Journey to the Heart - Retreat with Lexi & Olympia

Join Lexi & Olympia once more for an uplifting, heartfelt journey of reconnection to the divine source in Lentas, Crete.

Once upon a time Cleopatra visited Lentas, famous for the healing powers of the water, light and air of the place. On her return to Egypt, she left behind her favourite animals, the lion, the elephant and the crocodile to protect the magical bay of Lentas. The animals petrified on their awaiting for her return and they are still standing there protecting the beautiful port of Lentas.

Lentas is an idyllic fishing village on the south coast of Crete in Greece. The name Lentas derives from Λέοντας (in English, “lion”) and refers to the lion shaped cape that makes the bay of Lentas. Lentas has a great history with the oldest tracks of remainders being located at the stone era. Lentas became famous across its borders because of the Asklipio Temple ( 4th century BC ). Asklipios was the god of medicine, healing and rejuvenation. People went to the temple to be healed. They slept overnight and reported their dreams to a priest the next day. The priest would prescribe a cure, to visit the baths or drink the healing water of the area ;Visitors from all over Greece and North Africa visited in that time the magnificently equipped hot springs with their welfare-bringing water.

Nowadays the whole village is protected as an archaeological area which prevents building large hotels and so Lentas keeps it’s beautiful landscape almost intact. Lentas has many traditional tavernas and cafés where you can taste the local Cretan cuisine or enjoy a drink right by the Libyan sea. There are many beautiful beaches in close proximity, such as Ostria, Dytikos, Loutra and Trachoulas. If you like climbing or walking you can take one of the many paths up the mountain of ” Lion” and enjoy the stunning views of the landscape and sea.

What's Included

2 daily classes + workshops

Mindfulness Workshop with our guest teacher, Ken Lunn *

Hatha Yoga , Pranayama, Mantras, Meditation

Yin / Restorative Yoga

The Five Element Form

Zhineng Qigong Immersion

Yoga Nidra

Mediterranean Cooking Workshop

Day Trip by boat to Trachoulas Gorge and various beaches

Guided hike up to the 'LION' and visit to the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios.

Accommodation ( single or shared options)

Delicious Vegetarian Organic Mediterranean meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner)

*We are delighted and honoured to have Mindfulness Teacher , Ken Lunn, join us in Crete and share with us in-depth yet practical teachings of living compassionately.

"Compassionate Living Workshop "

Cultivating self-care and loving kindness

Developing a kinder attitude towards ourselves and others brings huge benefits.

Learning to manage our inner critics and understanding why we are judgemental of ourselves and others is an important step towards an easier way of living.

In this workshop we will explore some mindfulness and compassion meditations, touch lightly some of the modern theories of mindfulness and compassion, and explore through discussion how we might cultivate more compassion towards ourselves and others.

Teacher: Ken Lunn

www.kenlunn.com

www.mindfulness-wakefield.co.uk.

Ken is a mindfulness teacher who trained at Bangor University. He has had a meditation practice since 1995. He runs Mindfulness Wakefield and is a trustee of The Mindfulness Network. He has a regular yoga practice and teaches five elements yoga as a mindful movement practice.

Available upon request

Massage and therapies ( Swedish Massage, Deep tissue, Traditional Thai , Tok Sen , Greek Goddess Pampering Ritual)

one - to- one yoga / meditation sessions.

Accommodation

One can enjoy the crystal clear seawater, pursuit the walking tracks on the hills, walk through gorges to secluded beaches nearby or simply enjoy a cafe and local food at nearby fishing villages of Lentas and Dytikos.

Levinthos is a lovely Retreat centre and a small family ran business. It is located in a secluded part of the bay of Lentas, known from the ancient times for its unique healing energy. Lentas is protected as an archaeological site and as a result no big hotels can be found there. This has preserved the outstanding natural beauty and serenity of the area.

The Rooms

There are two options for accommodation, at Levinthos studios & flats and at Filoxenia.

Levinthos offers 4 luxury en suite flats and 4 studios next to the Yoga Shala, and just a minute away from a beautiful secluded beach. They are all double glazed and equipped with an ecological air-condition based on “geothermia”. Each flat and studio has a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom and a front shaded garden or balcony.

You can find more photos and info about Levinthos rooms on www.levinthos.gr

Filoxenia studios and apartments are located just across the road from Levinthos, a couple of minutes walking distance to the Yoga Shala and the Cafe-Restaurant. Filoxenia rooms are equipped with all basic necessities such as air-condition, kitchen, fridge, cooking equipment.

You can find more photos and info about Filoxenia rooms on www.filoxenialentas.gr

The Cafe-Restaurant

Close to the Yoga shala is the cafe-reastaurant of Levinthos. With stunning views to the Libyan sea here you can enjoy your meals, use free Wi-Fi and chill out.

The food

Food is mostly locally farmed and organic, freshly prepared and delicious! The menu for our retreat is vegetarian. The restaurant though, also offers meat meals or delicious freshly fished fish. Please let us know if you have any special requirements (vegan, dairy free, gluten free). You can also enjoy meals at the nearby tavernas.

Breakfast consists of a rich buffet with a choice of fresh fruits & juices, eggs, greek yoghurt and honey, cheese, toast and other cretan products.

How to get there

Lentas is located in South Crete, 75 km from Heraklion.

There are regular direct flights from almost all Europe to Heraklion.

Then, from Heraklion airport you can go to Lentas by bus or taxi.

If you need further information on your transfer to Lentas or if you would like us to arrange transport from the airport or port , please send us an email at olympiayoga@gmail.com

Alternatively if you would like to combine your visit to Greece with a short stay at Athens to view the monuments, then you could fly to Athens and from there get a connection flight (50mins) or a boat trip (8 hours)to Heraklion.

'The sea is wonderful in Lentas, so I combined yoga and a great holiday; the location is one of the best I have seen, you have the constant sound of the sea. The organization has been great and the addition of live music was a very nice feature. It has been an amazingweek. Paresa, London

Eligibility

The ‘Journey to the Heart’ yoga retreat is addressed to everyone who feels the need to take a week off to nourish body, mind and soul. We welcome complete beginners to yoga.

Please, inform us of any health conditions or special requirements.

Price and Booking Information

The prices for the yoga classes, accommodation and food start at 1010 euros per person.

Reserve your place by the 21st of February to receive a 10% discount.

Prices for yoga, accommodation and food. Please, see the folllowing options:

1) Shared (two people sharing) at Filoxenia flats : 1010 euros per person.

2) Shared (two people sharing) at Levinthos flats: 1115 euros per person.

3) Single occupancy in a Filoxenia studio: 1045 euros.

4) Single occupancy at Levinthos studio: 1185 euros.

** The prices above include 7 nights accommodation, 7x breakfast, 6x lunch, 5x dinner. The menu is vegeterian. Dinner will be at the village on two evenings. The dinner out is not included in the price.

If you have any questions and for Registration please email olympiayoga@gmail.com or alexiadranidi@gmail.com

Terms & Conditions

Deposit

To secure your place at the course a deposit of 250 euros is required. The amount of the deposit will be deducted from the total fee. Full payment must be completed within 14 days from the date of the confirmed registration.

Cancellation by the participant

Cancellation from the Participants: If canceled until the 1st of July 2019, a 50% refund will be given, minus the deposit. After 01/07/2019 no refund is possible. Exceptions to this policy can be made in the case of unforeseeable events, after a discussion with the organiser.

Cancellation by organiser

The organiser reserves the right to cancel the retreat if the minimum number of participants has not been met or because of other unforeseeable events; in that case, a full refund will be given. The refund will be limited to the Enrolment fees and the organiser is not liable to any other cost (travels costs or other loss and expenses)

Liability

The participant needs to inform the Yoga Instructor of any health issues or pregnancy. If there is any medical objection against taking part to the course, the participant needs to consult with a doctor. The participant is responsible for any health issues/injuries occurring during the workshop. The organiser is not liable for any damage, personal or material, occurred during the course.

For further information please contact:

alexiadranidi@gmail.com

olympiayoga@gmail.com