Retreat: Ithaca, Greece, Yoga with Margherita Dal Pra - October 14th - 21st 2023

Retreat Highlights

Ithaca, home of Itha108, is one of the smallest in the Ionian island constellation that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. It’s shores play host to a long Homeric and mythical history whose many mysteries are sensed amongst animated panorama and secretive coves. Itha108 overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighbouring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing its natural beauty to speak for itself. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living ensures full use of the land and its treasures that extend to sweeping and hidden beaches below.

Unique Retreat

“As you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that your journey be a long one, filled with adventure, filled with discovery.”

– Constantine P. Cavafy

Itha 108 sleeps twenty one across varied accommodation; six luxury double bedrooms in the main house and places of Sanctuary staggered up between rocks, forestry and winding walkways. The many social and quiet spaces allow guests to enjoy the landscape and relax.

A perfect chill out spot is tucked away at the back of the house. Soak up sun or shade on one of two antique Rajasthani swings set with linen cushions. Choose a view of the Ionian sea or wild oak trees. An area used for massage therapies overlooking the sea is absolutely magic.

A library houses a variety of books, board games and a long table for those who need to catch up with work. Sea views and a gentle breeze through shuttered French windows adds atmosphere.

At the front of the house, a serious sun trap, has panoramic sea views and comfortable Indian Charpoy daybeds; this veranda is soaked in sun from mid-morning until nightfall.

Beneath an expansive pergola are traditional Rajasthani sofas and coffee tables, carved spice boxes and Eastern lanterns. Help yourself to breakfast and snacks from the outdoor kitchen – a curved Kourasanit counter beneath the pergola – complete with an inbuilt BBQ and a sunken drinks fridge. Handmade African wood doors lead from the kitchen to the al fresco dining area with far-reaching views of the Ionian sea and beyond, the hills of Kefalonia.

The Yoga

This yoga retreat is lead by Margherita Dal Pra, the founder of YogaM. Margherita is a very experienced yoga and meditation teacher with 19 years of teaching experience. Her classes are a synthesis of form and flow — bio-mechanical principles of alignment & creative vinyasa — along with heart-centered themes and the lineage and depth of knowledge of Tantric Hatha Yoga, combined with the energetics and the elements of Ayurveda wisdom. Read more about her background here.

This yoga retreat is open to all ages and levels of fitness and experience. Every session will have attention to detail (alignment), awareness of breath (pranayama), openness to grace (attitude) and intelligent sequencing (vinyasa krama). The morning yoga classes will be more upbeat and energizing, and the afternoon classes more relaxed.

All sessions will be adapted to the group and modifications of the poses will be offered to cater for all participants and to ensure that everyone is receiving the benefits of the practice and individual attention.