YOGA RETREAT

Starting on Easter Sunday, a festivity that stands for new life and joy, we intend to spend this one-week yoga retreat in Greece soaking in the warmth of the sun (and the sauna), enjoying the views over the sea and at sunsets, moving and reviving our bodies with yoga and pranayama, and leaving with a fresh mind from meditation and the peacefulness of the surroundings.

Each day starts with pranayama and yoga, followed by a nourishing breakfast. In the afternoons you usually have free time to explore the area or relax. Before dinner there is a meditation class and each day you can attend an optional workshop in different yoga or wellness areas, e.g. reflexology self-massage, yin yoga, yoga nidra and reiki, learning or practicing inversions and evening pranayama. The beach is a beautiful walk away, there's a sauna and fire pits we can use, and even an outdoor pool you can choose to jump into. All this at a beautiful time of year in Crete where flowers are blooming and the temperature is warm and mild.

SPRING WAKE UP

PROGRAMME

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

THE RETREAT CENTRE

Designed specifically for retreats like these, Armonia Retreat Centre offers us beautiful spaces both indoor and outdoor to practice yoga and meditation. The outdoor platform will allow us to comfortably practice at the fresh air, so that for evening classes we can enjoy the colours of the sky changing, and in the morning we can take in the morning light. The indoor yoga shala is spacious with large windows and all the props we might need (blosters, blocks etc.), so that whenever we want extra warmth or depending on the weather we can enjoy our classes indoors.

The rooms and common areas at Armonia are lovingly and tastefully furnished in a modern, natural look. The shared rooms are spacious and partly have their own large terraces and balconies to relax on. The bathrooms are similarly tasteful using natural materials. The style invites relaxation and feels congruent with the outdoor surroundings.

There are multiple outdoor areas to relax in with cosy chairs, loungers and tables in the garden, under vines in the yard and on the terrace, or around the yoga shala. The indoor common areas comprise of a large lounge area with comfortable sofas and a large dining table, as well as a modern kitchen that we can use for any snacks.

Armonia boasts a sauna we intend to use in the evenings and a pool for anyone wishing to take a quick and cool morning dip. A beautiful 40-minute walk takes one to beaches and there are other hiking routes around for anyone wishing to pass some more time in nature. There are also a small café and two tavernas nearby to relax in a Greek ambience.

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

FOOD

Brunch is served daily after the morning yoga practice. It includes a range of sweet and savory items to refuel from the practice and keep you energised for your day's plans, for example:

• local cheeses

• egg dishes e.g. boiled, scrambled, omelette

• homemade hummus

• avocado salsa

• roast vegetables

• quinoa salad

• tahini or herb sauces

• sauerkraut & fermented sauces

• local olives

Throughout the day tea, coffee and fresh fruit are at your disposal for snacking.

Dinner is served in the early evening before sunset. It comprises of a range of colourful warm and cold dishes prepared using Ayurvedic methods. This includes warm and cold salads; dahls, soups and curries; roasted vegetables; quinoa or rice; fermented pickles or sauerkrauts; and homemade chutneys, dips or sauces. For example, on a given day there may be dahl, palak paneer (spinach, peas and Indian style cheese), rice, dosas, 3 kinds of homemade chutney, roasted vegetables, a green salad, a mixed salad and roasted beetroot.

• fresh bread

• fruit jams

• pancakes / dosas

• porridge with oats

• stewed apples

• granola

• Greek yogurt

• local honey

• seasonal fruit

The meals are lovingly prepared by a chef trained in Ayurvedic cooking. The menu varies daily and will take into account any dietary requirements you inform us of. The food is vegetarian and there plenty of vegan and gluten free options at each meal.

The produce used is as fresh and seasonal as possible, largely organic and usually locally sourced at markets in Chania. If you have any questions or concerns about the food, please let us know. We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences. There are also cafés and Greek tavernas nearby if you'd like a particular treat sometime.

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

Pranayama
In pranayama (translated as "directing life energy - prana") we modulate the breath e.g. through holds, active or passive in- and exhales and through the depth, speed and rhythm of our breathing, to influence our energy. Depending on the type of breath, pranayama can have balancing, activating or winding-down effects. Our morning exercises intend to energise and balance; while the evening pranayama workshop will introduce you to strategies that can help quiet the mind and wind down for a relaxing night's sleep.

Meditation
Meditation is an integral part of yoga to me and doing so before dinner gives us a chance to enter the evening more mindfully and aware. The meditation practices I will focus on in the daily classes are usually more "active" styles in the sense that they require concentration; as well as those that allow you simply to "be". :)

Yoga nidra & Reiki workshop
Yoga nidra has also been described as "yogic sleep" and is a form of guided meditation that can lead you to a very restful, "partially awake" and close to sleeping state. We will link this with a Reiki experience, that starts with a guided visualisation. Reiki is considered a healing and very relaxing energy that can be transmitted by anyone who has been trained. I'm looking forward to passing on this beautiful energy and experience to anyone who wishes it in this workshop.

Reflexology self-massage
Foot reflexology is wonderfully soothing, and especially if you've taken some longer walks or a hike, you may enjoy releasing any tension in your feet with some targeted pressure. :) In reflexology massage we assume that different body parts are connected through energy lines and applying pressure to one area of the body can be healing to additional body parts. We will look at a map of our feet showing which spots are related to which organs etc.; and practice techniques that feel good and are said to promote a healthy energy flow in the body. :) You can choose oil or body lotion but feel free to bring any lotions/oils you particularly like to use on your body.

PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES

Vinyasa yoga
In the mornings we follow pranayama with vinyasa yoga, a dynamic yoga style where we warm up, practise some sun salutations, and continue with a range of forward and back bends, inversions and balances, side bends and twists. I give detailed alignment cues so that beginners learn to set the poses up and experienced practitioners can fine-tune their positions. I take into account the group's wishes and levels - so if there's something specific you want to learn, a body part you'd like to work more with, or you're feeling particularly active or more like something relaxing - do let me know and I'll make sure to integrate it for you. :) You'll find a bit more about my teaching style on the Teacher page.

Inversions workshop
We will go into your questions and areas you'd like to work on in the regular yoga classes; but as I often get particular questions about inversions, we'll have the opportunity to dedicate much more time to them in this workshop! Inversions are any positions where the heart is higher (further from the ground) than the head. Thus, downward facing dog, for instance, also counts as an inversion! In this class we'll focus on shoulder stand, headstand, forearm stand and handstand. We can also add wheel pose for anyone interested. Don't feel that you can only join if you expect to master any of those poses! We'll do warm-up movements for the relevant body parts and exercises to build strength or confidence, so that any level can participate. You can also choose to lie on your back with your legs up the wall for the entire class - this is a wonderful restorative inversion. Of-course all workshops (and any part of the programme) is optional.

Yin yoga
For sure a favourite among yogis! - this yoga style differs a lot from vinyasa in that we hold each position for a few minutes. Instead of targeting muscles, we are targeting connective tissue like fascia here. Energy lines (like those we work with in reflexology) are said to run through the fascia, so this is also a practice that intends to facilitate energy flow in our bodies. It is also relaxing, "yin" being associated with the dark element, rest, night, the moon, letting go and the feminine.

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

ROOMS

Quadruple room (4 single beds) downstairs (under the yoga shala) with an en suite bathroom.

Quadruple room (4 single beds) on the 1st floor an with en suite bathroom and a large private terrace/balcony outside the room.

Triple room (3 single beds) on the 1st floor with an en suite bathroom and a large private terrace/balcony outside the room.

Twin or double room (2 single beds or 1 double bed) on the ground floor an with en suite bathroom.

Although all rooms are shared, the spaciousness of the large rooms and the multiple areas to relax in on the grounds and around them will allow anyone who needs it ample space for quiet time, solitude and undisturbed moments. Meanwhile the indoor lounge with a fireplace and outdoor dining area are wonderful to enjoy your time in the group.

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

FAQ

How large is the group?
We will have up to 13 retreat participants, plus myself (the teacher). The chef lives off-site and comes in for meals.

Who's the teacher? :)
Kat (me). Find out more about my yoga background and teaching style on the "Teacher" page. Also feel free to reach out to get to know me in a chat or with other questions; I realise how important it is that you "vibe" with the teacher. :)

Is the retreat suitable for my yoga level?
Anyone is welcome to join and we will cater to each participant's yoga needs. I am used to teaching mixed-level classes and sessions are tailored to make sure beginner yogis have thorough explanations and cues as well as alternative poses to more advanced ones in the flows; and that advanced practitioners have the opportunity to work up a sweat and challenge themselves with trickier poses.

I recommend that beginners are willing to challenge themselves and try to reach their edge, as it can lead to a beautiful sense of accomplishment. Feel free to let me know your yoga level and expectations while booking, or reach out to discuss if you have any questions. Anyone can always take a break during a yoga class or choose to skip yoga classes if they prefer partaking only in the breathwork and other parts of schedule.

Which airport should I fly into?
Both Chania and Heraklion airports on Crete are fairly close to the retreat centre - Chania is a 45 minute drive away and Heraklion a 1 hour 45 minute drive away. Both are also friendly cities to stay in if you arrive one or two days early or depart one or two days after the retreat.

How do I get to the retreat centre from the airport?
For anyone who wishes to, I will coordinate shuttles where you can pool with other participants coming from the airport or the town you are staying in. Of-course, you are free to arrange your own travel or may wish to rent a car.

Jump to: Introduction • Programme schedule • Venue • Rooms • Programme activities • Meals • FAQ • Pricing • Contact

EARLY BIRD PRICES until 20 January 2025

1390€ for 1 person in the downstairs quadruple room with the complete retreat package (instead of €1490)
1490€ for 1 person in the 1st floor quadruple room with large terrace/balcony & the complete retreat package (instead of €1590)
1540€ for 1 person in the triple room on the 1st floor with large terrace/balcony & the complete retreat package (instead of €1640)
1590€ for 1 person in the double/twin room on the ground floor with the complete retreat package (instead of €1690)

Please see the "Rooms" section to see images of each room category. :)
All rooms have an en-suite bathroom.

Early bird prices are valid until 20 January 2025.

Included:

• 6 nights accommodation (20-26 April 2025)

• 7 yoga classes of 60-90 minutes each

• 6 pranayama sessions

• 5 meditation classes

• 5 optional workshops/additional activities
  - inversions
  - yin yoga
  - yoga nidra with Reiki experience
  - evening pranayama to wind down
  - reflexology self-massage workshop

• daily access to sauna, outdoor pool and gym

• daily nutritious and varied brunch and dinner plus fresh fruit, tea and coffee throughout the day

Not included:

• Insurance

• Travel to and from the retreat venue

ENQUIRE OR BOOK

To enquire about any- and everything about the retreat, please send a message using the contact form on the right, email katharina.kunze@gmail.com or send me a message using the number +49 1523 8131 548 on WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal.

To book, please also send me a message with the package you have chosen and I will confirm the spot for you.

I'm looking forward to you reaching out,
Kat

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date about any new yoga retreats and potential special offers <3.