Ikaria Greece, where they forget to die
Yassas! Come join Rena for the Yoga Retreat of a lifetime
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, the low humming of ancient Ikarian songs, prayers to St. George. All my life I had known there was a land that called to me, where my DNA connects me. No matter your lineage, you will feel the land call to you as well. My love of this timeless island was fomented by my love for my Yiayia and Papou. They imparted wisdom through stories of pirates, formidable people, Yiayia's garden, her kitchen.
The island is marvelous in its biodiverse, mountainous, rustic, and famed land that pulled Icarus and his failed wax wings to rest. It's cousins, Mykonos and Samos lie to the south in the Aegean sea. Turkey lies to the east and can be seen from Therma, past the Fiorni Islands. Dionysus, the god of wine is famed to have originated 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 Artemis 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.
September 15-22, 2027
"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!
Prices are $3600/double occupancy ($200 single room up charge) in the village of Nas. All travel on the island, excursions, and food are included in your rate. Souvenirs and extras are the responsibility of the traveler.
I suggest air transport to the island (ferries take longer) and consider Athens extended stay at the end of the trip (so transporting souvenirs is easier). Suggested Athens stays can be provided upon request, but not part of the retreat. (I typically fly through from home to the island, then Athens for 1-2 days upon island departure).
Contact Rena for questions , instructions for arrival and departure times, and any special requests.
Community
Community, 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. You are treated like family, and just may find yourself at a family celebration, enveloped in local culture.
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.
Connect
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.
Planning ahead
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 but double occupancy is highly recommended. 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.
Yoga
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 loneliness 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. We discuss the principles and foundations of yoga which blend nicely with the lifestyle of the Ikarians. We may do some postures in the morning. We may do a guided meditation in the garden. We are truly on island time so let the yoga come to you.
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, Kalos!
Mediterranean Food
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/garden, 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.
Relax
There are no beaches like Greek beaches, with crystal blue waters, pebble and sand, and a lifestyle and culture made for relaxing. Timelessness is the way on Ikaria. The schedule is loose and participation is encouraged but your needs to rest are respected.