Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 

If you would like to start your summer drenched in sunshine, solace, and serenity, you may want to learn more about The Graceful Movement Retreat, where you can immerse yourself in five days of yoga and pilates classes taught by former classic New York ballet dancer Jennifer Dimitriou.

Realign Retreats has teamed up with The Graceful Movement to create the ultimate holistic getaway at Euphoria Retreats – a leading wellbeing resort tucked away in a lush hillside in the Peloponnese.  

In early June, guests are invited to experience a unique movement practice along with award-winning spa facilities, and authentic cuisine – making this retreat a complete haven for anyone in search of relaxation and self-discovery. 

We recently spoke with Jennifer Dimitriou and Elena Falida about their upcoming retreat that’s designed to cultivate a deep connection between the body, mind and spirit.  

Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 
Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 

Can you tell us a bit about your unique teaching style? 

Jennifer: It’s a fluid and elegant mix of yoga, pilates and ballet-inspired movement that’s especially focused on developing good posture, whole-body strength and mobility through graceful movements. My passion is to get as many people as I can to move well on and off the mat. I teach to my audience not to my agenda and I am a stickler for teaching good form because without that, the work is not effective; people get injured, and they won’t want to come back. Also, I never script anything, all of my classes are different and sometimes there’s more of a focus on one of the movement methods including yoga, pilates, or ballet barre. For me, the most important aspect of teaching is watching people transform. I believe in exchanging and creating good energy. Lastly, I’m a performer, so I love to move people – getting them out of their heads and into their bodies, which means a lot of laughing and fun. I want them to walk out feeling inspired and ready to take on their day spreading good energy.

What will be the main focus for your upcoming retreat? 

Jennifer: We all need different things, but retreats are a time to give back to yourself, to release stress, to move, to breathe, to eat well, to enjoy, to learn something new, to take away what you need, and to leave the rest. It will be a retreat with a community of like-minded people coming together yet finding their individual selves.

Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 
Jennifer Dimitriou, creator of The Graceful Movement
Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 

Do you recommend a certain level of yoga experience or is it suitable for all? 

All levels are welcome. 

Why did you choose Euphoria as the location for your retreat?

Elena: Euphoria was a natural choice as it represents the highest example of a holistic wellness experience in Greece. The unparalleled wellbeing centre of Euphoria, with its impeccable facilities, creates one of the world’s ultimate healthy gateways. On top of that, a sense of tranquillity permeates Euphoria’s Byzantine architecture and monastic interiors, which is ideal for our guest’s experience whereas the surrounding private forest offers a restorative role of nature at your fingertips. 

What can guests expect from the overall experience?

Elena: Fundamental to any stay at Euphoria is an exploration of their spa facilities, which is not just an architectural wonder but also the discovery of the most astonishing array of facilities – from swimming pools to exquisitely designed steams, saunas and much more awaits to introduce guests to the world of deep relaxation and self-exploration.

Then there’s Euphoria’s contemporary GAIA restaurant, which serves pure, authentic food that comes alive through the energy of the mineral-packed soil of the Peloponnese. Offering a blend of regionally inspired contemporary Greek and Mediterranean dishes, the emphasis is on simplicity, healthy living and full flavour.

In addition, guests will be immersed in The Graceful Movement method daily, where they will be guided (step by step) by Jennifer into the connection of the mind with the body. 

Overall guests should expect to find themselves unfurling into a natural new rhythm, in tune with everything around them. After just a few days at our retreat, they will notice how a healthy routine of moving your body, eating clean nourishing food, and sleeping deeply after basking in sunshine with a like-minded community begins to make a tangible difference.

Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 
Insights Greece - Immerse Yourself in the Graceful Movement Retreat 

Will there be time to explore nearby areas? 

Classes will be offered once or twice a day, so there is plenty of time to explore the beautiful resort and its top-notch spa, go hiking, or just sit by the pool and read.

What are you looking forward to most about hosting this retreat?

Jennifer: I absolutely love teaching smaller intimate groups such as retreats and workshops. It’s usually a great group that wants to be there and to practice. Also, I travel to Greece every summer, as my husband is Greek Australian, so it’s one of my favourite places to be in the world. I’m also really looking forward to staying at Euphoria – even though I’m working, it’s also a very inspiring time for me to take time for myself.

The Graceful Movement Retreat 2024 

Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat on a Private Greek Island 

Silver Island is the only private island yoga retreat in the world. Set on a  lush green, 60-acre islet in the Gulf of Volos, this is what you can literally describe as a complete getaway from city life. 

Electricity here only runs for a few hours in the evening, dishes served are made up of fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, and there is no WiFi. Run completely ecologically, using filtered rainwater, solar power, and 100% biodegradable toiletries, Silver Island Yoga is a very intimate and exclusive experience. With a mix of traditional and contemporary designs, each of the rooms is tastefully furnished and individual in character. And guests are invited to enjoy the peace, serenity, and much-needed digital detox!

Location

Insights Greece - Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat on a Private Greek Island 

Situated a few miles from the mainland, Silver Island has been the home of the Christie family for 55 years and has opened its doors and sublime tranquility to those in search of rest and rejuvenation; plus an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Run by sisters Lisa and Claire, this unique experience helps cleanse the body, mind, and soul.  

Character and Style

Set on gently rolling hills and surrounded by small idyllic coves, ancient old olive groves, cypress trees, and wildflowers, the rhythmic sound of cicadas all surrounded by the crystal blue Mediterranean with glorious views every way you turn, make it the ideal place to sit back and relax. Comprised of just a couple of white-washed and blue-shuttered traditional Greek homes, a church, and a lighthouse, the property lends itself to a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. This is the perfect place to practice the art and joy of yoga. A place you can unwind and merge with nature and self.

Facilities

Insights Greece - Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat on a Private Greek Island 

This small and exclusive retreat accommodates up to 10 guests in five nicely decorated and inviting rooms. During the day the pebbled beaches, hidden coves, and miles of pathways offer a chance for guests to spend time alone in quiet reflection between the two-hour dawn and sunset yoga classes. Four hours of daily yoga takes place on an open-air platform with panoramic views of the mountains and the Aegean Sea. Between classes, guests relax on the sunbeds at Jetti Beach, take a stroll to the lighthouse, or head to the meditation platform, to make the most of every moment. 

Eco-friendly 

Locally produced 100% natural and biodegradable toiletries are provided to guests, and water is recycled for watering the gardens. There is also an organic olive farm, and all waste is recycled. 

The Church

There is a small church close to the main house on the island. The patron saints of the church are Cosmas and Damian, who were venerated as Unmercenary Physicians- making it symbolic as Silver Island is all about healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Regardless of religion, many guests come here to pray and take time to experience the serenity and peace at this spiritual spot. 

Rooms

Insights Greece - Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat on a Private Greek Island 

The island’s accommodation consists of two beautifully renovated, traditional whitewashed, blue houses – the main house, and the villa. There are 5 twin rooms, and one single occupancy room, with space for only 10 guests per retreat, make this an intimate and very personal experience. The rooms are a mix of traditional decor and contemporary design. Every room is different and features a fireplace, artwork, a private terrace, and views of the sea. 

Ideal for…

Adventurous travellers– With kayaks, SUPs, and a Pedalo available, guests can explore the shores of the island, and might even meet a dolphin or two along the way! There are also pathways for exploring the island.

Water lovers – Grab some snorkels and goggles and get to know the local fish, or enjoy some shell diving.

Solo travellers – there are 60 acres of island to explore and over 2000 olive trees to sit under, where you can read or meditate.

Artistic and creative types – there is an art cupboard, where guests are welcome to help themselves or find a spot to write the next chapter of your book. 

Food and Drinks

Insights Greece - Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat on a Private Greek Island 

To embrace a healthy lifestyle all meals are vegetarian, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods that are inspired by the Mediterranean diet. All produce is seasonal, organic, and locally sourced. Here you will be served sun-ripened fruit and vegetables which are prepared with love (and their own extra virgin olive oil) resulting in mouthwatering and delicious dishes. The three meals a day are served at an outdoor table or in the sheltered dining area (depending on the weather), both overlooking the Aegean Sea. Fresh coffee, a variety of teas, and local organic vegan wines are also served at dinner. 

Services

Yoga courses normally run from April to October, or you can also choose to attend one-week retreats with various teachers coming from around the world. The day starts at dawn with two hours of yoga and ends with two hours of sunset yoga and can include meditation and other therapies. There’s also a meditation platform to watch the sunrise from, as well as kayaks and a restored 1970s pedalo if you would like to cruise around the islet.