AMPLIFY YOUR ENERGY
for dreamers, movers and shakers!!!
STOKE YOUR FIRE:
Greece Yoga Retreat
May 4 – May 14, 2022
with Stephanie Cullen
Let yourself be lit up by your own potential – on a unique and inspiring yoga retreat on the magical, ancient island of Amorgos, Greece. Each day we will bask under the bright wide sky, swim in the infinite Aegean sea, eat fresh local fare, harness the captivating energy that surrounds us, let our spirit’s rejoice with the scents of Amorgian flowers and herbs and at evening time, be seduced by the moonlight invoking personal introspection and epiphany.
I know the world you live in all to well with each day posing new challenges: work, relationships, children, family, friends, entertainment – all these requiring our constant attention. With so much energy dedicated to our daily obligations, it is wildly important that we find and make the time to stoke our inner fire. This is your magical chance.
On this retreat you will remember who you are and have the luxurious permission to devote yourself to yourself, like a fish returning to the sea. Together we will move, sweat, laugh and learn how to more deeply experience the awesome power of our yoga practice and the infinite power of ourselves.
I invite you to join me on this journey!
Love coming your way,
Stephanie
Retreat Highlights
– 10 days/10 nights accommodation in a Superior room with private balcony and sea view
– Daily meditation and yoga practices (Vinyasa flow, Gentle Hatha, Yin, Restorative and Yoga Nidra practices)
– Breakfast and Dinner daily (All prepared with hand picked ingredients amd organic vegetables) Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free options are available
– Most lunches, as indicated on itinerary
– Discover the Island with visits to monastaeries, the small village of Chora, the Hellenistic Tower of Agia Triada, beaches of Mouros , Shipwreck and Kalotaritissa.
– Discover the natural beauty of Amorgos by foot with a hike through Aegiali villages and taken in the spectacular sea and mountain views.
– Travel in a tender boat and snorkel the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea
– Authentic Greek cooking class & Wine tasting
– Introduction to Amorgian herbs and distillery
– Greek Night with live music, dancers and dance lesson
– 30 minute relaxation massage
– Incredible views of the Aegean Sea and Nikouria Island
Wake up each morning with the warmth of the sun glistening in your bedroom or start the day with sunrise meditation with breath taking views of the blue Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands. The roof terrace of Aegialis Hotel & Spa is a breathtaking setting for your yoga practice. The panoramic view of the seascape cultivates space in the heart, mind and soul. Each day will be inspired by asana, meditation, adventure, and incredible food. We will go deep into our yoga sadhana soaking in the natural wisdom of the island.
Stephanie has designed an exquisite program to foster your self discovery. The program literally immerses you in the elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether, that we will physically be surrounded by. The carefully designed vinyasa, yin, restorative, nidra and meditation program, is offered twice daily in the morning and early evening and will focus on clearing away energetic blockages, fear and self-sabotage, and move you clearly into your truth, authenticity and self-loving clarity—the very essence of your soul.
Get ready to dream big, move your body and shake up your heart’s desires!
LOCATION
Amorgos is a remarkably unspoiled island, located near Naxos and Ios, on the south-eastern edge of the Cyclades group. Famous for its picturesque architecture and the intense spiritual vibes. Traditional customs are still inextricably interwoven into a landscape as rich in beauty as in its history and culture. Originally inhabited by seafarers from Asia
Minor in the 4th Century BC, the island now cradles people who enjoy a lifestyle that has been shaped by a varied and dramatic past. This is a place that appears untouched by time, but where the inhabitants quietly preserve one of the best kept secrets of the Aegean.
The length of the island is 33 kms and its width ranges between 1.5 to 6 kms. There are three mountain peaks — Krikelos(822m) to the north, Profitis Ilias (699 metres) in the middle and Korax (607 metres) to the south-west. The dramatic mountain scenery provides a fine backdrop to some excellent hiking.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND BOOKING
RELAX IN THE OASIS OF Aegialis Hotel
Aegialis Hotel & Spa is a renowned destination for wellness worshipers and yoga enthusiasts, awarded by CNN for being one of the top five Yoga Hotels in Greece!
According to mythology, Amorgos was the island where Ulysses, returning to Ithaki, was attracted like a magnet by Goddess Kirki, and stayed for many years. Every year since, the same magnetic attraction beguiles wellness and yoga enthusiasts,which flock to the island, attracted by its strong revitalizing energy and the abundance of therapeutic herbs, which make Amorgos the perfect place for a spiritual and physical uplift.
Each luxurious guest room is spacious with private bathrooms, air conditioning, ceiling fans, organic toiletries, ropes & slippers, WiFi, direct access to a private balcony. With breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and Nikouria Island. There are six yoga shalas that overlook the bay of Aegialis allowing you to soak it all in.
The Aegiali Hotel also offers an in house spa. The Lalon Idor Spa is a santuary of holistic wellness.The name of the Spa was taken from the story of the ancient water oracle dedicated to god Apollo, where visitors came seeking clarity and answers in prophetic water readings. Facilities include sauna, hamman, heated indoor sea water pool, jacuzzi and fitness center.
Retreat Pricing:
Single: $2775 USD (king bed)
Double: $2100 USD (king bed or 2 twin beds)
Full Payment is required for your booking to be confirmed.
To Book, please contact Stephanie at yoga.blissfulenergy@gmail.com or 403.507.5241
Below is a sample itinerary of our 10 days together:
Wednesday May 4
Check in time 2:00pm
Opening circle
Dinner
Thursday May 5
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Free time for spa treatments
lunch
Free time
Afternoon Yoga practice
Dinner
Friday May 6
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Island tour: Monastaries, the Hellenistic Tower of Agia Triada, beaches of Mouros , Shipwreck and Kalotaritissa.
Lunch in Chora…not included
Return in time for dinner
Dinner
Saturday May 7
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Free time
Lunch
Free time for spa treatments
Nidra Practice
Dinner
Sunday May 8
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow practice
Breakfast
Free time
Lunch
Hiking adventure…snack included
Free time
Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
Monday May 9
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Free time
Wine tasting and Cooking Class
Free time
Greek Night: Dancing lesson, Dinner, Live music, Local dancers
Tuesday May 10
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Free time to explore the village of Aegialis
Lunch in Aegialis…not included
Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
Wednesday May 11
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Boat excursion: snorkeling and beach…lunch included
Return to Aegialis
Free time for spa treatments
Restorative practice
Dinner
Thursday May 12
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow practice
Breakfast
Free time
Lunch
Herb & Distillery tour
Nidra practice
Dinner
Friday May 13
Sunrise Meditation
Vinyasa Flow Practice
Breakfast
Free time
Lunch
Free Time
Partner Yoga
Closing circle
Farewell Dinner
Saturday May 14
Early morning Departure – Check out time 12:00pm
Excursions
Throughout this retreat you won’t only be enjoying yoga, but you’ll also get to explore all that Amorgos Island has to
offer. From the rich history and culture to the traditional Amorgian food, to soaking up the deep blues of the Aegean Sea.
You’ll have many opportunities to meet the people and become culturally immersed. You will also experience spectaculaar
vistas from Amorgos as we journey through the countryside, exploring villages and learning about the Amorgian way of life.
About the Teacher
Stephanie Cullen, ERYT-500, YACEP
Through Stephanie’s many years of practice; the one thing she has learned is that every moment, every day and every posture is new again…each breath creates a new experience. It is never complete, it is always evolving. Through her teachings she hopes to touch the hearts of her students and connect them to a sense of inner peace through breath, movement, gratitude and love. A place where they can grow and be their true authentic self. In her classes you will experience a fun-loving kaleidoscope of yoga with artful alignment and creative flows.
Stephanie is inspired by many strands of yoga such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa Flow, Forrest, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Mantra and Meditation. She is a certified Yoga Teacher and has received her 500hour professional training through Gaiatri Yoga. She also is a certified Forrest Yoga Teacher and Yin Yoga Teacher and owner of Blissful Energy Yoga in Alberta, Canada. For over the past 15 years Stephanie has led classes, workshops and retreats within Canada, Peru, Galapagos Islands, Bali, Mexico, Nicaragua and Belize.
Stephanie pursues yoga and outdoor adventure to strengthen her mind, body and spirit connections. She’s always excited to share these experiences with you!!!
You can follow her on Instagram @yogistephanie or through Facebook: StephanieCullen or BlissfulEnergyYoga
WHAT’S INCLUDED
-10 days/10 nights accommodation in a Superior room with private balcony and sea view
– Meditation & daily yoga practices (Vinyasa flow, Gentle Hatha, Yin, Restorative and Yoga Nidra practices)
– Breakfast and Dinner daily (All prepared with hand picked ingredients amd organic vegetables)
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free options are available
– Most Lunches, as indicated on itinerary
– Discover the Island with visits to monastaeries, the small village of Chora, the Hellenistic Tower of Agia Triada, beaches
of Mouros , Shipwreck and Kalotaritissa.
– Discover the natural beauty of Amorgos by foot with a hike through Aegiali villages and taken in the spectacular sea and
mountain views.
– Snorkeling the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea
– Authentic Greek cooking class & Wine tasting
– Introduction to Amorgian herbs and distillery
– Greek Dance Lesson
– 30 minute relaxation massage
– 10% discount on treatments at Lalon Idor Spa
– Use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities ( sauna, hamman, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater pool, fitness center)
– Use of yoga shalas and yoga props
– Wifi
– Arrival/Departure transfers ( port-hotel-port)
– VAT, City Tax and Government Tax
– Incredible views of the Aegean Sea and volcanoes
What’s not included
-Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
-Specialty drinks
-Additional food and snacks
-Flights to Athens, Greece (ATH)
-Ferry from Piraeus to Amorgos
-Gratuities
–Travel insurance(strongly recommended)
-Optional Scuba diving, donkey rides, ceramic lessons, Byzantine painting lessons
Know before you go:
TRAVEL FROM ATHENS TO AMORGOS
Amorgos does not have an airport but is easily reached with daily ferries and high speed vessels. Athens International
Airport (ATH) is the most convenient to arrive. It is suggested visitors should arrive one day earlier in Athens or book a
flight arriving before 14.00 so that they are at the port on time – most of the ferries to Amorgos leave at 17.30, arriving
between 1:00 and 2:00am. Ferries dock alternately at the two ports of Amorgos Island: Katapola and Aegiali (closest to the
hotel) Ferry depature is between 6:00-6:55am
IMPORTANT:Please check ferry schedule before booking flights to coordinate your flight with ferry and the start date of the
retreat. One may need to arrive a day or two early to Amorgos Island in order to be there for the start of the retreat.
For those arriving between 1:00-2:00am on May 4rd, your arrival date is considered to be May 3 and you will have to book and extra night. In this case, your room will be ready for you on May 3 at 2:00pm, no matter the fact that you arrive late in the night.
For extra nights, you will receive a special rate as you are apart of the yoga retreat. To book your extra night/s, please book directly with Aegiali Hotel & Spa and mention that you are participating in Stephanie Cullen’s yoga retreat. Full prepayment will be needed to reserve your extra night/s.
Ferry schedule 2022 schedule not out yet!
Below are all options for your transfer from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos to the port of Piraeus:
Bus: Express bus X96 leaves every 20 minutes during the day and every 40 minutes at night from the Athens International
Airport Arrivals Level (between Entrance 4 and 5) to “Karaiskaki Square” in Piraeus, right outside the ferry port. The
ticket costs 5.00€. The trip takes from about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half.
Metro: The subway will take you from the airport to Monastiraki station. There you will change to line 1 (green line). The
end of line 1 is Piraeus station, just outside the entrance to the ferry port. The journey time from Athens International
Airport to the port of Piraeus is about one hour. Trains are every half hour (:00 and :30), with the first service departing
the airport at 05:30 and the last service at 23:30.
Taxi: This is the most hassle-free way. The drive from the airport to the port takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Itinerary information
The itinerary mentioned above may change upon the discretion of Stephanie. Please note that weather does play a part in some of the excursions. Yogi flexibility is always appreciated!
General information
Participants of all levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join this retreat.
Seasonal information
Amorgos has a temperate Mediterranean climate. May on Amorgos is usually a rainless month. Average temperatures between 20 and 28C. Sea temperature is about 20C. UV levels will be very high so remember your sun screen. Sunsets around 8:00pm for most of May and the sunrises at around 6:30am. May is one of the best months of the year in terms of weather in Amorgos. Gentle breezes and lots of sunshine!
What to bring
Aegialis is fully stocked with yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps. Feel free to bring your own yoga mat and
accessories with you, but they are not necessary on this adventure.
Lightweight layers for sun protection
Yoga clothes (and more yoga clothes)
Sunscreen
Sturdy walking shoes
Pair of shoes that can go from water to land (i.e., Tevas, Keen or the like)
Hat
Travel binoculars
Camera
Small Backpack for day trips
Water bottle
Bathing suit
Special menu request
Special dietary needs can be accommodated. Please inform Stephanie in advance.
Passport / Visa
Canadian citizens will need a valid passport to visit Greece, but no visa is required unless you are staying over 90 days. Passports will need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Greece reserves the right to refuse entry if passports expire before the 6 month mark. Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their retreat.
COVID Travel Regulations
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Payment
Full payment is required for your booking to be confirmed.
Cancellation
This retreat is non-transferable and non-refundable.
You are strongly advised to take out cancellation/travel insurance at the time of booking which may cover your cancellation penalties in some situations. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced Stephanie Cullen/Blissful Energy Yoga is not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.
Accepted payment methods:
US Money Draft, US Cheque, Bank wire, PayPal(4% service fee)
Please make Draft/Cheque payable to Cullen Contracting Ltd.
Mail to:
Blissful Energy Yoga/ Stephanie Cullen
RR#2, Box 28, Site 1
Olds, Alberta
T4h 1P3 Canada
(recommended: send via expresspost with a tracking number)
Travel insurance information
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with all recommended minimum coverage. It should also cover cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. Stephanie Cullen/ Blissful Energy Yoga shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects.
Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a vessel, train, bus, or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by affiliated tour operators or elsewhere, are not reimbursable. Losses due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. We cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by us such as hotels, home stays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.