Dates & Information
Retreats are dedicated periods for purification and self-discovery. During our time together, we will explore and deepen all aspects of Yoga, including physical postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), chanting of ancient mantras and Kirtans (we both play instruments-harmonium, didgeridoo, and percussion-to guide you in chanting and releasing emotional blockages), meditation techniques, and relaxation practices such as Yoga Nidra.
Our retreat will also include nature walks, vegan/vegetarian cooking workshops, and personal time for self-reflection.
Since ancient times, the island of Aegina has been renowned for its soothing and healing energy. This is reflected in its rich history, from ancient Greek temples to Byzantine churches, which are scattered throughout the island.
We are happy to make you perceive it with this series of retreats.
01 – 04 May 2025
The focus of this retreat will be on detoxification and purification. All techniques will be aimed at purging excess from our system-whether it be food, drinks, words, or external inputs that lead to stagnation. Spring is the perfect time for this process, as nature’s energy is at its peak supporting renewal and cleansing.
Daily schedule
- Welcome and introduction
- Meditation practice at our outdoor terrace with stunning sea view
- Dinner at our private seaside Kavos Restaurant
- Chanting
- Meditation
- Morning meditation practice
- Breakfast inspired by Mediterranean cuisine at our outdoor terrace
- Free time to explore the peaceful nature of the hotel or the Aegina island
- Afternoon meditation practice
- Hike to the Ancient Olive Grove-Eleonas: Α plateau at the foot of the mount Oros, hidden by the surrounding hills and housing centuries-old Olive trees
- Dinner at our private seaside Kavos Restaurant
- Team bonding through questions and answers
- Chanting
- Yoga Nidra
- Morning meditation practice
- Breakfast inspired by Mediterranean cuisine at our outdoor terrace
- Free time to explore the peaceful nature of the hotel
- Afternoon meditation practice in our outstanding Aristophanes Theater
- Dinner at our private seaside, Kavos Restaurant
- Music and meditation
- Morning meditation practice
- Breakfast at our Kavos Restaurant Terrace & Closing Discussion
- Free time to explore the peaceful nature of the hotel or the Aegina island
About Alessandro Ortona
Alessandro Ortona, born in Italy in 1966, began his yoga journey at the age of 15, inspired by his mother. His early exposure to various teachers who visited his home deeply influenced his path. He pursued a degree in Business Management and initially worked in the shipping industry. Seeking a more serene and fulfilling lifestyle, he moved to Antigua in the Caribbean, where he resided for six years. During this period, he realized that external changes alone were insufficient for inner peace and decided to dedicate himself fully to yoga.
Alessandro yoga education was enriched by his encounter with the esteemed yogi Sri Sri Sri Satchidananda, who imparted the fundamentals of ancient Hatha Yoga to him. In Italy, he studied under Walter Ruta (Tirak) and contributed to the development of the Pramiti Yoga School. His quest for deeper spiritual experience led him to Greece, where he lived in the Satyananda Ashram in Paiania, Attica. There, he met his guru, Swami Shivamurti Saraswati, and immersed himself in the principles of Karma Yoga and traditional Satyananda teachings.
Since 2005, Ortona has been residing in Lagonisi, Greece, teaching yoga in Athens, the whole Greece and abroad.
About Anastasia Biliri
Anastasia started the study of yoga in 2007. Her first trip to India was in 2009, and she has been frequently visiting ever since, practising traditional Hatha Yoga with distinguished teachers such as Swami Niranjanananda and Swami Shakti Murti (Bihar School of Yoga), Sharat Arora (Iyengar Yoga Citizenship Center) and Sunil and Bhakti Kumar (Yoga Training Center).
Anastasia has completed 4 different teacher training programs (200hrs, 300hrs, 365hrs) and numerous technical training seminars around the world on Yoga Therapy, Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and more. In 2013 she became initiated in Satyananda Yoga by Swami Sivamurti Saraswati. In 2019 she had the honour to take the Karma Sannyasin initiation by Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati.
She has been an instructor of Hatha Yoga since 2012 and the founder and lead instructor of Neda Yoga Shala. She is also a member of Adi Shakti Kirtan Band since 2014 and the founder of Ryza Project, a beautiful exploration of the connection between sound and yoga. With her teachings, she wishes to inspire people on how this practice offers a perfect internal sanctuary and at the same time, it gives the tools to dive deep in life and connect strongly with the world around. On how this practice teaches us to be alert but quiet. To be free through awareness and discipline. To be here. To feel. To Love. To Live!