Ikaria Greece, where they forget to die

 My first memory of Ikaria Greece was in my Yiayia's kitchen. It held all the scents of her cooking, olive oil, yeast and bread, her humming of ancient Ikarian songs, her prayers to St. George. All my life I had known there was a land that called to me, where my DNA connects me. My love of this timeless island was fomented by my love for my Yiayia and Papa. They imparted wisdom through stories of pirates, formidable people, Yiayia's garden, her kitchen.
I knew I that came from this biodiverse, mountainous, rustic, and famed land that pulled Icarus and his failed wax wings to rest, cousins to Mykonos and Samos in the Aegean sea, the rough and dangerous Ikarian Sea surrounding it, Turkey to the East. Dyonisis, the god of wine is famed to have origianted in Ikaria. My trips to Ikaria are the happiest memories, and I want to share the secrets to happiness and longevity I've learned though yoga, food, community, and the casual nature of it's inhabitants. 

• The activities can include exploring historical sights, visiting a winery and learning about biodiversity, wine production, and agriculture unique to the island.  
• Bathing in the warm waters of Therma and enjoying the thermal hot springs, and beautiful beaches on Aegean blue water. 
• Dance and eat at a local panygiri, a large gathering with local proceeds going to the community. This is a once in a lifetime party with a chance to dance the Ikariotikos.
• We will practice yoga near Athena's temple, beach side, and in Ilias garden, and relate the principles of yoga to the culture. 
• Join our local chefs for cooking class as they show us easy to prepare plant based dishes, and endless opportunities to eat, drink, and adopt the timelessness like an Ikarian. 
• This trip will inspire you to rethink how to live, eat, move, and connect with purpose. It will also challenge you to "go with the flow" with activities. This is not your typical island vacation. This is an Ikarian Yoga Retreat Vacation! No previous yoga experience needed, but a willingness to try. Ikarians have a relationship to time that is unique. They're saying "tha thoume" means "we shall see". One must be flexible.
  

"It's the retreat I didn't know I desperately needed!", was the sentiment of last years's retreat. Don't miss this Yoga and Culture Tour in this famed "Blue Zone" with an Ikarian! Choose the dates that work for you. The first trip starts in the little village of Nas for 5 days of sight seeing, beaches, cooking in Thea's kitchen, wineries, ancient villages for shopping and food, and of course, yoga and culture. We then head to Therma for hot springs and therapeutic spa/bathhouse, hikes, yoga on the beach, exploring the capital of Ikaria, Agios Kirikos, and of course, Food! The second trip starts in Therma for 2 days, then we head to Nas for 5 days.

Both groups will base in the village of Nas where the famed sunsets will take your breath away. Plan to dance and feast at a local party called a panygiri, hike, swim, eat local flavors, cook like an Ikarian, explore, yoga, and laugh. Prices for each trip of 7 days is $2950 and includes double occupancy in the village of Nas and Therma, some $180/single occupancy available.  All travel on the island, excursions, and food are included in your double occupancy rate. Souvenirs and extras are the responsibility of the traveler and travel insurance is highly recommended. 

Connection, one of the many reasons Ikarians live a long and good life. Whether it's at a Panigiri (a party to raise funds for a local cause) or just enjoying a meal or coffee.  Young and old come to eat, drink, dance, and share a love of life.  A celebration can come together without a moment's notice.

This Island will show you the lived principles of living life to the fullest. The yogic principles are easy to see and built in to the culture, though this is my application to the area. I've known the island ways through my grandparents and family ties, and the people of Ikaria naturally live with less violence, less hoarding, less need, and less worry. 

Connections are one of the many reasons Ikarians live a long and good life. Whether it's at a Panigiri (a party to raise funds for the community) or just enjoying a meal or coffee, loneliness is not an issue here.  Young and old come to eat, drink, dance, and share a love of life.  A celebration can come together without a moment's notice.

 All travelers should consider travelers insurance. All participants are responsible for travel to the Island of Ikaria, usually by way of Athens, Greece, if traveling from the U.S.A. All reservations are for double occupancy accommodations, and individual rooms may be available for an added price of $180. Price includes all lodging, food, travel on the island, and activities. Bring a travel yoga mat. Please be willing and able to walk, hike mild inclines, tolerate the sun and beach, laugh and talk for hours, learn some Greek greetings and just listen, and participate in yoga with Rena and maybe some of the local yogis.  Ikarians will overextend to make sure travelers feel welcome, and live in the moment. Greek island living on Ikaria is unique where patience may be a necessity.  It's the beauty of the culture. The island is safe and crime is non-existent. They really don't sweat the small stuff.  

A full suggested itinerary is determined by availability and weather, and participant contract will be available with required reservation fee of $300, part of the overall price. All inclusive price of $2950includes double occupancy, travel to and from Ikarian Airport and outings, food, and outings. Flights to main land and to the Island are the responsibility of the participant. Ferry's are also available from Athens to the Island but take considerable time and not recommended for group pick up.

My yoga practice is one of balance. My company name, ReBalance Center, is intentional. So much stress, commitments,  hassles of life, false or negative beliefs, or lack of love cause us to lose our balance. We use yoga and the awareness of the present moment to create courage, vulnerability, trust, and joy. What better place than Ikaria to deepen your meditative awareness? Any level of yoga curiosity and experience is welcome. I require only the desire to learn what yoga is on and off the mat, with a casual approach to the foundations of yoga, the postures are easy and adaptable, even made for the beach. If you can bring a beach towel to practice or a travel yoga mat, good, Kalo!

One of the most enriching activities is enjoying the local foods. We will also have a cooking class with Thea and her staff in her kitchen, learning some basic and hearty Ikarian dishes to replicate back home. This is true Mediterranean cooking/diet. Wine is a part of the culture but not required if you're abstaining from alcohol.

There are no beaches like Greek beaches, with crystal blue waters, pebble and sand, and a lifestyle and culture made for relaxing. We will include a trip to Therma, the village on the island with ancient hot springs. If weather permits, we will ferry to the famed Seychelles beach near the village of Magganitis.