Yoga & the Creative Self
27 May – 2 June 2024
This is a special yoga program that combines the benefits of yogic techniques with introspection in the form of creative arts.
Join us to take part in a unique five-day experience of opening up by practicing yoga and meditation with the added experience of creative arts
Over these five days, yoga and meditation will ground your energy and will allow you to come in contact with your inner creative and expressive self. The soothing energy of the green-blue island of Skopelos, in combination with the group environment, the support of the yoga teacher who will lead the whole program, and comfortable accommodation will facilitate your personal expression. As this program is designed for anyone who wants to explore his or her own creativity, all are most welcome with or without experience in yoga or in arts. By the end of these five days, you will have gained valuable insights into yourself, your talents and your creative process, and you will have a clearer idea of your personal creative goals and much more.
Informations about the Retreat
Welcome! I have been planning this program with extra care, and i delighted to meet you because i believe that in the right environment, our energy bodies (pranic, emotional, mental, and spiritual) can open up dramatically and offer us intuitive insights into our souls and minds as well as unlocking our creative ability. If you feel that you are already on this path but you need a push from outside, or you want to explore your life from a different angle, then this program is for you!
The soothing energy of Skopelos Island in combination with your yoga practice, meditation techniques, and the power of the group, will bring you closer to yourSelf.
See you soon…
Skopelos offers gorgeous beaches to suit every taste, from solitary hike-in coves to those outfitted with cafés, umbrellas and reclining chairs. There are dozens of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging uphill paths, but all offer stunning views, greenery, birds, and more. Strolling the alleys of the picturesque hill town of Glossa can be good exercise all by itself, or you can stop to enjoy homemade pastries andexcellent coffee or a meal in a local taverna. The port town of Skopelos, on the southern part of the island, also offers colorful markets, boutiques, and even more restaurants, bike excursions, beauty salons, massage therapy, and boat trips to the nearby islands. You can even rent a boat for short excursions to nearby beaches.
The guest house is close to the villages of Elios-Neo Klima(1.1km) and Glossa(5.7 km)
and is 20 kilometers from the town of Skopelos. If you’re not inclined to explore the island and you prefer to enjoy the comfort of the guest house, the local bus service and walking will be sufficient for your needs. If you’d like to do rent a car in order to have more options, we can help you find a car rental company. There is parking available at the guest house.
We will be based at the Stamatiou estate, a luxury guest house with a private beach(with canoes available at no extra cost),amazing views of the sea, a daily homemade breakfast, and snacks made with honey produced on the estate.In fact, Stamatiou honey has received prizes for being among the best in Europe.
Our team will be available to facilitate your stay and offer special assistance as needed. Please feel free to contact us with any requests.
The program fee includes the five-days yoga schedule, lodging, and transportation between the port and the guest house on the day of arrival and departure. Daily breakfasts and two dinners (details below) are also included.
Your airline/boat/other transportation and tickets, and other meals are entirely your responsibility, as is your travel and health insurance.
Participants who book a double room will share a bedroom with one other program participant. Each room includes a private bathroom, a kitchenette, a table, and chairs. Most rooms also have an exterior terrace with an additional table and chairs.
Single rooms include the same amenities, but they are limited. Please notify us immediately if you’re interested in a single room.
On the evening of your arrival day, which should be the day before the start of the program, we will offer you a welcome coffee-tea-snack evening and we will talk about the program and answer any of your questions.
On the last night of the program, we’ll also provide a farewell dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the experience.
Every day, a traditional breakfast with something to suit every taste will be provided. In addition, coffee, tea, and snacks will be available throughout the day. You will be responsible for your own lunches and dinners; cooking facilities are available in the guest house, or you may choose to eat out.
Please let us know if there you have any health issues or dietary restrictions, and we will let you know what we can do to assist you with it.
Double room: 2500 Euros
Single room: 2700 Euros
VAT included
*NB: If you’d like to come for the program and bring your (non-participating) partner, please contact us for more pricing details.
If you book your spot in the program and pay in full by February 15, 2024, the price for a double room is 2250 Euros.
A 50% deposit is due 90 days before the program start date.
The remaining 50% of the program fees are due 30 days before the program start date.
If you cancel within 60 days of the program start date, we will retain 50% of the deposit.
If you cancel within 30 days of the program start date, we will retain 100% of the fees.
Io Calis-Bletzaki, Sn.Yogananda, has been active in the world of yoga since 1992.
She received her initiation (Mantra & name) initial training in the Satyananda Yoga system (earning a certificate in the period 1995-1996) at Satyanandashram Greece and the Thessaloniki Yoga Centre, and received hands-on training in all branches of yoga (Hatha, Karma, Raja, Jyana, Mantra, Kriya and meditation).
Io continued her experiential studies and in 1998-1999 obtained successfully her diploma in Yogic Science at Bihar Yoga Bharati (BYB), the first recognized Yoga Institute in India.
She opened her first yoga centre, YogaHomePractice “Ananda” in Athens in 2002 which was renamed YogaSadhaka in 2013 and setted up in the island of Skopelos.
She delved into the Iyengar Yoga system and completed level one and two training in Ashtanga vinyasa yoga.
Io completed the Ayurvedic Healing course run by the American Institute of Vedic Studies owned by David Frawly.
She also studied Asian religions and philosophy with Dr. Dimitris Vasiliadis.
She trained as a psychotherapist from 2000-2003 in non-directive intervention (NDI) psychotherapy and group facilitation with Michel Lobrot.
She has also studied Astrology, Rejuvance, Aromatherapy, and Dowsing Pendulum Therapy and holds a Reiki level 2 qualification.
Io Calis-Bletzaki is married to the artist George Calis and the couple is now based on the island of Skopelos.