Iyengar Yoga Retreat with Eugenia
Join us at YogaOnCrete and experience lightness of body and spirit and the joy of honouring and nurturing the needs of your body, mind and spirit through the practice of Iyengar yoga and meditation, daily encounters with the cool, turquoise Mediterranean waters at quiet beaches, idyllic unspoilt surroundings, and wholesome local food, excursions, a warm and welcoming group of people and much more!
During this course, each day will start with a morning class, focusing on building the foundations for a basic series of asana (postures); the correct understanding and practice of postures thus becomes a tool for deepening one’s awareness of body, breath and mind, ending with a deep relaxation and centering and grounding meditation. In the afternoon, the principles of alignment, efficient use of energy through removal of layers of tension and use of breath, as well as subtle sensations that bring the practitioner in contact with the vitality and spaciousness of the inner body, will be explored further.
Retreat Highlights
- Twice daily Iyengar yoga classes
- Evening meditation
- Professional and experienced yoga instructor
- 7 nights' accommodation in traditional guesthouse located near beach
- 7 brunches and 5 dinners included
- A round trip to the beautiful Sweet Water beach
- Linen and towels provided
Course Program
Each week begins with an introductory yoga session at 6.00 p.m. on the day of arrival, followed by dinner. All other days will begin at 8.30 a.m. with a 2 hour Iyengar yoga class. After brunch guests are free to relax and enjoy the beach and sunshine, receive a massage treatment, or explore the village and region. In the late afternoon (6 pm) there is a second 1.5 hour class, followed by a 20-minute meditation, and the day's programme closes with dinner.
In weeklong courses, the fourth day of the week is a rest day from classes; guests can join an optional excursion, including a guided hike through a gorge of the region (usually the magnificent Aradaina gorge) or other season appropriate hike, ending at the beach (approx. €25 depending on number of participants). All breakfasts and 5 dinners are offered at the house, while on two of the nights guests are free to dine out in the village restaurants (not included in the course cost; approx. €15 for a full meal including drinks). Individual excursions (e.g., hikes, boat trips) can also be arranged at an extra cost. On the last day, departure can be arranged after breakfast.
The number of guests is limited to 14, to create a warm and friendly atmosphere, and to ascertain that individual attention is given in the classes.
Iyengar yoga
The classes comprise of a series of asanas (physical postures), usually sustained for some time so that the body and its necessary actions can be observed within the posture, pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation (sitting in silence, concentration techniques), through which awareness of the body and mind in the present moment and deep relaxation are practiced.
Iyengar yoga was developed through the pioneering work of B.K.S. Iyengar, who freed the classical yoga postures (asanas) from their Indian mystique and with the use of props made them suitable for Westerners, who want to have a clear understanding of what happens in a yoga posture. A typical Iyengar yoga class focuses on precision of movement, correct alignment, and the study of the ‘muscle and mind’ actions and resistance necessary to enter a state of concentration. Breathing awareness is emphasized in every asana in order to deepen the experience. Through consistent practice the student overcomes physical and mental/emotional limits and develops a deep awareness of the body, power, control, patience and physical and mental harmony.Instructor
Eugenia Sivitou
Eugenia initially studied Psychology in Athens and went on to receive an MSc in Sport Psychology in Wales. She then began practicing yoga in 2004, while studying Contemporary Dance in Scotland. She gained a Yoga Teacher qualification from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Spain in 2005 and in 2012 received her Iyengar yoga teaching certification, with Constantinos Giannetakis as her regular teacher.
Whenever possible, she loves continuing her training also with other teachers such as Donna Farhi, Angela Farmer and Martine Le Chenic, and has in recent years become more interested in tailoring the practice to women's needs and hormonal cycles. She is currently living between Rhodes and Crete with her husband Nikos.
Her classes strive to create a safe and nurturing environment. The focus on the breath, as a powerful tool for developing awareness of the body and quieting the mind, is integral in her teaching, also incorporating elements of her Vipassana meditation practice.
Ultimately, her interest lies in integrating an analytical/psychological approach, emotional expression through movement and voice, and the development of awareness and connection with our spiritual essence through yoga and meditation, in light of a holistic approach to well being.Prices
- (all inclusive) per person per week
- €600 shared accommodation in twin non-ensuite room (with use of the communal bathroom).
- €690 shared en suite accommodation (3 in a room) or single non-ensuite (with use of communal bathroom).
- €750 shared en suite twin or double room.
- €950 single en suite accommodation (please note that single room availability is limited).
- €530 non-participating partner sharing a room.
- €590 work-exchange option (only one place per week): about 2-3 hours’ help per day with light household tasks (e.g., washing dishes, cleaning yoga studio) that does not interfere with the attendance of all classes. Accommodation in triple room.
