YOGA & Chant RETREAT / ITHACA GREECE 2023
Heart in me…. Essence and Source
with Linda Spackman
August 26 - September 2, 2023
A week-long all-inclusive Yoga and Chant Immersion on the mystical island of Ithaca Greece
In this week-long immersion, we have time and space to attune our physical, mental and emotional rhythms through yoga asana, pranayama, Vedic chant and meditation.
Our source for inspiration and chanting will be one of the most beautiful chants from the Vedic tradition. This ancient mantra proclaims the heart as the essence of universal source. We chant to connect with the heart as the sustaining and unifying force linking our individual embodiment with the vastness of nature.
As we engage the techniques and practices of yoga, we cultivate refined awareness and bring balance to our body, energy, mind, intellect and emotions.
PROGRAM
Each day begins with early morning personal practice of silent reflection as the sun rises and enlivens the Ionian Sea, bringing sparkle to the water, light to the olive trees, and definition to the geography of the surrounding Islands.
Morning yoga class ~ an energizing practice of dynamic asanas to warm the body and create core stability, with a focus on standing poses for strength and balance, and incorporating appropriate inversions for hormonal regulation ~ is followed by a hearty brunch.
Days are free to explore nearby beaches, swimming, and hiking the local trails overlooking the magnificent Ionian sea. The venue offers lots of lovely relaxation spots, a well stocked library, games or you can treat yourself to a massage. Delightful snacks are served mid-afternoon.
Early evening class includes practice of relaxing and nourishing reclined, seated and supported asanas, harmonizing pranayamas, Vedic chanting, and reflective moments of silence.
Dinner is followed by time to gather together and share or to select solitude as the rich deep quiet of night envelops this magical island retreat center.
We will have one afternoon off during the week to allow for an optional group cooking class or longer excursion.
THE VENUE
The venue is located in Ithaca, a small Ionian island that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. It offers outstanding natural beauty, providing a space specifically for peace, relaxation and practice.
The extraordinary retreat center overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighboring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing natural beauty to speak for itself.
The perfect destination to immerse yourself in yoga and return home feeling recharged and rejuvenated.
ACCOMMODATION
All bedrooms en-suite and air-conditioned, coco-mat mattresses, wood paneled ceilings and views across the Ionian sea towards Kefalonia with private or shared terrace. Each bedroom has a unique identity.
The Mongolian yurts are light and airy inside, sleeping between one to two people. They contain comfortable beds with mosquito nets, coco-mat mattresses, stand up fan and en-suite bathrooms. Pathways and steps provide access to the yurt platforms, each with outdoor seating, positioned high among rocks and trees with beautiful sea views.
FOOD PHILOSOPHY
Food is fresh, sumptuous and made up of local produce. All vegetables are organic and sourced from the best of what Ithaca and neighboring Kefalonia has to offer. Plentiful, home-cooked menus blend traditional Greek cuisine with a contemporary style. For the retreats, mainly vegetarian food is promoted, although freshly caught fish is available on request.
ACTIVITIES
- Beaches are less than 5 walking minutes below the retreat
- Kayaks and other water sports, car, scooter, bikes for rent, Scuba diving facility
- Hike in the mountains
- Historical tours can be arranged
PRICE : 7 nights per person
Shared Double Occupancy from £1550
Single Occupancy from £1900
Except for the deposit, we are listing the prices in £ British Pounds. We will convert amounts from Euro and Dollars according to exchange rates as payments are made.
This unique retreat is open to 14. Limited single bedrooms. Please contact us for more details about bedrooms, prices.
Price includes:
- Group transit from and to the airport EFL Kefalonia by bus/taxi, sea taxi or ferry
- Accommodation 7 nights
- Breakfast/brunch, snack/lunch and dinner
- Yoga courses
- Filtered water, Fresh herbs for infusions, tea bags and coffee, Biscuits (gluten free and vegan)
- Beach towels
- Yoga mats, blocks, belts, bolsters and blankets
- Infused organic olive soap, Basil or Sage, Calendula face balm with 7 essential oils, organic
- Hair dryers
- Internet high speed wireless reception all through the retreat
Excluding : Travel and travel insurance
Available at an extra cost : Organic wine/Spirits, Laundry, Ironing, Excursion, Massages
Information & Registrations : ncouloubaritsis@gmail.com
How to get there :
The nearest airport is Kefalonia (EFL). Private group transport will take us to the port of Kefalonia where a private sea taxi will continue the journey to Ithaca. Arrangement for coordinating flights will be made.
!! Traveling outside the group is at your own expenses.
There are direct flights to Kefalonia from Athens and many cities in Europe. Please contact us if you need more information about your flight or if you want some tips to extend your trip in Greece.
Terms & Conditions :
A non-refundable deposit of $500 (US Dollar $461+ tax) reserves your place
To pay the deposit : https://www.lindaspackman.com/invoices//deposit-greece-retreat
Deposit is non-refundable, however, if this retreat has to be cancelled or postponed you will receive a full refund for all payments. Or, you may chose to participate in the rescheduled date.
Insurance : To attend this retreat you must be covered by trip insurance. This policy should include adequate coverage for unanticipated inability to attend this retreat, as well as travel complications, medical expenses, and the cost of repatriation should you become ill. As this is a small private event, cancellations can not be refunded.
ABOUT LINDA SPACKMAN
Linda Spackman began practicing yoga in 1984 and teaching in 2000. Her offerings include āsana, prāṇāyāma, meditation, Bhagavad Gītā, Yoga Sūtra and Vedic Chant. She teaches for studios and teacher training programs throughout the US and in Europe. In every class, Linda imparts her joy and underlying reverence for all aspects of yoga. Her teaching style is accessible yet challenging for all levels of practice, from beginner to life-long practitioner. Linda is a long-time student of Sonia Nelson, a dedicated personal student of TKV Desikachar. Sonia guides Linda in studies of the Yoga Sūtras, Bhagavad Gītā, Vedic chant, prāṇāyāma and meditation. Since 2004, Linda has had the blessing of continuing study with Patricia Walden, one of the most senior teachers of Iyengar yoga. Linda treasures and is inspired by Patricia's dynamic teaching and the devotion and refined elegance of her practice. A long-time prenatal-postpartum teacher, and Certified Yoga Therapist, Linda specializes in yoga for all phases of a woman’s life. As a mature and experienced practitioner, she delights in guiding women to deepen their practice and enhance their lives through all that yoga has to offer.
“Your vision of a yoga retreat is divine! You and Nicole imagined, planned and delivered a heavenly experience. Every practice was meaningful and fulfilling. The joy began on the bus ride from the airport and deepened on the extraordinary journey to the wonder of Ithaca. The site of the retreat was beyond imagining! Ingrid and her staff created a perfect environment for yoga, rest, contemplation and eating very well (I am still in cake withdrawal). And you attracted a group of very special women who added to the experience every day. Thank you.”
Your ever grateful student,
Carolyn
“You are amazing. The retreat was soul soothing.
Thank you so much. I can’t wait to chant and call in the feeling of our time on Ithaca.
It was the highlight of our trip for me.”
With gratitude,
Emily