6 Day Detox Beach Holiday, Weight Loss, and Yoga Retreat in Zakynthos, Greece

Facilities

Program & Itinerary

SWYO Retreats offer guests from all over the world a relaxing unforgettable retreat experience in their quiet and welcoming retreats. They offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing through the programme of activities that include yoga, fitness, meditation, rebounding and more, combined with tasty nutritious plant-based food.

You will be able to relax and practice yoga at the beach or on the poolside of the hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Ionian sea while appreciating the breathtaking scenic views from the surrounding crystal clear sea and wind down with glorious sunset walks on the beach.

Imagine starting your refreshing yoga retreat with morning sunrise yoga on the beach with views of the sea and mountains. Enjoy a healthy breakfast before joining in workout sessions, meditation, taking a walk or maybe relaxing on your sunbed with a good book. You can try yoga workouts, yogalates or workshop sessions before enjoying a delicious plant-based lunch. After some free time to wander around the local area or to catch some sun rays, you can choose to participate in the afternoon activities or rest around the pool. All activities are optional so you can do as much or as little as you want. Find the inner peace and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and more like you.

Another aim of the retreat is to help you with your weight goals. Creating healthy food and exercise habits would help the body to release excess toxins and weight. As the food you consume and the way you move becomes your life, during the retreat you can experience healthy plant-based foods and activities that help you to discover long-term healthy lifestyle habits. Allow yourself the opportunity to slow down and get back into balance with sunshine, walks, yoga, meditation, making friends, and detox.

Yoga

Yoga is a core part of the retreat program and they welcome beginners and people with an intermediate level of practice. Studies have proven yoga to be one of the best ways to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Yoga also helps to improve overall fitness, strength, and flexibility.

Yoga classes at SWYO

There are two to three yoga classes per day. There is one all-level yoga class each day (suitable for beginners and intermediate-level practitioners) and at least four intermediate classes during the retreat. Classes are open to everyone, however, the intermediate classes are stronger and more challenging. There is always one 90-minute class in the morning and other yoga classes are either 60 or 90 minutes depending upon the day.

Most of the yoga classes are Vinyasa flow-based (Dynamic), although Diana offers a range of different yoga styles, including Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini. If you are new to yoga, this is your opportunity to try something new! The common theme underlying yoga at the retreat is to help you to get back in touch with the inner you, to find balance, strength, flexibility, and inner peace. Where possible, the yoga classes are held outdoors on the beach (which has retractable shade) with views of the surrounding area, sea, and mountains. They also have a lovely indoor terrace area for practice. You will leave your short yoga break feeling relaxed and rejuvenated from your time at the retreat.

Other activities

Each day, there are other classes that you can take part in, like yogalates (a combination of yoga and pilates) and yoga workouts (dynamic high-paced yoga workouts for tums and bums).

Daily guided walks

The retreat location by the sea and close to woodland makes the surrounding area a great one to explore, enjoy the scenery, sea, and fresh air. They encourage all guests to join with the daily guided walks, which give you some of the very best views of the Zakynthos. Various routes can be followed depending upon your desired level of activity.

SWYO Retreats program

The retreat offers a full program of activities that run every day of the retreat, starting at 7 a.m. (depending on sunrise) and finishing between 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. (depending upon the activity). You are welcome to choose to attend all the activities that you want to.

Sample daily schedule

• 07:00 90-minute morning sunrise yoga/pranayama/beach walk
• 09:00 Morning breakfast
• 10:30 90-minute full-body yoga workout class (exercise class e.g. yogalates, yoga fitness)
• 12:15 Enjoy some time to yourself, have a siesta and lunch, grab a book, and relax under a tree near the poolside
• 15:00 30-minute session (Walk/hike/discussion/juice demo), some days
• 16:00 90-minute class Vinyasa flow
• 18:30 Dinner
• 20:30 Evening activity (It can be one of the arts of relaxation, guided visualization, mindfulness workshop, meditation, evening walk in the summer, etc.)

The start time varies by day and season. You will be given the program of activities when you arrive at the retreat. If you are looking for some time away to practice yoga in a beautiful seaside location, then this is the place for you! With over 10 yoga classes across the retreat program plus many other activities on the program including magnificent guided walks, yoga workouts, Kundalini meditation to help you to relax, and morning meditation sessions, you will soon feel refreshed and rejuvenated. After your yoga break, you will feel refreshed and centered, back to the real you once again.

The retreat is located in the fabulous Stamiris Beach Hotel in the small seaside town of Vassilikos, an island of Zakynthos in Greece. The town itself is relatively quiet, surrounded by white mountains, and has an unhurried air; perfect for relaxation. They are located off the main road, up a quiet side of the beach. Shops and cafes are also close by in case you forget to bring something! The coastline is beautiful, with the Mediterranean blue sea and a backdrop of mountains. It is a lovely place to relax and swim. There are lovely cafes and restaurants on the beachside within walking distance to grab a coffee or read a book while sunbathing.

The walk through pine and olive trees to catch the sunset on the beach is one of the favorite activities of the day. Zante is just a few kilometers away, the town is beautiful and vibrant, with restaurants and cafes. The history of Zante goes back to ancient greek times. Since the retreat is on the edge of the beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can take part in. Bring plenty of sun cream, a snorkeling kit, and sunglasses with you.

Distances

• Palka Beach, 500 meters
• Spanzia Beach, 750 meters
• Porto Zorro Beach, 1 kilometer
• Porto Roma Beach, 2.5 kilometers
• Turtle Beach, 3 kilometers

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Sword and Yoga believes that the starting point for rejuvenation and renewal of the body and mind is through the foods that you consume. Therefore, they offer freshly cooked meals, fruit, and vegetables at SWYO Retreats. They serve a plant-based diet, packed full of nutrition to give your whole system support and a well-deserved rest. They use locally sourced products and local suppliers, so the menu is typically Greek, with a Mediterranean twist! All dishes are prepared and cooked with care and love. They use lots of herbs and spices to bring flavor and variety, plus serve a selection of dishes with a variety of textures, colors, and flavors.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the cost of your retreat. They will serve fresh juice during the day, sometimes after a session. You can enjoy a range of dishes, for dinner, they have various meals each day at a local taverna (restaurant). At the end of the day, you will take a breeze walk to the local taverna (restaurant) as a group. Take this opportunity to get to know each other and create meaningful conversations within the community. They also offer you the opportunity to try juicing. They do serve vegan alternatives including rice milk or soy yogurts. Each meal is nutritionally balanced, so it will include vegan sources of protein and a carbohydrate option.

Typical foods served

• Breakfast: healthy breakfast (homemade granola, homemade muesli, porridge, fruits, greek yogurt, juice)
• Lunchtime: free time to sunbathe, swim, or discover local restaurants and islands on your own or as a group.
• Evening meal examples: Greek salad, lentil soup, vegan lasagna, Spinach pie, Greek pasta dishes, Greek vegetable bake, plus assorted salads and lots of vegetable side dishes.

Sometimes occasional treats are provided, of the healthy variety of course! In the afternoon, they provide you with fresh juice to freshen up after the mid-day class. SWYO retreats can cater to most dietary requests for allergies or intolerances, including gluten or wheat-free, coeliacs, and people with nut allergies. Please let them know at the time of booking if you have a special dietary request.

You are encouraged to drink at least three to five liters of water per day whilst at the retreat as this helps with the elimination of toxins and helps to keep the body well hydrated. Filtered water is available for you at the retreat. There is also a wide range of herbal teas, including green tea and hot water so you can make yourself a hot drink whenever you chose.

Please enquire prices with the vendors:

• Water sports
• Kite surfing
• Body massages
• Boat trips
• Paddle boarding
• Jet ski
• Pottery making

• 6 days of yoga and fitness/workout practice (2 yoga classes per day and 1 yoga full-body workout/yogalates session per day)
• Daily guided meditation sessions
• Sunrise beach yoga sessions
• Sunset yoga/meditation on the beach
• Walks, hikes, and the opportunity to discover the different nearby beaches
• 5 nights accommodation (Air-conditioned room at a beachside hotel with a pool)
• Daily breakfast and dinner (plant-based food with fresh juices)
• 24-hour access to the beachside pool with a view to relax and renew

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Airport transfers
• Personal expenses

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 25% 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.