn’t have had the chance to get to know Ikaria and the culture of its people (I’m talking about the panigiria festivals!). Thank you so much for this experience; you combined relaxation and fun perfectly!! You will definitely see me again.” — D.D.

“A retreat that had it all! I got to know Ikaria, I lived the place, I saw the people, I had new experiences, and I truly enjoyed it! Heartfelt thanks for the experience and the journey I lived, which I enjoyed, relaxed through, and saw this land through the perspective of Fotini and Petros. We will definitely meet again! Kisses.” — K.M.

“I feel very happy that I chose this yoga retreat in Ikaria. Fotini, you have deep analytical expertise combined with the necessary sensitivity for teaching yoga to both beginners and advanced students. I will certainly book more. A big thank you to Petros for the organization and the excellent photos. Vielen Vielen Dank.” — K.D.

“This is my 3rd retreat with you and I am grateful to have met you because I have such a great time. Everything was perfect again. I enjoyed myself, I was renewed, and I forgot all the things that have been weighing me down lately. Stay well.” — R.P.

“My beloved Fotini. I was so happy to be with you again on this very special island with its exceptional energy! You are always so giving and joyful—elements that are essential for all of us who want to ‘escape’ through our love for yoga and good people. Kisses, namaste.” — M.S.

“A retreat that will remain unforgettable for one main reason: on a ‘difficult’ island with challenging roads, long distances, and a ‘wild’ natural environment, Petros and Fotini—with an impeccably organized program, variety, quality, and 9 yoga classes for all levels—managed not only to balance out the island’s… irregularities but to lift our spirits very high. We leave with a sense of complete pleasure and satisfaction. We thank you warmly.” — R.M.

“Fotini, thank you so much for this wonderful experience! You are an amazing teacher—a TEACHER (with capital letters!). Your energy, vitality, and joy will stay with me forever! Merci for this beauty!” — A.P.

“A pleasant break in our daily lives. A unique experience. The body relaxed, the soul emptied, and the spirit was lit… Yoga is not just stretching and all that. Thank you.” — F.O.

“Good moments become unique memories when shared with such people. Fotini and Petros, thank you very much.” — K.K.

“Another beautiful experience on a different island with a different mindset and culture. We lived unique moments, had a great time, and danced our favorite Ikariotikos. Petros and Fotini, you are the ultimate duo; thank you so much for everything! See you at the next retreats!” — D.K. & M.K.

“Thank you very much Fotini & Petros. An unforgettable experience on this beautiful island. This is the second time with you and I hope for the next one soon. Good luck with everything.” — A.A.

“You helped me see Ikaria with a different eye! Thank you very much for all the moments, Fotini & Petros. Have a great summer.” — A.T.

“Every time, wonderful and unique experiences!! Thank you very much!” — D.F.

“An unforgettable experience with wonderful people. Fotini, Petros, thank you very much.” — A.T.

“Another wonderful journey, a unique destination through your eyes. I leave full of images, experiences, and wellness. Thank you very much! On to the next ones.” — E.A.