8 Day Zen Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Zakynthos, Greece
Yoga Retreat Greece
Welcome to a beautiful week of discovery in Greece! Out to Explore will help you immerse into a world of relaxation and inner exploration whilst exploring the stunning island of Zakynthos. You will enjoy a daily routine of guided meditation, gentle Zen yoga, and Nidra yoga. This retreat is suitable for all levels and abilities, and includes plenty of time in between to relax and unwind! What are you waiting for? Sign up for this special yoga retreat!
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions
- Sound bath experience
- Personal guidance in small groups
- Free time to explore and do activities of your own choice
- Transfers to and from airport
- 7 nights accommodation
- Yoga mats and props
- Trips to hidden gems of the island
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
5 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 3
Accommodation
Facilities
- Spa
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Kitchen
- Meditation garden
- Poolside bar
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wireless internet
You will be accommodated in Explorer's Rest or Elea Hotel.
Explorer's Rest
Explorer's Rest is set back on a quiet lane in Argassi at the foot of Mount Skopos. It is a single villa divided into four studios set in a small olive grove. There is parking available in the gardens to the front of Explorer’s Rest. Guests at Explorer's Rest are also welcome to use the swimming pool at Elea Hotel
The studios provide compact home comforts. There are two ground floor studios with bunk beds. Each ground floor studio can accommodate 2 adults. The first floor studios are amply equipped and can accommodate up to two adults each.
Hotel Elea
Hotel Elea is a small family-run hotel opposite Explorer's Rest. The lovely studios are simple and equipped with basic self catering supplies. All studios and apartments have a television, hairdryer, fridge and free Wi-Fi.
Program
It's time to take a break from the relentless daily stress of life. Perhaps you are looking for a way to slow down and let go of all that stuff that’s dragging you down and at the same time explore a stunning Greek island. Out to Explore Zen yoga holidays do just that.
Through your introduction to the principles of Zen yoga and meditation, you will learn ways to reduce stress using simple practices that you can continue and build on at home.
Alongside the internal discovery Out to Explore will introduce you to the extraordinary landscape of Zakynthos visiting hidden gems and cruising along the wonderful West coast. Balancing your internal exploration with an authentic exploration of Zakynthian culture.
Perhaps you already have an established practice that you would like to continue and enrich whilst on holiday. You will reconnect your senses and find the balance you need to be happy. Get all this in this retreat as well as plenty of opportunity to explore the raw beauty of this amazing Greek island.
What is Zen yoga?
Zen yoga combines elements of Taoist yoga, Hatha yoga, and Qigong, also incorporating elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in a life enhancing exploration. If it sounds like gobbledygook, don’t worry. Just give it a go! It is a gentle and compassionate practice that will strengthen and increase your flexibility along with a whole host of other benefits.
Although Zen yoga’s origins are in Buddhism, at Out to Explore, their practice is non-religious. Zen yoga treats the body and mind as one integral body, aiming to enhance physical well-being and life satisfaction. So, Zen yoga is often accompanied by meditation practice or Zazen.
The word "meditation" often inspires grimaces and uncomfortable memories of trying really hard not to think about anything. "I just can’t clear my mind to do it" is the type of thing you might hear frequently. Zazen could be better described as "quiet abiding." It is simply not possible to stop thinking.
The brain is constantly active. Some areas are more active when you are resting, so the idea of stopping all that activity is unrealistic. Zazen aims to allow that activity to naturally go on, but without any judgement, without becoming attached to the ideas, images, memories, and thoughts that are constantly trundling through your mind, just letting them pass without getting involved with them.
It is a practice, and like any practice, it becomes easier the more you do it. There has been research that suggests that this kind of "quiet abiding" can actually alter some of the brains neural paths. It is called neuroplasticity. What does that mean?
It means that habitual thought processes or patterns can be changed. Your reactions to stress - physical or emotional - can be changed just through meditation or Zazen.
There is a whole bunch of good stuff that regular practice can lead to, ranging from reducing stress and increasing clarity to improving well-being and even alleviating depression. This practice is definitely worth giving it a go.
Zen yoga also involves simple breathing, movement, and stretching exercises that are available to anyone regardless of age, fitness, or health. There are three main principles underlying Zen yoga: alignment, energy, and mindfulness.
Alignment
Alignment refers to physical alignment, an erect spine respecting its natural curves but with a sense of uplifting. In Zen yoga, you recognize that correct posture influences your state of mind and your energy.
Energy
Energy refers to the Zen concept of your body being energetic systems. This energy, also known as "ki," can be built up and drained. It flows through your body in particular routes known as meridians. When you stretch your body during yoga practices, you stretch, open, and unblock your energy routes and guide your energy in beneficial directions.
This is done through intention, meaning that your energy is guided through your breath, imagery, or a focused attention. The idea is to open and energize your well-being energy circuits. It is not necessary to have a deep understanding of this. Even just considering it as a concept will help transform the quality of your yoga practice.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness in Japanese calligraphy is called Nen. The character, when translated directly, is divided into two halves. The top half represents "now" and the bottom half represents "heart or mind." So, put those together and you will have your heart and mind in the "now."
Put in more flowery terms, it means the presence of a calm, alert, open, curious, steady but flexible, and deliberate but judgement-free attention to the action of the present moment.
Sounds a little complicated? When you simply allow yourself to exist in the present moment, freeing yourself of the things that are not relevant to the present moment, that’s when you are being mindful. Mindfulness gets easier with practice too. Once you get the hang of it, you will never look back.
For a deeper experience of Zen yoga and Zakynthos, this holiday will introduce you to a world of relaxation and inner exploration. With twice daily yoga and meditation practice, exploring all aspects of Zen yoga, you will also explore Zakynthos off the beaten track away from the crowds. Whenever possible, the yoga practice can be taken to stunning locations.
You will find a deep sense of serenity while connecting with your true nature, achieving your balance in this natural setting and making wonderful memories. This retreat is suitable for all levels and abilities and includes plenty of time in between to relax and unwind.
Sample daily schedule
Day 1 - Sunday
- Arrival
Day 2 - Monday
- 09:00 Intro to seasonal Zen yoga - garden practice
- Optional supermarket trip and pool time
- 18:00 Sunset beach yoga
Day 3 - Tuesday
- 10:00 Seaside energizing yoga
- 18:00 Seasonal meditation and Kinhin practice - mountainside location Gerakas.
Day 4 - Wednesday
- 07:00 Sunrise beach yoga with Qigong flow
- 18:00 Aqua yoga
Day 5 - Thursday
- 08:30 Reido practice - spontaneous yoga
- 18:00 Evening Zen yoga
Day 6 - Friday
- 10:00 Energizing mountainside yoga
- 18:00 Restorative yoga/yoga nidra and sound bath
Day 7 - Saturday
- West coast cruise day
Day 8 - Sunday
- Check out
Included excursions
Farmers' market
On Monday, you will visit the farmers' market in Zakynthos Town. The market is open every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday morning. This is an opportunity to stock up on locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables from the colorful market. You will follow up with a visit to a supermarket. It’s always fascinating to see the range of products in a supermarket when you’re in a different country.
Kaminia beach
On Tuesday, participants set off to explore part of the Vasilikos peninsula. You will take a winding lane down to a lesser visited beach where we enjoy the afternoon. There is a lovely taverna so food and drinks are available.
There is beach and garden areas with pine trees to provide shade and the gorgeous Ionian sea to bathe in. Bring your swimsuit and towel, perhaps a snorkel or a good book. Relax and let the Greek sun work its magic.
Zakynthos town ancient and modern
On Wednesday evening, you will travel to Boxhali Kastro overlooking Zakynthos town and the harbour. From here, you may wander through the village down to the centre of the town. Moving through the quiet historical residential area from the ancient ruins of the Kastro to the lively hubbub of the town.
You can eat together or enjoy free time mooching through the side streets with the multitude of street food available and the colourful shops. You will travel back to Argassi together and the night is yours.
Pelargaki beach and east coast
On Thursday afternoon, Out to Explore will take to the west coast and find your way to Pelargaki beach. Pelargaki beach is at the bottom of a stunning pathway. The beach is next door to a sulphur spring and enjoys the health benefits of sulphur and natural collagen deposits. Another opportunity to simply sit back and relax or explore with your snorkel.
Agia Marina olive grove vista
On Thursday evening, you will visit Agia Marina, a beautiful village and meet Spiros and his family who welcome you to their olive grove for an enchanting practice amongst the trees with a breathtaking panoramic view of the island. You will then visit their family taverna for some wholesome home cooked Greek delicacies.
Kanalos
On Friday morning, your yoga practice is on the mountainside at Kanalos overlooking the bay of Kalamaki and Keri. From here you can see the mythical Marathonisi Island also known as Turtle Island rising, from the sparkling sea like one of the Loggerhead turtles that visit us every year.
This is an awe inspiring location for a yoga practice so we revisit in the evening. Before that we have beach time in Argassi. Once again you can simply lie back on a sunbed and relax or you can indulge in some watersports on offer.
For the thrill seekers there's paragliding, and jetskis. For the fun lovers, there are infalatables like the banana ride. For the brave there's waterskiing. You will travel back up the mountain in time for a glorious sunset and a simple traditional Greek supper at Kanalos.
West coast wonders and cruise
On Saturday, you will have a full day exploring. The west coast really is something special. Seeing the Mizithres from above, visiting the village of Keri, and then heading out along the dramatic west coast by fast speedboat with our fabulous Captain Jannis. You may even spot some turtles! Altogether an unforgettable experience.
Instructors
Melanie Glazzard
Melanie joined the Out to Explore team after completing her Zen Yoga Training in 2022. Her specialist field is in trauma informed yoga. She is a specialist leader and consultant in education. Zen Yoga and the ethos of Zen has brought her a whole new lease of life enabling her to shine in a sometimes highly stressful workspace.
Barbara Clother
Barbara came to Zen yoga as part of a journey towards rekindling joy at the age of 30. Her yoga practice is a life enhancing exploration, a journey without a destination in which every step is different and glorious in its own right. She created Out to Explore and the Zen Yoga Studio as a base for sharing Zen yoga practice and philosophy. One of her greatest pleasures is helping others find their path and connect with their joy, enabling them to continue their practice in their own daily lives. Her retreats provide an intimate and atmospheric space to develop practice.
Retreat location
This retreat takes place in Argassi, Zakynthos, Greece. Argassi village is situated in the southern part of the island, on the east coast, three kilometers southeast of Zakynthos town and 5.8 kilometers from the airport, which is about 10 minutes by car.
Argassi is an ideal base on the coastal road between Zakynthos town and the Vasilikos Peninsula. During the summer season (May to October), Argassi resort, based along the sea front, enjoys the benefits of a tourist resort.
There is a small but good selection of excellent and varied tavernas, restaurants, beach bars, and shops. The narrow sandy or shingle beach has a lively water sports center and also harbors the remains of a Venetian bridge built in 1805.
During the winter, the pace of life slows down in Argassi and the village returns to its roots. Olive picking, farming, and fishing are the main pastimes. There are some local off-the-beaten-track walks that start at the foothills of Mount Skopos nearby and many other walks all over the island.
Distances
- Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH), 5.8 kilometers - 10 minutes by car
Unique features
Activities
- Art classes
- Massage
- Spa
- Swimming
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
General
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Balcony
- In-room safe
- Kitchen
- Meditation garden
- Poolside bar
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
- Patio
Services
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi / computer
- Hair dryer
- Mosquito net
Food
This retreat provides self-catering accommodation. You are provided with the means to prepare and cook your own meals and the opportunity to stock up at the local supermarket. It's always fun to eat together so Out to Explore suggests a local taverna/restaurant most evenings where you can eat together.
Out to Explore ensures that there are options available for vegetarian and other dietary requirements. You can chose exactly what you wish to eat and of course, if you fancy you can eat in your accommodation or elsewhere.
There are plenty of tavernas and restaurants within walking distance offering a wide variety of dietary tastes. Out to Explore provides transport to venues further afield when you eat together.
The following meals are included:
- Brunch
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Whole food
Exclusive Gifts
Out to Explore has prepared a few special surprises for you, including unique experiences and thoughtful extras to make your journey even more memorable.
West Coast Wonders Cruise
Things to do (optional)
During your free time, you can do activities of your own choice. There are lots of extra activities you can book, such as hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, pottery making, and cooking classes.
You are also welcome to use the swimming pool at Elea Hotel, which is opposite of Explorer's Rest. If the beach is more your thing, then Argassi Beach is a 10-minute stroll away.
There are also regular buses that can take you to Vasilikos and the gorgeous beaches along the Vasilikos Peninsula. Gerakas Beach, at the tip of the peninsula, is one of the main sites under the protection of the National Marine Park for the conservation of loggerhead turtles. You can find out more about the National Marine Park's work by visiting their observation station at Gerakas.
You may also like to explore some of the more creative activities that Zakynthos offers. Argassi is the home of Afrodite, a local potter who will teach you how to make a piece of pottery using old fashioned techniques at the Spinspot pottery.
You can also ride a horse on an unspoiled beach beside the ocean, or explore by sea, or enjoy a kayaking trip to the blue caves organized by them. They can also organize bicycle and car hire for you. They are always on hand if you need any tips or advice.
Spa treatments
Treat yourself to a massage, choosing from a variety of styles including Indian head massage, relaxing massage, sports massage, and reflexology.
What's included
- Morning and evening yoga and meditation practice
- Trip to the local market for fresh produce
- Trip to explore the secret gems of Zakynthos
- Personal guidance in small groups
- Free time to explore and do activities of your own choice
- Transfers to and from airport
- Yoga mats and props
- 7 nights accommodation
- Brunch
Included Exclusive Gifts
West Coast Wonders Cruise
A full day exploring the West coast including viewing the Mizithres from above and wandering through the enchanting village of Keri, to racing along the dramatic west coast by speedboat with our fabulous Captain Jannis.
What's not included
- All meals apart from brunch
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional extras like massage, watersports.
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
3 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). Transfers from and to the airport are included. Out to Explore will pick you up from the airport.
There are all year round flights leaving every day from Athens, which take approximately 45 minutes. There are also regular flights to and from Kefalonia, Corfu, Kithira, and Preveza.
During the tourist season, April to October, there are direct charter connections between Zakynthos and a number of European cities. Some of the larger charter airlines, Ryanair and EasyJet, fly to Zakynthos. Transfer from the airport can be done by taxi, costing approximately 20 EUR.
Arrival by bus
Please book your ticket to Kyllini. The national bus company (KTEL) runs a daily coach service with direct connections to the cities of Athens, Patras, and Thessaloniki via a short journey on the Zakynthos-Kyllini ferry.
The trip from Athens to Kyllini lasts roughly four hours and 30 minutes. From Kyllini, there is a direct ferry boat link to Zakynthos. The ferryboat ticket is included in the price of the bus ticket. From the bus station in Zakynthos Town, you can either take a bus to Argassi or a taxi costing approximately 12 EUR.
Arrival by ferry
All year round, there are daily ferry routes from the port of Killini, on the Peloponnese coast, to Zakynthos. Two companies operating are Ionian Group and Kefalonian Lines. During the tourist season, May to October, there is a ferry connection, which is Ionion Pelagos between Pesada in Kefalonia and Saint Nikolas port in Zakynthos.
All year round, there are daily car-ferry routes from Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindisi (Italy) to Patras (Greece). Then, you can go by car or bus (KTEL) to Killini's port, and by ferry to Zakynthos.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 7 days before arrival.
Reviews
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.
Similar Yoga Retreats you might like
You recently viewed
