Retreat & Free Diving, Live Retreat @ Zen Rocks Mani
Join us in this fun, fresh, invigorating and at the same time, meditative and relaxing retreat.
Your guides in this journey will be Helge Lovskar a deep sea &a ocean lover since childhood, and a champion of free diving in Norway. And, Vivi Letsou, long time Zen meditator and passionate Yoga Teacher.
The idea sprang out a sesshin, a silent meditation retreat, when Vivi and Helge sat in silence for 3 days during a cold and rainy December. Now, under the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, we invite you to anew luminous season, and a totally renewed connection with life.
We will be getting up early for meditation! After a cup of tea and a light snack we will practice dynamic and athletic yoga, which could be adapted to all ages and needs. Then we will digest our delectable brunchand rest. Later, as days warm up, we will be introduced to the secrets of sea and the art of diving. A starting point can be our Zen Rocks infinity pool.
The retreat program also includes daily visits to the sea. Helge will be sharing with us his passion for thesea, and will be teaching us how to feel at home in the water… the art of stillness and joyful, trustingconcentration.
Hegle will also introduce us to “what lies beneath” and how to connect with and appreciate the plants,rocks, fish, really all delightful creatures of the sea.Day by day, step by step, we will learn to enjoy diving and grow completely comfortable in the sea,opening ourselves to a brand new RELATIONSHIP with the energy and aliveness of the water.
We will explore beautiful Mediterranean blue beaches and enjoy diving in safe and not-too deep waters,before we venture out for a deeper water excursion by boat, which would be an extra option.
We can schedule a couple Deep Sea Freediving excursions with a boat and diving gear at an extra cost.
Depending on the weather, the day may start with meditation and diving right after, with brunch waitingfor us after the refreshing morning. In this case, rest, more swimming, and yoga will be the rewards of ourafternoon. The evening will close with mesmerizing sunsets, delectable dinners al fresco, and beautifulfriendships in the enfolds of our heavenly retreat center.
Everything at Zen Rocks radiates peace and to top it all, it is set in the most pristine land between old olive trees in the hills of Mani, just a couple of minutes away from picturesque beaches and old little villages.
I was lucky to be a part of one of the Zen Rock Retreats. I was warmly welcomed and got to experience a strong bond & community that uplifted every aspect of the already powerful journey.
November 11 - 16, 2023
5 Nights, 6 Days
First Day, Saturday November 11
15:00 - 18:00
Arrivals
18:30
Welcome to the circle with Yoga, Retreat introductions, & meditation
20:00
Dinner & enjoying the sunset
22:00
Early to bed, early to rise.
Last Day, Thursday November 16
7:15 - 8:00
Zen Meditation
8: 00 - 8:30
Morning Herbal Tea & Very light fruit snack
9:00 - 11:00
Energizing Abhaya Yoga or BASI Pilates practice
11:15
Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet
Plan A
7:15 - 8:00
Zen Meditation
8:00 - 8:30
Morning Herbal Tea & Very light fruit snack
9:00 - 11:00
Energizing Abhaya Yoga or BASI Pilates practice
11:15
Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet
15:00 - 18:00
Exploring the Deep Blue Sea: getting to know the sea, swimming, snorkeling, diving
18:30
Optional Restorative Yoga, Breathing practice, & Meditation
20:00
Dinner & enjoying the sunset
22:00
Early to bed, early to rise.
OR
Plan B
7:15 - 8:00
Zen Meditation
8: 00 - 8:30
Morning Herbal Tea & Very light fruit snack
9:00 - 11:00
Exploring the Deep Blue Sea: getting to know the sea, swimming, snorkeling, diving
12:00
Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet
13:00 - 18:00
Rest, or more fun at the sea
18:30
Abhaya Yoga, Breathing practice, & Meditation
20:00
Dinner & enjoying the sunset
22:00
Early to bed, early to rise.
Package Prices include accommodations, yoga, and sea intro & diving instruction
Full package: November 11-16, 2023 (5 Nights, 6 Days)
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 (subject to availability)
Short stay option: November 11-14, 2023 (3 Nights, 4 Days)
Your own Tent:
€470 (bathroom & shower available)
Zen Rocks Luxury Tent:
€650 (subject to availability)
Triple:
€770 (you will need to be 3/room to secure price)
Double:
€890 (you will need to be 2/room to secure price)
Single:
€1,190 (subject to availability)
Comfortable Accommodations,
Abhaya Yoga practice,
Teachings on sea life & science,
Free Diving instruction
Extra option: Deep Sea Freediving Excursion costs through the FCG, FREEDIVING CLUB GREECE, in Kalamata, will take place 2-3 times during the retreat, and they have an extra cost.
Cost: The cost per daily excursion by boat & extra gear per person is 60-80€.
Note: If you do not hold an international certification for Free Diving, and you would like to participate in this retreat’s Freediving excursions, you can get instruction and certification at the Kalamata FCG, FREEDIVING CLUB GREECE. The cost is 175€ and you pay them directly.
Others costs not included in the the retreat price:
Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani
Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area
Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable.
Transportation by Zen Rocks Van can be arranged at an extra charge. Or you can rent your own.
Helge Lovskar is passionate about the sea. Since he was a kid, he has been playing in and underwater. Today, he is the current national champion free diver of Norway and author of the Norwegian book on freediving titled «Fridykking». He owns and partly runs a group of companies set to tackle marine pollution challenges in Oslo Fjord in Norway and still spends a lot of time in water. He is a certified CMAS freediving instructor with 15 years experience and hundreds of students.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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!
Let us know about your needs and preferences and we can pre-arrange the perfect nurturing massage or related therapy session for you.