The Santorini Experience Yoga Retreat Holiday for Women Only

Imerovigli 847 00, Greece

DA
Dr. Amanda Bowen Yoga and Retreats
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4 reviews
Oct 1 - 8, 2022
Group size: 6 - 10
The Santorini Experience Yoga Retreat Holiday for Women Only
Imerovigli 847 00, Greece

Dr. Amanda Bowen Yoga and Retreats
  • Email address verified
  • LinkedIn verified
4 reviews

Oct 1 - 8, 2022
Group size: 6 - 10

About this trip

Due to the overwhelming success of The Santorini Transformational Yoga Retreat Experience in October 2019, Dr. Amanda Bowen is excited to announce a return to the stunning Greek island for 2022, but this time in a fabulous private hilltop villa with breathtaking views, and a jaw-dropping infinity pool, exclusive to just us!

This is a smaller, more intimate retreat for women only with me as your teacher, host and tour guide.


This retreat promises to bring back your sparkle and get your mojo back! All whilst enjoying one of the most stunning locations on earth.

You’re invited to join me in Santorini for seven nights of yoga, energy work, relaxation, sight-seeing, fun and laughter. A perfect mix of yin and yang.


Our peaceful paradise is nestled away from the tourist areas, yet within walking distance of the white-washed buildings and pretty village of Imerovigli and Firostefani and Fira. 

This luxurious air-conditioned villa has recently been renovated and has its own fabulous infinity-edge swimming pool that vanishes into the Aegean Sea. We’ll have some of the most superb and unobstructed views of the entire island.


Our spacious, bright and airy villa consists of 2 king size suites with private en-suite bathrooms and 4 double bedrooms and 2 twin rooms with shared bathrooms. There are living areas and kitchen spaces throughout the villa offering you a secluded calm space, so that you can choose privacy or get togethers and enjoy the best of both worlds. The overall magic of this place allows you to simply sip coffee or cocktails by the pool, or whatever takes your fancy on one of the terraces or balconies. 


This is your time! Do what makes you happy. No judgement here. A yoga retreat with a difference; if you want wine you can have it! Just bring it with you or buy locally to store in one of the kitchens for your convenience. Or maybe you prefer a gin after yin! The choice is all yours.

Location

Since I discovered the blissful Greek island of Santorini in 2016, I’ve spent some of the most magical times there, practising yoga whilst immersing myself in its beauty and tranquility, emerging restored and strengthened and it was such a pleasure to be able to share this with our fantastic guests in October 2019 and seize the opportunity to deliver an incredible unique yoga retreat experience again in the warm and nurturing embrace of Santorini.


What can you expect from this wonderful experience? Well, the good times will definitely be rolling! 


I’ve chosen the sublime setting of Santorini to fire you up for this wonderful week of wellbeing. This idyllic island paradise situated within the Cyclades in Greece, erupted over 3600 years ago to reveal spectacular rock formations, lunar landscapes and the best sunsets in the Mediterranean. Considered a magical and mythical island and recognised as a place with powerful energy and authenticity, popular theory states that the volcanic eruption here was the source of the legend of Atlantis.


This is your time! Do what makes you happy. No judgement here. A yoga retreat with a difference; if you want wine you can have it! Just bring it with you or buy locally to store in one of the kitchens for your convenience. Or maybe you prefer a gin after yin! The choice is all yours.

The Venue

Due to the previous venue no longer being available, I feel so fortunate to have found an exclusive new venue in an amazing location! This peaceful paradise is nestled away from the tourist areas, yet within walking distance of the white-washed buildings and pretty village of Imerovigli and Firostefani and Fira. 


This luxurious air-conditioned villa has recently been renovated and has its own fabulous infinity-edge swimming pool that vanishes into the Aegean Sea. We’ll have some of the most superb and unobstructed views of the entire island.


Our spacious, bright and airy 8 bedroom villa consists of 2 king size suites with private en-suite bathrooms and 4 double bedrooms and 2 twin rooms with shared bathrooms. There are living areas and kitchen spaces throughout the villa offering you a secluded calm space, so that you can choose privacy or get togethers and enjoy the best of both worlds. The overall magic of this place allows you to simply sip coffee or cocktails by the pool, or whatever takes your fancy on one of the terraces or balconies. 


Villa facilities & services

  • Exclusive large infinity-edge swimming pool
  • Pool towels
  • Air conditioning
  • LCD flat screens
  • Satellite TV and radio
  • DVD – CD – MP3 players
  • Free high speed WiFi 
  • Maid service
  • Complimentary toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Safety deposit box
  • Private parking 
  • Massages can be arranged, book in advance

Food

Santorini offers agricultural produce of exquisite quality and incomparable taste due to both its unique climate and volcanic soil.


There are many high quality restaurants that combine the use of local produce with biological cultivation, offering a wide range of Greek, traditional dishes 


Your retreat includes 7 vegetarian breakfasts served at the villa and 5 vegetarian dinners, some at the local restaurants, so make sure you have your outfits sorted. 


On arrival day, our first special welcome dinner is to meet up, unwind, relax and set our intentions for the week. 


What do you want to experience during our special time together? 


What is your heart’s desire? The universe is listening, the wheels are in motion and it’s time to get excited!


Activities

I have loads of knowledge to share due to my many visits to Santorini and I’m happy to be your tour guide and take you to all the best places! You can trust that you are in safe hands.


But you have personal flexibility to explore the island during the daytime as you choose, lunches aren’t included for this reason. There’s the option to use the kitchens to prepare your own, or sample some of the mouth-watering restaurants around the island. 


We can take a walk to Skaros Rock from our villa, it’s an ancient collection of rocks formed from the volcanic eruption dating back to 68,000 B.C! 

Admiring the sensational views goes without saying!


Pyrgos Village is a hidden gem that I would love you to discover. The former capital of Santorini and the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island. Here the pace of life is so relaxed and retains an unruffled air of easy grace. Here we can walk up to the famous rooftop cafe for coffee, perched right on top of this charming town for more views to take your breath away..

And if you crave the beach, I can take you to a lovely beach bar/restaurant. Sunbathing on massive big four poster beds whilst sipping a Bellini, arh bliss! And we could even squeeze in some yin. 


During the week there will be the optional sailing trip, an afternoon to savour in the beauty of Santorini, swim in the Caldera and marvel at the sunset. All food and drinks provided so our bellies will be well and truly full, so no extra evening meal planned for that day!


We will be visiting the fabulous Fira and Firostefani, for a cocktail or two or whatever takes your fancy!


And our final night will be a celebration of our journey together at the famous picture perfect place of Oia, overlooking the Caldera, watching another famous Santorini sunset for the last time of the trip. 


One truly memorable experience after another, to take your breath away and keep you in the present moment!

About Dr. Amanda Bowen

Being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome then complex PTSD, depression and anxiety fifteen years ago left me unable to function. I led myself down the holistic route to get my health and, ultimately, my life back, and along the way stepped into my role as a teacher and wellness guide centred around yin yoga and stress management.


I love sharing my practice with others. This powerful journey has so far involved over six hundred hours of Yoga Alliance teacher training, earning me ERYT500 and I won’t stop there! I just love learning, it’s my new addiction!


I’ve studied and trained in hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, aerial, yin, yin yang, acu-yin, yoga for trauma recovery and recently added restorative and yoga nidra. 


I discovered yin yoga on my very first teacher training course in India.


Why haven’t I found this sooner I thought? We find what we need when the time is right.

Yin is where my healing was ignited and kick-started into gear! It’s why I had to delve deeper with the advanced yin yoga teacher training and then acu-yin. The common thread through all my yoga teachings is to switch off the stress.


Whilst being treated for complex PTSD, I developed a fascination with how the human brain works. What my consultant shared with me about my brain was incredible, and I needed to know more so I dived right in there into the world of metaphysics! This then led me into gaining my PhD in Metaphysical Science. Isn’t it just mind-blowing how things turn out?! I never imagined I’d be able to use my brain, and heal my body and mind, to the extent that I have.

The intensity and depth of my yoga training and academic studying and the way in which they come together in my sessions have created my unique style of teaching yoga.


Postures, nurture and calm are combined with the brain science behind the practice and meticulous preparation, bringing wisdom and learning from many different sources into each session, hence, MindScienceYoga, made simple.


Education and inspiration is woven into my teachings and comes from my own personal experiences, providing the essential knowledge for healthy stress management. When we assign meaning to what we do we get better results. And that, my friend is a scientific fact, according to one of my fave docs, Dr. Joe Dispenza 


Allow me to teach you how to bring in balance, stillness and healing and help you to overcome life’s challenges so that you can enjoy the life you deserve, full of health, peace, happiness and joy. Isn’t that what we all want?!

About Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a meditative, healing form of yoga, which works on a deeper level into the connective tissues and organs, lubricating the body and releasing toxins and negative emotions. It invites you to enter a space of stillness, whilst combining the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and ancient Indian wisdom.

It restores, balances and enhances the energy flow throughout the body, interconnecting every tissue and organ, through invisible pathways, removing blockages, the precursors to illnesses. This works like acupuncture but without the needles!

Each organ has many energetic components that affect us physically, emotionally and mentally. Our bodies carry a record of all our experiences in our lifetime and all experiences carry an emotional charge.

Over the years any trauma, bad relationships, betrayals, stressful jobs and grief can actually affect our physiology. As a result, they can break down the immune system, leading to illness and disease. It’s really important to stay with this practice to help to release all the emotional baggage that we have been carrying around for so long. You will feel so much lighter and brighter. 

Retreat Program

The itinerary has been designed to give you a good balance to rest, recharge, invigorate and restore, along with enjoying the Santorini life and lots of good old down-to-earth fun and laughter!


Each yoga session will be different, each morning will be either 2 hours or 1.5 hours and some late afternoons of around 1 hour, depending on excursions.


The program will be tailored around the group’s needs as we journey through the week and get the good vibes flowing. There will be gentle Restorative Yoga/Yoga Nidra on arrival to replenish you after travelling and a mix of yin & yang for most morning sessions to move the energy and wake up the body.


Yin yoga, acu-yin and fascia work will be incorporated to move any stuck emotions and to stimulate energy flow further as well as guided meditations to help you feel lighter and brighter!


Massages can be arranged by booking in advance.

Benefits

  • Experience joy, fun, laughter and adventure with like-minded ladies
  • Release emotional baggage from the past and live life to the full
  • Stimulate your senses whilst immersing yourself in lots of healing yoga
  • Embrace the soul of Santorini, whilst relaxing in this perfect location to enjoy the beauty of nature at its best
  • Opportunity to learn from a highly qualified and respected teacher

Added bonuses

  • I’ll add you to the private WhatsApp group to get the chance to meet everyone virtually beforehand and maybe arrange airport transfers/travelling together. Also, so that you can share photos and stories and remain in touch with your yoga friends.
  • Extra support can be booked and arranged for after the trip to help overcome any challenges and also, to integrate the teachings into your everyday life.

Additional Information

Fly to Santorini Thira National Airport (JTR)

British Airways offers direct flights from Heathrow to Santoríni.

EasyJet and Ryanair serves Santoríni from Manchester and Gatwick

Other flights will go via Athens.


DO NOT book flights until I have confirmed that the retreat is definitely going ahead.


Transfers by taxi can be arranged and cost approximately €45 each way. (I will do my best to keep costs down by grouping guests together.)


Distances

  • Fira, 2 km
  • Firostefani, 1 km
  • Santorini Thira National Airport (JTR), 7.8 km
  • Oia, 9.4km

Weather


Santorini has a semi-arid climate. May – September is hot, dry and peak travel time, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 23C to highs of 29C. The best time to visit is September – October when the temperatures are warm, the sun is shining and the crowds are scarce.


Electricity and outlets


Please bring a European adapter for any electrical appliances if you are coming from the UK or outside Europe.


What to bring


Pack as light as possible, so you have room for some retail therapy at the unique and gorgeous shops and boutiques.

  • Own yoga stuff (only if you prefer)
  • Pillow for yoga & meditation
  • Notebook for journaling & a daily gratitude practice
  • Cosy & comfortable yoga clothes for classes, swimming and beach wear, light summer clothes for daytime, warm and cosy cover ups for evenings and early morning, sensible walking shoes/trainers
  • European electrical adapter
  • Mosquito repellant, just in case!
  • Any personal medication
  • Your favourite bevvy – yes wine etc is allowed!

Responsible Travel and Retreat Etiquette

Please share transport where possible to reduce carbon emissions and use water and electricity efficiently.


Kindness and respect for others is an integral part of not only this retreat experience but also for life in general. Our words and actions affect others and we all have a responsibility to be aware and live consciously, and not contaminate the beautiful healing space that has been created for a truly spectacular and life changing experience. 


Santorini changed my life beyond belief and you too can create a life to love with memories that will lift you up for many years to come. Don’t let this unique and special retreat holiday pass you by. 

Terms & Conditions/Cancellation Policy

  • All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • The strict no refund policy is due to the high costs involved and financial commitment on my part, so it is recommended that you take out your own travel insurance and cancellation insurance
  • No responsibility can be taken in regards to travel arrangements; this includes flight delays or cancellations etc
  • If you have a health condition, please consult your doctor BEFORE booking and make sure to complete my health questionnaire.
  • It is your responsibility to make sure you can comply with all government guidelines regarding entry requirements and vaccination status. 
  • Dr. Amanda Bowen cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred.

Payment

The specified deposit must be paid before a place on any of the retreats can be secured.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. 

The full balance must be paid at least 2 months before the retreat starts, and in line with your payment plan selected.


Flights

Please DO NOT book flights until I confirm that the retreat will go ahead as minimum numbers are required for each venue for it to be viable.

Booking flights is entirely your own responsibility and you do so at your own risk. I recommend using a reputable ABTA protected travel agent to help you and making sure that you have adequate insurance to cover you in case you must cancel for any reason.


Cancellation/Postponement

In the event of another global pandemic, all efforts will be made to transfer any monies paid to the amended dates so that you can attend the retreat at the later date.

If I cancel a retreat, rather than postpone, any payments made will be offered as a retreat credit for future events.

I am not responsible for any losses incurred on your part due to cancellation or postponement.


Food

In line with yogic principles, all meals provided are vegan/vegetarian. No meat or fish will be provided under any circumstances so please do not bring onto the premises. If you have a restricted diet, please notify me before booking so that I can confirm if this is possible to accommodate.


Health Problems

It is important that you let me know if you have any disabilities, serious health problems, or any clinical mental health problems – particularly if you are on medication.  Through an early discussion we can identify your needs and whether the retreat is suitable. If so we can do our best to meet them. Retreats are open to people aged 18 or over.


Living Communally

Living communally is an important and enjoyable element of the retreat. We eat together as a community and our retreats are known for being friendly, happy and harmonious. It's important that we live together comfortably and to keep the retreat running smoothly, we ask participants to cooperate with one another and to refrain from harsh speech or unacceptable behaviour. It is also important that retreatants commit to attending the full period of the retreat to maintain the integrity of the community and atmosphere.


Unacceptable behaviour 

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.  Unacceptable behaviour is any activity that causes harm to the teacher, group or community and upsets the harmony of the retreat. This includes any action that leaves anyone:

  • feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed
  • concerned for personal or public safety
  • acting in a way that causes disturbance to the rest of the group or any neighbouring properties
  • experiencing public disorder or public nuisance.

Please ensure that noise is kept to a minimum, particularly late at night or in the early morning. If I consider that you have behaved unacceptably, irresponsibly, or have caused significant damage to the property or the property of others, I am entitled to terminate your retreat immediately without a refund.

I will ask you to leave the retreat immediately (without any compensation being payable) if:

  • I consider that you have committed a serious breach of these terms and conditions
  • I consider that your behaviour endangers the safety of yourself, other clients or staff
  • Any complaints are made of anti-social or unacceptable behaviour against you
  • You deliberately cause damage to the property or its contents.

Liability

I do not accept any liability for any damage, loss, injury, sickness, or inconvenience to you or any possessions belonging to you, howsoever caused, nor shall I be liable for any additional expenses incurred by you whether directly or indirectly caused by or arising from any aspect of the booking. Under no circumstances shall my liability to you exceed the total amount that was agreed and paid in advance of attending the retreat.

I do not accept any liability for failure of services due to weather conditions or other circumstances outside of my control, for example power cuts, interruptions to telephone/broadband connections and noise from neighbouring properties.


By making a booking/payment for any of my services you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.




Mandatory Health Form

https://www.dramandabowen.co.uk/contact-us/


Bookings cannot be accepted without this document.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in a private villa
  • Food
    7 vegetarian breakfasts & 5 vegetarian dinners
  • Daily yoga
    2 hours per day (approx)

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • 2 evening meals
  • Excursions
  • Airport transfers
  • Massages & treatments
  • Lunches
  • Drinks

Available Packages

Single occupancy private suite

King size private occupancy suite with en-suite bathroom.

£1,495
Deposit: £495
Single occupancy private room

Double bed with shared bathroom and kitchen area between 2 bedrooms 

£1,445
Deposit: £495
Twin Room for Single Occupancy

Private twin room, 2 single beds with shared bathroom between 1 other room. 

£1,445


Your Organizer


DA
Dr. Amanda Bowen Yoga and Retreats
4 reviews
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher EYRT500 (815 hours) and retreat leader with a PhD in Metaphysics, specialising in yin and yang yoga, mindfulness, practical brain science and ancient wisdom, helping you to switch off stress through educational and inspirational classes, courses, workshops and retreats, with currently nine international retreats held in Santorini Greece, Goa India, Chiang Mai Thailand, Ibiza Spain and Costa Rica. Creator of Lovable Yoga Clothing. 100% organic, eco-friendly, cruelty free & vegan.

Reviews

I truly enjoyed this holiday and came away feeling completely recharged. The venue is beautiful and spacious with the most stunning infinity pool. Mandy was a true professional and her yoga classes were fabulous especially the yoga nidra evening classes which were the perfect preparation for a peaceful nights sleep. The food provided for breakfast was plentiful and delicious. The evening meals were just as tasty and a lovely way to spend the evening’s connecting with the other ladies in the group over dinner with delicious vegetarian food. The boat cruise was exceptionally fun and a really unforgettable experience. The whole retreat was fabulous from start to finish! Far surpassed my expectations. I felt totally refreshed and rejuvenated for my return home. Take the leap of faith and book this retreat - you will not regret it!
By Erin M for The Santorini Experience Yoga Retreat Holiday (for women only) on Jan 12, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a glowing review. I’m so happy it exceeded your expectations and recharged your batteries. I’ll always hold this retreat and the group of very special ladies in my heart and remember it forever. Thank you for trusting me to take you on the journey.
DA
Dr Amanda is truly a dedicated teacher as well as organising everything else including meals, booking restaurants and transport to make the trip go so smoothly. Her yoga sessions were beautifully choreographed, giving extra time always. I feel rested and zen. The accommodation was amazing as well as the views and the Retreat fulfilled all my expectations plus more. I would recommend this location for a Retreat to anyone who is interested in giving time back to themselves. Thank you very much Dr Amanda.
By Elizabeth B for Santorini Yoga Retreat (for women only) on Nov 01, 2023
Hi Elizabeth Thank you so much for taking the time to write this beautiful review. I’m so happy your investment in yourself has worked wonders . It was my heart so much when my teachings and experiences are so well received and embraced. It was an absolute pleasure having you with us and I hope to see you again in the future. Amanda 💙
DA
What a trip, fantastic experience. Yoga and meditation everyday to rejuvenate mind body and soul. Lots of sightseeing, all arranged visited the most beautiful places,. Accommodation was beautiful, swimming in the infinity pool when the sun was rising was magical and the food was excellent, Wonderful company we had lots of fun and never stopped laughing. Thank you to our yoga teacher Amanda you created an amazing retreat. 🫶🦋💫
By Joan C for The Santorini Experience Yoga Retreat Holiday (for women only) on Oct 23, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to write this review. It was an absolute pleasure having you with us, such an uplifting energy that we all loved. Thanks for totally embracing the experience. I hope to see you again soon . Xxx
DA
We had an amazing experience. Yoga, swimming , sightseeing lots of laughs. beautiful views, lovely food and very good accommodation. Plus Mandy is a great yoga teacher! I would heartily recommend
By karen W for The Santorini Experience Yoga Retreat Holiday (for women only) on Oct 23, 2023
Thank you so much Karen for choosing this retreat and being part of such a memorable experience. It was great getting to know you better and I’m so happy you felt so much better at the end too. Thanks again & see you soon xxx
DA