Should I Come On A Retreat To Greece?
- Josephine Warren
- Sep 8
- 7 min read
It can feel like a big decision to book onto a retreat, there are so many questions, ponderings, why's. So if you are still asking yourself, "Should I come On Retreat To Greece?" read on for some questions and answers!
I have one space that has become available this October(sadly due to illness), so if you feel the calling, and want to jump on a flight this October, look no further...
I also only have one space left for next May(2026), plus next October we are gathering names for the waiting list.
The whole experience was so considered and wonderful from beginning to end, it completely surpassed my expectations. Josephine genuinely cares about the retreat and brings this energy to everything she does...I can honestly say I felt so well looked after it was a real treat to just lean into it and relax. I needed a reset, a reminder to connect with myself and realign with my values and this retreat provided that opportunity in abundance. -Alis
🌿 Logistics & Practical Details
Location & travel:
Where is the retreat?
40 Minutes from Kalamata Airport, Near Petalidi, The Peloponnese, Southern Greece
How do I get there?
OUTBOUND Tuesday | Gatwick Kalamata | EasyJet | usually 5.30am
INBOUND Saturday | Kalamata Gatwick | EastJet | Usually 12 midday
Is transportation provided?
In Greece we arrange a taxi transfer for you, from the airport to the villa and back, this averages around £30 pp for both ways. The journey from Kalamata airport to the villas is 30/40 minutes in taxi. We pay for all transfers then arrange repayment with you once you are here, euros are preferable but we can also take card.
Accommodation:
What type of rooms are available (shared/private)?
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION SHAKTI VILLA, Shared villa for 2. Separate Villa wrap around terrace & Stunning views, 2 Separate living and sleeping areas, Shared Kitchen, Shared Shower room , Private Seating Area.(Price in Brochure, downloadable below)
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION SATYA VILLA Separate Apartment wrap-around terrace & Stunning views, Double/twin room with room divider if sharing, Open plan kitchen and lounge, Shower room (Price in Brochure, downloadable below).
IDA | SINGLE ROOM Lower floor Apartment Room 2 | Solo occupancy room, Private Room Double bed, plenty of storage, Shared Kitchen Facilities, Shared Shower Room, Outside Seating .(Price in Brochure, downloadable below)
IDA Lower floor apartment | Room 2 Large shared private room, 2 Single Beds, plenty of storage, Shared Kitchen Facilities, Shared Shower Room Outside Seating .(Price in Brochure, downloadable below)
Are they comfortable/modern/rustic? The accomodation is simple, traditional Greek design and style, There are plenty of soft furnishings, pillows, throws, blankets, plent of storage and access to incredible views and space outside. Modern amenities, breakfast bar, space to rest, the retreat land has been tended to by Quee for 20 years, flowers, herbs, vegetables and beauty surround you while you are here.
Lunch At Perulia Meals:
What kind of food is served? Is it vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or adaptable to dietary needs?
Quee is Josephine's mum, they create these transformative retreats together. Quee has been a chef for over 17 years now, having run the villas in Greece from her heart, her food is a beautiful creation. Using local ingredients, and from her garden at the retreat. We bring you a wide variety of food, full of nutrition. Delicious, heartwarming and different. + Continental breakfast + Teas, snacks and fruit + Lunches of salads, soups and much more + Dinners ranging from incredible indian cuisine to local Traditional Greek wonders! + We cater to suit everyone, vegan, vegetarian and allergies* + Fresh herbal teas + Cacao + Sweet treats and local delicacies This is a sober treat, no alcohol, drugs etc are to be consumed onsite or while out on excursion.
Price & what’s included: What’s covered in the cost (yoga classes, meals, excursions, massages, airport transfers)? Are there extra costs?
Daily yoga (hatha, somatic flow, pranayama, meditation, yoga-philosophy)
Evening Yin & Yoga Nidra practice
Meditation, guided visualisation & mindfulness (Radical Acceptance & Compassion)
Sound healing (soundbaths & personal healing sessions)
Creative rituals (mandala, journaling, Water of Life ceremony)
Voice, poem, and philosophical guidance
The experience blends self-reflection, energetic healing, deep rest, and community connection in a natural setting. Participants enjoy vegetarian/vegan meals, private villa accommodation, and curated emotional-energetic wellness journeys .
Additional practical details:
20% non-refundable deposit; full payment due two months prior
All inclusive, the accomodation price includes everything(*Full T&C's here)
Airport transfers arranged (Kalamata → villa ≈ £30 pp each way)
Typical EasyJet flight from Gatwick to Kalamata (about £180–£300)
Schedule: What does a typical day look like? How many yoga sessions per day? Is there free time?
What is included:
Accommodation (from a selection of solo and shared rooms, prices vary depending on booking choice.)
Morning Yoga, varying from hatha flow, to somatic movement.
Evening Yin Practice and Yoga Nidra.
Meditation and Guided Visualisation.
Mindfulness and R.A.I.N meditations.
Journaling, self-reflection and Manifesting.
Voice, Poetry, Philosophy and guidance.
1-2-1 Sound healing.
Full Soundbaths and sound is woven through every part of the retreat.
Mandala marking, creative enquiry and Water of life ceremony.
Transport to excursions(local morning/day ventures to the beach and local town).
Pampering welcome gift.
All meals, snacks, drinks, teas at the villas(breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All classes, yoga, soundbaths, sound healings, ceremonies, 1-2-1 sound healings
Special goodie bags, filled with beautiful products and local produce
pick up and drop off on our day trips out to the beach and local village
Access to the pool and grounds
🧘 Yoga & Activities
Level: Is the retreat suitable for beginners / intermediate / advanced practitioners?
Each day gently unfolds with guided yoga, somatic practices, deep meditation, and immersive sound healing — designed to ease the nervous system, inspire emotional release, and nurture deep rest. Whether you're seeking clarity, healing, or simply time to reflect, this is a transformative space to reconnect with yourself. Josephine will guide you each morning and evening, outside surrounded by the olive trees, blue sky, sea view and bird song. At Echo Josephine builds each class to support the full journey of the retreat. From a full and beautiful range of invigorating, soft, gentle, calm and wonderful movement. Find yourself deeply connected to your body. The classes are build to suit a range of abilities, however this is not an advanced practice, we use traditonal postures, somatic movement and focus on the breath and philosophy to drop into the present moment and feel well again.
Styles: What style(s) of yoga will be taught? Who are the teachers, and what’s their background?
Morning Yoga, varying from hatha flow, to somatic movement.
Evening Yin Practice and Yoga Nidra.
Meditation and Guided Visualisation.
All guided by Josephine, having taught for over 10 years, trained in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Somatic & Meditation.
Workshops/Extras: Are there meditation, breathwork, philosophy, or other wellness practices included? We hold a welcome ceremony, Journaling opportunities, special 1-2-1 sound healing, Water of Life ceremony and intention setting for your journey home.
Rest by the pool with views across the mani to the mountains. Free time & excursions: Is there time for relaxation, sightseeing, or nature walks?
We take you to Peroulia, the most beautiful beach, with a stunning Greek restaurant that looks out over the mani. Here we swim, chat, read, journal and create mandalas, before enjoying the most wonderful Greek lunch. The Friday we head into Petalidi, a vibrant and tradtional Greek town, where you can enjoy a walk around the market, swim in the sea, or sip coffee at a local Taverna. Follwing this we take you to the Village in the mountains, where you will enjoy some truly beautiful traditional Greek cuisine, after we walk through the olive groves back to the villas.
There is plenty of free time, however the retreat is build in a very spific way, there is always a flow and purpose to each moment whether that's in a class, or in a quite moment of 'free time'.
✨ Personal Comfort & Safety
Group size: How many participants are expected? Will it feel intimate or large?
This is a small intimate retreat, we do not take more than 6 guests per retreat.
Solo travelers: Is it common for people to come alone? Will I feel comfortable joining on my own?
Yes, the groups are so welcoming and we encourage solo travellers to feel at home and welcome. Often people have some of the most profound transformations when they have booked solo.
Language: In what language(s) are the classes taught?
Everything is in English.
Safety & health: Is the retreat safe? Do I need travel insurance? What about medical facilities nearby?
Josephine is First Aid trained.
Petalidi has a Dentist, Doctor and local Pharmacist(15 Minutes from the Villas). If you find yourself in need of anything during your stay, Quee will happily drive you into the town to get what you need.
The Hospital is 30 minutes away in Kalamata.
As mentioned in the booking form, you will need holiday insurance to attend the retreat.
🌍 Philosophy & Atmosphere
Retreat style: Is it more focused on relaxation, personal growth, fitness, or spiritual practice?
Each retreat is a transformational experience, curated down to the smallest detail. Connect deeply to yourself, rest, heal, feel joy, love and courage again. Everything is taken care of, you just have to let go and let yourself be held. Blending yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound therapy, and energy-inspired movement, this sober retreat invites you to slow down, release stress and tension, and nourish your body with delicious, wholesome food.
You’ll leave feeling clarified, recharged, and deeply transformed, with a newfound trust in yourself and your path forward.
Community vibe: Is it more social or more inward/quiet?
It can be what you want it to be, it is a perfect balace for many. So groups have made friends for life, and found the social aspect to have been life changing, but there is a gentle encouragement to find quiet moments, and to take a break from your phone/social media and the news, to journal, swim, reflect and let go while you are here.
Alcohol/tech policies: Are alcohol, smoking, or devices allowed? Is it a digital detox environment?
We decided right at the beginning that this would be a sober retreat. Just as many Buddhist retreats have guidelines, we have the same.
During your time here, there is zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol and we advise a vegetarian diet when eating out(Not mandatory but suggested), as well as the delicious food we will be serving you.
Josephine trained in the heart of India, two months of walking the yogic path and following the guidelines of Ahimsa(non-violence) and Saucha (Cleanliness) and the purifying basic principle of Shatkarma in Hatha yoga. It transformed her life and led her to teaching.
This week away is in no way a detox, we will be eating food made with love and hearty ingredients to leave a smile on your face. But in a world that has diluted yoga, and the goal of reaching peace through meditation, we wanted to draw on the traditional teachings to really provide you with the fullest level of transformation for these few days away.
If this feels like the perfect week for you, look no further, as we enter our fourth year of holding retreats in Greece, we cannot wait to welcome you.
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