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Welcome to a beautiful week away in Greece! Out to Explore will help you immerse into a world of relaxation and inner exploration. 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!
You will be accommodated in Explorer's Rest or Elea Hotel.
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. They have been refurbished and both can accommodate up to three adults with the option of an extra Z bed for a child.
The first floor studios are basically equipped and can accommodate up to two adults each.
Voyager and Wayfarer studios both bear characteristics of their names, reflected in their color schemes and décor. The spirit of the sea explorer and the wandering wayfarer are invoked in the carefully selected furnishings, pictures, ornaments, and books.
Both studios have full kitchens, giving you the freedom to choose whether to eat out or prepare some great home cooked food. The bunk beds, too, reflect the sense of adventure that Out to Explore likes to share with their guests.
The balconies have French windows with pull-down mosquito nets for your comfort and convenience, and to enjoy views of the foothills of Mount Skopos, perfect for gazing at a sundowner. Both studios have flat screen television, safety deposit box, free air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Nomad and Fernweh offer basic accommodation for the happy holiday maker and explorer on a budget. They are accessed via stairs at the rear of the building that leads to a shared terrace at the entrance to the studios.
From there, you have a panoramic view of the sea and coast all the way to Zakynthos Town, as well as being able to watch the sun rise over the coastline. The balconies on the other side of each studio enjoy views of the foothills of Skopos and the surrounding lush green area.
It is a perfect place for watching the sun sink below the horizon. The balcony windows also have pull down mosquito nets. Both studios have kitchen, refrigerator, wet room old style shower room, television, safety deposit box, and free Wi-Fi.
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 have a television, hairdryer, fridge and free Wi-Fi.
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. 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.
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 time to explore the raw beauty of this amazing Greek island.
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 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 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 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.
Every Monday, Out to Explore visits 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.
Every Friday, participants set off to explore some of the secret gems of the island, taking in the lesser known beauty spots. Pack a swimsuit and towel and bring your camera.
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.
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. Hiring a car enables you to explore the island in your own way and at your own pace.
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.
Village life revolves around the olive factory and the village store, which doubles as a meeting place or coffee bar. There is no shortage of fresh local produce and there is always at least one taverna or restaurant open throughout the winter.
In milder temperatures, it is the ideal time for walking, trekking, and embarking on outdoor adventures. There are some off-the-beaten-track walks that start at the foothills of Mount Skopos and many other walks all over the island.
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 market. There are plenty of tavernas and restaurants within walking distance offering a wide variety of dietary tastes.
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.
During your free time, you may 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.
This is a unique experience of the island of Zakynthos with Jackie, founder of Nefis Travel. You will journey off the beaten track to the most traditional villages on the island, completely away from mass tourism, and largely untouched by time.
You will have the opportunity to see real Greek island villages and experience day-to-day life in rural Zante. You will visit an olive oil factory as well as a monastery as you explore the hidden treasures of Zakynthos.
Naturally, you can take in the view of the famous shipwreck bay from above and learn a thing or two about Greek culture, history, traditions, and mythology along the way. You will stop for lunch at Kampi, located high along the Zakynthian white cliffs, offering the most breathtaking, panoramic sea views in all of Greece.
There, you can enjoy delicious home-made Zakynthian meals while being serenaded by guitarist Nico and Jackie. The uplifting sounds of traditional Zakynthian folk songs are utterly enchanting.
Fora, in Greek, means momentum. Fora, in Latin, means outdoors, outside. This synthesis outlines the main idea of getting out and regaining your connection with what you need so much.
The island of Zakynthos can generously provide earth, sun, and sea. Walking in nature revives, trains, and awakens both the body and the mind while it puts a brake on the fast pace of modern day life. With Fora, you can find tracks and hidden treasures which the instructors will share with you.
On this occasion, you will start at Limni Keri and be guided along the coast to Marathia and the breathtaking untamed west coast. Along the way, you will get to know about the flora and fauna. You will also find a small taverna for lunch and finish your hike with a cooling swim in the sea. The trekking is approximately eight kilometers.
You will have the opportunity to explore the amazing coastline of Zakynthos with Seakayaking Zakynthos. Full instruction (if required), all equipment, and transfers are included for your peace of mind. Imagine exploring the blue caves by kayak and discovering the deepest and bluest gems of this island. You may even find yourself sharing the sea with a Caretta Turtle.
Treat yourself to a massage, choosing from a variety of styles including Indian head massage, relaxing massage, sports massage, and reflexology.
Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)
3 km
Transfer included
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 16 EUR. Alternatively, you can collect a hire car from the airport either by booking online in advance or when you arrive.
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 8 EUR.
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.
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