Hydra Water Yoga Retreat, 2nd–6th May 2024

2nd–6th May 2024

A Yoga retreat can be centred on a wide range of ideas, including mindfulness, self-discovery, inner peace and holistic wellbeing.

Catherine and I have brought several of these ideas together through the retreat’s Water theme.

As you will be joining us on Hydra, one of Greece’s most spectacular islands, we could not resist making Water the focus of this retreat.

On arriving at Hydra’s port, you will travel by water taxi to the 5-star Mandraki Beach Resort. Every room at Mandraki Beach Resort has its own private swimming pool, while the beach is visible from the resort and within easy walking distance.

Hydra also offers sun-warmed rock ledges from which you can dive into some of the clearest water in the world.

Exploring the Water theme on Hydra

Water is the ideal theme for this experience. Together, we will investigate fluidity, adaptability, purification and letting go. In East Asian medicine, Water is the element associated with both the close of a cycle and fresh beginnings.

We will explore water’s symbolic significance within the Chakra system and the 5 elements of East Asian Medicine, as well as its connection to emotional healing and spiritual growth.

Yoga retreat itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

• Welcome and orientation
• Evening opening ceremony, yoga practice and yoga nidra with Theresa, introducing the Water theme for the retreat
• Group dinner at a local taverna

Day 2: Morning

• Morning Vinyasa yoga practice led by Catherine - immerse yourself in island life. Discover fluidity and flexibility in body and mind, and welcome change and adaptability just as water shapes itself to its environment.
• Healthy breakfast

Day 2: Afternoon after lunch

• Free time to relax or explore
• Afternoon yoga workshop on the Chakra system, concentrating on the Svadhisthana/Sacral Chakra (element of Water)
• Evening Yin Yoga with Theresa - exploring the Water theme in Eastern philosophies, its element, Yin & Yang organs, and self-acupressure points for regulating the channels

Day 3: Morning

• Vinyasa yoga & arm balance play with Catherine - investigate the balance of strength and softness, power and grace, inspired by water’s ability to be both gentle and powerful according to its form.
• Group breakfast
• Nature walk for anyone who wishes to take part

Day 3: Afternoon after lunch

• Restorative yoga session with Theresa - fostering introspection and self-reflection throughout the practice, and inviting you to connect with your emotions and inner depths, much like the hypnotic experience of looking towards the ocean horizon.
• Free time for the beach and exploration
• Evening silent walking meditation

Day 4: Morning

• Beach yoga session with Catherine (weather permitting) - highlighting the rhythmic ebb and flow of the breath, and linking breath with movement in a Vinyasa Flow sequence created to echo the rise and fall of ocean waves.
• Group breakfast
• Personal time

Day 4: Afternoon after lunch

• Free time for beach activities or leisure
• Closing ceremony and reflection with Theresa

Day 5: Departure

• Gentle morning Vinyasa yoga taught by Catherine - a grounding, gentle practice that brings stillness and stability, with smooth, continuous transitions between poses, so that you leave the retreat feeling calm, comfortable and ready to return to everyday reality and commitments.
• Breakfast and check-out

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

For further information: https://theresamoodie.com/blog/blog/yoga-retreat-in-greece/