Water and Light
A Yoga and Chant Retreat in Greece
with Linda Spackman
11 - 17 September 2025 - Kythira island
Celebrate the elements of water and light in practices that combine yoga asana and pranayama with chanting, ritual, and gestures of special significance (nyāsa).
We will explore, expand, and refine chanting of the ancient mantra to the sun from the Vedic tradition ~ the sacred Gāyatrī. This mantra honors the sun as the source and asks for inspiration from this force to enliven and bring clarity to our hearts and minds.
Morning yoga and chant classes will include mantra chanting, and feature an energizing practice of dynamic asanas to warm the body and create core stability, with a focus on strength and balance.
Early evening classes will focus on relaxing and nourishing reclined and supported āsanas, and harmonizing prānāyāmas. We will refine our Vedic chanting, introduce elements of a ritual, and create reflective moments of silence.
~ Enjoy the process of uncovering and refining your voice
~ Discover the intricacies of properly pronouncing Sanskrit
~ Experience the beauty of receiving and repeating sacred sounds
Benefits of chanting include:
Improving memory and focus
Helping to find and refine our voice
Improve listening and communication
Increase our breath capacity
Strengthen the link to our spiritual connections
KYTHIRA
Kythira (or Cythera), the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is one of the seven ionian islands, lying opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese Peninsula. With imposing castles, mystic caves, picturesque bays, villages and beautiful beaches with crystal waters, Kythera is an ideal destination for those who are nature lovers and want to feel the spiritual peace and discover a pure hidden paradise. The island has preserved its unique and picturesque character.
The Hotel
You will stay in a 3-stars family Hotel, recently renovated. The hotel has an indoor space for the practice and an outdoor area with magnificent views over Kapsali bay.The Hotel has a private swimming pool and is located 900m away to Kapsali beach, and close to Chora, where you can get magnificent views of Hytra island and the castle of Chora.
Food
Local mediterranean food prepared with fresh products - Vegetarian
Schedule
Arrival 11 September / Dinner at the Hotel
Program of the week :
Morning snacks (tea, coffee, fruits, nuts)
8.30 - 10.30 - Yoga class with Linda
10.30 - Breakfast
Free afternoon / Lunch at the beach, in Chora town, etc.
5.30 - 7pm - evening Practice
7.30 - Dinner at the Hotel (Mediterranean greek meals - vegetarian)
On Sunday - Morning practice then day free (optional excursion)
17 September - Check out 10 am after breakfast
ACTIVITIES
Activities at the Hotel : pool - Spa / massages
- Visit of Hora, the island capital, built on a hill high above the sea, is a model of Venetian defensive architecture - The Archeological Museum which contains an important collection of Minoan vases, Mycénien pottery and finds from the Archaic and Classical periods
- Paleochora (called Mystras of Kythira) is the ruined medieval ancient capital of Kythira. Perfect example of the 13th century architecture. Full of byzantine churches and chapels
- The lovely village of Avlemonas
- Canyoning, scuba diving & diving
- Hiking : Kythira has beautiful hiking trails. The walks lead through green valleys, olive groves, small pine forests, small villages and beaches
- Boat Tour to Hytra and swim in the cave
- Beaches, pebbled and sandy beaches with crystal clear water
Retreat fee :
1450 euros Shared bedroom
1950 euros Single bedroom
Price includes :
- 2 Yoga classes / day with Linda
- 6 nights accommodation
- Meals (morning snacks, breakfast, dinner)
Not included - extra activities : massages, excursion
Terms & Conditions : A non-refundable deposit of 500$ reserves your place
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.