Join us for a week of communion on the Greek island of Donousa—a place of timeless beauty, sacred energy, and gentle Aegean rhythms. Here, among sparkling sunlit beaches, ancient footpaths, and the warm spirit of the Greek culture, a circle of 15 women will gather to cultivate and nurture sacred space--within and without--as we deepen our capacity to feel the sacred and nourish connection in our communities.
Together, we will co-create a living container of devotion, play, and ritual—drawing inspiration from the ancient Cycladic culture--whose primary sanctuary was located on the nearby island of Keros during the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC). Through the creation of handheld, feminine figurines and heartfelt actions in community, the Cycladic people found authentic, embodied ways to connect with and honor the feminine, creative life force--often referred to as the Great Mother.
We will approach our week together with a focus on learning from the ancients and truly feeling the sacred--as we re-envison and live the daily practices of life in an ancient sanctuary.
Through movement, breathwork, heartfelt encounters in nature, plant experiences, hands-on creative activities, and practicing ancient temple-keeping duties, you will experience ritual as a path to presence. Together, we will build altars, gather plants, make sacred objects, share in song, meditate, breath, share authentically, and rest in nature. Every day becomes a landscape of communion—with the earth, the sea, our food, our inner world, the elements, and heartfelt community.
This is a gathering for women with illuminated awareness, a mystical love of life, and a desire to create sacred space--both inwardly and outwardly.
During this participatory week, we will:
Begin each day with yoga, breathwork, chanting, music, and meditation—guided by Kate and Jaya Lakshmi.
Embody temple keeping practices—co-creating a sacred shared space and learning how to bring these rhythms into our daily lives.
Participate in authentic shared rituals—altar making, fire/water/stone encounters, plant and scent experiences, chanting/singing, storytelling, Greek circle dancing, and evening sharing circles under the stars.
Work with heart-opening plants such as wild lavender, thyme, rosemary, cacao, helichrysum, and rose.
Engage in creative activities—such as clay, herbal projects, writing, creating offerings, and other hands-on activities—to nurture our authentic expression.
Explore pristine nature and local culture—with meditation hikes to mountaintops, quiet afternoons at the beach, a boat adventure to explore hidden beaches and swimming caves, a visit to a sacred spring, and encounters with the island’s enchanting beauty.
Cultivate leadership practices—taking turns guiding rituals and exercises that reflect your unique voice and creativity.
Throughout the week, you will feel the profound connection that comes from being fully present, with your senses and heart open, in a safe, supportive circle of women.
Sample Daily Rhythm
8:00–10:00: Yoga, breathwork, chanting, and meditation
10:00–11:30: Brunch of organic, vegetarian/vegan cuisine
11:30–1:30: Morning session of creative practice, ritual, and learning
1:30–5:00: Free time for beach, hiking, rest, or personal reflection
5:00–6:30: Afternoon session of restorative yoga, embodied creativity, and learning
6:30–8:00: Dinner at the retreat or a nearby taverna
8:00–9:00: Evening sharing and music circle
Optional: A 5-minute walk to a nearby taverna for an afternoon snack or to-go salad.
When You Return Home
Our intention is that when you return home, you will have:
attuned to a depth of connection that will always be a part of you.
anchored in daily practices and creative rituals to continue nourishing heartfelt communion in your daily life.
feel more experienced in holding sacred space for yourself and your communities.
been initiated into ancient practices and the golden thread of intention connecting those who have tended sacred spaces in all cultures, throughout the centuries
ongoing connection with like-minded women, forming friendships and a support network
a renewed sense of joy, gratitude, and harmony—inspired by our week of bliss, creativity, friendship, and the timeless beauty of Donousa.
Immersion Leaders
Jaya Lakshmi is a prolific and deeply authentic musician who creates within the yoga, kirtan, and mantra traditions. She is also an inspiring yoga teacher and immersion leader—supporting people to connect to their authentic voice and power. She will lead daily music, chanting, and song experiences--guiding participants into deep meditative and heart-centered states.
Kate is an artist, yogi, gardener, immersion leader, and lover of plants and food. She will lead creative and plant-inspired experiences that nurture our connection with the earth, heartfelt community, and our own creativity. She is Greek-American and loves sharing the beauty, food, and culture of Greece.
Together, Kate and Jaya Lakshmi will guide a week of ritual, creativity, movement, and heart-centered presence--blending historical and philosophical learning with a lived attunement to the deep joy and nourishment of daily sacred practice.
For more information, visit:
Jaya Lakshmi
Journey to Greece Immersions:
Organized by Kate
Preparing for Our Journey
To prepare for this sacred immersion, we invite you to:
Engage with preparatory readings and a 40-day practice, designed to attune you to the energy of the island and the circle.
Join a pre-immersion online gathering to connect with fellow participants.
Begin limiting screen time in the weeks before the immersion—allowing your mind and body to start reprograming to presence.
Bring intentional objects, outfits in particular colors, and personal items to integrate into our creative altar and rituals.
A travel guide and more information will be emailed to you upon registration.
Donousa is a tiny island within a constellation of Cycladic islands long known for their spiritual potency and sacred energy.
In the 1960s, thousands of hand-held feminine sculptures were discovered on the nearby island of Keros, revealing it as the primary spiritual and ritual sanctuary of the early Cycladic civilization (c. 3000–2000 BC, Bronze Age). Keros is one of the oldest known sanctuary islands in the world that was only inhabited by temple-keepers and artisans and was visited by pilgrims by boat for ritual gatherings. It is now protected as an uninhabited archaeological preserve.
The feminine Cycladic figurines are widely understood to represent the Great Mother, reflecting a thriving culture that honored the life-giving, feminine force through creativity, devotion, gathering, and ritual. From Donousa, you can see the island of Keros and feel the ancient pulse of presence and practice.
Donousa is largely undeveloped—with only 4 villages and 200 year round residents. The nature is pristine—full of untouched beaches, wild herbs, and ancient walking paths with 360-views of the Aegean islands. There is truly a timeless quality and a sacred energy that is palpable—making it an ideal place to drop into a week of deep communing, prayer, and creativity.
We are here to support you in your travel planning. Please email Kate at kateyogaearth@gmail.com with any questions or to receive our travel planning guide.
Ferry is the only way to reach the tiny island of Donousa. The scale and interior of a Greek ferry is similar to a simple cruise ship--with a restaurant, cafes, tables, couches, and standard seating.
Traveling from Naxos:
The most easeful way to travel to Donousa is to fly into Naxos island, spend a night or two acclimating there, and then take an evening ferry to Donousa (1-hour ride). The ferry will leave Naxos around 11:30pm on October 1 and arrive in Donousa an hour later.
We will provide recommendations for accommodations, beaches, and meaningful cultural activities in Naxos. It is an iconic Cycladic island filled with traditional farms, temples, mountain villages, hiking, and beautiful beaches.
We will connect the women who are traveling through Naxos, in case you would like to stay together or coordinate your explorations.
Traveling from Athens:
If you prefer to travel from Athens, we recommend traveling from Piraeus port (in Athens) on the following ferries.
Oct 1: Athens to Donousa - Blue Star Naxos Ferry: 5:30pm-12:30am
Oct 8: Donousa to Athens - Blue Star Naxos Ferry: 7:55am-3:35pm
Whether you travel through Athens, Naxos, or another island, we encourage you to arrive in Greece a day or two early if possible to adjust to the time change and acclimate.
Options After the Immersion:
The Blue Star Naxos ferry departs on Oct 8 at 7:55am. It will likely stop in Amorgos, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, and Syros. These are all lovely islands to consider if you would like to visit another nearby island. All these islands (except for Amorgos) have airports, so it is possible to fly back to Athens on a morning and catch a mid-day international flight home.
If you choose to take the ferry back to Athens on Oct 8, it is an absolutely beautiful ride during the daytime through the Greek islands. The 7.5 hour ride goes quickly. It is a truly beautiful experience!
You are also welcome to rent a room in the main town of Donousa (Stavros) to stay an additional few days for hiking, rest, and integration after the immersion.
Ferries between Athens and Donousa cost around $50 each way and around $10 between Naxos and Donousa. We will notify participants when ferry schedules are announced and available for purchase (likely in June). Tickets will be available at: www.ferryhopper.com
A $500 deposit reserves your spot. Remaining payment can be split into three payments due on March 28, May 28, and July 28. We are also happy to create a payment plan that works for you.
All payments are reimbursable until July 15. After July 15, if needed, you are able to transfer your payment towards a future trip.
Please note that basic medical travel insurance is required (starting at $100). We request that you forward documentation along once secured.
Register below to secure your spot! This is an intimate immersion for 13 women. We encourage you to book promptly if you would like a particular type of room. Full refunds are available until July 15 if needed.
Join us for a Live Q&A with Kate and Jaya Lakshmi on Sunday, March 15 from 10-11am PST to learn more about this magical experience. Register here for Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81410691888
(From 9-10am, we will share about our Journey to Ikaria in Sept. Feel free to join us at 9am to learn about that trip--or hop on the call at 10am to learn about the Women's Immersion on Donousa.)
Kate is available to connect by Zoom for a 30-minute call if you would like to ask questions before the info session. Email her at kateyogaearth@gmail.com.
7 nights of eco-luxury accommodations by the sea
Nourishing vegetarian food made by a conscious Greek chef (7 brunches + 6 dinners)
A sacred container to co-create a week of connection and creativity
Morning and afternoon sessions of ritual, creative practice, and learning
Two-hour morning yoga practices led by Kate and Jaya Lakshmi
Music with Jaya Lakshmi every evening and integrated into our days
A hike with mountain-top meditation to experience a 360-view of the sun setting into the Aegean
A lesson to identify local healing plants as well as an overview of the island's ancient hiking paths
A day at sea to explore secluded beaches, swimming caves, and the site of an early Cycladic settlement
Dinner at a traditional taverna in the main village and an evening of shopping, desserts, wandering tiny alleys, and talking with locals
Three pristine beaches within walking distance
Dance lessons to truly embody the spirit of traditional circle dancing
Raw honey, pollen, bread, cheese, herbal tea, and fruits from the island
A curated compilation of articles with historical, philosophical, and mystical readings to prepare for the immersion
Reflections on the sacred history and culture of Donousa by local residents
Rides to and from the port
Van transportation for group outings
Welcome gifts to support you in attuning to our sacred gathering and the magic of the island
Flight to/from Athens to your home
Ferries to/from Donousa
Basic travel insurance is required. (Starting at $100.)
Our mission is to guide extraordinary experiences that attune you to the beauty and wisdom of the Greek islands—as we reconnect to ourselves, the earth, healthy living, and joy! Immersions are led by Kate with guest co-leaders such as her partner Dimitris, musician Jaya Lakshmi, and artist Madelaine Corbin. Kate is a yoga teacher, artist, gardener, nutrition coach, writer, immersion leader, and lover of plants and food.
