Return to Flow – Yoga Retreat in Hydra, Greece, Mandraki Beach Resort

Return to Flow – Yoga Retreat in Hydra, Greece, Mandraki Beach Resort

Dates: 14–18 October 2025

Suitable for every level of yoga practice.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and connect with the water around you

Welcome and orientation, introductions, and the setting of intentions.

An evening opening ceremony, followed by a Yin yoga session & Yoga Nidra – introducing Water as the retreat’s central theme.

Group dinner at a local taverna.

Day 2: Embodying flow and emotional release

A morning Vinyasa yoga practice centred on the Svadhisthana (Sacral) Chakra – immerse yourself in island life. Discover fluidity and flexibility in body and mind, allowing yourself to welcome change and adaptability, just as water takes the shape of its surroundings.

Healthy breakfast.

A yoga workshop exploring the Chakra system, with particular attention to the Svadhisthana (Sacral) Chakra, which is associated with the Water element.

Late lunch will be served.

Free time to explore or relax.

Evening Yin Yoga – exploring Water in Eastern philosophies, including the element itself, its Yin & Yang organs, and self-acupressure points for regulating the channels.

Day 3: Integration and renewal

Morning Vinyasa yoga & arm balance play – investigate the relationship between strength and softness, power and grace, inspired by water’s ability to be both forceful and gentle according to its form.

Healthy breakfast.

A nature walk on the island for those interested.

Late lunch will be served.

A restorative yoga session – supporting introspection and self-reflection throughout the practice, and encouraging connection with your inner depths and emotions, similar to the hypnotic experience of looking towards the ocean horizon.

Free time for the beach and exploration.

An evening silent walking meditation.

Day 4: Return to stillness and inner wisdom

A beach-based guided meditation and breathwork session, weather permitting – focusing on the natural ebb and flow of the breath, designed to reflect the movement of ocean waves.

Healthy breakfast.

A TCM talk: understanding the Water Element in Chinese medicine: Fear vs. Courage & Willpower. Gain an overview of key self-acupressure points that can help regulate this fundamental element.

Late lunch will be served.

Free time for beach activities or to explore the port.

A closing ceremony and reflections.

Day 5: What is flowing forward with you – closing practice and departure

Morning gentle Vinyasa yoga – a gentle, grounding practice that combines stillness and stability with soft, continuous transitions between postures, so that you leave the retreat feeling calm, at ease, and ready to return to everyday life and commitments.

Final breakfast and check-out.

Please note that the itinerary may be altered because of weather and/or changes to other activities.

Acupuncture sessions will be scheduled during downtime.

How to get there

Travelling to Athens

When travelling from South Africa to Athens, international flights require a stopover. Major South African airports, including OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, often offer flights to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). Check with airlines for the most up-to-date routes, availability, and travel restrictions. You should also make sure that you hold all required travel documentation, including a valid passport and any necessary visas.

Airlines include Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. It may be advisable to consult a travel agent if you require a Schengen Visa.

We recommend arriving in Athens at least one day before the retreat begins. The city is well worth exploring, and arriving early also gives you greater flexibility when reserving your ferry tickets.

Getting to Hydra from Athens

Hydra lies approximately 64 kilometres south-west of Athens. The island can be reached from Athens by ferry, with the crossing taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the ferry type and sea conditions. Ferries to Hydra generally depart from Piraeus.

For further information about travelling by ferry to Hydra from Athens: Travelling to Hydra from Athens

Cost

€ 1700 pps (2 adults per room)

€ 2500 private room

What’s included

• 4 nights of 5-star en-suite accommodation
• A private swimming pool with every room
• Breakfast and lunch served at the hotel
• Water taxi transfer from the port to the hotel on the island
• All yoga sessions, workshops, and meditation
• A complimentary full-body acupuncture session with Theresa. If you are new to acupuncture, click the link to learn more about the treatment process: What to expect during an acupuncture session?
• One auricular acupuncture session. Click here to learn more: Auricular acupuncture – Acudetox NADA protocols

What’s not included

• Transport to Athens and onwards to Hydra
• Additional accommodation in Athens before and after the retreat
• Dinners
• Visas, where required
• Any extra activities, such as massage or boat excursions
• Travel insurance
• Personal extras

Please note that, regrettably, no under-16s are permitted at Mandraki Beach Resort. Payment must be made according to the current ZAR to Euro exchange rate at the time of booking.

A 50% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance payable 30 days before the retreat.

T&Cs apply to bookings and cancellations.

For further information, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Images courtesy of the Mandraki Beach Resort website.