Yoga Escape in a Traditional Cypriot Village – Tochni

Tochni sits on two low hills surrounded by orange groves, olive trees and vineyards, about 6 miles from the sea. The village is small enough to walk end to end in ten minutes, and most of the buildings are traditional stone houses that have been restored rather than replaced. You won't find high-rise hotels or clubs here — the main sounds are chickens, church bells and the occasional scooter.

The yoga programme runs five days a week (no classes on arrival or departure days). Mornings start with a 75-minute class — usually Hatha or Vinyasa — and afternoons bring a second 75-minute session, which might be gentler, or Yoga Nidra, depending on the day and the group. Mats are provided. Classes are taught in English, and the teachers are used to mixed-level groups; one recent guest noted that beginners were looked after without the more experienced students getting bored.

The teaching team rotates. Melanie Smith, originally from the Channel Islands, has been teaching for over 15 years and holds a 300-hour Hatha-Vinyasa certification plus further training in Yin Yoga and meditation. Panayiota Karayianni trained in India at ICYER (1,500 hours) in classical Hatha and also teaches prenatal and therapeutic yoga for women. Which teacher you get depends on the week.

Food is a big part of the week. The in-house Tochni Taverna serves breakfast and dinner on a terrace with views over the village and out to the sea. Dinner is half-board and the portions are famously large — multiple guests have mentioned this in reviews, and several said they took leftovers for lunch the next day. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you ask in advance. The kitchen uses produce from its own organic garden.

What makes this one different from a typical yoga holiday is the setting itself: you're staying inside a working village, not in a purpose-built resort. The apartments are scattered along the lanes, each with its own character, a kitchenette and a terrace or balcony. There are two shared pools near the Taverna, free Wi-Fi in the apartments, and air conditioning for the summer months. If you want a beach day, a shuttle runs three times a week on request (about 6 miles to the coast). Massages and holistic treatments can be booked on site for an extra charge, and extra yoga classes are available for around €25 per 75-minute session.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a restored stone apartment with terrace or balcony - Half board: daily breakfast and dinner at Tochni Taverna - 5 morning yoga classes (75 minutes each) - 5 afternoon yoga classes (75 minutes each) - Use of yoga mats - Use of the two shared swimming pools - Beach shuttle 3 times a week (on request) - Welcome drink on arrival - Free Wi-Fi in apartments - Air conditioning and central heating - Local tax

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers (can be arranged, paid directly to driver, approx. €45–55 from Larnaca / €95–105 from Paphos each way per car for 1–3 persons) - Lunch - Additional yoga classes (approx. €25 per person per 75 min, bookable on site) - Massages and holistic treatments - Personal expenses - Travel insurance - Optional excursions and activities