Yoga Retreat with Anna Ashby
Urania Villas, Lefkada, Greece
17 – 24 May, 2025
Urania Villas hold spectacular views of the Ionian Sea nestled high up on a hill amongst the olive trees. The view of the mythical island of Ithaca in the distance inspires reflection and the peaceful environment and stunning panorama of the sea invites rest and relaxation. The stone villas are beautifully designed with a modern and luxurious feel each one having their own kitchen and living area.
Located 3km away up on the hill overlooking Ponti-Vassiliki village, a popular wind-surfing destination, makes the Villas one of the most peaceful spots on the island of Lefkada. Here, you will hear rustling leaves and birdsong and experience the joy of stillness and space. There is also access to a beautiful private beach from the villas, it's a steep hike about 20-30 minutes' walk each way, but worth the exercise!
Accommodation
There are 4 villas, each with 3 bedrooms, with every room having an en-suite. Each carefully positioned villa has its own pool and sufficient distance to ensure privacy. Every single room and exterior space has an exceptional view of the sea.
In addition to the land and patios around each villa, the interior has more than 200 sq meters of space that is comfortable and designed to give you plenty of areas to relax in and enjoy the views.
Yoga Room
The yoga room enjoys a full and expansive view of the sea and the window/doors can be opened to enjoy the outside and sea breeze. The studio also includes a a full set of props.
Schedule*
7 - 8am - Fruit / Tea - Coffee / Journaling / Walk / Quiet Time
8 - 10am - Morning Yoga Session
10.30 - 12pm - Brunch
12 - 5pm - Free time
5-6:30pm Evening Yoga Session
7 - 8.30pm - Dinner
10:00pm - Quiet time
*Schedule may be changed at the discretion of the teacher.
YOGA
The Retreat provides a contemplative frame that deepens self-knowledge through embodied practice and enquiry sourcing inspiration from the yoga tradition as well as modern thinkers, writers, and artists. The style of yoga taught weaves together a variety of yoga and movement practices - a class may include detailed instruction, slow flowing movement, somatic exploration, use of props, chanting and various stillness practices including breath, Restorative and meditation. - all of which express the essence of yoga as awareness. Daily pracIce and sequences enable a process of release and joyful presence.
Anna Ashby
One of the UK!s leading yoga teachers, Anna has been studying and pracIcing yoga for over 30 years and teaching for over 20. As a senior teacher and trainer in the UK, she holds the highest level of cerIficaIon with Yoga Alliance Professionals in the UK (SYT) and the Yoga Alliance in the U.S. (E-RYT-500 + YACEP). She also holds a B.A. (hons) in Modern Dance from Mills College in California (1991).
Her interpretaIon of yoga has been influenced by her study of dance, training within modern yoga styles focusing on precision and alignment, and immersion in yoga pracIce and teachings while
living in an ashram for 12 years in upstate New York during the 1990!s. Anna specialises in RestoraIve Yoga, a modern style that supports nervous system health through the healing effects of deep relaxaIon, breath and present moment awareness.
Her book, RestoraIve Yoga: Power Presence PracIce for Teachers and Trainees, released in March
2022, has become the "go to!#book for teachers and pracIIoners serving as an in depth guide for those interested in the RestoraIve arts. It elucidates and celebrates this pracIce spotlighIng rest, sIllness and space as necessary elements for culIvaIng balance and deepening spiritual endeavour.
Retreat Fee
£1450pp shared
£2050 single (limited number)
A £595 non-refundable deposit reserves your place, with the full amount due by February 28, 2025.
Retreat fee includes accommodaIon, meals/snacks and yoga sessions. Travel Insurance, flights, transfers, massages and ouIng are not included and are an addiIonal cost.
Transfers
The group transfer includes both to and from the retreat site, and will be €80 (approx. £70). If you would like to join the group transfer please let us know and we will send you the details of our recommended arrival and departure Imes. The transfer will be arranged around the recommended flight. If you choose separate flights you will need to arrange your flights to coincide with the transfer.
If you are travelling from elsewhere, or have different requirements please talk with Nicole at ncouloubaritsis@gmail.com.
Registration
To register contact Nicole at ncouloubaritsis@gmail.com.
Terms & Conditions
Insurance:
To asend this retreat you must be covered by insurance, which should include adequate cover for medical expenses and the cost of repatriaIon should you become ill. It is up to each individual to ensure that their travel insurance is adequate for this retreat.
CancellaIon policy:
If you need to cancel your booking within 45 days or less (or fail to join the retreat), there will be no refund given unless we are able fill your place. The deposit is non-refundable.