2008 Summer Greece Retreat
On the Magical Island of Santorini! With Donna Gardner, Kristin Cooper-Gulak & Loren Gulak
Dates:
August 13-19, 2008; Santorini Greece
Optional Athens Tour Extension & Service work Aug 19-23
Watch a Presentation about Santorini:
The setting:
Please join us on Greece’s most mystical island for a transformational yoga and meditation retreat filled w/stunning blue waters and the Aegean air! This summer we’re taking our second annual yoga journey to Santorini, an ancient Greek island famous for it’s volcanic setting and breathtaking world famous views; it is one of the most photographed sunset locations in the world. Last summer we had a fantastic experience with a sold out group, and we’re going back! Santorini is a caldera; villages filled with cave houses, built on the rocky top of a volcano that erupted 3,500 years ago, destroying the ancient Minoan civilization. Known for it’s unusual beauty as the “black pearl of the Aegean”, Santorini is believed to be the site of the legendary lost Atlantis. It is a quiet but popular island, with a population of 8,000, and no cars are allowed, only bikes, feet and sailboats!
The village of Oia:
The village of Oia; pronounced “Eee-aa” is a small village at the highest point of the island, w/beautiful, winding stone paths throughout, filled with walking visitors and locals. The village is filled w/art galleries, shops owned by local craftspeople, and family owned restaurants lining the caldera, with terrace seating overlooking the edge of the caldera & the Aegean Sea. Most restaurants offer open air as well as indoor dining.
Optional entertainment includes daily sailing and motorboat tours around the islands, and walking on the black and red sand beaches. Also many of the restaurants offer traditional live greek music and dancing-not to be missed! The famous Oia steps carry visitors up and down the island by donkey, or foot!
Optional Athens Tour Extension & Service Work; Aug 19-23rd:
Details coming soon…
Yoga:
Daily Classes w/Donna and Kristin include extended gentle yoga, vinyasa flow, specialty Rhythmic Flow Classes w/live drumming by Loren Gulak & Sunset Meditation classes. You may choose from 3-4 extended classes per day, or just lounge and enjoy the sun! Everything on retreat is optional, and all yoga classes are non-intimidating and fun! On all WYC retreats, we work to build “sangha” a light-hearted community atmosphere as we experience this amazing adventure together!
Accomodations:
Our exclusive accommodations are the Oia Sunset hotel, an intimate family owned hotel with luxury suites and apartments with cooking facilities, amazing balconies w/island views, pool and terrace. Oia Sunset is located in the heart of Oia village, overlooking the sunset and situated at the main square of the village’s central church. Restaurants, shops, spas, and beaches are all located within a few minutes walk, as there is only foot traffic and donkey rides along the village paths-no cars! Oia Sunset is a combinations of luxury and traditional family hospitality with our friendly host and hotel “Papa”; Panos, who takes care of everyone! www.oiasunset.com. Limited Luxury Villa Apartments available upon request. These are individual apartment/”houses” built within the rock wall caves of the caldera, overlooking the Aegean Sea, space limited. Oia Sunset Hotel Website
Pricing / Payment Schedule:
Our last 2007 Greece retreat sold out, so we highly recommend early registration as spots are limited. Early bird discount of 10% if paid in full by May 15, 2008. If not paying in full, a 50% deposit is required by May 15th to GUARANTEE a spot, with full balance due July 1st, 2008. After May 15th, spots may or may not be available, please inquire.
All rates below are inclusive:
Single (limited): $2,395
Double (limited): $1,795 / person
Triple or Quad Apartment: $1,395 / person
Luxury Caldera Apartments: $2295-$2795
Luxury Villa Apartments overlooking Caldera (limited): Available by request, only a few available-Range from $2295 to $2795 based on occupancy.
For info and to register, please contact Stephanie Ellis, Retreat Coordinator:
Rates include:
-All yoga & meditation classes
-Accommodations
-Breakfast
-Opening group dinner at traditional greek restaurant overlooking the Caldera
-Sailboat volcano hotsprings tour
-Airport arrival transfers (Departure transfers are not included and can be arranged easily for you by the hotel after your arrival.)
No refunds on cancellations, no exceptions.
Deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Flights:
Santorini/Thira Airport (JTR) can be reached from most international airports via Athens International Airport.
We highly recommend travel agent Sandi White for bookings and flight info:
(269) 469-1430
Climate:
Summer weather is warm and sunny, with cooler evenings.
Perfect for swimming or sunbathing during the day!
