44. Yoga Retreat: Nature Called Us to Agrafa, Montanema, December 2021
To truly hear and connect with the forest, one only needs to live the experience of the Yoga Retreat at Montanema Handmade Village in Agrafa, near Lake Plastira.
From December 3rd to 5th, 2021, for the third consecutive year, we enjoyed the fruits and energy offered by this unique corner of Greece. Surrounded by verdant fir forests, imposing rivers, and waterfalls, we looked out over the unique view of the Anthochori gorge, where the mountains seem ready to embrace. To truly feel the Montanema experience, you must simply become part of it: enjoy traditional local food from their garden and farm, taste a vast variety of herbs, breathe in the aromas of handmade shampoos and creams, and surrender to the flow of the exceptional spa.
The yoga hall inspired us once again through a series of four sessions to open our bodies, focus on our breath, relax, and gain strength and energy for what lies ahead.
This time, we followed a new hiking trail to forage for mushrooms in the forest at the onset of winter, passing through a stunning route of fir trees, clearings, and running waters. Our rich itinerary also included the opening of the new cellar with wine-tasting lessons, crystal therapy, and a traditional Agrafa-style phyllo pastry workshop.
We recharged our batteries with images and experiences, carrying a sense of renewal through our Yoga practices.
What remains with me is that these short yet emotionally intense escapes into our beautiful country foster sociability and a sense of community, while building a new relationship with the environment. Nature speaks to us, as long as we are willing to listen
Testimonials
“My dear Fotini, my light (Fos), every time I come to one of your retreats, I am reborn. You are simply wonderful. The same goes for your assistant, Petros, always with his flawless organization. The places you choose are fantastic. Waiting for the next one!!! Your little Cypriot friend…”
— N.P.
“First time at a retreat and the experience was unique. Your energy is something very special. I’m leaving feeling calmer and ‘taller.’ The organization was perfect. Thank you for everything.”
— G.K.
“A unique experience in a place full of positive energy and kind-hearted people. Namaste.”
— E.K.
“I love you so much—you change my whole psychology and fill me with positive energy. Your yoga and the trips you choose for us are amazing.”
— E.S.
“Thank you so much for the beautiful excursion and the organization. Wonderful place and a wonderful team!”
— M.H.
“A perfect experience at the most suitable time for me. The choice of location was fantastic. Fotini, I didn’t miss a single class, even after that beautiful and demanding hike. I hope to see you again soon!”
— B.T.
“Even though this was our first experience with you (we found you on Twitter), we had an amazing time! We will definitely repeat this someday! Thank you very much!”
— L.M. & D.V.
“Excellent experience. Wonderful atmosphere. You made us feel comfortable even though we didn’t have much experience with yoga. I hope to do it again. Thank you very much for everything.”
— A.M., M.K., C.S. & I.R.
“My beloved teacher, I am very moved that we met again after two years in the same place! Same place, but different for me as I am experiencing a special moment in my life—in our lives! I hope we meet here again not as two, but as three. Thank you for the beautiful moments you gift us with respect and love. Thank you, Petros and Fotini. I wish for us to become a beautiful family like yours!”
— K.K. & P.K.
“A very beautiful experience and an ideal first contact with yoga! Everything was perfect, from the teaching to the very last activity! Such a beautiful place.”
— A.P. & C.M.
“Thank you so much for everything! A distinct experience and a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and our spirit!”
— N.M.
“Second retreat with Fotini and Petros. The beautiful experiences from the first one made us return, and we didn’t regret it. A wonderful hotel, enchanting nature, and great organization with activities in the wild and beyond. See you soon.”
— E.M. & E.A.
“Magical! Another enchanting yoga retreat, perfectly organized in a wonderful place. You always choose the best, and we all have a great time.”
— M.O.
“Just as unique as Montanema’s location is the love, the lessons, and the dedication of our teacher Fotini to what she does so wonderfully—yoga.”
— B.V.
“An exceptional retreat, cared for with love down to the last detail, as always.”
— C.P.
“It’s my first time with you, but it won’t be the last. I’m waiting for the next ones. Thank you very much.”
— A.G.
“A fantastic trip within a fairytale Christmas landscape that had everything: great company, plenty of good yoga, lots of oxygen, flowing waters, and beautiful images. We look forward to the next ones.”
— V.F.
“Another retreat journey with flawless organization and a lot of care.”
— E.K.
“My first time at a retreat… I had a wonderful time and I will do it again!!! See U!”
— K.P.
“The feeling I experienced is love, my dear!”
— K.A.
“A wonderful feeling… Very well organized with special and warm people. An amazing excursion. We thank you.”
— M.M. & N.M.
“A weekend inside a dream. A fairytale setting with lovely cottages literally lost in the forest; incredible energy, oxygen, breaths, scents, nature, colors—even the rain added to the magic of the moment. Thank you so much, Fotini and Petros. See you at the next one.”
— D.T. & D.M.
“Another successful retreat completed! Unique Fotini and Petros in the unique Montanema. Until we meet again.”
— M.E.
“The lakes… have you ever noticed the lakes? They are not like the seas. The seas talk, they sing. The lakes dream!!! Thank you very much!”
— L.P.
“Fotini and Petros, thank you for another inspired journey!!! I hope we meet again soon in future destinations. Always in an adventurous mood!”
— M.H.
“Nature at its most radiant! Our excursion and stay were harmonized in a scenery of infinite beauty! You brightened us with your presence, your knowledge, and this three-day spiritual and physical resurrection! I thank you from the heart.”
— M.M.
“Another retreat with the best impressions!! I wish you to keep getting even better, as you have done so far!!! Thank you, happy holidays!!!”
— E.P.
“Steady trust, continuous love, unwavering dedication. These and much more define my relationship with my Teacher and Petros. Even if at some point, for ‘reasons beyond my control,’ my participation has to stop, I will have gained so much from all these years. Summing it all up, I simply say a vast THANK YOU!!”
— T.P.
“First time at a retreat with Fotini and Petros. Everything was so beautiful!!! Flawless organization, beautiful practices, a magical place, unique nature—Montanema was a distinct experience!!! Thanks for everything!!!”
— E.M.
“Every retreat with you is a different experience. We are very happy to be part of it! The place was enchanting. We are grateful, thank you so much.”
