SUP Yoga Certification Retreat in Athens Seaside

The retreat takes place at the Yoga Skyros Academy's new location in Glyfada, a coastal suburb of Athens known as the Greek Riviera. The academy sits between the sea and Mount Ilios, just 2.5 kilometers from the beach and half a kilometer from the mountain. The building features a dedicated yoga room with wooden flooring and balconies on all sides, plus a rooftop space where classes are held with views over the sea. The interior was designed by Theodora Papadaki from Santorini, giving the space a fresh, Greek aesthetic.

Each day follows a rhythm that balances water time with land practice. Mornings start with a yoga class at 9 AM, then transition into SUP yoga on the water from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. After a lunch break, the afternoon brings more SUP yoga from 2:30 PM to 5 PM, followed by a style-specific yoga class. The schedule is intense but varied, mixing foundational poses with advanced techniques and teaching practice.

What sets this retreat apart is the combination of accreditation and hands-on training. You don't just practice SUP yoga; you learn how to teach it, how to sequence poses safely on a board, and how to manage a class on the water. The course fee includes a manual, certification upon completion, and registration with Yoga Alliance USA, which is a significant draw for teachers wanting to add a specialization.

The instructors, Dietmar and Carmen Hellmann, are both experienced with decades in the field. Carmen has over 20 years as a personal trainer, massage therapist, and Muay Thai instructor, and holds E-RYT 200 and 500 certifications. She's studied with Master Dickson in Hong Kong and Swami Vidyanand in New Delhi, and is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP). Dietmar brings his own expertise, and together they've built a reputation for creating a supportive, family-like atmosphere among students.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a 4-bed room (or upgrade to a shared double) - Daily breakfast (lunch and dinner optional for 25 EUR/day) - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Nidra) - Daily SUP yoga sessions on the water - Specialized workshops and teaching practice - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Course manual and book - Certificate upon successful completion - Registration with Yoga Alliance USA (42 CE credits) - Water, tea, coffee, fruit, and snacks throughout the day - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Meals (except breakfast) - Travel insurance - Flights cost - Visa fee - Personal expenses - Private yoga classes - Additional treatments (massage, alignment) - Laundry fee (10 EUR)