Spring Renewal & Easter Celebration 
with Yoga-Pilates-Fitness in Nature

Yoga & Fitness Retreat in Zen Rocks Mani

TEACHERS

Vivi Letsou, B.S., M.A.
John Smihula, PhD

DATES

April 4 - 9, 2023
5 nights - 6 Days

CATEGORY

Yoga & Pilates Retreat,
Easter Celebration

PRICE

From 790€

Spring Renewal & Easter Celebration 
with Yoga-Pilates-Fitness in Nature

Our Invitation To You
Let this Easter vacation be an experience of true renewal and transformation.
Are you ready to feel truly comfortable in your own body and heart center again?
Re-Conditioning our body with yoga, pilates & weights is the first step
to connecting with our aliveness!
 
With mindfulness meditation & silent walks in nature we may
return to our natural state of inner peace.
In a circle gathering of Reverence for Life Consciousness of
Universal Love Let us embody Spring Renewal, Togetherness, and Easter Joy!
Description of the Retreat

The beautiful nature of Mani and Zen Rocks, calls for us to celebrate this special Easter retreat through a healthy re-conditioning of our bodies, and reconnection with our inner self and each other.  
In our daily morning and evening practice sessions, we will move through a therapeutic & conditioning Yoga, Pilates, Fitness routine and enjoy daily walks in nature.  Mindfulness meditation will welcome body and mind in peaceful stillness.  
Allowing the nervous system to relax and expand, we return to a calm state of joy and inter-connectedness with self and others, including animals.  Fresh and delicious Vegetarian meals will nurture body and heart.  
On European Easter Day, April 9, we will celebrate with a circle of connection, sharing, and re-envisioning life.
At Easter Brunch, we will rejoice with classical music from Bach and a delectable VEGETARIAN EASTER Buffet!

Join us in this journey of Spring-Easter renewal & rejoicing! 

Yoga Practice
Pilates
Sports Activities
Relaxing
Vegetarian Meals
Program Schedule

April 4 - 9, 2023

Total Training Hours: 33 Hours

Arrivals - First Day of Retreat

15:00 - 17:30

You have arrived. You are home

18:00 - 19:15

Welcome Breathing & Moving the Body Practice

19:30

Dinner & Relaxation

21:00

Optional:  Zen meditation or restorative yoga relaxation 

21:30

Early to bed, early to rise!

Departures - Last Day of Retreat

7:15 - 8:00

Meditations Practice

8:00 - 8:30

Morning Walk or Morning Tea & Fruit

8:45 - 11:00

Yoga and/or Pilates Practice

11:15

Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet

12:00

Departures

7:15 - 8:00

Meditations Practice

8:00 - 8:30

Morning Walk or Morning Tea & Fruit

8:45 - 11:00

Yoga and/or Pilates Practice

11:15

Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet

12:00

Free time: Rest, Swim, enjoy a massage

17:00 - 18:15

Pilates & Weights Conditioning or Yoga Restorative Class

18:30

Dinner & enjoying the sunset

20:00

Optional: Walk in nature, Zen meditation or restorative relaxation

21:30

Early to bed, early to rise!

Costs

Full Package,  5 Night Stay 

Your own Tent:

€790 (bathroom & shower available)

Zen Rocks Luxury Tent:

€1,090 (subject to availability)

Triple:

€1,290 (you will need to be 3/room to secure price)

Double:

€1,490 (you will need to be 2/room to secure price)

Single:

€1,990

Accommodations,  5  nights
Daily Yoga classes & meditation
Τwo delicious vegetarian meals a day (brunch and dinner) and Morning Tea

All yoga equipment and accessories
Biodegradable toiletries

Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani
Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area
Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable.

The Miracle of Mindfulness, by Thich Nhat Hanh
Meditation for the Love of It, by Sally Kempton
The Practice of Yoga Sutra, by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
Zen Mind Beginners Mind, by Suzuki Roshi 

Anyone of any level of practice can attend this retreat. 
We can adjust the dynamic Abhaya Yoga or Pilates Practice to your needs. 

Teacher(s)
Vivi Letsou,
M.A., Abhaya Yoga creator

Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Director of NYSY Studios, Co-founder of Zen Rocks, and Avocado Vegetarian Café, Certified Teacher Yoga Alliance 500 hours, Certified Teacher BASIPilates™, Creator of Abhaya Yoga.

Vivi is a strong and charismatic Yoga Teacher and Teachers’ Educator. Vivi has created Abhaya Yoga—a style that combines dynamic alignment-based asana, with an empowering philosophy rooted in Tantra and on the Buddhist path of compassion for all beings.

Link to Vivi’s Full Bio here.

John Smihula,
Ph.D. English Literature

John taught literature, film, composition, and humanities for twenty years at American universities, principally the University of Nevada, Reno, and he is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. He also spent ten years as a counselor in the social services and mental health system in New York and San Francisco.  As a young man, he was a Peace Corp volunteer in Mauritaunia, Africa. And he has been an actor, sawyer, carpenter, and personal trainer.  Since he was a teenager, he has participated in many athletic activities, such as baseball, American football, Ultimate Frisbee, beach volleyball, weightlifting, running, rowing,and long-distance hiking at elevation—and training for triathlons and natural bodybuilding contests.  In recent years, he has turned to Pilates, and become a certified instructor, because he believes that Pilates, particularly the BASI method, is an essential tool to strengthen the core and improve balance, posture, and flexibility.

Have a question?

How do I choose the Retreat for me?

All our retreats aim to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for all levels of practice and all student needs. All programs offer the opportunity for a dose of daily good exercise through yoga or pilates, walks in nature and/or swimming in the sea, and both restorative and meditation practice. A weekly program offers a complete experience of well-being. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled. If a program seems enticing to you, it is probably the one you need. Make a bold step and trust it: Go for it!

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Our friendly staff and group of guests/friends will make you feel right at home. Surrounded by good company, with space to be on your own, according to your needs and wishes.

Can I bring my partner who is not a practitioner?

Yes. As long as one understands and respects the philosophy of Zen Rocks, your partner can join in the daily activities, or feel free to relax and follow their own schedule. Your friend or partner will feel warmly welcome at Zen Rocks.

When should I book?

Book early, as soon as you know the retreat you are interested in, and your schedule. Click here to send us your questions or to register. Link: REGISTER

Where do I fly to –How do I arrange my Transfer?

We would be happy to help arrange your transfer from Athens or Kalamata to Zen Rocks.The retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kalianeika, about one kilometer from us. There is airport access both from Athens Airport (3 hours from ZR) and from Kalamata Airport (30-40min from ZR).

-Flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and transportation to Zen Rocks
All major airlines fly to Athens international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos. Zen Rocks is about a 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Athens. We can arrange a private transport for you and/ or your group or you can rent a car to drive yourself to Zen Rocks. The ride is beautiful, and you can enjoy a direct ride along the new Athens-Kalamata highway, or you can make stops in places like the sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Nemea, the city of Nafplion, and the town of Kalamata.

-Flights to/from Kalamata (KLX)
More and more there are direct and/or charter flights to the small airport of Kalamata from different European cities. Also, new 30 minutes flights have just started from Athens to Kalamata regional airport are very reasonably priced if booked well in advance.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kalamata from the northern Greek town of Thessaloniki.

-Transportation options while in Greece
The way to reach Zen Rocks is either with our luxurious Mini Van for 8 people or by renting a car from Athens or Kalamata and drive around on your own. Our office can assist you with your car rental reservation. Or you can make your booking directly. During your stay at Zen Rocks our minivan is available for hire along with an experienced driver. The rates for transfers with our minivan are in the attached document titled: ZenRocksRates.
Allow us to book your transfer from Athens or Kalamata. Simply email us at: info@zenrocksmani.com

Driving Directions to Zen Rocks

The retreat is located about 30 minutes South of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst the sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kallianeika.

1. Drive on the new freeway from Athens to Kalamata, and be prepared to stop frequently for tolls. Expect to pay around 15€ each way. It may take you 2-2.5 hours to reach Kalamata.

2. Stay on the freeway and exit Kalamata heading towards Areopolis and Kitries. After the freeway ends, you will pass Lidl, and a café called Cosi on the right, and then the road forks and you see a road sign. At this point you have the option of heading up towards the mountain towards Areopolis and Kardamyli, or taking a right towards the sea and Kitries. You can reach us either way. We are giving you directions through the coastal road here, as it may be easier to find our location this way.

3. Take a right towards Kitries and drive down the coast for about 10-15 minutes. Right as you approach Kitries, the road goes uphill. There is a big retaining wall right in front of you, causing you to almost stop. You see a road sign for Doloi.

4. Make a sharp left up the mountain towards Doloi.

5. Drive for 5 minutes until you reach the village of Kalianeika.

6. When you reach Kalianeika, stop in front of the church and set your odometer to 0.

7. Drive for one kilometer, and you will come to switch back turn where you will see a fence with big cacti and a huge rock. You are getting close.

8. Immediately afterwards, you see a second switch back turn and a couple small signs for Zen Rocks. At this point leave the asphalt road and enter a smaller cement farm road. Drive 200 meters on cement, and then another 400 meters of dirt road. At this point you will see the electrical posts and a cement road up on your left. This is our private drive way to Zen Rocks.

(Attention: our drive way is the SECOND paved road you see on your left. Do not take the first one, right where the cement ends… wait till you drive the extra 400 meters of dirt and pebble road and you come across the electrical wires and big posts… at this point you will also notice that the farm road you are on is covered with the cement of our paved drive way.)
9. Go left on our cement road. It is a sharp incline. Come up on first gear and full throttle. Small cars will do fine if you know how to drive fearlessly.

10. Welcome to Zen Rocks.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says: YOU HAVE ARRIVED!

Οδηγίες για το Zen Rocks Mani

Το Zen Rocks Mani βρίσκεται σε απόσταση περίπου 30 λεπτών Νότια από τη πόλη της Καλαμάτας, ανάμεσα σε ήσυχους ελαιώνες, τον ουρανό και τη θάλασσα! Το κοντινότερο χωριό είναι τα Καλλιανέικα.
1. Πάρτε τη νέα εθνική οδό απο την Αθήνα προς τη Καλαμάτα οπου θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε συχνά σε σταθμούς διοδίων. Υπολογείστε οτι το συνολικό κόστος των διοδίων θα ειναι 15€ η διαδρομή. Η απόσταση ειναι περιπου 2-2.5 ώρες απο την Αθήνα μέχρι να φτάσετε στη Καλαμάτα.
2. Μείνετε στην εθνική οδό και βγείτε στην έξοδο της Καλαμάτας με κατεύθυνσή προς Αρεόπολη και Κιτριές. Όταν τελειώσει η εθνική οδός, θα συναντήσετε ένα σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl και μια καφετέρια στα δεξιά σας που ονομάζεται Cosi. Σε εκείνο το σημείο ο δρόμος χωρίζεται και θα δείτε μια πινακίδα. Σε αυτό ακριβώς το σημείο, έχετε την επιλογή είτε να συνεχίσετε προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Αρεόπολη και Καρδαμύλη είτε να πάρετε το δρόμοι που είναι στα δεξιά σας που πάει μέσω του παραλιακού δρόμου στις Κιτριές. Όποιο δρόμο και να πάρετε μπορείτε να έρθετε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Εμείς παρακάτω σας δίνουμε οδηγίες από το παραλιακό δρόμο μιας και θεωρούμε ότι είναι ο πιο εύκολος δρόμος για να έρθετε.
3. Κάνετε δεξιά προς Κιτριές και οδηγείτε στο παραλιακό δρόμο για περίπου 10-15 λεπτά. Στο σημείο που έχετε φτάσει σχεδό στις Κιτριές, ο δρόμος έχει μια ανηφόρα. Στο σημείο αυτό υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος τοίχος μπροστά σας που σας αναγκάζει σχεδόν να σταματήσετε. Εκεί βλέπετε μια πινακίδα προς Δολούς.
4. Εκεί αριστερά προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Δολούς.
5. Οδηγείστε προς τα επάνω αυτόν τον δρόμο με τις στροφές, για 5 λεπτά μέχρι να βρείτε το χωριό Καλιανέϊκα.
6. Όταν φτάσετε στα Καλιανέϊκα, σταματήστε μπροστά από την εκκλησία και ρυθμίστε το μετρητή χιλιομέτρων σας στο 0.
7. Οδηγείστε για 1 χιλιόμετρο και θα δείτε μια στροφή φουρκέτα, η οποία σας φέρνει προς τα δεξια. Εκεί θα δείτε ένα φράχτη με μεγάλους κάκτους και ένα τεράστιο βράχο. Πλησιάζετε!
8. Αμέσως μετά βλέπετε μια ακόμα στροφή φουρκέτα που στρίβει τον δρόμο προς τα αριστερά. Θα δείτε δύο μικρές πινακίδες για το Zen Rocks. Σε αυτό το σημείο αφήνετε το ασφαλτοστρωμένο δρόμο και μπαίνετε προς τα δεξιά σε έναν μικρό αγροτικό δρόμο από τσιμέντο.Οδηγείστε για 200 μέτρα στο τσιμεντένιο επαρχιακό δρόμο και άλλα 400 μέτρα σε χωματόδρομο. Ακολουθήστε τις πινακίδες για να μην μπείτε στον ελαιώνα που είναι πριν από εμάς. Περιμένετε να δείτε το σημείο με την πινακίδα του Zen Rocks να δείχνει τον ανηφορικό ιδιωτικό τσιμεντένιο δρόμο στα αριστερά σας. Είναι που θα σας φέρει στο κατάλυμα.
Σε αυτό το σημείο και μόνο θα δείτε και τους στύλους της ΔΕΗ να ανεβαίνουν προς τα πάνω.
9. Κάντε αριστερά σε αυτόν τον τσιμεντένιο δρόμο. Έχει έντονη ανηφορική κλίση, οπότε βάλτε πρώτη ταχύτητα για να ανεβείτε. Ακόμα και μικρά αυτοκίνητα ανεβαίνουν άνετα. Είναι λίγο σα να ανεβαίνετε ίσια πάνω στον ουρανό, στα σύννεφα… Απογειώνεστε λοιπόν.
10. 5 Δευτερόπτα μετά: Καλώς ορίσατε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Χαλαρώστε και απολαύστε τη διαμονή σας!

Όπως λέει και ο δάσκαλος του Ζεν Thich Nhat Hahn: You have arrived! Pause. Enjoy!

Booking a Massage or other Therapy

Let us know about your needs and preferences and we can pre-arrange the perfect nurturing massage or related therapy session for you.

Empowerment Through Yoga
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Accommodations

Seaview Studio

Elegant room with private entrance from main Villa foyer/kitchen, and nicely furnished balcony with open garden & sea views. Hand crafted elegant wooden furniture, Cocomat mattresses, organic cotton sheets & pillows, special lighting. Organic kourasanit floors (made of river sand) and bathroom walls.180 degree Panoramic Seaview.

Room Size :
25 sqm
Capasity :
up to 2
Beds:
1 Queen Double Bed (or Twin Beds)

Seaview Master Suite

Comfortable spacious suite with private entrance from main Villa foyer/kitchen,and nicely furnished balcony with open garden & sea views.
Hand crafted elegant wooden furniture, Cocomat mattresses, organic cottonsheets & pillows, special lighting.
Organic kourasanit floors (made of river sand) and bathroom walls.
180 degree Panoramic Seaview.

Room Size :
35 sqm
Capasity :
up to 3
Beds:
1 Queen Double Bed (or Twin Beds) & 1 Single Sofa

Seascape Loft

A sea of tranquility, this double or twin room rests on the upper floor of each Villa, with its own external stone staircase. The room opens to a private small balcony with expansive sea and sky views. Thisupstairs oasis also features a large private terrace, your own 40 square-meterprivate sun deck, and star gazing arena.

Room Size :
25 sqm
Capasity :
up to 2
Beds:
1 Queen Double Bed (or Twin Beds)
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