Rest & Rejuvenate with a

Seven Night Yin, Qi Gong & Yoga Nidra Retreat

in Ithaca, Greece

May 27 - June 3, 2023

Locaton

Where

Itha 108

Ithaca, Greece

Itha108 is a Grecian island retreat set in a place of outstanding natural beauty, providing a space specifically for peace, relaxation and practice. Ithaca, home of Itha108, is one of the smallest in the Ionian island constellation that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. Itha108 overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighbouring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing its natural beauty to speak for itself. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living ensures full use of the land and its treasures that extend to sweeping and hidden beaches below.

Learn more about Itha 108

About the Retreat

Join long time friends, Michelle and Susanne, for an enriching immersion at the beautiful Itha108 Yoga and Creative Resort on the mythical island of Ithaca. This relaxing yoga retreat will provide the space for you to slow down, giving your body and soul ample opportunity to rejuvenate from the inside out.

Feel invigorated each morning from energy enhancing meditations, pranayama and qi gong inspired practices. Naturally fall into a greater sense of relaxation in the evenings through Yin and yoga nidra. Plus, two 90 minute self-myofascial release workshops led by Michelle, to work out any long held tension or knots, inviting the body to melt into the retreat even further.

After seven days of the warm sun, ocean breeze and daily yoga you are sure to return home a whole new person!

We have carefully selected our location to nourish you in a clean environment, healthy food and serenity around every corner in order to support your journey towards greater wholeness within.

Schedule

Sample Daily Schedule

All sessions are optional. Attend as often or as little as desired.

7:30-8:00 Qi Cultivation Meditation & Pranayama

8:00-8:30 Qi Gong

10:00-11:30 Myofascial Release Workshop (Tuesday & Thursday only)

4:30-6:00 Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra (Monday & Wednesday Reiki Infused)

Teachers

The Retreat Leaders

Susanne and Michelle immediately bonded while attending a training with Paul and Suzee Grilley (co-founders of Yin yoga) several years ago. Over time, it has become clear that they balance each other perfectly like yin and yang. In this retreat they will combine their extensive knowledge of healing energy practices and yoga to offer a rejuvenating experience like none other. Every morning Michelle will guide you through an invigorating meditation and Qi Gong practice. In the evenings, the two will join forces to bring you Yin yoga enhanced by reiki energy healing and a soothing yoga nidra.

Michelle Finch is a long time student of Yin, yoga philosophy and energy enhancing practices. She is passionate about making the healing practices of yoga accessible to as many people as possible helping them tos find greater harmony and peace within. She is known for her grounded, light hearted nature as well as her go with the flow attitude in life.

For Susanne, the hatha style was her entrance to yoga, but it is with Yin and Yoga Nidra that she feels most true to herself and finds deep peace within. She integrates these practices of deep relaxation with the healing practice of reiki which she will offer within some of the evening Yin classes. Susanne is known for her casual style and sense of humor as well as her love for good food.

Rooms

Accommodations

All bedrooms can be either single or double occupancy. All are en-suite and air-conditioned, coco-mat mattresses, wood panelled ceilings and views across the Ionian sea towards Kefalonia. Each bedroom has a unique identity.

The two Mongolian yurts are light and airy inside, sleeping between one to two people. They contain comfortable beds with mosquito nets, coco-mat mattresses, stand up fan and en-suite bathrooms. Pathways and steps provide access to the yurt platforms, each with outdoor seating, positioned high among rocks and trees with beautiful sea views.

This retreat offers both single and double accommodations, many with beautiful ocean view balconies.

Check out examples of some of the room options below.

For a full list of retreat center rooms click here.

Meals

Food at Itha108 is fresh, sumptuous and made up of local produce. All vegetables are organic and sourced from the best of what Ithaca and neighbouring Kefalonia has to offer. Plentiful, home-cooked menus blend traditional Greek cuisine with a contemporary style. For the retreats, mainly vegetarian food is promoted, although freshly caught fish is available on request.

All meals included from dinner on May 27 through breakfast on June 3.

If taking a full day off site excursion, you may be required to purchase your lunch and/or dinner.

Food

Investment

Single Occupancy Room Accommodations

Rooms: Raas, Old Library, White, New York

Private room, en suite bath, air conditioned

Single: $2,050 USD*

Only 2 Single Rooms Remaining (Raas & New York room)

Double Occupancy Room Accommodations

Rooms: Mango, India & Cave

Large rooms, large balcony or patio, en suite bath, air conditioned (except Cave)

Great for friends or couples

Double: $1,850 USD*

Luxury Yurts Double Occupancy Accommodations

Rooms: Metta & Yurt 1

En suite bath

Double: $1,650 USD*

Only 1 Yurt Space Remaining (Yurt 1)

*All payments will be invoiced in USD (current Euro to USD conversion is 1-1)

All major credit cards and Bank ACH accepted

Includes:

7 nights accommodations

Gourmet vegetarian or omnivore meals (first night dinner thru last day breakfast)

Daily Yin & Reiki Classes

Daily meditation & pranayama practices

Daily Qi Gong inspired classes

2 Self-Myofascial Release workshops

Airport transport

Excludes:

Flight to Kefalonia Airport

Cost of excursions or extra on or off site activites

Additional spa services or alcohol sales

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to ensure peace of mind.

$500 deposit due upon registration. Remaining balance due on or before April 1, 2023.

Balance invoices will be issued March 15, 2023 and must be paid no later than on or before April 1, 2023.

IMPORTANT: Balance payments not received by the deadline may result in the forfeiture of your space in the retreat.

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What part of Nicaragua will we be in?

Costa Dulce is located in San Juan del Sur which is located in the southern portion of the country, near Costa Rica, on the Pacific coast.
What is the weather like?

The average high in January is 80 degrees farenheit with lows in the mid 70s. The mix of a consistent off shore breeze and dry heat make for a very enjoyable climate with virtually no flying critters. You will experience little to no rainfall each day leaving you feeling sun-kissed and refreshed by the cool ocean waters.
Is Nicaragua safe?

Yes, Nicaragua is safe to travel. Statistically, it is the safest country in Central America. Nicaragua is a peaceful and safe country; however, theft and other occasional criminal activity can occur. We always remind visitors to use good judgment to prevent unfortunate situations. Simple things to avoid include riding with an unknown taxi driver (best to set up private transportation or rent your own vehicle), walking alone on isolated beaches, leaving valuables unattended in a vehicle (especially computers, smartphones, tablets, etc), leaving doors unlocked, leaving belongings outside at night, etc. Nicaragua has come a long way in the last several decades. Since the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1978-1979, it has become the safest country in the region, outdoing both Costa Rica and Panama on this front. Although this developing nation is one of the poorest in the Western hemisphere, it is a beautifully diverse and culturally rich country that is remarkably safe, with low crime rates. Tourists should use normal, common sense when traveling around Nicaragua.
What airport should I fly into?

You can fly into either Managua, Nicaragua (MGA) or Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). Both are an approximate 2.5 hour drive from Costa Dulce. If flying into Costa Rica, you will need to pass through the land border into Nicaragua which is closed 12:00a-6:00a daily. Therefore, we recommend, if flying through Liberia, to schedule an arrival time of 9:00p or earlier.
Is ground transport to/from the airport included?

No, your transport to/from the airport is not included in the registration fee. On average, the round trip cost is about $100, but can vary significantly depending on when your flight arrives/departs. You will be asked to personally coordinate your transport directly with Costa Dulce. We recommend that you contact them prior to booking your flight to ensure your timing works well with their shuttle service.
Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Nicaragua?

Yes, you will need a passport with at least six (6) months validity following your dates of travel. A visa is not required to enter Nicaragua for citizens of the United States, Canada and European Union.
Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance and choose a “Cancel for Any Reason” add-on which you can purchase from some insurance providers when buying specific plans. By paying extra for this coverage, you can cancel for any reason under the sun as long as you follow the policies’ purchase and cancel stipulations. Here’s a great article on this add-on and what it does and doesn’t cover. Here’s a great place to compare quotes on travel insurance.
Is gratuity included?

The hardworking staff of Costa Dulce always appreciates knowing they’ve helped make your vacation that much more special. Gratuities are not included in your package stay, so if you wish to leave a tip, you can do so at check out and leave it with management so it can be distributed evenly.
What time is check in and check out?

Officially check in is at 3:00 pm and check out is at 11:00 am. You are welcome to arrive earlier and leave later however we can not guarantee access to your room before or after the established check in/out times.
What excursion options are there?

Costa Dulce can help arrange a variety of off-site adventures to various tourist attractions such as a nearby zip-line canopy tour, catamaran tour, the colonial city of Granada, the tropical island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, the Masaya Volcano and Artisan Market and the village of San Juan del Sur.
What is there to do onsite?

Whether on land or sea, there are many things to do at Costa Dulce, including hiking local trails, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, and of course, yoga, spa, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming, body surfing and just relaxing on a hammock with a book.
Is there a pool onsite?

The resort features a beautiful saltwater pool with views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean.
How far is the beach?

Costa Dulce is located on the beach with most of the facility being just a stones throw from the sand. There are approximately 100 stairs between the main part of the center and the beach. On the beach you will find a small bar that provides light food, drinks and a restroom.
Is the ocean water warm or cold?

The water temperature changes with the seasons and global conditions. The water is quite warm from May to December. Starting in January and through March, when the temperature on land begins to rise, the Humboldt Current passes the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast which makes the water cooler. Depending on what you are used to and the activities you do before diving in, the water can feel either very refreshing or perhaps a bit chilly during these months, but never too cold to enjoy. As a rule of thumb, once water temperatures drop, the fishing season begins to take off. So, the water might be a little cooler in the winter months, but fresh fish is more plentiful.
How far is the nearest town with stores?

Costa Dulce is located on a secluded beach 25 minutes from the busy tourist town of San Juan del Sur. The neighbouring villages of Escamequita and Coco offer some basic shopping 10 minutes away.
Is there alcohol on the property?

Yes, Costa Dulce has a variety of alcoholic beverage available for purchase onsite.
Can I get a massage?

Yes! In fact, one massage is included in your registration fee. Additional massages may be arranged and purchased directly through Costa Dulce.
What is the food like?

Costa Dulce's food has consistently been one of their favorite features for guests, where most find the farm-to-table kitchen to be a highlight of their trip. La Dulce Cocina takes pride in serving you healthy and delicious local food. They pay extra attention to selecting locally grown fresh ingredients so their menu changes with the seasons. They consider food to be a pillar of well being. Good food not only means that it’s deliciously kind to our taste buds, but also that it is good for our body, our planet and our communities. A true nourishment for ourselves and our surroundings. Costa Dulce understands how important individual dietary needs in order to feel good and that’s their main goal. Note: They happily cater to most dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, carnivores, celiacs and food allergies.
What is included in the rooms?

Every room has organic cotton sheets on all beds, with pillows, blankets, etc. Additionall each room has organic artisanally made soap + shampoo and conditioner.
Are there fans or air conditioning in the rooms?

Costa Dulce wants you to be as comfortable as possible; however they are mindful of electricity use. All of the onsite cabins are situated and designed to take full advantage of the near constant breezes on our hilltop. They each have a powerful ceiling fan as well which makes a great alternative to air conditioning and keeps everyone comfortably cool.
What type of yoga will we practice?

In this retreat you will have the opportunity to bring balance to your practice! We will be offering daily meditation, pranayama, functional vinyasa, yin, restorative and yoga nidra. *Note: All yoga sessions are optional. Attend as many or as few as you would like. (No discounts will be offered for participants choosing to omit yoga from their experience.)
Can I communicate with my family/friends back home, if needed?

The retreat center has complimentary WIFI, but cell service is a little hit or miss. We recommend preemptively connecting with your family/friends through an internet based messenger app prior to leaving your home country.
What should I bring?

We recommend bringing the following: Natural sunscreen or sun protection Natural bug repellent for the evenings Refillable water bottle Hiking shoes or sandals Camera or smartphone Flip flops and swimwear of course Yoga appropriate clothing Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries or smartphone 🙂 You can bring your own Yoga Mat if you like, but Costa Dulce will provide high-quality mats, straps, blocks, and other props. Personal pharmaceuticals: Any allergy or anti-itch cream if you wish and any prescription medication that you need Health care items and/or feminine products Earplugs (in case you have trouble adjusting to the sounds of the waves and monkeys) Eyemask (if you are in a shared room) Passport (you need a valid passport for at least 6 months before the expiration date to enter Nicaragua. No special visa is required.) Costa Dulce is on a solar power system so they kindly ask that you do not use a hairdryer during you stay at Costa Dulce.
Can I drink the water?

Costa Ducle provides purified water for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full.
Are the electrical outlets the same as US/Canada?

Yes, Costa Dulce has three-prong 110-volt outlets all over the resort. Europeans will need to bring an adapter.
Do I need to bring Cordobas (the local currency)?

The USD is readily accepted in most parts of Nicaragua. Costa Dulce and most other establishments in the area accept dollars but will give you change back in the local currency. Please note that all of Costa Dulce’s prices are in US dollars. The closest ATM, which dispenses both cordobas and US dollars, is located in the village of San Juan del Sur which is a 25 minute drive.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend?

No, we are not requiring a COVID vaccination to attend this retreat.
What are the COVID entry protocols for Nicaragua?

As of June 22, 2022 the Nicaragua entry policy is as follows: Fully vaccinated travelers must bring proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry into Nicaragua. As of April 1, 2022 Costa Rica no longer requires any proof of vaccination or negative test prior to entry. However, even if flying in through Costa Rica, you will be required to follow the Nicaragua requirements at the land border. Therefore, please consider the Nicaragua requirements to be the policy you follow..
What are the COVID entry protocols for the United States?

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded. Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.
What if I test positive for COVID prior to the retreat?

If your requried COVID test comes back positive and you are denied entry into Nicaragua, your 100% of your registration fee will be forfeit.
Do the staff speak English?

Costa Dulce always has multiple fluent English speakers available on-site including the reception team. Part of their Nicaraguan community team speaks only little to no English, so if you wish to practice your Spanish then there is plenty of opportunity!
When is the final payment due?

Invoices for the final balance will be sent on November 1, 2022 with payments due by November 29, 2022. Payments not received by November 29 may result in the forfeiture of your space. If desired, we can split the balance payments up into smaller portions, spread out over the time between now and November 29. If this is something you are interested in doing, please reach out the Michelle directly to discuss details.
What is the cancelation policy?

If you have been accepted into this retreat but are no longer able to attend, cancellations must be made in writing to Ahna or Michelle at exaltyinyoga@gmail.com. *$500 deposit is non-refundable, non-transferrable* If canceling with 60+ days notice, all funds paid, minus deposit & 6% processing fee, will be refunded. If canceling with 30+ days notice, 50% of funds paid, minus deposit & 6% processing fee, will be refunded. No refunds or transfers allowed if canceling after December 29, 2022.