Yoga Retreats seem to be more popular now than ever....but what's all the hype about?!?
In this post, we discuss the TOP 5 things to consider before booking a retreat to Greece.
As Yoga teachers, we have led multiple retreats, been on a few ourselves, and in this guide, we'll explore what we've learned and give YOU a few reasons why a Yoga Retreat in Greece might be just what you're looking for!
Let's look at the top 5 reasons why ANYONE would consider going on a Yoga retreat to Santorini Island, Greece.
#1: Location, Location, Location. Is Greece for you?
Picking the right destination is one of the most important & potentially confusing choices to make. Do you try somewhere new? Do you want the beach or mountains? Do you like the city or something a little quieter? When it comes to your Yoga retreat, you want be somewhere peaceful & inspiring. We're a product of our surroundings so picking the right location is huge part of your experience.
We chose Santorini Island in Greece because it's well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the stunning sunsets, various volcanic sand beaches, and picturesque landscapes. The island's serene & unique environment provides an ideal setting for practicing yoga and meditation. For us, these factors were crucial in selecting Santorini as an ideal location.
#2: Guided Yoga with Experienced Instructors
A Yoga retreat is a great opportunity to deepen your practice, learn new techniques, and improve flexibility, strength and mindfullness. Yoga retreats provide a dedicated time for practicing Yoga under the guidance of experienced instructors, so it's important to align yourself with the right facilitators. Not every Yoga teacher is for you (and you may not be for everyone!) so before you invest your time & hard earned cash, we suggest connecting with your teachers. Ask what kind of styles will be offered, how much time is dedicated to practice, & whether or not there are any specialty classes or workshops.
In each of our Yoga retreats, we explore at least 3-4 different styles of practice. We offer a faster paced Vinyasa flow all the way to a gentle Yin experience. We believe each retreat should expose our students to classes they may not get to see in a studio. Incorporating meditation experiences are also a great way for us all to connect with the ancient energy that permeates through the lands of Santorini (which is often referred to as "the magical island").
#3: Stress Relief!
Have you ever needed a vacation FROM your vacation? There's nothing worse than traveling to a far away land to rest & relax just to come back home more tired than when you left! Make sure you check the itinerary to ensure there's time to RELAX. A well balanced retreat will offer plenty of fun things to do, daily Yoga, & free time to do what you want. We've found giving our guests time to explore on their own, read a book, or do nothing at all is much needed!
Our retreats to Santorini Island include exciting excursions, daily Yoga, but also an entire day FREE for yourself. In addition, there are always a few hours each day for you to just BE. Perhaps that's a walk into town, a coffee / tea overlooking the Aegean Sea, or even a quick nap. The location of our house in Fira presents opportunity to explore the local town, jump on a bus to visit any of the beaches, or simply sit on the balcony and contemplate life. The choice is yours and you'll have plenty of time to reset & reconnect with yourself.
See how some of our past guests enjoyed their time: Past Retreats in Greece
#4: Cultural Exchange
An often overlooked aspect of any Yoga Retreat is connection with the culture of the place you're visiting. If you're traveling out of the country, will you get an opportunity to learn about the local people, their traditions, or values? Will your Yoga retreat support the community? As Yogis, we are responsible for our actions and although we can't control the results of those actions, we can control our intention. An intentional Yoga Retreat involves education about the country & connection with the people.
Santorini is rich in history, culture and Greek traditions. Besides Yoga, you can explore the island's charming villages, visit ancient sites, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Greek people. Our excursions are organized by a local company that has roots on the island dating back over 150 years! The tavernas we visit are Greek owned using ingredients from Greece and cooked by Greek chefs. This is truly a chance to immerse yourself in a different culture and broaden your horizons
#5: Community & Connection
Your vibe attracts your Tribe! Yoga retreats provide a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for yoga and well-bing. It's an opportunity to build a supportive community, make new friends, and create lasting memories. We suggest getting to know your local travelers ahead of time to ensure you're surrounding yourself with the community you resonate with. It's not realistic to think everyone will get along (although you'd be surprised), however having an idea of how people are invited to the retreat is important. Is there an application process? Can anyone sign up simply by paying? Asking your facilitators how these groups are assembled can provide insight into who might be drawn to the experience.
When curating our Yoga retreats, we believe understanding the intentions of our participants is crucial in assembling a cohesive group. Intention is everything and although personalities may differ, it's important to recognize why everyone has come together and what has drawn them to us. If we feel those intentions aren't in alignment with a particular group, we often suggest a different retreat or experience. The community created, experiences shared, and connections made truly make each retreat so special.
At the end of the day, it's YOUR choice! We hope these "Top 5 Things to Consider Before Booking a Yoga Retreat to Greece" was helpful as you consider the many options available for Wellness Retreats around the world.
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