Find Authentic Retreats in Bofalon Greece

"I had the most incredible experience at Bella Retreats at Mt. Princeton! Keri and Amy were phenomenal leaders who created such a welcoming and supportive environment. As a beginner, I found their yoga instruction easy to follow, yet deeply enriching. The sessions left me feeling refreshed and more connected with myself. The food was absolutely amazing—healthy, flavorful, and nourishing. The group of women and men who attended were kind, uplifting, and truly added to the transformative experience. This retreat exceeded all my expectations. I can’t wait to return!"

"The photos are accurate--this place is gorgeous! The Mykonos Pantheon Luxury Suites unexpectedly provided an extravagant welcoming meal on our first night for the other group they were hosting and our retreat benefited as well. There was wonderful live Cyprian music and unlimited drinks and a delicious multi-course meal including fresh calamari and a wonderful salad--two of my favorites. The pool was too cold for me to swim in, but the hot tub was the PERFECT temperature--not too hot and very comforting with perfect jets so I could enjoy the foot and back massage even longer. Also, I was the only one in the pool at the time that I went swimming and it never seemed "crowded" even though there were a lot of people staying here during the week of the retreat. They had a lot of nice touches--including sun umbrellas in the pool area with fringe that sways in the breeze. The views this place offered, and perfect island breezes elevated conversations and meal experiences. Right across the street was a small beach--a lovely addition. However, please be aware that there isn't a proper staircase down--irregular boulders with sand on them and not a proper accompanying hand rail to hold all the way down. I would have attempted it when I was younger, but only made it half way down at my current age. There's a more approachable beach in walking distance of the hotel for those feeling less adventurous. Breakfast was consistent--with lots of options, including scrambled eggs and hardboiled eggs and a meat (bacon or amazing sausage--recommended) in addition to fresh fruit basket and an assortment of pastries and breads and cheeses and sliced meats (ham and salami) and yogurts. Tea and coffee were available each morning. The cleaning ladies were incredibly dedicated. I was so exhausted after my flight on the first day that they let me into my room a little early to sleep while she was still cleaning the room, and she very sweetly covered me with a blanket. Such a genuine, caring touch. She made beautiful designs of the towels each day--shaping them into swans, etc. It was a nice treat to see what it would look like--a bit of novelty each day! The place was immaculate! I took a star off of the review because we were originally promised a sea view, but they had overbooked their best rooms, so we only received the sea view rooms on the last two days of our 7-day stay. The sea view is what make the place so special! If you can get a sea view room, it's a 5-star experience! I had a beautiful, spacious veranda the last two days and could enjoy the view from the air conditioning inside my room through the FABULOUS windows as well. I took so many photos of the windows because I loved the turquoise, wooden shutters that allowed you to adapt to your preferences throughout the day. Besides being beautiful, I could let in fresh air, but block out excessive sun and partially close one shutter, leaving others, etc.. SO much more adaptable than curtains. Also, the Suites' chef left on the second day of our retreat so there was some unexpected scrambling re: meals. The first meal this was an issue for was lunch and I ultimately ended up walking to a restaurant a few blocks away and having one of the best meals of my stay. Air conditioning worked great in the rooms! Bar staff were friendly. I had a lot of ants (30+) gathering at the doorway of my room on the second-to-last day. I think they may have been looking for shade or water though because there were no crumbs anywhere for them to eat (spotless cleaning!) and they were coming through a hole in the doorway...not going to the kitchenette area. Another woman had them in her room below mine as well and said one bit her. Also, I personally considered this a bonus, but there was a celebration nearby on our second-to-last night and we were able to enjoy the fireworks and live music from our hotel. I brought ear plugs (and you should too) so had no trouble sleeping through it after I went to bed, though I heard from other participants that the music continued until the wee hours of the morning keeping them awake. The place also had 2 charming cats onsite, which was a delightful addition, IMHO. They were very well-behaved and if you didn't want to interact, you needn't. However, if you LOVE cats like me, it was so nice to be able to approach and pet them--made the place feel more personal/home-like."

"Maria is a dynamic teacher and has such an engaging personality--she can be positively mesmerizing when speaking passionately about insights from personality types. She clearly wants to help each person improve and achieve their greatest potential. In thinking of her now, I immediately think of her laughing as she has a deep, genuine laugh that makes others want to laugh right alongside her. I laughed so hard I cried at one point. Some of my favorite insights shared were a peek into her own life and world view, sharing her incredible stories. She is open to adapting her teaching to each learner (which I greatly appreciated.) She has an "ask me anything" approach to help participants maximize their time. And when I did, I asked her about her personal practice of prayer...which I have been following since. There are many people who would not have felt comfortable being asked such a personal question, but her openness, and her own personal practices and spirituality, have really helped me reconnect with God. Although I received so many useful tools and meaningful experiences on this trip, this unplanned/not on the itinerary reconnection with God was probably the greatest. I also want to be clear that she was not proselytizing--I asked her because she personally radiates such a deep personal faith. We come from different religious traditions, and she was very welcoming of our differences. The practice she shared with me would work for almost anyone. Maria was very generous with her time--dropping gems here and there throughout our meals together as well as in our 1:1 sessions that stretched well beyond the "hour" that one might be receive in other retreats. Our final session was only cut short by my own illness. Although talking late in to the night, she very generously would have continued...as I wish I could have. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to learn from/with Maria!"

"When choosing a women's retreat, which are often so relational, respect for the retreat leader who sets the tone is paramount for me. Marilena falls on the "ideal" end of the leader spectrum. She's funny, kind, open about her own journey and open-minded about yours, detail-oriented/hyper-organized, and both highly spiritual and simultaneously down-to-earth. Marilena personally walks the walk. One example with my jet-lagged brain: I am not a vegetarian, but she is...and she practices radical acceptance...including of ants that bite her, relocating them, rather than ending them, as I did. She also offered guests a variety of meat-based dishes daily without judgment, as I am allergic to dairy but enjoy a high-protein, lower carb diet. She always checked with me and the restaurants we ordered from, communicating in Greek for me, re: my dairy allergy and never made it feel like a burden. You can't buy genuine caring/compassion and she cares and goes the extra mile for each person. A leader has this dedication or they don't--Marilena has it in abundance. Surprisingly, I experienced rather excruciating sciatica, starting the first day of the trip (attributed to the long plane ride). This was a contingency I had certainly not prepared for. Marilena was incredibly sympathetic and I was still able to participate in adapted versions of a great deal of the original itinerary, thanks to her flexibility and tailoring of the program. For instance, when I went into town to a physiotherapist appointment, I was able to meet up for what was ultimately my favorite dinner of the trip afterwards. Ironically, the experience of being so vulnerable while traveling and then cared for so generously by the group, while honestly being a burden/inconvenience, was probably the biggest growth experience for me...and was definitely not on the itinerary ;-) This was only possible because Marilena genuinely cared, was radically inclusive, and was flexible with her plans. In addition to accommodating my injury and food allergy, she adapted the itinerary to our preferences. For instance, she offered a meditation session, and asked me which of several meditations I'd like first, and then led me in that experience on the spot with accompanying music selection selected for my taste, in a location of my choosing, from options provided. Marilena had delightfully "over-prepared," with indoor options for our continued engagement had the weather made many of our outdoor options impossible. Thankfully, the weather was amazing throughout the trip. Ms. Georgiou is a sensitive soul who cares deeply about each participants' health/wellness, personal growth, and experience on the retreat. She engages in lighthearted, fun banter at more social times--like meals or taxi rides AND is wholly there for the serious, deep discussions about creating a meaningful life and our place in the universe as well. She also offered interesting Greek and Cyprian cultural insights and stories throughout, enhancing my understanding. Within a week, I left feeling retreat participants were like friends. I would happily participate in future retreats led by Marilena, and encourage you to experience her sincere dedication to warm hospitality and personal growth as well! "

"Would highly recommend Bella retreats. Everything was planned perfectly! Hotels were amazing! Excursions (especially Balos beach) were incredible. Would love to take this trip again!"

"I can't speak highly enough of Adam and Una as a team. They are experts in their fields and lead by inspiring guests to relax, have fun and learn Astrology. I'm grateful getting to know so many like-mind like-spirit folk who truly enjoy sharing and being there for one another. I look forward to the next Astrology retreat in Hawaii January 2019. Thanks Bella Retreats!"

"The retreat in Tulum was truly amazing. I expected to just do yoga but instead I had a very powerful soul opening experience. The issue with the bugs in the bed helped me realize that in life we sometimes have things that suck our life and love light, it is okay to be uncomfortable and to also change the environment you are in. I know how much comfort and safety are truly important to me. I also was able to asses a lot of internal issues I have from past childhood traumas. I came out with an understanding that we fears that we can address. We all need healing and we all need love. Realizing how broken I am but also knowing that my experiences have made me a more empathetic and compassionate person that I can see the pain and struggle in others without being judgemental and by accepting these things in myself allow me to accept the beautiful flaws in others as well. Through the tears and the laughter I was able to find myself again the beautiful person whom I buried to avoid getting hurt. The most important is self love that I feel I have neglected myself throughout much of my life. The healing sound session was amazing and I felt that the healers were able to open my soul and heart to be able to see what it truly is that is holding me back to be the best person I can possibly be. I am truly grateful and thankful to be able to share my experience even though some of it was quite painful. I feel I came home a better and more open person to be able to continue my path in healing and walk in light and love. I am eternally grateful. The classes with Shigecko were amazing, heart opening and healing. The activities and writing has gotten my to start writing again as well. I love all of the people I was able to experience this with. Love and light. Morgan"

"The Seat of the Soul Yoga retreat in Chacala, MX was outstanding! Mar de Jade is a wonderful location and quite frankly, magical! The connection I felt to the world around me was breathtaking. I can honestly say I was able to live in the moment for most of my entire experience while there! What a perfect group of people to share the experience! The food was fresh, healthy, farm to table perfection! The daily yoga practice, journaling, group activities were done in such an open and trustful way.. everyone was honored and felt welcome! I can't wait for next time!"

"This retreat was hosted by Una & Patrick. It was an excellent way to structure the year ahead with goal setting via journaling, meditation and group work. The setting at Bodhi Tree was perfect offering daily yoga and delicious healthy food and jucices/smoothies. I was also able to connect with an inspiring group of people who I look forward to seeing again!"

"I am still on a high from this Astrology retreat. I truly had no idea that being around so many like-mind like-spirit souls could effect me the way this retreat did. Una and Adam are true inspirations and it was evident in the people that attended. The love and light that transpired will stay with me forever. I am very much looking forward to the next one, and many more retreats with Bella. All I can say is thank you thank you thank you!"

"I love astrology, yoga, mountains, hot springs, so I had high expectations for this retreat. Una and Adam surpassed every one. On an administrative level, everything ran smoothly and professionally... Una has that rare combination of incredible competence -and- warmth. I felt so welcome and taken care of. Adam is a powerful thinker and communicator. The astrology circles were always rich and layered-- encouraging thinking that reverberates long after the initial discussion. (Side note: I come from an academic background, and if grad conferences were like this, universities would be...healthier places.) One thing I didn't expect was to walk away from the weekend with such instantly precious friendships. Adam and Una cultivated a space where I felt safe and open--that's not easy. They're a special duo, and I'm counting down the days until the next one."

"It was wonderful to sit under the Astrology tree amongst other beautiful souls and share our deep stories and feelings. Thank you Una for being such a loving and caring person and for being there for us. I would love the next retreat to be a bit longer. Can't wait :)"

"I attended my first ever astrology retreat and it surpassed any expectations I had. I went into this retreat feeling pretty nervous about meeting a bunch of people I had never met in person before and I can be quite shy at first... so this was on my mind. What happened instead, was a meeting of like-minded beautiful souls that were vibrating on a similar loving frequency that deep bonds and friendships formed in a very short amount of time. To me, it feels like a divine meeting took place and set in motion something much bigger than I can even fathom. Una and Adam created a lovely container that blended mindful practices, authentic and transparent interactions, fun and soulful connections, and yummy nourishment on a sacred piece of land, fully integrating the vibe and flavor of the retreat. I will definitely be attending future retreats thrown by Adam and Una."

"I can't say enough about how absolutely fabulous this retreat was! Everything, everything was wonderful. Katherine Jane's knowledge is out of this world, and she is so entertaining to be with. Her partner Piyush Kumar is the quintessential Indian host and adds much to the discussions on world philosophy, religion, the Indian culture, and other fascinating topics. And Dunagiri itself? You really have to be there to experience it as there are no words to express how transcendent the environment is. Visiting shrines to Ma and hiking to lookout ridges for views of the distant Himalayas are only two things that will blow you away. The food, water, accommodations, drivers... all so excellent and accommodating. It was truly a wonderful experience that will stay with me forever. And oh! How could I forget to mention the Majaraj, the sweetest and most endearing baba who lives with anyone who resides there. His stories are incredible. I could go on and on.... Chanting, yoga, ritual... Love..."