Adventure to Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades island group of Greece, for a 7 night/8 day yoga retreat with Lily Dwyer Begg.
Start each day with a 2-hour alignment based vinyasa yoga class highlighting a unique theme and anatomical focus point. Afternoon workshops will be sumptuously grounding and relaxing.
Two pre-arranged group outings--a guided hiking tour and a beach day--will compliment plenty of free time to unwind by the sea or at the spa.
Luxury accommodations are hosted by the island's only five-star hotel, Aegialis Hotel and Spa. Each room has a view of the Aegean sea and private patio, as well as daily access to the exquisite spa facilities that include sauna, hamam, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater swimming pool, and fitness center. Two stunning beaches and a local village are within a short walk.
Breakfast and dinner, included in your retreat package, are a farm to table affair, featuring traditional Greek recipes handed down from the owners’ grandparents. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free available.
A limited block of rooms are held on a first-served basis.
You are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccines to attend the retreat.
You are responsible for exploring and purchasing your own travel insurance for the retreat and corresponding travel expenses.
*Save $75 by paying deposit and balance both in personal check or Venmo.*
Commitment, Consistency, Community, and Patience. These are the keys to a thriving yoga practice. When we devote ourselves to our practice by going on retreat together we open the doors to transformation of body, mind, and soul. On a yoga retreat I have a chance to really get to know your practice. I work with you closely and intensely. This allows you to clarify, refine, deepen, and relax into your practice. Practicing together consistently and in a smaller group setting, we grow exponentially. Each practice is prepared like a workshop: you will get focused space to learn, deepen, play, awaken, and revitalize. Advanced work will be given to those ready to step into deeper exploration. Appropriate modifications will be given to support and encourage newer yogis. All levels are truly welcome on retreat!
SCHEDULE
Each morning, we meet for a two hour practice that focuses on a different theme and area of the body. Morning practice is a strong, alignment based vinyasa flow designed to awaken your core, energize and open your body, stir the endorphins, and invigorate your senses. You will awaken joy and deepen your capacity to appreciate the vibrant natural beauty all around.
Take midday to get a massage (one 30 minute massage is included in your rate), onsite spa treatment, read a book by one of two saltwater pools, or adventure to the beach for a plunge in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. Or perhaps you'd like to hike to an ancient monastery, venture into the nearby village to visit the local shops, or rent a scooter to explore off the beaten path.
In his text, _Light On Yoga_, BKS Iyengar recommends bathing before yoga practice. If you have not treated yourself to a pre-practice bath to melt away the layers of tension and open the muscles and joints, this location is the perfect opportunity to start this delightful practice! After a day of outdoor play and adventuring, refresh your (aching) muscles with a soak or a sauna and emerge ready for your second practice of the day.
On four of the afternoons we will meet again for an additional two hour practice. This practice is gentler in nature and focuses on seated postures, hip openers, twists, forward folds, and restoratives to guide us into deep relaxation, equilibrium, and spaciousness. These afternoon practices will be sumptuously grounding. You will walk in to the studio and float out into the warm fragrant air to your evening meal.
There will be three afternoons "off" (without the afternoon yoga practice) to explore longer treks and adventures on the island and to indulge and play. Giving the body this down time to relax, rejuvenate, down-regulate, and digest the new experiences and practices so that our agenda is not too jam-packed is key to the integrity of your retreat experience.
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THE YOGA SPACES
Six yoga shalas (all can be heated) with breathtaking views over the sea are provided. Each one can accommodate different number of persons. The biggest one can fit up to 80 mats!
Full yoga equipment (mats, blocks, belts, bolsters, aerial yoga swings etc.), music system, projector etc. are provided in all studios.
(info from Aegialis Hotel and Spa press materials)
Aegialis Hotel & Spa is a renowned destination for wellness worshipers and yoga enthusiasts, awarded by CNN for being one of the top five Yoga Hotels in Greece! According to mythology, Amorgos was the island where Ulysses, returning to Ithaki, was attracted like a magnet by Goddess Kirki, and stayed for many years. Every year since, the same magnetic attraction beguiles wellness and yoga enthusiasts who flock to the island attracted by its strong revitalizing energy, gorgeous landscape, nourishing meals, and abundance of therapeutic herbs, which make Amorgos the perfect location for a spiritually and physically healing retreat.
YOUR ROOMS:
All the rooms reserved are Superior Rooms with private balconies and views of the Aegean Sea and can be booked as a Single accommodation with 1 king sized bed or a Double accommodation with 2 twin beds.
Deluxe rooms such as Family Suites, the Honeymoon Suite, Junior Honeymoon Suite, and Presidential Suite, which feature larger patios, private indoor and outdoor balcony jacuzzis and bathrooms with steam rooms, and larger configurations are available upon request and pending availability. Email lilyyoga@gmail.com to inquire into an upgrade.
CHECK IN IS AFTER 2 PM ON SEPTEMBER 24.
CHECK OUT IS UNTIL 12 PM ON OCTOBER 1.
THE RESTAURANT:
The main Restaurant, "Ambrosia Gallery", provides a wide variety of gourmet specialties, with lots of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options etc, all prepared with organic vegetables from our own gardens. Amorgos' Chef specializes in Greek traditional food and uses recipes of the owners’ grand-parents. He prepares local dishes such as “patatato” (Amorgian goat marinated in local red wine, slowly cooked in a cinnamon flavour tomato sauce with potatoes); “fava” (Amorgian yellow peas cooked with fresh onion and rainwater, served in puree style, topped with sweet onions, fresh herbs, wild mint and virgin Amorgian olive oil); and “favokeftedes” (Amorgian vegetable croquettes with yellow peas).
Without rejecting the gourmet international dishes, our Chef proposes special meals such as stuffed Pork Filet (with sweet red peppers, ladotiri cheese, potato soufflé with thyme flavour and prune sauce) and vegetarian meals such as the Veggie Delight (a synthesis of grilled marinated ingredients with thyme, melted ladotiri cheese, rocket pesto, balsamic glaze and a portion of wild aromatic rice).
THE SPA:
The Hotel also features a Spa & Beauty Center, "Lalon Idor", an ultramodern thalassotherapy center whose treatments are in perfect harmony with the local elements of Amorgos. The oils they use are extracted from local herbs. As part of your package you receive a complimentary 30 minute massage and daily use of the sauna, hamam, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater swimming pool, and fitness center. Many other treatments and therapies are available at the spa for an additional fee.
LOCATION:
Aegialis hotel is located between 2 beaches. The main beach of Aegiali and the beach of Levrossos, around 10-15 minutes walking distance from the hotel.
Amorgos has 2 ports. Aegiali and Katapola. The main area of Aegiali is only 1km distance from the hotel and the port of Katapola 22km.
In Aegiali you are able to find tavernas, coffee bars, shops, ATM machines, super markets etc.
HOW TO ARRIVE AT AMORGOS:
There are a few US cities with direct flights to Athens, including Newark, JFK, and Philadelphia. There are flights with one stop over leaving from our regional airports around Baltimore.
From Athens you have different ferry options to reach Amorgos.
You will have to fly to Athens airport and then reach the port of Piraeus in Athens and take a ferry to Amorgos. Trip duration by ferry depends on the type of the ferry and it's schedule. It can take 5-8 hours. Another option is to fly to Paros or Naxos or Santorini, and then take a ferry to Amorgos. In this case you will minimize traveling hours.
Usually schedules for each year are announced around the beginning of the year and you should find your ferry before purchasing a flight. Ocasionaly (though more frequently in July/August the winds will delay the high speed hydrofoil type ferries, so plan accordingly to arrive on time for our first day.)
Shuttle from port to the resort on the day of arrival and departure (Sept 24 and Oct 1) are included in your rate.
RATES INCLUDE
7 2-hour morning yoga practices; 4 2-hour afternoon workshops, and 3 free afternoons to explore and indulge
8 days/7 nights accommodation in a Superior room with private balcony and sea view
Breakfast daily in buffet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options are provided in case needed)
Dinner daily (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options are provided in case needed)
Transfers upon arrival (9/24) and departure (10/1) on Amorgos (port-hotel-port)
One 30' relaxing massage
A guided hike along the path from Aegiali to Chora and the Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa. This path is one of the most fabulous hikes in Greece, offering sea views on both sides of the trail.
10% discount on Face and Body treatments at Lalon Idor Spa
Use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater swimming pool, fitness center)
Use of Yoga Shalas and Equipment
Use of wireless internet
Vat, City Tax and Government Tax
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
Airfare and ferry fees to get there
Alcoholic beverages and drinks aside from water. Guests can order fresh juices or alcoholic beverages to be charged to their rooms.
Additional optional activities (the resort can arrange small group activities such as wine tastings, scuba diving, Greek cooking classes, donkey rides, ceramics classes, traditional greek cuisine, scooter rentals, and guided bus tours of Amorgos)
Childcare is available onsite for 15 euros/hour
Gratuities for staff
A passport valid for 6 months beyond your length of stay as recommended by the US Department of State
Guests are responsible for purchasing travel medical insurance and cancellation insurance which are strongly recommended. Purchasing travel insurance helps to mitigate any unexpected circumstances such as medical issues prior to traveling or while traveling, last minute flight cancellations or personal issues that might affect your trip. Yoga retreat participants can look into rates and policies through www.travelguard.com.
HEALTH AND LIABILITY WAIVER
All participants are required to sign a health & liability waiver in order to attend this retreat. Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a link to access the waiver.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation, you will receive a refund of your payment (minus non-refundable deposit and any PayPal transaction fees) if the space can be filled by someone else. No refunds will be given for failure to attend or complete the retreat.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All participants are required to purchase travel insurance. In the light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, you are strongly encouraged to explore your options to purchase a premium policy with a Cancel For Any Reason contingency. Group travel bookings are not protected so it is the individual’s responsibility to protect their own investment. To get an immediate quote for travel insurance, visit Travel Insured.