Zen Rocks
Mani, Greece
Transformative heart-led creative, yoga, dance, Pilates and fitness retreats in a stunning Peloponnese olive grove
Set against the dramatic expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, Zen Rocks is a beautiful space where you can nurture and nourish your mind and body on group retreats throughout the year. Rest, restore and reconnect with yourself through mindfulness, meditation, yoga, Pilates, walking, trekking, swimming, sea diving and nature.
our Reviewer LUCY EDGE says:
‘My husband’s frozen shoulder had defeated the medical profession for years, but it melted with yoga therapist Vivi’s carefully executed exercises, and through that release, his joy for life flooded back. I wept when I left’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Zen Rocks is a labour of love created by yoga and Pilates teacher Vivi Letsou and her restaurateur partner Eraj Shakib. Expect amazing food and sublime yoga, informed by Vivi’s deep anatomical understanding, which is a special draw for anyone in chronic pain. It’s worth hiring a car to explore the local, red-tiled villages and UNESCO heritage sites - Kardamyli is home to a medieval castle and offers plenty of retail therapy’
Experiences
Choose a yoga retreat with a focus on gratitude, The Deep Blue Retreat for free sea diving, or a Mediterranean Retreat with Krishna Das for spiritual practice. Or you may organise your own retreat - personal or corporate - and choose from activities that include yoga, meditation, swimming, cookery, nature walks and sea excursions.
A typical morning features zen meditation followed by an ayurvedic drink, dynamic yoga flow or Pilates, and brunch. Evening restorative yoga, therapeutic alignment or a Pilates class is followed by dinner and meditation or yoga nidra.
Fun and relaxed fitness ‘bootcamps’ led by arty American personal trainer John Smihula feature Pilates, weights, running and swimming with optional yoga to help you improve strength, speed, endurance and flexibility.
Between times relax by the pool and in the beautiful gardens and enjoy a treatment in your bedroom or the yoga shala. Choose reflexology, deep tissue massage, Thai yoga massage or shiatsu. Ayurvedic consultations are also available.
Mountain treks, beach walks, bike hire and water sports (including canoeing) can be arranged. There’s a tiny, secluded beach on the other side of the bay, and bigger beaches a 10-minute drive away.
Spaces
Yoga and fitness are taught on the magnificent Sky Yoga Deck overlooking olive trees and the ocean. Meditation happens in the Zendo - a simple white-washed studio with a blonde wood floor.
There is an infinity swimming pool with sun loungers and sea views, a Basi tent with a full range of Pilates equipment, and a stone-built amphitheatre for concerts and live performances. You eat at the outdoor café with stunning sea views.
The terraced grounds are set with mature trees, herb gardens, all-seeing Buddhas and artfully placed rocks. Cuddle up to a sleeping cat or curl up on a sofa with a good book, a slice of cake and a mug of tea.
Villa Esther and Villa Athena are two-storey villas, each with two double rooms and one triple room, as well as private bathrooms. Garden Cottage has a bedroom for two people, and an en-suite spacious bathroom. Zen Chapels - two tiny houses with outside bathrooms and showers - can host up to four guests. Beverly Tent and BASI Tent are spacious glamping tents with four futon beds, and an outdoor bathroom and shower. And Nikolaos Stonehouse is a two-storey traditional stone building with one double bedroom and private bathroom, and two adjoining rooms with shared bathrooms and showers.
All accommodation has outside space with chairs or sunbeds, and interiors are fittingly zen, featuring natural colours, nature-inspired art, exposed stone walls, and polished concrete floors.
Sustenance
Zen Rocks uses seasonal produce, including handpicked fruit, goat’s milk and freshly laid eggs from their own or neighbouring land. All dietary preferences can be accommodated.
Brunch is luxurious with tomatoes, capers and salty feta; delicious porridge made with ginger, cardamom, dry fruit and seeds; daily eggs; handpicked fresh fruit and trays of sweet and savoury spreads, spices and local honey.
Vegetarian with vegan leanings, supper is plant-based using local seasonal produce. Expect luscious beetroot, zingy salads and plentiful pulses and beans.
Cake and fruit are usually served mid-afternoon – the raw carrot cake is especially delicious.
There are plenty of tasty healthy drinks on offer. Alcohol is reserved for the last supper and may accompany a large slice of raw chocolate cake.
