Sat Chit Ananda (सच्चिदानन्द)
~ existence – consciousness – bliss ~
Join Arlena and Diana in Koufonisia for an unbelievably amazing retreat full of Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Reiki, Sound Healing, and Bliss. We can’t forget to mention the glorious sun and sand on one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
Don’t forget your bathing suit!
Practice mindfulness at this exclusive sanctuary that invites you to experience the most transformational and relaxing week of your life. Could you ask for anything more?
Our venue on the tiny and secluded island of Koufonisia has been specially chosen during this highly vibrant time of the year for the natural light we will experience during our week-long retreat. We will practice pranayama, meditation, and yoga asanas as we explore the 8 limbs of yoga.
The week will be imbued with the energy of the island as we strengthen and open our bodies, minds, and hearts. You will feel a deep relaxation surrounded by the natural elements of the island and the supportive community sharing this week with you.
When we slow down and take time to nourish ourselves through practice, we can find Sat Chit Ananda. Once we have found the beauty of existence, consciousness, and bliss, we feel lighter, brighter, and more full of ease in our day-to-day lives. Sat Chit Ananda.
This retreat invites you to soften in order to expand and find your inner bliss to create more alignment in all aspects of your life.
This retreat is open to all levels from beginner to advanced practitioner.
We are certified instructors in all types of Yoga ~ Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Chair, Yoga for Healthy Aging, as well as Primordial Sound Mantra Meditation. We are happy to set up workshops or personal instruction if requested.
Your Retreat Leaders
Arlena Mourier
Arlena is a retired Payroll professional from a major Eastcoast Transportation Company. She is the proprietor of Choose Happiness Adventures and a devoted Yogi.
As part of Choose Happiness Adventures' offerings, she leads and arranges self-guided walking and hiking tours on the Camino de Santiago. She has walked the Camino 14 times since 2012.
Arlena is a 500-hour Certified Yoga Instructor in Hatha Yoga. She also holds certificates for Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Healthy Aging, and Chair Yoga. She is a certified Primordial Sound Mantra Meditation Instructor as well as a certified Mindfulness Instructor and certified instructor of Pranayama .
Diana Fiore
Diana is a practicing Esthetician. While searching for peace and joint pain relief, Diana discovered the joy and power of yoga. She was instantly amazed by the way yoga healed her from within. She is a lifetime devotee of yoga and meditation, she has been especially drawn to the body/mind/spirit connection that yoga provides.
Diana is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor. She also holds certificates for Yin Yoga and Reiki Levels 1 and 2.
Diana enjoys living near the seashore, paddle boarding, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her children, friends, and family while continuing her lifelong journey toward living a mindful, meaningful life. ॐ
Dates: To Be Announced
Minimum Number of Guests: 9
Maximum Number of Guests: 24
Pricing per person double occupancy: $*
**See Cancellation Policy below**
Single Supplement: $*
Deposit of * is due upon booking
50% of Balance due by *
Balance due by *
* To be announced when retreat is arranged
What to Expect On This Retreat
The island of Koufonisia is small and secluded and is positively the best place to relax in all of Greece. It is located south of Naxos, in the center of the Cyclades. Koufonisia is a pair of islands, Ano and Kato Koufonisi, but only Ano Koufonisi is inhabited.
Koufonisi is the secret of the Greek Isles. There is a main port village where taverns and shops can be found. It’s all about the beckoning sea, hidden beaches, lunches in small taverns, and of course, the slow Mediterranean lifestyle.
The retreat begins on Saturday once everybody has arrived. After settling into your room, we will meet for a Restorative Yoga practice and orientation, followed by lunch and then a stroll to the beach or whatever suits you after your journey. Dinner will follow at the villa’s dining room.
The days that follow will spread between Pranayama, Meditation, yoga practices, walks, visits to the village and beaches, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful crystal-clear waters, the soft white sand, and the bright warm sun on our bodies.
There will be a Sound Healing session and options are available for Thai Massage, trekking activities, a boat trip to the island of Keros, and a day trip to Amorgos Island with its famous Monastery and picturesque village of Hora.
We are certain you will be very happy you decided to join us!
What About The Food?
Our meals will be catered by the best restaurant on Koufonisi Island. There will be 3 gourmet meals per day.
From one of the most ancient civilizations on earth comes simply prepared food that uses the best of what’s in season. Adding a little magic in the form of clever flavorings. Greece’s culinary tradition dates back hundreds of years and has evolved over time to absorb many diverse influences.
Greek food is simple, colorful, and incredibly nutritious. In addition, Greek food has a reputation for being heart-healthy. This is because it uses olive oil, fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs, and grain. One example is the classic moussaka – a hearty dish made of layers of lamb and eggplant, smothered in béchamel sauce and cheese.
Here’s a little-known fact: Greek cuisine is very “plant-forward” by nature and many traditional dishes have been vegan for centuries. Indeed, the original Mediterranean diet studied in Crete was made up of these classic Greek meals that put the focus on fresh vegetables, legumes, and lots of olive oil.
OMG, if you consider yourself a foodie, you are going to be in heaven! Greek food will definitely excite and delight you.
What Are The Optional Activities?
Day trip on the boat AEOLIA to Kato Koufonisi – Schinoussa – Iraklia
Day trip on a fishing boat to Kato Koufonisi to explore, hike, and swim
Bicycle (electric or pedal) rental for rides around the island
Additional massages by our massage therapist
What’s Included?
- Private Facebook Group
- 8 days/7 nights’ accommodations in our private villas
- Transportation to and from the port in a cute Jeep
- 3 gourmet meals are prepared and catered daily by our chef
- Wine with dinner
- Sound Healing
- Primordial Sound Mantra meditation instruction
- Morning and evening pranayama, meditation, and yoga asana practice.
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare to and from Greece
- Transfers and tickets to and from the island
- Hotel transport or stay before or after our retreat
- Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance. We suggest using Travelguard.com or Allianzetravelinsurance.com
- Lunches or drinks during any excursion
Villa Porithea Southeast facade
Villa Parathira East-facade
Yoga Shala and stone bridge to the garden
Massage Pergola
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Sunrise from the Villas
Pori Bay Xylobatis Sea Caves
Meditation on the Rocks
Our Venue
Welcome to Koufonisi Villas where distinctive Cycladic tradition meets minimalism
Located on the gorgeous island of Koufonisi, boasting majestic beaches, picturesque white-washed houses, and beachfront tavernas. This exclusive sanctuary invites you to experience the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation of your life.
Our venue is a newly built, complex of traditional dwellings and houses, typical of the island’s unique architecture, welcoming you with state-of-the-art services.
Our villas, yoga shala, and massage pergola stand in a tranquil spot in the northeast of the island, just a few minutes walk from Pori, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea.
Due to its horseshoe shape, Pori Beach offers adequate protection from the prevailing north wind. With fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, Pori is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing in a pristine natural setting.
There is also a choice of two beachfront tavernas, which means retreat guests can spend uninterrupted hours by the sea. Peaceful and unspoiled, the surrounding area is good for walking, particularly since motor vehicles are few and far between.
Our venue is not far from Chora Port, the only village on the island, just 3 Km away. Apart from its charming harbor, this traditional Cycladic settlement has a number of shops, tavernas, and café-bars, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, a cool drink, or a delicious meal of fresh seafood.
Getting to Koufonisi
- From Athens by boat from the Port of Piraeus, the High-Speed ferry takes 4 and a half hours.
- From Athens Airport to Naxos and then a 2-hour trip with Skopelitis ferry.
- Direct International flights to Mykonos or Santorini, and then a 1.5-hour trip to Koufonissi by Seajet boat.
Dates: To Be Announced
Minimum Number of Guests: 9
Maximum Number of Guests: 24
Pricing per person double occupancy: $*
**See Cancellation Policy below**
Single Supplement: $*
Deposit of * is due upon booking
50% of Balance due by *
Balance due by *
* To be announced when retreat is arranged
Cancellation Policy:
A 15% USD deposit is required at the time of registration. Any cancellation will result in a total loss of your deposit. If you must cancel your reservation, your money will be refunded minus the deposit up until 90 days prior to the beginning of the retreat. After 90 days prior to the beginning of the retreat, no refunds will be made. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum, should we do so, your deposit and all monies paid will be refunded in full.
**Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans. We suggest Travel Guard Insurance which can be found online.**