Release & ReAlign Greek Island Retreat (trip #1)

      Andros, Greece

      MA
      Maria Alfieris
      • Facebook verified
      • LinkedIn verified
      9 reviews
      Jun 1 - 7, 2019
      Group size: 10 - 20
      Release & ReAlign Greek Island Retreat (trip #1)
      Andros, Greece

      Maria Alfieris
      • Facebook verified
      • LinkedIn verified
      9 reviews

      Jun 1 - 7, 2019
      Group size: 10 - 20

      About this trip

      OUR INTENTION:  

      Explore this magical Greek island while diving into daily practice of Vinyasa yoga integrated with the practice of Myofascial Release which will transform your energy and your flow. We invite you to join us to heal yourself from the inside out and to learn to release the energies that are blocked within us and create a positive energy shift in your life. Come away with optimized body function and feeling deeply restored! Discover Transformation and Rebirth as we Re-align with our Essence and Flow. This retreat is a space for you to Immerse yourself with the Local Culture and Experience the Greek way of living...Slowing down and Being Present in the Moment. Explore one of the most Authentic Greek islands that has stayed "under the radar" and kept tourism at bay. We are here to bring you home to your "roots" within yourself, as well as, share the warmth and hospitality that one can only experience in Greece!


      JUST IMAGINE:


      Escaping to a place where you feel immediately at home....Our private villas are located in one superb complex, overlooking the beautiful crystal blue Aegean Sea. We are overjoyed to return to the Cycladic island of Andros, simple, quiet, & unspoiled. Our bespoke retreat will be full of dynamic Vinyasa Flow yoga, Myofascial & Self Release workshop/learning, replenishing time in nature, tasty farm to table cuisine, and a community of travelers all called to revive and replenish their souls on this charming island. Discover personal transformation, combined with lazy beach days, sacred monasteries, downtown strolls, and soul-reviving hiking trips, where Andros island's ethereal nature invites you to unwind and let yourself simply be. Return home feeling whole and Awake.


      THE ISLAND OF ANDROS


      Andros, the northernmost island in the Cyclades, is a rare, unspoiled and quiet island in which you will experience authentic Greek culture and hospitality. A true gem amidst the Aegean, due to its natural beauty and its untouched timelessness. This is a perfect eco-friendly destination to reconnect with nature and the sea. Shy of mass tourism, enriched with crystal blue beaches, a network of hiking trails, and an understated beauty, all awaiting for you to savor the moments and enjoy the slow life! 

      THE PRACTICE:


      Our Yoga classes are designed to offer you a complete practice of strengthening and flexibility to feel aligned and connected. Our classes will be a blend of yoga styles drawing on Vinyasa and Hatha. We use specific alignment yoga practices to improve patterns in the way we hold our body and creative sequences to become attuned to our energetic body. Each session will include asana, pranayama, and mediation. In our Myofascial classes, we will be teaching "hands on techniques" to learn to release fascia, in addition, we will also be using foam rollers for teaching Self Release. All classes will be practiced outside on one of our beautiful terraces, overlooking the blue Aegean sea. We may take our mats one day to the nearby beach for a gentle practice. After our classes and meals, you have free time to relax, explore, or take part in optional excursions. 


      Fascial Release, is applying sustained pressure to our Fascial restrictions in order to restore and enhance motion, eliminate pain, and to facilitate release of the fascia. Maria will be teaching you "hands on techniques" on how to release fascia while in different positions and Yoga postures, as well as to Self Release with the Foam Roller in many different positions and Yoga Poses. Get ready to "Release your Fascia" in this guided class using self-release and gentle movement with foam rollers! Our classes are 1.5 hour long sessions occurring daily in the mornings.  We also offer optional evening classes of Flow Yoga and Singing Bowl Mediation as well as Sharing Circles.


      * All practices are open to all levels from beginners to more advanced yogis.


      *All registered Yoga teachers with Yoga Alliance will recieve 10 Ceus. All NJ Physical Therapists, PTAs and Massage Therapists will also receieve 7 CEUs such that you will have one full day of class (the day will be determined at the beginning of the retreat).


      MEET OUR TEACHERS:

      Join Maria Alfieris, Larisa Remi, and Emily Pareti, experienced leaders and teachers of yoga and life for an unforgettable week of adventure, laughter, FUN and living the good life in Greece!


      Larisa Remi, RYT-200


      Larisa has had a passion for all things in fitness and wellness for as long as she can remember. Wanderlust, fun, adventure and positivity are guides in her life. As a dedicated teacher, Larisa creates classes that allow people to feel at home in their body, while providing space for them to become stronger, healthier, more attuned to life, and more connected to their self. She teaches an eclectic blend of styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin and Gentle Flow. Her classes are playful, dynamic and genuinely heartfelt. Larisa's teachings emphasize moving fluidly and safely, with a strong understanding of anatomy and incorporate her knowledge of breath work, mediation, and Yoga philosophy. Larisa attained her 200hr RYT Certification at IMAY, Mexico and 200hr RYT Certification at JP Centre Yoga, NY. She hopes that each person who leaves her class finds strength, nourishment, and balance, as well as the wonder of life within and around them. She is currently completing her holistic nutrition certification and holds a certificate in juicing. She also is looking forward to sharing her beliefs and views on how certain foods heal our bodies. 


      Emily Pareti, RYT-200


      Emily Pareti always loved being active - flexibility and balance came naturally to her after growing up as a dancer, gymnast and cheerleader. Emily’s love for yoga started in 2014, after moving to Hawaii from NJ with her high school sweetheart. She started learning from YouTube, then fell in love with yoga on the beach, Bikram Yoga and eventually Vinyasa Flow. Emily is a two-time cancer survivor who found the healing power of yoga in 2017 during her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma relapse. Yoga not only helped with the physical side effects of treatment, but also allowed Emily to release anxiety and find a Mind-Body-Spirit connection. She loves to share the gifts that yoga has offered her and to help each person find their own path to this joyful practice. She looks forward to helping others heal through yoga. Emily is known for storytelling, her inviting smile, and her willingness to allow each student to come just as they are. Each class is an invitation for self nuture, for laughter, and an opportunity for pause. Emily completed her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Honor Yoga in North Brunswick, NJ. She identifies as a Vinyasa Flow teacher and also finds relaxation and health benefits in Yin and Gentle Flow.


      The integration of Maria, Larisa, and Emily's work brings a very Unique blend of Release and Re-Alignment. Our intention is to facilitate opening all of your energy centers to balance your mind  body and Soul. We are here to help you enhance your Motion and Movement in your inner and outer worlds. We are here to bring you back to your Oneness and UNITY WITHIN.




      OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (Extra Cost):

      -Hiking Tours

      -Beach hopping

      -Day trip to Mykonos island

      -Olive Oil Museum Tour & Tasting

      -Water-sports: paddle board, windsurf, scuba dive 

      -Explore Ancient Monasteries and Traditional Villages

      -Visit Local Producers: Organic farmer, Bee keeper, or Cheese maker 

      SAMPLE ITINERARY

      DAILY SCHEDULE* 

      8:00-9:30 AM       Vinyasa Yoga Class Daily

      9:30-10:30 AM      Breakfast

      10:30-12:00 PM     Myofascial Class Daily

      12:00-1:00 PM       Lunch

      1:00-6:00 PM        Free Time

      6:00-7:00 PM       Yin Yoga Class Daily

                                      Sharing Circles. (Two Classes). 

      8:00-9:00 PM       Dinner

      *Schedule is subject to change


      Early Bird Special Rate:  Book your retreat by March 15th and save $200

      CANCELLATION POLICY

      If you or any member of your party, cancel your arrangements at any time, written notification from the person who made the booking must be received by email at philotimoretreats@gmail.com. If you must cancel your retreat, the required $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full refund, less deposit, will be given if cancellation is made 60 days or more before your retreat start date. Cancellations made 60 days or less, but more than 30 days prior, to the retreat start date can be applied to a future retreat. Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat start date are forfeited. Due to our need to commit to accommodation and other arrangements in advance, exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason. 

      TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE

      Travel Insurance is required for all international yoga retreats. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. In addition to refunding your trip fees, it can also include medical evacuation coverage, medical expense coverage (remember that your USA based health insurance will not apply out side of USA) and reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects. 


      Travel insurance that includes medical coverage is mandatory. Unfortunately, we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. We suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” with your policy. We recommend purchase insurance within 1-2 weeks after making your first trip payment (ie. flight or retreat reservation) to secure the best price and best coverage. 


      We suggest this policy from Travel Guard or similar: Travel Guard- Gold(Protect Assist) w/ Cancel for any reason. https://www.travelguard.com

      What’s included

      • 7 island days/6nights
        June 1st - June 7th, 2019 at Our Private Elegant Villas
      • 1 Daily Yoga Class
        Dynamic Morning Vinyasa Flow Yoga
      • 1 Daily Myofascial Class
        An Immersive Workshop on Fascia Release teaching "Hands on Techniques" in Yoga Postures & Self Release with Foam Roller
      • 1 Daily Yin Yoga Class
        Gentle Flow, Relax, Meditate, Balance
      • 2 Sharing Circles
        Self Exploration and Expression
      • Daily Breakfast & Lunch
        Organic Farm to Table...Delicious Greek Cuisine with Local Chef
      • 3 Dinners
        Welcome Dinner, Closing Diner, & One Night out at Local Restaurant
      • Greek Cook Demonstration
        Greek Cooking and/or Baking Demonstatrion with our Local Private Chef
      • 1 Happy "Opa" Yoga Hour
        Enjoy Greek Wine and Learn Greek Dancing
      • Beach Day
        Take a Boat Ride to Explore one of Andros well hidden Beautiful Beaches
      • Stroll in Chora Town
        Shop, Walk, and Explore Chora Town followed by Dinner at Local Restaurant
      • Transfers
        Group Arrival & Departure Pickups to Andros Port
      • Pre-travel support
        Support with ferry travel arrangements

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
      • Alcohol
      • Tips & Gratuities
      • Travel/Health Insurance
      • Optional Excursions
      • Transfers to Andros

      Available Packages

      Double Occupancy

      Reserve a double occupancy room with two twin beds and en suite bathroom.

      $1,900
      Deposit: $500
      Double Occupancy

      Reserve a double occupancy room with one double bed and en suite bathroom.

      $2,100
      Deposit: $500
      Double Occupancy

      Reserve a double occupancy room with one queen bed and en suite bathroom.

      $2,300
      Deposit: $500
      Single Occupancy

      Reserve your own private room with one double bed and en suite bathroom.

      $2,500
      Deposit: $500
      Single Occupancy

      Reserve your own private room with one queen bed and en suite bathroom.

      $2,700
      Deposit: $500


      Your Organizer


      MA
      Maria Alfieris
      9 reviews
      Maria Alfieris is a masterful teacher with a joyous spirit & open heart. Maria is down to earth & her humor sets the stage for easy learning. Her students trust her & take their learnings off their mat & into their LIFE. On paper, you will learn that Maria is a Physical Therapist, a Myofascial Master, & a Reiki Virtuoso. She brings her gifts & talents of healing thru Fascial Release which she has been teaching for 34 years. She has given a series of courses in Myofascial Mobilization & incorporates into her work the understanding of emotional causation of disease & dysfunction. Her healing workshops & one-on-one sessions are designed to blend her knowledge & experience of physical therapy, myofascial release, energy healing, & her spiritual trainings. Through hands on techniques, she guides you toward freeing your fascia which helps you release patterns of emotional & physical pain that have been holding you back from reaching your full wellness potential.

      Reviews

      Loved the wknd workshop! Devoted teacher, fascinating techniques.
      By Colette K for Release in Holland on Mar 19, 2024
      Amazing workshop and fantastic host. María Alfieris her enthusiasm and teachings are unique!
      By KRISTINA H for Release in Switzerland on Mar 12, 2024
      Maria's an incredible teacher. We gathered in an easy to access venue, many travelled from abroad. Key organiser Farah was the lynch pin. Lovely people keen to learn a skill and Maria, our warm capable leader.
      By Martine O for Release in England on Oct 24, 2023
      This was a very special trip hosted by two special people, Maria and Emily. Maria is a lot of fun to be around and she has such a warm and giving heart. Emily is so kind and a very talented yoga teacher. They both truly care about you and your healing journey. I learned so much about fascia release and tapping into the inner child. I feel I have the resources and tools to really support myself better in my journey. I definitely feel a shift in myself. It feels like I have a clean slate and I now get to discover and express my true self. Thank-you so much Maria and Emily!
      By Marlene K for Release & Rialign Greece Retreat 2023 on Oct 01, 2023
      We had an amazing time! Our hosts had everything very well organized and were very helpful with daily scheduling. The accomodations, food, transportation and company were great! I'm looking forward to booking another trip with these ladies!
      By Starlett G for Greek Island Odyssey on Oct 16, 2022
      Show More Reviews

      References

      I really loved going to Greece with this group of women. I went solo on my 1st trip to Europe (Greece) so it was a little intimidating! The Hosts were both very easy to talk to & really took my questions into consideration & gave everybody a sense of belonging. The way the trip flowed was incredible & they really handled the details. They both had a great sense of humor too! Greece was phenomenal & I will go back. Jill H. Asheville NC
      By Jill H on 07 Dec, 2022