Retreat on Lesvos Island, Greece
June 15th-26th, 2025
Love knows no boundaries, it transcends time and distance. ~ Sapho
Join me for a two week, healing retreat on the ancient island of Lesvos, Greece in the north Aegean Sea. This part of Greece has been known for, and revered as, a place of healing since the time of Dionysus. Lesvos is the birthplace of Sapho, one of the most widely regarded lyric poets since ancient times. It continues to be a pilgrimage place for people from around the world, to enhance creativity, restore vitality, provide soulful nourishment, and remember wild aliveness. We will spend our days spaciously, with a long practice session in the morning, empty time in the afternoon to rest, swim in the sea, visit the hot springs, and encourage slowing down. In the evenings, a restorative and meditative class will be offered before sunset. This retreat offers a harmonious balance of rich and sacred practices along with plenty of quiet time to explore your inner world and awaken your senses while unwinding into the depths of yourself.
Schedule:
Opening Circle, Sunday Evening June 15th
Daily Yoga - 9am-12pm & 5:30-7pm
Open time each afternoon to swim, write, read, lounge, rest, play, sightsee, wander the cobblestone streets of Molyvos, soak in the hot springs … nourish yourself. The retreat occurs during the Summer Solstice, and there will be a special practice for this day of Light. There will be four group meals at favorite restaurants included in your retreat. The rest of your meals will be on your own, prepared in your accommodation, or at a local restaurant.
The last day is the evening class on Thursday, June 26th followed by a beautiful Greek meal on the sea.
About:
The retreat will be held in Eftalou, a small valley by the sea in northern Lesvos. It is just outside the ancient village of Molyvos which has a rich mythical history dating back as far as the 7th century b.c.e. The village cascades down from a medieval fortress with a beautiful agora. It has gorgeous, winding cobblestone streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.
The practice will take place in an incredibly special, fully equipped Yoga Hall custom built by Melissa’s longtime teachers, Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten. This sacred practice space is full of enchantment and powerful energy. It has soft pine floors, and a large open air window facing an old olive grove. All high quality props are provided for you.
What to Expect:
This retreat holds the intention to help you journey deeper into yourself in order to provide a truly transformative experience - supported by our retreat community and Melissa’s gifted ability to hold space for rich inner unfoldings. There will be time for long extended Yoga sessions to help you be with what you are bringing, from your heart, to this retreat. At times there will be opportunities for group sharing so we can learn together. Partner work, meditations, journeys into the breath, fluid expressions of asana, and energetic insights will interweave in each session. The embodiment of traditional asanas will be explored as well as creative movement expressions. There will be periods of silence and sometimes music to enhance creativity and connection.
What's Included, Cost, and Accommodation...
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What's Included:
Two Yoga classes with Melissa daily
Four delicious, al fresco family style, meals at wonderful sea side restaurants
A special Summer solstice ceremony
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Accommodation
Your accommodation and all other meals are your own responsibility and expense. Once you register, Melissa will provide you with an accommodation list and help you find the right place for your retreat experience. There are a variety of options available from quaint Airbnbs to full service hotels.
Retreat Cost $1500
You will pay in 3 installments of $500, including a non-refundable $500 deposit to hold your space.
What is NOT Included:
Your chosen accommodation
All of your meals, except the four group meals
Airfare
Ground Transportation
Travel Insurance