In 2021, I picked up yoga not out of curiosity, however out of necessity.
A frozen shoulder in my proper arm, adopted by tendonitis in my left arm, left me in fixed ache and severely restricted my motion. Physiotherapy helped, however progress was very sluggish. Some days, even elevating my arm felt like a battle, getting dressed and tying my hair up was one other. And but, one thing inside me advised me not to surrender.
Hello, I am Elena! Thanks for studying my weblog. With over 20 years of expertise within the hospitality and journey trade, I maintain a Swiss Diploma in Lodge Administration and a Grasp’s Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management. As a Greece professional, I’ve spent years exploring the nation in depth, uncovering its hidden gems and genuine experiences. I additionally labored for 5 years as a Vacation spot Growth Guide for an American boutique journey company, the place I performed a key position in creating Greece, Spain, and Portugal as journey locations. My deep trade information, hands-on expertise, and keenness for immersive journey be sure that each suggestion I share is trusted, insightful, and curated with experience. I hope that you simply discover my content material helpful, in case you could have any questions please be at liberty to succeed in out. I will be comfortable that will help you.
So I joined a boutique yoga studio and commenced training yoga. It was laborious, particularly to start with. However slowly, by means of breath, persistence, and persistence, my physique started to melt. Motion returned. And someplace alongside that therapeutic journey, I got here to actually find it irresistible.
This previous spring, I joined my first retreat: a week-long yoga and mountaineering expertise with Nefeli 9 within the quiet seaside village of Dikastika, simply 40 minutes from Athens Airport and overlooking the island of Evia. Nefeli 9 Retreats provides a collection of yoga and mountaineering experiences round Greece, which you’ll take a look at on their web site.
What I skilled there was a lot greater than a retreat. It was a reset. A reminder of how therapeutic it’s to decelerate and stay effectively.
A Philosophy Rooted in Blue Zones Residing
Nefeli 9 is just not about pushing your self to extremes. There’s no bootcamp power right here. As an alternative, the retreat attracts inspiration from the Blue Zones—these uncommon corners of the world the place individuals stay longer, more healthy, and happier lives. Locations like Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, and Sardinia in Italy. The key isn’t difficult: transfer naturally, eat merely, stay purposefully, and keep linked.
At Nefeli 9, that philosophy runs by means of each ingredient of the retreat. You get up slowly, transfer your physique mindfully, nourish your self with healthful meals, stroll by means of nature, and take time to mirror. It’s not about transformation by means of strain—it’s about remembering how good it feels to be in steadiness.
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The Day by day Rhythm: Construction with Area to Breathe
Every day on the retreat adopted a mild rhythm—structured sufficient to really feel supported, however open sufficient to be at liberty.
Morning yoga began the day with breath-led motion, serving to us stretch out, get up, and realign. Eirini, along with her calm nature and soothing voice, guided us all through the week and talked us by means of the philosophy of the significance of breath. It wasn’t a classroom discuss however relatively a mild nudge to pay extra consideration to our breath.
A healthful breakfast adopted—assume Greek yogurt with fruit, home made granola, wholesome toppings like nut combine and honey with pistachio, heat oat and banana cake, natural teas, and contemporary bread.
Late mornings had been for mountaineering. We would depart the villa on daily basis at round 10 am after breakfast. We explored coastal trails, pine-covered slopes, and even historical ruins. Sooner or later, we walked by means of the location of Rhamnous, dwelling to the Temple of Nemesis. On one other, we discovered ourselves on the rugged trails of Mount Penteli, with panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis within the distance.
Lunches had been vibrant, seasonal, and served al fresco—zucchini pies, contemporary salads, spreads made with avocado and inexperienced peas, and one unforgettable seaside meal with freshly grilled fish, olive oil, lemon, and pleasure.
Afternoons had been for relaxation—taking a nap, a quiet stroll, or just being nonetheless.
Because the solar softened, we met once more for sundown yoga, which normally takes place open air however as a result of it was very windy the entire week, we ended up transferring indoors other than the final night when the winds had died down.
Dinners had been shared, slowly, at all times with dialog and connection. Steph and Anafe stunned us with new creations on daily basis. We tried a scrumptious rice, mushroom, and spinach dish, baked cauliflower with lentils topped with hazelnuts, and brown rice with okra beans. Each meal was colourful and wholesome.
The Hikes: Connecting With Nature
Day by day hikes had been among the many most significant points of the Nefeli 9 retreat. Each supplied one thing totally different—new surroundings, new sensations, and a deeper connection to nature and Greece’s layered historical past. On each hike, we had been accompanied by Archelaos, an authorized and really educated information. He additionally launched us to the varied herbs and crops we encountered alongside the best way.
We didn’t simply stroll—we additionally wandered by means of fantasy, whereas admiring the uncooked magnificence.
The Archaeological Website of Rhamnous – A Stroll By means of Time
Our first vital hike led us to the traditional web site of Rhamnous, nestled alongside the northeastern coast of Attica. We adopted a 5-kilometer path by means of aromatic brush and sweeping views of the Euboean Gulf, finally arriving on the Temple of Nemesis—the goddess of justice and retribution. The views from right here had been merely breathtaking.
Schinias Nationwide Park – A Windy Coastal Escape
On the second day, we set off straight from the villa and adopted a rugged coastal path towards Schinias Nationwide Park. It was notably windy that day—about six on the Beaufort scale—so we walked rigorously, absolutely alert to nature’s energy.
We handed seagulls circling above the surf alongside the best way and even crossed paths with a curious tortoise on the seaside. The hike ended with lunch at a beachside café, the place we loved mozzarella sandwiches, refreshing salads, and home made lemonade.
Mount Ymittos – Forest Trails & Byzantine Whispers
When robust winds disrupted our deliberate ferry crossing to Evia, we opted for Mount Ymittos, and it turned out to be some of the memorable days.
We trekked about 7.5 kilometers by means of pine forests and stone paths with sweeping views of Athens and the Acropolis within the distance.
Alongside the best way, we paused on the semi-ruined Church of Agios Markos, often known as the Fragomonastery. After the hike, we shared a comfortable lunch in a close-by tavern—chickpeas with feta, mushroom pie, pork with leeks, and a celebratory sip of raki.
Mount Penteli – Wind, Marble & Might Day Magic
Mount Penteli took our breath away—not simply due to its elevation at 1,109 meters but additionally due to its legacy. The identical marble used to construct the Parthenon was quarried right here.
The wind was fierce, so we moved with warning. As we descended, we unexpectedly stumbled on a Might Day celebration within the woods—stay music, dancing, and laughter echoing by means of the timber. We joined in, welcomed like locals. It was pure pleasure in its most unfiltered kind.
Coastal Hike in Sesi – A Smooth Farewell
On our closing day, with the climate lastly calm, we took one final coastal hike. The path was peaceable and open, and the air was salty-sweet and nonetheless.
We paused at a small seaside to breathe within the second, after which continued to a tiny whitewashed church devoted to Saint Antonios, perched on the rock above the ocean.
It was the form of place that humbles you with its simplicity. We ended the day with contemporary fish at a taverna by the water and our closing sundown yoga session again on the villa.
Why Nefeli 9 Is Particular
The setting itself is intimate and deliberately small. The retreat hosts a most of 8 individuals and is predicated throughout two lovely villas—Villa Nefeli and Villa Augustine.
I stayed at Villa Augustine, the one closest to the ocean, the place each window opened to a chilled view and each nook felt curated for peace. Visitors are accommodated in single- or double-use lodging. Some guestrooms have en-suite bogs, and others share a toilet. My pal Yana and I had separate rooms however shared one toilet.
It’s value saying—this isn’t a luxurious retreat within the conventional sense—however it’s what I wish to say—the posh is within the simplicity. It provides a extra significant form of luxurious: area, silence, presence, and the uncommon present of simplicity—the form of simplicity that fills you up.
Our host, Steph, is the guts of all of it. Her heat, generosity, and quiet energy formed your entire expertise. Steph brings a wealth of expertise to her enterprise, which she has constructed with real love and care. Her worldwide background and, after all, Greek roots actually make her shine. She is a individuals individual and a incredible host.
Whether or not we had been sipping tea, mountaineering alongside the coast, or gathering round a desk for dinner, Steph created an area the place we might be ourselves with out strain or expectations.
Remaining Ideas
This was my first retreat—however actually not my final. I left with a lighter physique, a clearer thoughts, and a deep sense of gratitude. Generally we journey to see extra of the world. Different occasions, we journey to return to ourselves.
Considering of becoming a member of a retreat in Greece?
You may study extra about Nefeli 9 or comply with them on Instagram.
When you have any questions on my expertise, be at liberty to contact me or go away a remark beneath—I’d love to listen to from you!
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*Journey Greece, Journey Europe was a visitor of Nefeli 9 Retreats. As at all times, all opinions expressed are my very own.