Yoga by the Sea in Greece
"Such days of peace, quiet, affinity with nature, reflection... and also of laughter, ... and celebrating are priceless and essential!" More reviews.
Introduction
Located right by the beach on the beautiful Pelion Peninsula. A uniquely relaxing holiday where you can discover the amazing health and wellbeing benefits of yoga and optional guided walks and also Qigong. With plenty to do and see (you might even catch sight of dolphins playing in the bay during your yoga sessions!) you can enjoy the pool, jacuzzi, gym, a massage or a boat trip, or simply Be... Run by a friendly Greek couple who love to introduce people to this stunning region they call home.
Lodging
Tastefully built houses in the traditional local style provide comfortable and spacious ensuite rooms with balconies and sea views. Each room also comes with a fridge, TV and free access to WiFi.
Food is typical local Greek. Breakfast is offered buffet style; you can choose from fresh seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt and honey, cereal and toast etc and enjoy your breakfast overlooking the sea. Lunch and dinner can be taken at your choice of taverna or cafe within 5 minutes walk or less. There are some vegetarian dishes to choose from or also fresh fish or the traditional dish musaka. Breakfasts are included in the price.
Location
This stretch of coast is favoured by Greek holiday makers. Pelion is known as the summer playground of the Olympian gods; according to legend it's the famed land of the wise healer Chiron, the centaur; healing herbs grow here and ‘healing waters’ flow in the crystal clear mountain streams. Optional guided walks take you along ancient paths where you can pick wild oregano and thyme.
Nearest
...swimming facilities: you are spoilt for choice, there is the 'main beach' of this hotel and a swimming pool or you can choose one of three small hidden beaches within 5 minutes walk, taking you passed some wild growing thyme.…shops: the local village with several tavernas and one shop is within 5 minutes walk. Or a bus can take you to the next bigger town where you also find a cash point, it's about an 8 min ride.
...restaurants: there are several tavernas, a bar and a cafe to choose from - onsite and within 5 min walk in either direction.
…other attractions: Optional guided walks take you along ancient paths where you can pick wild oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, lavender etc and even see wild orchids.
A visit to a local open air market can also be arranged.
Onsite there is also a jacuzzi, sauna, gym, tennis court, table tennis and outdoor chess.
Also on offer are canoeing, windsurfing or lessons in scuba diving.
You could join a boat trip to the local island, monastery, and tavernas with plenty of opportunities to swim from the boat or beaches and even a chance to spot dolphins.
...airport: Volos is about 1.5 hours drive away or Thessaloniki about 3.5 hours. Some transfers are provided at scheduled times, other airport transfers and flights are separate.
Activities and prices
There are dedicated Yoga holidays or walking and Qigong holidays on offer.
YOGA HOLIDAYS from 9 – 23 Sep 2010
Come for one or two weeks (Thu-Thu). The Yoga is a combination of Kriya Hatha Yoga, incorporating ‘sun salutations’ and stretches with breath and deep relaxation, plus meditation. Emphasis is given the breath and the 7 chakras (energy centres of the body) enhancing a deep calm and centred state.
There is also a special Kriya Yoga initiation weekend 17 – 19 September which is free for those coming for the 2 weeks (9-23 Sep); or costs Eu 60 for those coming for the 1 week (16-23 Sep).
Single ensuite rooms (pp = per person)
one week pp: Eu 680 (approx £583); two weeks pp: Eu 1350 (approx £1158).
Doubles ensuite rooms
one week pp: Eu 550 (approx £472); two weeks pp: Eu 1090 (approx £935).
Prices include breakfasts, ensuite room with fridge, TV and free WiFi. Yoga sessions are offered over about 4 days (on 1-wk holidays) or about 8 days (2-wk): Morning exercises (before breakfast, approx 60 min), main session (after breakfast, approx 2.5h), and evening meditation and relaxation (approx 1.5h). You can take part as much or as little as you like.
Airport transfers are included at scheduled times only; one transfer for one-week holidays and two transfers for two-week holidays. Flights are not included.
Check-out time 11am.
Optional extras can be arranged on location:
Guided walks are offered on approx 2 days (1-wk holiday) or approx 4 days (2-wk) from Eu 25 per walk including all transfers. See below details on more optional extras like massages and boat trips.
WALKING 'PLUS' HOLIDAY 7 – 21 October 2010
Come for one or two weeks (Thu-Thu), for a walking holiday with a difference.
This region offers some of the best walking – and the cleanest air – in Greece. On the walks you can find herbs like oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, wild lavender, hibiscus… even see wild orchids. There will also be a slideshow about Pelion’s ancient history, mythology, and its healing herbs for which it has been renowned since ancient times.
Alongside the walks Qigong is offered, and other optional activities, see below.
Qigong (or older spelling Chi Kung) is a Chinese term meaning 'energy cultivation'; Qi means energy (or breath) and gong means cultivation (or achievement through practice). The word Qi is also used to describe the relationship between matter, energy and spirit. Qigong is a movement meditation practice used for health, martial arts and personal development.
One of the main aims is to enhance the flow of qi/energy through the body which can release endorphins (the feel good hormone), enhance wellbeing and a state of calm, grounded centredness. Qigong practices can be dynamic (then called Tai Ji Quan), static (standing or sitting) and meditative (incl visualisation, poetic imagery or sounds). All exercises are quite gentle and always in connection with the breath.
Qigong can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or abilities. So if you are stressed and need to recharge your batteries then Qigong is the ideal practice for you.
One week: Eu 395.- (approx £339), two weeks: Eu 790 (approx £678) sharing double/twin room; for single room add Eu 95 per week.
Prices include breakfasts, ensuite room with fridge, TV and free WiFi. Apporx four guided walks and approx eight Qi Gong sessions are included on the two-week holiday, and half on the one-week holiday.
Airport transfers are included at scheduled times only; one transfer for one-week holidays and two transfers for the two-week holiday. Flights are not included.
Check-out time 11am.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS can be arranged on location:
Massage treatments such as Shiatsu and Cranio-sacral therapy can be arranged by guests on request, from Eu 40 to 60.- per hour (approx £35 to £52).
Social gathering with Greek dancing, etc - usually offered once a week (Eu 10 for buffet style evening meal exc drinks).
Boat trips to the local island, monastery, and tavernas with plenty of opportunities to swim from the boat or beaches and even a chance to spot dolphins. Day trip (approx 10am - 7pm) including seasonal fruit, costs approx Eu 25 per person.
Boat trip by night may include swimming by sunset, dancing on the boat and a free drink. Approx from 7pm till 11pm, costing from Eu 15 per person.
Early booking discount: Book before 31st January to receive a discount of 3%.
Child policy
Children of any age are welcome. Accommodation is free for children under 12, breakfast is half price for children between 6 and 12. Cots for infants are available on request. There is also a children's playground.
Green footprint
What is being done for the environment and the local community?
These holidays are run by locals (also for locals, ie separate Greek speaking Qi Gong sessions) and local staff are employed. Tips are welcome for the local women who clean the rooms and the Society of Animal Friends of Pelion.
Guestbook
"I cannot decide what I liked the most: The friendly atmosphere, the guided walks in the marvellous Pelion landscape, the dancing and singing...it is very difficult for me to leave this unique landscape behind...you have invested so much energy and imagination into our holidays..." G.K.
"The holiday was a very good combination of yoga sessions, walking, getting to know the country and countryside, enjoying peace and quiet… and the very friendly hosts." I.W.
"These two weeks have done me so much good, I have experienced total revitalisation...I will be back..." D.A.
"... you are very special people, thank you for a very beautiful holiday and your very affectionate counselling... I had the feeling that I was more of a guest than a tourist." A.Z.
"This was a very important holiday for me, with self-observation and great inner transformations." C.B.
Why book through us?
We do not charge booking fees: you pay the same or sometimes even less than if you book direct.
We have been there and to other holidays ourselves and can give you more independent advice.
We provide a quick response and a personalised service.
You will be helping us to continue spreading the word about great holidays and resorts.
