Autumn Yoga & Movement Retreat in the Mountains of Pelion, Greece

Pelion is one of those places most people haven't heard of, even if they've been to Greece a few times. It's a peninsula that juts into the Aegean from the mainland, south of Thessaloniki. The mountains are thick with chestnut and oak forest, and the villages — stone houses, narrow lanes, old churches — feel like they haven't changed much in decades. The retreat base, Pelion Homes, sits in Agios Georgios Nileias, a small village on the western side, looking out over the Pagasetic Gulf.

The four villas are clustered together, close enough to feel like a community but spaced so you have privacy when you want it. Each has a pool, a terrace, a kitchen with basics (tea, coffee, fruit), heating for cooler evenings, and Wi-Fi. You'll share with another guest in a twin room, or pay a bit more for a private room with shared bathroom.

Mornings start with a movement practice — sometimes a more dynamic flow, sometimes slower and gentler. Ananda's teaching draws on years of study with teachers from Laughing Lotus in New York to Fighting Monkey in Belgium; she's currently training as a Feldenkrais practitioner, so expect an emphasis on body awareness and intelligent movement rather than just stretching. After practice, there's brunch: vegetarian and vegan dishes made with local ingredients, served in a communal space with wraparound views of the village and the sea.

Afternoons vary. Some days there are group excursions — a wine tasting at a local vineyard, a hike through shaded mountain trails, a trip to a beach or a village you wouldn't find on your own. Other days are left open: time for your massage, a solo walk, a nap by the pool. Evenings bring a yin session or meditation led by Joanna, then dinner together.

The week is designed for people at any level of yoga experience. Past guests have said they felt comfortable even as beginners, and the reviews mention both the balance of calm and energy in the classes and the amount of free time built into the schedule. Group size is capped at 12–16, so it stays intimate.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a luxury villa (shared twin room) - Brunch and dinner daily (vegetarian/vegan) - Water, tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day - Daily yoga and movement classes - Daily meditation sessions - 1 hour massage per person - Guided nature hikes - Village excursion and wine tasting at a local vineyard - Transportation during the retreat for group excursions - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Wi-Fi

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional massages or spa treatments - Personal expenses