Yoga & Hiking Holiday
Amorgos, Greece
22nd – 29th May 2017
This year I am thrilled to be running my fourth yoga and hiking holiday on the stunning island of Amorgos, the most eastern of the Cycladic Islands in Greece.
Join me for a spectacular week at the luxurious Aegialis Hotel and Spa, the perfect setting for yoga and hiking. The hotel is nestled between two of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is built in the traditional architectural style of the Cyclades.
Amorgos lies between Naxos and Astypalia. It is a dramatic and mountainous island and in Spring many of the local flowers and herbs will still be blossoming. Amorgos has escaped the ravages of over development and as one of the more remote islands, still has a wonderful serene atmosphere.
We will hike along the ancient monopatia (historical paths) exploring the different parts of the island including the 9th century Byzantine Monastery Hozoviotissa which rises out of the ‘big blue’ on a thousand foot cliff - this alone is worth the visit to Amorgos. This is where Luc Bresson chose to film his cult movie “The Big Blue”. Other sites we will visit are the Monastery of St Goerge Valsamitis, built on the ruins of an ancient water oracle dedicated to the God Apollo; the excavated ancient city of Minoa; and the traditional capital of Hora; all of which add to the magic of this island. Close to our hotel is the picturesque village of Lagada where a wonderful herbalist, Vangelis, and his wife offer herbs and therapy with a kindness that soothes your soul.
The Hotel has a fabulous kitchen and much of what we eat will come from its own garden. The Thalasso Spa and Beauty Centre will soothe tired muscles after the long walks and rejuvenate you in time for the yoga classes.
We will begin each day with a gentle stretching session, followed by a sumptuous buffet breakfast. For those wanting an earlier start, there will also be morning meditation. We then set off on our hikes, which range from 2 1/2 to 4 hours. We will have time to stop off at beautiful beaches, lunch in local tavernas and enjoy the spectacular scenery. In the afternoons you will have time to relax back at the hotel pool or walk down to the local port or beach.
There will be a two hour yoga session before dinner which will be a combination of alignment-based mindful vinyasa flow, workshopping poses and restorative yoga.
TRAVEL
The Hotel offer a travel service and are happy to book ferries for people travelling to Amorgos. They recommend traveling to Athens and the ferry from Pireas in May. Travel from other islands is possible but less reliable before the peak summer season.
From Athens:
Flights to Athens served by Easyjet, British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Airways,
Ferry from the Port of Pireas:
The Blue Star Ferries departs at 17.30pm daily and arrives at the port of Aegiali at 1.30am (Please note the ferry departs every day except Saturday).
COSTS
The price includes:
7 nights accommodation in superior room with ensuite bathroom.
All yoga classes.
Local guide for all the hikes.
Transfers to and from the hotel for all the hikes.
Breakfast with organic ingredients from the hotels garden.
Packed lunches for two hikes*.
Dinner including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Arrival and departure transfers on Amorgos (port-hotel-port).
Free use of Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor heated sea water swimming pool, fitness centre).
1 x 30-minute Swedish massage.
10% discount on Spa treatments.
Unlimited Internet access.
Share double superior room: £995.
Single occupancy in a superior room: £1295.
There is a £75 early bird discount for anyone paying in full by 28th February 2017 or for those returning for their second or third yoga and hiking holiday.
If anyone would like to upgrade their room to a larger room or a suite this can be arranged directly with the hotel.
The Price excludes flights, ferries to the Island, lunches* and alcohol.
Deposit of £495 to secure booking. Balance due by 27th March 2017.
Please email me at sophie@coats.net to book.