QiGong Yoga Retreat… with Lena

A unique combination of traditional Hatha Yoga and QiGong practices will characterise this years welcoming the summer retreat.

Qigong can be described as a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent.

Qigong opens the flow of energy in meridians used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. It enhances our ability to feel the Life Force underlying the physical world and to deepen our communication with it.

Physically, slow gentle qigong movements warm tendons, ligaments, and muscles, tone vital organs and connective tissue and promote circulation of body fluids (blood, synovial, lymph). Thousands of studies have shown that qigong is effective in helping to heal life challenges ranging from high blood pressure and chronic illness to emotional frustration, mental stress, and spiritual crisis.

During the yoga classes led by Marilou in the afternoons, we will have the opportunity to insist on some poses, paying closer attention to alignment and all necessary adjustments in order to ensure a safe practice.
When we coordinate movement with the breath, paying attention to the sensations in the body,
completely feeling the experience without any judgment or expectations, respecting our boundaries with self-compassion and kindness, yoga becomes a mindful exercise in itself and it becomes a meditative practice.

The class is open to all levels including students who have made their first steps in the practice and would like to look deeper into awareness and focus of mind. Variations and adjustments will be given when needed, as always.

Anafi is a small island situated on the south eastern side of Cyclades, close to Santorini.
Due to its small size and few inhabitants, Anafi remains a pure island, untouched by mass tourism.
It has only one village and numerous crystal beaches around its coastline.

Chora, the capital village, is constructed on the mountain slopes and offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, as well as unforgettable sunsets and sunrises.
The village is built on the ruins of a venetian castle, with the distinct Cycladic architecture of small white houses and blue window frames, decorated by colorful flowers.

Isolated in its simplicity, Anafi is the ideal location for this alternative retreat.

The best way to get to know Anafi, is through the amazing trekking trails.
Many tours will be organised during our stay in order to explore this very special island.
Starting from Hora, the main village, we will wonder off and discover breathtaking sights and virgin beaches of unspeakable beauty.

The highlight will be the exciting hike to the gigantic rock of Kalamos, the second largest solid rock in the Mediterranean after Gibraltar. This rocky formation, in the eastern edge of the island, is particularly renowned to the experienced climbers and mountaineers.

The trek has an approximate duration of 90 minutes in an ascent of 461 meters.
An old monastery lies at the top with a 360-degree view of the sea and the surrounding islands in the horizon.
The excursion will begin at early dawn in order to reach the top in time for a silent meditation during sunrise, an undoubtedly unforgettable experience.

The magical beach of Roukounas will be the base for most of our activities.
It is well known as one of the top free camping destinations in Greece, so if you are up for an adventure and feel the need for a deeper connection with nature you are encouraged to give it a try.
There is also the option to rent small apartments a few meters from the beach, next to the small family tavern.
Prices range from 30-50€per night, but there is limited availability, so book as soon as possible.

There are more options in the main village of the island, but in this case it is suggested to bring or rent a car as the distance to the beach is 10min by car and about 1hour on foot.

Please contact us for suggestions and assistance when making your reservation.

The schedule includes many activities, but also a lot of free time for everyone to enjoy their holidays depending on their needs and preferences.
You will have the option to join sunrise meditations, morning QiGong and evening yoga classes, trekking excursions, and other creative activities, but you can also relax, enjoy the beach and the wonderful views all around.
Although our team has designed a full schedule for the week, we encourage you to join the activities that you feel will benefit you the most.
Our goal is for everyone to feel free, rest, and enjoy their holidays without the slightest pressure of having to do something.

Saturday 6/6
Arrival – free day to rest and adjust
18.00-20.00 introduction cycle

Sunday 7/6 – Thursday 11/9
7.00-7.30 pranayama/meditation
7.30-9.00 QiGong practice
9.00-10.00 breakfast
10.00-18.00 free time
18.30-20.30 yoga practice
21.00-22.00 dinner

PRICES
140€ per person

including:
morning QiGong classes on the beach
evening yoga classes with an endless view of the sea
Trekking tours and excursions
Sunrises & sunset meditation sessions
Transportation from/to the port

breakfast:
35€ healthy & delicious buffet

Accommodation:
Prices vary depending on your accommodation preference
(Single room, private double room, shared double or triple room, camping)
Please contact us for more information, availability and special offers

not included:
Airfare and Boat transfer
Lunch and dinners
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
vat 24%

Travelling from Abroad:
You can reach Anafi only by boat from the following locations which have international airports.
– the port of Piraeus (apx. 10 hours)
– the port of Santorini (apx. 1 hr and 30min)
– the port of Heraklio (apx. 4hours)
and you can also find connections with other Cycladic islands depending on the dates you will be travelling.
Please contact us for assistance before making reservations!

The boat schedules for 2020 have not been officially announced,
however based on the previous years it is very likely to have the following options:

Travelling from Athens:
From Athens to Anafi
Friday 5/6 at 18.00 arrives 05.50 (Saturday 6/6)
additional routes:
Every Tuesday at 20.30 arrives 07.30 (Wednesday)
Every Sunday at 17.30 arrives 03.40 (Monday)

From Anafi to Athens
Every Thursday at 20.00 arrives 7.30 (Friday)
Additional routes:
Every Sunday at 22.10 arrives 9.45 (Monday)

Tralleving through Santorini:
All of the above ferry routes go through Santorini about an hour and a half earlier
(on the way back the stop is an hour and a half after departure)

Travelling through Crete:
There is a connection from Heraklion to Anafi every Sunday afternoon (apx. at 18.00) arriving in Anafi 4hours later (about 22.00)
From Anafi to Heraklion there is a connection very early on Saturday morning (apx. at 06.00) arriving at Herakleio at 10.00

Please get in touch with us so we can help you plan your trip.

In order to book your place for our ‘QiGong Yoga retreat‘ please send us an email at info@lucreativestudio.gr and mention the following information:
– full name
– contact telephone number
– type of accommodation needed (shared double, private double, single, camping)

We will then send you a confirmation email with all necessary information as well as a short medical questionnaire to fill out and send back to us.
You will be requested to make a deposit of 50€  to secure your place.

yoga mat, relaxation blanket, towel, comfortable clothes, hat, walking shoes, antimosquito and sunblock.

If you decide to stay on the beach you will have to bring all the necessary camping equipment
(tent, sleeping bag, torch etc.).

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