“Mindfulness” is knowing what you are experiencing,
while you are experiencing it.
It is the total awareness of the moment,
simply being in the now, with a sense of freedom,
of perspective, of being connected.
Lack of awareness is often the reason for
emotional and physical stress that
wares us down and weakens our whole system.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
• helps reduce stress •
• gain control of our emotions •
• overall feeling of calmness and serenity •
• limiting judgmental behaviour •
• improves memory and concentration •
Though meditation and yoga we gradually improve our body awareness
become more conscious of our breath and take control over our thoughts.
Our days will begin during sunrise,
on a quiet spot of Roukounas beach.
We will devote some time trying to connect with the environment
and with our inner selves, through simple pranayama techniques
and meditation sessions inspired by the Buddhist teachings.
Then we enjoy a gentle yoga practice with the purpose to activate our body
and balance our energy flow.
Our purpose after the practice will be to make the best of each day.
We can swim in the crystal clear water,
explore the island through its countless paths or
just chill on the beach under the shade of the trees
either connecting with others or enjoying quiet time with a book.
During sunset we meet again, but this time in Chora – the main village, for our evening practice, before the stunning view of the Aegean Sea.
about the island...
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.
hiking we can do...
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.
Accommodation...
There are many options for accommodation either close to Roukounas beach or on the traditional Cycladic village.
Morning classes will take place during sunrise, on a quiet spot at Roukounas beach.
The evening classes will take place during sunset on an amazing roof in the main village.
In Roukounas, there are only 3 double rooms and one larger room for 4 people, just above the family Tavern which is a few meters from the beach. The rooms are simple and cute, with a nice view of the garden and sea.
* Something we consider important is that there is no phone and wifi connection in the whole area of Roukounas.
Guest who choose to stay here, must be prepared to disconnect and detox from phones and screens for a few days.
For those who prefer or have obligations between the classes, there are many more options for accommodation in the village, where most rooms have wifi and great phone signal.
How to get there...
You can come to Anafi by boat either from Athens (8-12 hours depending on the boat) or from Santorini (about 1hour and 30minutes)
* Athens – Anafi
Friday 18/6 at 18.00 arriving Saturday 19/6 at 6.30
Same boat goes through Santorini at dawn (about 4.00-5.00am)
* Anafi – Athens
Thursday 24/6 at 23.50 arriving Friday 25/6 at about 11.00
Please contact us for suggestions and advice for you travelling arrangements.
Anafi remains a pure island,
still untouched by mass tourism
with one small traditional village and amazing trekking trails
leading to the most beautiful unexplored beaches.
The clear landscape and the endless view of the horizon
offer the ideal environment for our retreat.
All you need to know
Dates...
There is limited availability for our retreat on 10-17 of July.
Do not hesitate to contact us for details
About the classes...
Our days will begin with meditation and breathing exercises on the beach, in order to smoothly activate our body and connect with our new environment. A gentle yoga asana practice follows with the intention to stretch and find space within.
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.
During the evening classes, 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.
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.
Our daily Schedule...
Saturday 10/7
Arrival – free day for resting and adjusting
19.30-21.00 Meeting Circle – Short meditation
Sunday 11/7 – Wednesday 16/7
6.00-6.30 meditation/pranayama
06.30-8.00 yoga practice
08.30-10.00 breakfast
10.00-19.00 free time
19.30-21.00 yoga practice
Thursday 17/7
6.00-8.00 last yoga practice
8.30-10.00 breakfast
11.00-18.00 free time
18.00-20.00 closing circle
23.50 Departure
Price...
Participation cost: 140€
* Special price for our students and guests from previous retreats 100€
What is included:
Morning meditaion & pranayama sessions on the beach
Morning and evening yoga practice with a breathtaking view of the sea and sunset
Silent trekking tours through amazing paths
Transportation to/from the port
Breakfast:
There is an option for a healthy and delicious breakfast at 30€ per person for all 5 days.
Accommodation:
Prices vary depending on your choice of accommodation.
Most are 40€ per night for a double room
Boat Tickets:
The price per person one way is 35€ and if you like to book a cabin the price is 63€
Registration/Cancellation Policy...
Since the maximum of people per group is 12, we advise you to book as early as possible.
To do so, please send us an email with the subject Anafi Yoga Retreat July 2022 at info@lucreativestudio.gr and don’t forget to mention
– your name
– your phone number
You will receive a confirmation email, with a short medical questionnaire to fill in and a back account in order to send a small deposit of 30€ to finalise your reservation.
In case of cancellation less than 20 days before the starting date, the deposit is not refundable.
What to bring...
yoga mat, meditation blanket or large towel, hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
Instructor
Marilou started practicing yoga from an early age with different yoga instructors in Greece and abroad. In 2006 she started working at Shantom, where she also participated in theoretical and practical workshops with Leda Shantala.
In 2010 she received her first Yoga Teacher Training Diploma (RYT 200hr) from Sivananda Vedanta Centre and in 2013 she completed the Advanced Teacher Training Course (RYT 500hr) in Ghyta Yoga School with Michalis Filinis (both centers accredited by the Yoga Alliance International).
She was naturally drawn to the Iyengar way, which she has been practicing over the last years with Zoi Gaitanidou at Yoga Summit.
She also continues to enrich her knowledge participating in classes and workshops on different yoga styles with many inspiring teachers (Alessandro Ortona, Ephrat Michelson, Ana Forrest, Angela Farmer, Constantinos Giannetakis).taking classes and participating in workshops with many inspiring instructors.
Her classes focus also on detail, precision and the structural alignment of the body, always with respect to individual boundaries and limitations.