My First Yoga and Climbing Retreat with Nefeli 9 in Greece

In 2021, I picked up yoga not out of curiosity, however out of necessity.

A frozen shoulder in my proper arm, adopted by tendonitis in my left arm, left me in fixed ache and severely restricted my motion. Physiotherapy helped, however progress was very sluggish. Some days, even elevating my arm felt like a battle, getting dressed and tying my hair up was one other. And but, one thing inside me advised me not to surrender.

So I joined a boutique yoga studio and commenced training yoga. It was laborious, particularly to start with. However slowly, via breath, persistence, and persistence, my physique started to melt. Motion returned. And someplace alongside that therapeutic journey, I got here to actually adore it.

This previous spring, I joined my first retreat: a week-long yoga and climbing expertise with Nefeli 9 within the quiet seaside village of Dikastika, simply 40 minutes from Athens Airport and overlooking the island of Evia. Nefeli 9 Retreats affords a sequence of yoga and climbing experiences round Greece, which you’ll be able to take a look at on their web site. 

What I skilled there was a lot greater than a retreat. It was a reset. A reminder of how therapeutic it’s to decelerate and dwell nicely.

A Philosophy Rooted in Blue Zones Dwelling

Nefeli 9 just isn’t about pushing your self to extremes. There’s no bootcamp vitality right here. As a substitute, the retreat attracts inspiration from the Blue Zones—these uncommon corners of the world the place individuals dwell longer, more healthy, and happier lives. Locations like Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, and Sardinia in Italy. The key isn’t difficult: transfer naturally, eat merely, dwell purposefully, and keep related.

At Nefeli 9, that philosophy runs via each component of the retreat. You get up slowly, transfer your physique mindfully, nourish your self with healthful meals, stroll via nature, and take time to replicate. It’s not about transformation via strain—it’s about remembering how good it feels to be in steadiness.

The Each day Rhythm: Construction with Area to Breathe

Every day on the retreat adopted a mild rhythm—structured sufficient to really feel supported, however open sufficient to be at liberty.

Morning yoga began the day with breath-led motion, serving to us stretch out, get up, and realign. Eirini, along with her calm nature and soothing voice, guided us all through the week and talked us via the philosophy of the significance of breath. It wasn’t a classroom speak however relatively a mild nudge to pay extra consideration to our breath. 

A healthful breakfast adopted—assume Greek yogurt with fruit, selfmade granola, wholesome toppings like nut combine and honey with pistachio, heat oat and banana cake, natural teas, and contemporary bread.

Late mornings had been for climbing. We would go away the villa each day at round 10 am after breakfast. We explored coastal trails, pine-covered slopes, and even historic ruins. Someday, we walked via the location of Rhamnous, house to the Temple of Nemesis. On one other, we discovered ourselves on the rugged trails of Mount Penteli, with panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis within the distance.

Lunches had been vibrant, seasonal, and served al fresco—zucchini pies, contemporary salads, spreads made with avocado and inexperienced peas, and one unforgettable seaside meal with freshly grilled fish, olive oil, lemon, and pleasure.

Afternoons had been for relaxation—taking a nap, a quiet stroll, or just being nonetheless.

Because the solar softened, we met once more for sundown yoga, which normally takes place open air however as a result of it was very windy the entire week, we ended up shifting indoors other than the final night when the winds had died down.

Dinners had been shared, slowly, all the time with dialog and connection. Steph and Anafe stunned us with new creations each day. We tried a scrumptious rice, mushroom, and spinach dish, baked cauliflower with lentils topped with hazelnuts, and brown rice with okra beans. Each meal was colourful and wholesome. 

The Hikes: Connecting With Nature 

Each day hikes had been among the many most significant features of the Nefeli 9 retreat. Every one supplied one thing completely different—new surroundings, new sensations, and a deeper connection to nature and Greece’s layered historical past. On each hike, we had been accompanied by Archelaos, an authorized and really educated information. He additionally launched us to the varied herbs and vegetation we encountered alongside the best way. 

We didn’t simply stroll—we additionally wandered via fable, whereas admiring the uncooked magnificence.

The Archaeological Web site of Rhamnous – A Stroll By way of Time

Our first important hike led us to the traditional web site of Rhamnous, nestled alongside the northeastern coast of Attica. We adopted a 5-kilometer path via aromatic brush and sweeping views of the Euboean Gulf, ultimately arriving on the Temple of Nemesis—the goddess of justice and retribution. The views from right here had been merely breathtaking. 

Schinias Nationwide Park – A Windy Coastal Escape

On the second day, we set off straight from the villa and adopted a rugged coastal path towards Schinias Nationwide Park. It was significantly windy that day—about six on the Beaufort scale—so we walked rigorously, absolutely alert to nature’s energy.

We handed seagulls circling above the surf alongside the best way and even crossed paths with a curious tortoise on the seaside. The hike ended with lunch at a beachside café, the place we loved mozzarella sandwiches, refreshing salads, and selfmade lemonade. 

Mount Ymittos – Forest Trails & Byzantine Whispers

When sturdy winds disrupted our deliberate ferry crossing to Evia, we opted for Mount Ymittos, and it turned out to be one of the memorable days.

We trekked about 7.5 kilometers via pine forests and stone paths with sweeping views of Athens and the Acropolis within the distance.

Alongside the best way, we paused on the semi-ruined Church of Agios Markos, also referred to as the Fragomonastery. After the hike, we shared a comfortable lunch in a close-by tavern—chickpeas with feta, mushroom pie, pork with leeks, and a celebratory sip of raki.

Mount Penteli – Wind, Marble & Might Day Magic

Mount Penteli took our breath away—not simply due to its elevation at 1,109 meters but additionally due to its legacy. The identical marble used to construct the Parthenon was quarried right here.

The wind was fierce, so we moved with warning. As we descended, we unexpectedly stumbled on a Might Day celebration within the woods—dwell music, dancing, and laughter echoing via the timber. We joined in, welcomed like locals. It was pure pleasure in its most unfiltered kind.

Coastal Hike in Sesi – A Tender Farewell

On our ultimate day, with the climate lastly calm, we took one final coastal hike. The path was peaceable and open, and the air was salty-sweet and nonetheless.

We paused at a small seaside to breathe within the second, after which continued to a tiny whitewashed church devoted to Saint Antonios, perched on the rock above the ocean.

It was the form of place that humbles you with its simplicity. We ended the day with contemporary fish at a taverna by the water and our ultimate sundown yoga session again on the villa.

Why Nefeli 9 Is Particular

The setting itself is intimate and deliberately small. The retreat hosts a most of 8 individuals and relies throughout two lovely villas—Villa Nefeli and Villa Augustine.

I stayed at Villa Augustine, the one closest to the ocean, the place each window opened to a chilled view and each nook felt curated for peace. Friends are accommodated in single- or double-use lodging. Some guestrooms have en-suite bogs, and others share a rest room. My pal Yana and I had separate rooms however shared one lavatory.

It’s price saying—this isn’t a luxurious retreat within the conventional sense—however it’s what I wish to say—the posh is within the simplicity. It affords a extra significant form of luxurious: area, silence, presence, and the uncommon present of simplicity—the form of simplicity that fills you up.

Our host, Steph, is the center of all of it. Her heat, generosity, and quiet energy formed all the expertise. Steph brings a wealth of expertise to her enterprise, which she has constructed with real love and care. Her worldwide background and, in fact, Greek roots actually make her shine. She is a individuals particular person and a incredible host. 

Whether or not we had been sipping tea, climbing alongside the coast, or gathering round a desk for dinner, Steph created an area the place we may very well be ourselves with out strain or expectations.

Remaining Ideas

This was my first retreat—however definitely not my final. I left with a lighter physique, a clearer thoughts, and a deep sense of gratitude. Generally we journey to see extra of the world. Different instances, we journey to return to ourselves.

Pondering of becoming a member of a retreat in Greece?

You may study extra about Nefeli 9 or observe them on Instagram.

When you’ve got any questions on my expertise, be at liberty to contact me or depart a remark under—I’d love to listen to from you!

Watch the entire expertise on YouTube.

*Journey Greece, Journey Europe was a visitor of Nefeli 9 Retreats. As all the time, all opinions expressed are my very own.