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Greece Yoga & Hiking Retreat at Itha108 (Limited Availability)
May 7 – 14 & 14 – 21, 2022
Itha108 is a Greek island retreat set in a place of outstanding natural beauty, providing a space specifically for peace, relaxation and practice.
Ithaca, home of Itha108, is one of the smallest in the Ionian islands that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. It’s shores play host to a long Homeric and mythical history whose many mysteries are sensed amongst animated panorama and secretive coves. Itha108 overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighbouring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing its natural beauty to speak for itself. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living ensures full use of the land and its treasures that extend to sweeping and hidden beaches below.
Yoga
Our practice will include Yogic Lectures, Asana, Pranayama, Kriyas, Mediation and Mantra practices. Yoga will be 2 hours in the morning before brunch, 1.5 hours in the evening before dinner. There are Yoga Shala options on this retreat which we will rotate depending on day and time to get the best views and experiences. All Yoga props are provided!
Food Philosophy
Food at Itha108 is fresh, sumptuous and made up of local produce. All vegetables are organic and sourced from the best of what Ithaca and neighbouring Kefalonia has to offer. Plentiful, home-cooked menus blend traditional Greek cuisine with a contemporary style. For the retreats, mainly vegetarian food is promoted, although freshly caught fish is available on request.
Travel
The nearest airport is Kefalonia (EFL). Private group transport will take us to the port at Fiskardo where Itha108’s speed boat will be waiting for us. Depending on the size of the group, we may need to take 2 trips from Fiskardo to Ithaca as there is only permitted 9 guests maximum on the boat. The boat will drop guest off on the island of Ithaca which takes 15/20 minutes across, then it is only a 10 minutes by mini bus to Itha108.
The transit is for our group travelling together and arrangement for coordinating flights will be made. Our group will depart together the afternoon. Every effort will be made to accommodate peoples itineraries and include you in the group transfer. Any person travelling outside the group has to bear their own costs. Only one group transit, both ways is included in the price.
Travelling outside the group is at your own expense. The ferry for Ithaca leaves from Sami in Kefalonia.
Consider arriving a day early and staying in Kefalonia or Fiskardo as cheaper flights are usually a day early or later.
Guided Hikes/Walks
Monday: Kathara – Anogi – Kioni
First we visit Kathara monastery, the last monastery on Ithaca. Its situated at an altitude of 560 meters and from the church steeple the view towards Vathi is spectacular. The track starts near the monastery and is very rocky with low growth. It climbs to 650 meters and then starts to descent to the mountain village of Anogi. It takes about two hours and the walk is easy. A local Kafenion offers refreshments. Next to it is a 15th Century church with Byzantine frescoes’ and a Venetian bell tower. We continue our walk to Kioni a fishing village on a foot path that has been paved with stone slabs. On our way you find a plateau with goat tracks and terraces, passing intriguing ruins and ancient trees. Walking time about 2.5 hours and the difficulty is moderate. Lunch by the water in Kioni and a swim!
Wednesday: Homer Walk
An imaginary journey into the past. The poet Homer lived 28 centuries ago. He described Ithaca, and the wanderings of its King Odysseus, in his epic poems. This walk is a must for lovers of Homer and for the people who want to know the story behind Odysseus and Ithaca. Approx 3 hours including a visit to the museum at the end. An easy walk, but partially rocky. Refreshments in Stavros our local village. Lunch will be back at Itha108.
Friday: Vathi – Paleochora – Perachori – Vathi
Along a high track on a vegetated slope this walk offers panoramic views of the whole of Vathi and its surroundings, plus other islands and mainland Greece. We pass a Byzantine church, chapels and an industrious village at a height of 300 meters where the best wine of the island is produced. Then down hill from there, only 2 km back to Vathi for lunch at a fish taverna. About 4 hours walking and the category is medium.
Price for Hikes
€ 20 per person per Hike
3x Hikes, Transport, a Guide. Lunch in the village is not included Kathara and Vathi Hike.
Boating
There is access to Itha108’s Speed Boat that is available for day trips. Maximum capacity is 9 guests to a boat. The petrol is split between guests to take the boat out. There are many beaches only accessible by boat, little islands to be explored and seaside villages for shopping and lunch.
Accommodation
Availability 7-14 May
- Mango Room Available with shared guest
Availability 14-21 May
- Cave Single or Sharing
- Yurt 1 Available single or sharing
- New York Room sharing with Guest
*First come first serve in choosing your room/accommodation preference.*
Price includes:
- Zephyr’s Yoga & Meditation Teaching twice a day
- Group transit from and to the airport by bus/taxi,
- Sea taxi, ferry
- Accommodation
- Breakfast/brunch, lunch, tea and dinner
- Various hot and cold drinks/water/fruit/nuts/cakes/biscuits
- Beach & Pool towels
- Yoga mats, blocks, belts, bolsters and blankets
- Infused olive soap, Basil, Lavender, Sage
- Calendula face balm
- Internet high speed
- All taxes
Excluded in Price:
*Available at an extra cost
- Hikes
- Boat Trips
- Water Bottles
- Alcohol (cork charge for bottles brought)
- Soft fizzy drinks
- Laundry
- Ironing
- Staff Tips – all tips go directly to 4 Women who work hard to make your retreat clean, enjoyable and offer any help needed
Cave (Available 14-21 May)
Amazing Cave room with ocean views, outdoor space and ensuite bathroom.
Occupied 7-14 May & Available 14-21 May
Single: £2850
Sharing: £2150 per person
Main House
All bedrooms can be either single or double occupancy. All are en-suite and air-conditioned, coco-mat mattresses, wood panelled ceilings and views across the Ionian sea towards Kefalonia. Each bedroom has a unique identity.
Old Library (Occupied)
Luxury Room with balcony with ocean views, double bed and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Occupied 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2850
Sharing: £2150 per person
India Room (Occupied)
Luxury Room with balcony with ocean views, two single beds and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Occupied 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2850
Shared: £2150 per person
Raas Room (Occupied)
Recommend for Singles or Couples as this room only has a double bed with ocean views and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Occupied 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
Mango Room (Shared Option Available with a Guest 7-14 May)
Two single beds with ocean views and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Shared Available 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
White Room (Occupied)
Two single beds with ocean views and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Occupied 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
New York Room (Sharing Option Available with Booked Guest 14-21 May)
Two single beds with ocean views and ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning
Occupied 7-14 May & 1 Sharing available with booked guest 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
Mongolian Yurts
The Mongolian yurts are light and airy inside, sleeping between one to two people. They contain comfortable beds with mosquito nets, coco-mat mattresses, stand up fan and en-suite bathrooms. Pathways and steps provide access to the yurt platforms, each with outdoor seating, positioned high among rocks and trees.
Metta Yurt
Two single beds, fan and ensuite bathroom
Occupied 7-14 May & Occupied 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
Yurt 1
Two single beds, fan and ensuite bathroom
Occupied 7-14 May & Available 14-21 May
Single: £2250
Sharing: £1650 per person
Important Information
May’s weather is 23-30c High & 12-22c Low. Would recommend having cardigans for early mornings and evenings. This weather will make it perfect for hiking during the day.
The water is collected rainwater and used in moderation, but not spare. Six bedrooms in the main house are air-conditioned by an eco friendly and sophisticated system. The same is used during the colder months for under floor heating. Stand up fans for yurts and the stone house studio available on request.
Bring a Yogi Water Bottle for refilling with filtered water!
Bring shampoo, conditioner. Itha108 will provide each guest with infused olive soap with basil, lavender, sage which is environmentally friendly. As well as calendula face balm to heal your sun kissed skin.
Bring beach/swimming shoes just to manage the pebbles getting in and out of the sea. There are no sea urchins, just pebbles.
There are wasps on the island, so if allergic bring antihistamines and wasp ointment. As well as any medication needed.
There are minimal bugs that bite, however if you know the like you, bring bug spray.
Arrivals & Departure
- Day of arrival the retreat is open after 15:00 and serves tea, fruit, cake and dinner only
- Day of departure all rooms have to be vacated by 08:00, breakfast is served from 07:00
- Retreat to be departed by 08:30 the latest
- Retreats run from Saturday – Saturday (with exceptions)
Treatments
The outdoor Massage Place is above the drop-in yoga shala with views over the blue sea towards the West and spectacular for sunset. Its ideal for all treatments as it is private and very quiet. A bathroom is within the space. Prices are on average 70-90 euro cash for 60-90 mins for a variety of different treatments. Booking list is available on arrival.
Animals
There are two cats So Hum & Delphine as well as a new addition to the family PanPan the dog. They are super friendly and sociable.
To Book Retreat
Contact: Zephyr Wildman, to book
Please send £500 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit or full payment to reserve your place. The balance will then be due by 1st April, 2022 via bank transfer. Cancellation after 1st April 2022 will result in forfeiture of 50% of total payment (minus deposit), cancellation after 30th April 2022 will result in 75% forfeiture of total payment (minus deposit). Email me if you have any questions.
Highly recommend that you invest in travel insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind.
Look forward to another wonderful Zephyr Yoga Retreat.
Beaming you all blessing, laughter and future Yogic adventures!
Zephyr Wildman
