Kriya Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Retreat on Corfu

This retreat is built around a simple idea: that anyone can learn to meditate, and that meditation works best when it's connected to the rest of a yoga practice. Kriya Yoga is a pranayama and meditation technique first described by Patanjali around 400 BC, and it's traditionally passed from teacher to student rather than taught in large classes. Basu learned it in India and Thailand, was initiated by Swami Shankarananda Giri in 2002, and has been teaching since 2000. In 2016, his teacher gave him permission to initiate others, making this a genuine chance to learn Kriya Yoga in its full form – and because the practice is offered by donation, the gatekeeping is financial as much as it is about lineage. A suggested donation of 100–300 euros supports the teaching.

Days follow a gentle arc. Mornings start with Kriya meditation, then sun salutations and Kriya Hatha Yoga, a style that uses the chakra-based breath work of Kriya within the asana practice. After a long brunch, afternoons are free until a bhajan singing circle and a mindfulness sit. Evenings close with another Kriya meditation. Guests can choose how much of the schedule to attend, and there's no pressure to do everything – some people come for the full days, others use the structure as a framework and spend hours on the beach instead.

What holds the week together is its range. Kriya Yoga is the inner practice, but Basu also teaches mindfulness meditation (Jnana Yoga), Yoga Nidra for deep rest, and bhajans – devotional singing from the Bhakti tradition. That means each day touches several different approaches to yoga, which is why reviewers describe leaving with both a renewed practice and a clearer sense of how meditation fits into ordinary life. One guest called it "real yoga – rooted in tradition," while another said it was "enlightening, but also hard work." It is a retreat for people who want to actually sit and look inward, not just stretch by a pool.

Corfu itself plays a supporting role. The island is famously green, with olive groves, cypress trees, and beaches that range from pebbled coves to long sandy stretches like Agios Stefanos. The guesthouse is in a small village close to the beach, with garden and terrace space for the group. The nearest airport is Corfu International, about an hour away by car, and the host can arrange pickup for a fee. There's also a bus and taxi option from Corfu town if you want to save the money.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation by the sea - Daily delicious and nutritious vegan/vegetarian brunch - Daily pranayama classes - Daily Kriya Hatha Yoga to activate your pranic body - Mindfulness meditation - Daily Kriya Yoga meditation - Yoga Nidra - Bhajans-Kirtans singing - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking

Note: Kriya Yoga teaching is offered by donation (suggested 100-300 EUR), separate from the listed price.

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Airport transfers - Massage sessions with Anne - Additional meals and drinks outside the included brunch - Personal expenses