A time to reset, eat beautifully, sharpen your senses, and connect to the wild during a retreat at an authentic and under the radar Greek island. This seven day experience at the sea in Koufonisia is dedicated to giving back to your body, mind and soul.
Having spent three rejuvenating months on Naxos island, where she immersed herself in the soul of the land and the people she encountered, Patricia Garcia Gomez decided it’s the perfect time to lead a retreat in Greece, that’s “about re-setting, connecting to nature and self, making space to be filled up with goodness. No other place is as life-affirming as Greece. I would like to go deeper and farther into Greece, and see the places less visited,” says Patricia.
With close friends who call Naxos home, Patricia has carefully curated an upcoming experience which will allow those who go along to enjoy plenty of ocean time, daily movement, farm (and sea) to table meals, rest and adventuring. “This is a soul sabbatical, which means you let your lovely soul take the lead. You will be supported with delicious and fortifying elixirs made from local island herbs and flowers, restorative movement and sound, cicada songs, and lots of shared joy.”
IN+SIGHTS GREECE recently spoke with Patricia about what people can expect from this experience.
What can people expect from the Rewild & Restore (aka Your best Greek life) experience?
“Your best Greek life” is an invitation into the senses and ancient dreams. A rewilding of the soul, with lots of glorious space for doing what inspires you. One can expect to eat beautifully, be in good company, be supported with daily movement and inspiration, some secret sensory adventures, and plenty of time for as much soul-nourishing rest as you like.
How did it all come about and how did you decide on Koufonisia as the place to visit?
It came about while I was living on the island of Naxos, creating my sensory immersion installation and swimming. Swimming in the Aegean shifted everything for me. I met Anita here and we developed a fabulous friendship. We love many of the same things, beauty, nature, thoughtful experiences, hand-made items, and a good laugh under the stars. When Anita invited me to Eros Keros (which was not yet open), I was smitten. It’s a magical place, that feels ancient, wild, and serene. She has channeled a lifetime of creativity into every detail. From each room, you gaze directly on to the sacred island of Keros. The R&R Best Greek Life experience is our way of sharing the things we love with others and also creating something new together.
What can you reveal about the 7 days by the sea in Koufonisia?
Time feels different in Koufonisi. It moves slower, sensually and not in a straight line but through the senses. The locals say that with each day here, you will do less. This is true in my experience. And there is magic in this. We have six days here, surrounded by the blue of the Aegean, so nothing is rushed. The sea is medicine. And we have some really fun adventures in-store.
Will the retreat be led by yourself and locals?
Absolutely. The only imported ‘leader’ will be me. All of the other experiences will be hosted by friends, and friends of friends who live and work on the islands. As an example, Anita has known our sea captain for over twenty years, since she first fell in love with Koufonisi.
What kinds of activities do you have planned?
Rather than the word activities, I would like to use the word experiences. We will experience…
Swims in the Aegean, including private adventures to secret swim spots.
Beautiful shared meals, sourced locally and made with love.
Daily movement and meditation.
An adventure off the island (a surprise).
Foraging and frolicking (another surprise).
Privacy, serenity, and lot of rest and free time
Rewilding is about filling up, not about exhausting. It is a time to be free in the beauty of life and the moment.
Tell us more about the gastronomical experiences people can expect?
All meals will be farm and sea to table, and locally sourced as much as possible. We have a local chef who will be preparing all meals, with the brief of making each meal delicious, fresh, simple and full of vibrancy.
How many people are you expecting on the retreat?
We are keeping it small. The retreat will be limited to 10 people. Just enough for good company, and not too many so you can enjoy your own time.
Where will the group meet?
We will all meet on the magical island of Koufonisi. I remember the first time I stepped off the ferry there. It has been calling me back ever since.
The Intel
Dates: September 2021
Location: Eros Keros, Koufonisi. Secret location.
More details: Rewild and Restore 2021
More about Patricia Garcia-Gomez and how swimming in the Aegean changed her life.
The next R&R experiences: May and June 2022
Main Image by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)