Join Judy Smith and Susan Kniseley-Foy September 6-13, 2025 for a renewal of mind, body, and spirit on the incredible island of Lefkas, also known as Lefkada - home to some of the most sought-after beaches in the world.
We will drop anchor and take time to absorb the beauty around, and within. Take this opportunity to hone in on your yoga practice, by challenging your physical body, and deepening into stillness.
During your experience, expect lovingly prepared seasonal ingredients, opportunities to hike, swim, explore the nearby towns, wineries, and return to the stunning views from Urania villas to unwind in after a long day of exploration.
Leave Lefkada with lifelong memories, newfound friendships, and most importantly a deeper connection to yourself.
Urania Villas holds 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. 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 effort!
E-RYT500/YACEP
Susan discovered the transformative power of yoga in 2001. She brought this gift along with her on a journey teaching abroad in Taiwan, Korea, and Qatar. She has always been amazed at yoga’s ability to calm the restless mind and create community, even in foreign lands. Immersing herself in Anusara training initially, she later pursued her 200 and 300-hour teacher training certifications in Ashtanga/Vinyasa Flow at Yama Yoga Studios in Doha, Qatar, under the expert guidance of Valerie Jeremijienko, Dave and Cheryl Oliver. She also has had the privilege of studying under renowned teachers of diverse yoga styles, including John Scott, Lino Miele, Kathryn Budig, Briget Woods-Kramer, Mary Dana Abbot, Yogeswari, Emil Wendel, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldman, Dice Iida-Klein, Briohny Smith, Ana Forrest, and Sean Corne.
Her teaching style embodies a fusion of energy, encouragement, lightheartedness, and creativity. Drawing from her rich training background, she incorporates thoughtful assists from Ashtanga, alignment principles from Anusara, and the fluidity of breath-connected Vinyasa flow into her classes.
She strives to engage and empower her students, and to help them find illumination in their practice in whatever way rings true for them. She considers yoga to be a constant lesson in how to…..everything… and finds it both a pleasure and an honor to continue learning and evolving through the practice.
@soozasana
www.soozasana.com
Yoga Instructor RYT 500
Mind Body Coach
LCSW
Sacred Passage End of Life Doula
Judy's teachings are a blend of eastern practices that promote healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Students will be treated to regular sessions of meditation and Yoga Nidra. Her Yin classes are thoughtful and encourage students to be present – living each breath of the practice in the moment. Emphasis on kindness is the spoken language throughout all the classes that Judy teaches. Reinforcement of trusting one’s instincts and inner wisdom as students learn to work Chi through their meridians. Judy has written all of her original Yoga Nidra scripts and encourages her students to live their truth both on and off the mat. The personal goal she inspires students to reach is to wake up each day practicing what brings them joy.
Judy's holistic psychotherapy practice and yin yoga classes are true restorative wellness. Her therapeutic practices encourage the unification of mind body heart and soul with the intention of living life in wholeness. Judy's intention is to incorporate all practices of connection, i.e. meditation, yoga, yoga nidra, breathwork, and mindfulness. She has spent 16 years on the mat and is certified in yoga nidra, meditation, cardiac yoga, pre-natal, senior and chair yoga, and yoga for people who have been touched by cancer. In addition, Judy has 25 years of private practice as a certified hypnotherapist, in emotional freedom technique tapping and solution-based holistic counseling.
@yinjunkie
We will be staying in luxurious stone villas, each with multiple bedrooms, accommodating guests in either single or shared rooms. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, a private swimming pool, and an amazing terrace with a sea view. There is also a washing machine in each villa.
Each room has its own bathroom, A/C, and a safe. Wi-Fi is available in all the villas, and there is a daily housekeeping service. The villas feature multiple pools and you will enjoy access to a private yoga shala with uninterrupted views, yoga mats, and props (though you are welcome to bring your own!).
Traveling solo? Perfect! We will match you with a compatible solo traveler with whom you are comfortable or you can buy the room for single occupancy.
Traveling as a couple or want to share accommodations with a friend? We can arrange this. Once you’ve booked your spot, message us and let us know who you’d like to share your room with.
Vast deck with pergola-shaded sitting area and sun loungers
air conditioning throughout the villa
private infinity swimming pool
fully equipped kitchen
flat screen smart tv
washing machine
BBQ facilities
pool towels
hair dryer
free wi-fi
Each meal will feature delicious Mediterranean cuisine mixed with modern flavors that is prepared from local, fresh, and top quality ingredients. The family environment, the love, and the inspiration put into making food – and the stunning views – makes it really special.
Daily meals will include a light morning snack (if you need one pre-practice), luxury brunch, and dinner. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to us when making your reservation.
Athens Aiport
If you fly into Athens, you can make your way to Lefkada overland (there's a bridge to the island) by rental car, bus or shuttle. The drive is about 4 hours. You could also build it into your vacation by stopping in Delphi or some other sight on the way in or out. If you'd rather get there more directly, you can fly into Preveza Airport. Here is a link to some options to consider: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Athens/Lefk%C3%A1da#trips
Preveza Airport
Lefkada does not have an airport on the island, but its visitors are served by the Aktion airport of Preveza, which is located about 22 km outside Lefkada Town. The distance between the two by car is 20-30 minutes.
KTEL bus services run from Lefkada to Aktion and Preveza and vice versa, so travelers can get to/leave the airport using local transport. For more information regarding the routes, visit the official website of KTEL Lefkadas.
Car rental offices are located in the arrivals area, while taxis are available outside the airport (outside Terminal B in particular).
Urania Villas can arrange transportation for additional cost:
Taxi cost is approx. 110 euros
Mini-Bus that seats 21 approx 180 euros
The easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to leave the airport, though, is to rent a car in advance and contact the agency to arrange for it to be picked up from the airport right after you arrive in Aktion. This way you will have chosen the vehicle that best suits your needs and you won't have to wait a minute to get to Lefkada!
→ Book your car with us!
7 Night, 8 Day at Urania Villas
Brunch, Dinner, and Snacks
Strong Morning and Class Chill evening class
Theme TBD based on group
We offer a Zoom (or live) meetup around 3 months prior to departure to assist in pre-retreat questions
