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Lefkada Retreat

Relax, Explore & Rejuvenate
Your Best Self

A kosher retreat for Jewish women seeking increased
wellness, serenity, and positivity

Lefkada Island, Greece
November 1 - 8, 2022

After the chagim, just when you most need and deserve it.

If you’re a Jewish woman who is ready to relax and have fun on a magical island

with caring and positive new travel pals, and learn wellness habits

to maintain lifelong serenity, balance and vitality, then...

Join us for 7 days of relaxation and exploration, laughter, serenity and sisterhood

...under the infinite stars of Lefkada Island, Greece.

Awakening peacefully in a deliciously cozy bed with crisp, soft sheets, you sense the gentle morning breezes floating in through the open window facing the sea.

Your ears enliven to the sounds of nature, and your heart soars at the realization that you are here in your own room in a gorgeous villa on a stunning island, on a precious wellness retreat that you have given yourself.

Moments later, the lovely pine scent of the forest draws you out of your room to a beautiful rainbow of blooms.

Your eyes marvel at the variety of greens and ocean blues before you. Moving slowly and gently, you’re amazed to find yourself on your airy veranda facing the sea.

Gazing at the mountainous islands in the distance and the sparkling waters below, you suddenly notice that you not only feel rested, happy, and excited for another day of exploration, but that you are now living with consistent ease, joy, and vibrancy like you haven’t experienced in a long time.

We created this retreat for you!

Your eyes marvel at the variety of greens and ocean blues before you. Moving slowly and gently, you’re amazed to find yourself on your airy veranda facing the sea.

Gazing at the mountainous islands in the distance and the sparkling waters below, you suddenly notice that you not only feel rested, happy, and excited for another day of exploration, but that you are now living with consistent ease, joy, and vibrancy like you haven’t experienced in a long time.

We created this retreat for you!

* All are actual photos of our upcoming retreat venue ~ Urania Luxury Villas in Lefkada, Greece.

Let Yourself Go

A Retreat where we take care of everything especially You!

Home
Villas & Food
Excursions
Benefits
FAQs
Contact Us

Contact Us

You can send any inquiries or questions to retreat@koshervacationexperts.com.

Register
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Longing for Seven Blissful Days?

On this retreat, through grounding yoga and quality time for reflection, you will release what weighs you down and become comfortable with your emotions, so you can return home feeling calm, centered and energized.

After a week of eating deliciously nutritious and satisfying meals, and experiencing consistent balanced mood and an upbeat attitude as a result, you will return home with the motivation and recipes to integrate healthy eating into your life.

You’ll also gain a sisterhood of new friends and travel pals with whom you will share, dine, learn, play, laugh and grow together, and who may likely become some of your closest supports and cherished friends in life.

During these seven exhilarating, transformative, and memorable days, you will learn the importance of investing in your well-being, and go home with the resources to elevate your health, vitality, and joy in the years to come.

Take me to the Lefkada Gallery!

Imagine

Slowing down, being taken care of, letting your body, mind, and central nervous system purr from a week of rest and rejuvenation.

Imagine warm sunshine, mountain breezes, abundant time for yourself.

Deeper breaths, exquisite yoga sessions, excursions and activities in nature.

A glorious week surrounded by positivity, understanding, laughter, and meaningful connections.

You’ll experience your best self and take home new tools and habits for enhanced vitality, serenity, and love of life.

“Feeling good is healing.” Come along with us.

We’ll stargaze at night, have upbeat workshops on abundance mindset, emotional wellness tools, promoting restful sleep, the energetics of words.

You’ll reconnect with yourself after the Chagim and know what it feels like to really live your best emotional and spiritual well-being.

villa-lefkada_3_2018_30b
water

We’ll explore the pristine and beautiful nature of the island, whether it’s from the top of a mountain, from the coves and bays while sea-kayaking, or taking in the silent and powerful energy of the forests.

Morning walks, meditation classes, yoga facing the sea. Lounge by the villa infinity pool overlooking the sea, warm sunshine on your skin, gentle breezes on your face, with a book or your journal.

We’ll explore the pristine and beautiful nature of the island, whether it’s from the top of a mountain, from the coves and bays while sea-kayaking, or taking in the silent and powerful energy of the forests.

Morning walks, meditation classes, yoga facing the sea. Lounge by the villa infinity pool overlooking the sea, warm sunshine on your skin, gentle breezes on your face, with a book or your journal.

water

When was the last time you had fun with new friends?

Took a few days to rest and recharge, to do what you want to do? To linger over breakfast, or read a book in the afternoon?

To go on a spontaneous adventure? Or laugh over dinner under the stars?

dining-at-the-water

Take home tools and habits for a life of wellness:

Be amazed how daily nutritious, delicious meals consistently improve your mood

Maintain tangibly higher energy levels

Learn to detach from constant overwhelm: calm your central nervous system with breath and movement

Feel how being active in nature averts stress

Promote quality sleep with new techniques and practices

Implement downtime every day to reflect on your blessings

Intentional mindset and new habits can significantly alter the trajectory of your life.

fruit-platter

We will teach you how to live your best wellness!

yoga-a
Kitchen

How a life of wellness and vitality feels

water-sun

and we’ll give you tools to take home and make it yours

Intentional mindset and new habits can significantly alter the trajectory of your life.

fruit-platter

How a life of wellness and vitality feels

yoga-a
Kitchen

We will teach you how to live your best wellness!

water-sun

and we’ll give you tools to take home and make it yours

What better place to nurture new wellness habits

than with wonderful like-minded women, in a relaxed, positive, upbeat small group, on one of the most gorgeous islands on earth.

Join us!
View the sites we saw!
Single-Room-3

Good morning! Welcome to another glorious day in paradise.

What do you feel like doing today? A gentle hike? Active flow yoga? Lounging by the pool?

morning

Begin each morning on your airy balcony

with private time for prayer or meditation, connect with your breath and surroundings, and prepare yourself for an amazing day.

yoga

Move your body and quiet your mind

Immerse yourself in this time to connect with your senses, and experience your true self without judgment or expectation.

Drinks

Fresh juices, fruit, coffee, and muffins fresh out-of-the-oven are ready for you early each morning

Our retreat team values food as medicine, and nutrition as a starting point for reclaiming your health.

Food is always served as a buffet, so you can pick and choose what and how much you'd like.

excursions-stop

For those who wish, there are daily excursions in nature

Sea kayaking in magnificent gentle bays, an amazing waterfall with natural swimming holes, hike from the villa to a private beach, visit the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world.

lounge

Enjoy fresh fruit smoothies of your choice

Sitting on a couch on a patio facing the sea, the gentle afternoon sunshine and breezes caress your cheeks.

You are deeply savoring the serenity and pleasure of this extraordinary retreat.

This is your retreat, a time to withdraw to a place of introspection and peace.

A place to explore and find comfort in yourself and relax in the spaces which surround you.

This is your time to be just who you are.

To reflect and reconnect with your best self.

Your Retreat Includes...

Luxurious Bedrooms and Bathrooms, the Ultimate in Privacy, Beautiful and Exclusive

Glatt kosher, seasonal, organic (as much as is available), gluten-free, sugar-free meals with fish, vegetarian and vegan options

Daily fresh fruit juices for breakfast and afternoon smoothies

Daily Yoga, Meditation, Forest Walks and Poolside Chats

Excursions to Private beaches, Magnificent Bays and Lookouts

Relaxation in a Serene Setting

Evening workshops on Abundance Mindset, Healing Touch and Balanced Emotions with Essential Oils, Energetics of Words, Promoting a deep & restful night’s sleep with natural remedies

Friendship with Like-Minded Women

Take me on a virtual tour to Lefkada!

Click on the tabs to see details:

Retreat Location Villas Food Celebrating Health Yoga Facing the Sea Daily Rhythm & Retreat Attitude
Retreat Location

Lefkada is a mountainous island blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful and famous beaches and verdant forests off the western coast of mainland Greece.

It’s filled with amazing views at every turn. Not particularly touristy, it’s unspoiled and has a picturesque and gentle charm with pretty villages and friendly people. It’s a little piece of heaven.

And it is still warm and sunny in Lefkada in early November. We have scouted retreat locations from Thailand to Costa Rica… and Lefkada, Greece is our favorite!

Villas

We’ll be staying in gorgeous private villas with plenty of space to have quiet time and also come together as a group.

The houses are on a mountain top, within easy walking distance of one another. Surrounded by rustling leaves and birdsong, the villas Helios, Eos, Fos, and Iris are situated so that no villa interrupts another’s views, each maintaining absolute privacy and tranquility.

Each villa has its own resort-style infinity pool, porches with views on each level, a spacious kitchen and cozy sitting areas.

Apart from the stunning ocean views, the location of the villas is 3km away from Ponti-Vasiliki village, making it one of the most peaceful spots on the island.

Food Celebrating Health

Savor Mediterranean cuisine combined with modern flavors, prepared with love and healthy local ingredients, by a talented and experienced chef flown in from Israel.

Chef Efrat’s greatest joy is to treat us to freshly baked healthy breads and desserts, homemade dips and spreads, casseroles, creative salads, soups and main dishes blending various culinary influences.

Enjoy abundant, delicious mehadrin kosher meals, served with magnificent views. The meals will be a whole-foods plant-based menu with an abundance of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, eggs, cold cheese platter with brunch and cooked fish with dinner. (We can provide chicken for Shabbat, if it is very important to you).

You will find yourself satiated and delighted with the food, and loving your corresponding uplifted moods and energy levels.

We go above and beyond to meet your dietary preferences, including special diets and food allergies. We are equipped to customize the menu when we have advance notice.

Our kashrut is mehadrin, and we are bringing a mashgicha from Israel, who will be following the checking procedures of Rav Vaye and Rebbetzin Hendel, Chabad of Athens.

Feel free to reach out to us with questions related to food and diets: koshervacationexperts@gmail.com.

Yoga Facing the Sea

Our retreat includes daily active flow yoga classes in the mornings and restorative yin yoga in the late afternoons, in a fully-equipped open-air studio directly facing the ocean.

Modern vinyasa flow, known as “flow yoga” is taught as a moving meditation where breath is coordinated with movement. The intention is to deepen awareness and body consciousness for the entire practice. There are no fixed series of poses, therefore, allowing each class guided by the teacher, to explore the many asanas (poses) of yoga. Vinyasa yoga can be for all levels. Beginning yogis will learn the tradition of a flow class and experience a variety of standing and floor postures. Students with more yoga experience will be able to go deeper into their moving meditation and can advance their practice within the flow.

Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that encourages physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, it’s practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness, and breath.

Yin yoga targets your deep connective tissues: fascia, ligaments, joints and bones. It's slower and more meditative, giving you space to turn inward and tune into both your mind and the physical sensations of your body. Yin yoga has much in common with meditation and mindfulness practices. On a mental and emotional level, the practice allows the body to drop down into the parasympathetic nervous system, and therefore becomes deeply healing and nourishing.

Join us on the mat, Kara & Devora

Yoga is the ultimate practice. It simultaneously stimulates our inner light and quiets our overactive minds. It is both energy and rest. Yin and Yang.
We feel the burn and find our bliss.

Daily Rhythm & Retreat Attitude

We create a daily rhythm that allows you to spend plenty of time relaxing on your own while also experiencing amazing excursions in nature and being part of the group, if and when you feel like it.

Exploring and resting, being encouraged and supported.

We value authenticity, encouragement, laughter, acceptance, and positivity; our retreat team and guests express these qualities throughout the retreat.

Did you click on the above tabs to see details? 😉 (making sure you didn't miss the above sections)

Meet Your Wellness Travel Retreat Leaders:

DEVORA RATNER

Devora Ratner - Profile Photo
Read about Devora

 

“See the light in others and treat them as if that’s all you see”

I take women on fun and relaxing adventures in beautiful destinations, teach them wellness habits and positive mindset tools, so they can maintain a serene, balanced, and vibrant life no matter the circumstances.

An experienced international trip leader and retreat organizer, and a trained outdoor instructor and guide with more than thirty-five years of experience in leading trips, I have planned and led kosher trips in Italy, France, England, Holland, Greece, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. A certified yoga instructor with a dedicated daily meditation practice, I’ve been teaching yoga and meditation for the past five years in my Garden Yoga studio. I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in business management and entrepreneurship, and own and operate the travel company Kosher Vacation Experts as well as a thriving tax accounting practice.

In 2016 I created the annual (consistently sold-out) Women’s Wellness Retreat at Nahsholim, Israel as a collaboration with like-minded friends to share our passion for travel, nature, yoga, a wellness lifestyle, and the healing power of acceptance, connection, and positivity.

Dearest Retreat Participants,

In 2014, I was blessed with an incredible adventure, wondrous and spiritual beyond belief. I led a group of kosher travelers to some of the most remote and extraordinary places on planet Earth: The Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforests of Ecuador.

מה רבו מעשיך ה' כולם בחכמה עשית….
"How manifold are Your creations, O’ G-d, You have made them all with wisdom”

After this journey, I dreamed of creating memorable and transformative experiences for others. Carefully curated trips and retreats to places with breathtaking natural beauty, in out-of-this-world hideaways. Opportunities to unwind and relax in nature, adventure, explore, and connect with positive like-minded women, like yourself, women seeking wellness and joy.

My vision developed in Israel with five annual Women’s Wellness Retreats at Nahsholim. Fully sold out each time, the warmth, location, women, staff and programming sends hundreds of women home humming before Purim and Pesach every year.

I am constantly being asked for more frequent retreats… and for women’s TRAVEL.

So. I’m very happy to share that we’ve designed a unique, relaxing, invigorating, transformative, connecting, spiritually energizing and nourishing travel retreat experience for after the Chagim this year.

Recently back from the Greek island of Lefkada, in all my years of travel I don’t think I’ve ever been to such a naturally breathtaking place; an incredible combination of splendid mountains and beautiful beaches. We’ve handcrafted a retreat to bring you there, with the same attention to detail and an unwillingness to compromise on the quality of the experience.

The villas are magnificent and luxurious. The food will be all natural, healthy, delicious, and plentiful. There will be two yoga practices daily; active flow yoga in the mornings and gentle and restorative at sunset.

I would be honored to be your guide in this retreat and look forward to making this Women’s Wellness Travel Retreat magical and unforgettable, together, as our co-creation.
​
With love, Devora

KARA BLATTMAN-ROCK

Kara
Read about Kara

 

Kara Blattman-Rock has been co-director of the Women’s Wellness Retreat (in Israel) for the past three sold-out wonderfully successful retreats.

Licensed occupational therapist, yoga teacher and wellness educator. I have been practicing yoga for 28 years and teaching for 18. I first came to yoga because I was looking for a movement art that was more than just a physical practice. I needed a better connection to my body and knowing myself.

Yoga changed my life and led me on a path of total body, mind, and spiritual wellness. I have studied many yoga styles and I like to bring in the teachings that have affected me the most. My favorite yoga practice and style of teaching is a Vinyasa Flow. It is a moving meditation of body and breath. I like to teach an energetic and healing flow that allows students to feel strong, open and quiet in their physical and mental body.

My background is natural healing and mind-body awareness, with a degree of science in Occupational Therapy, Certifications in the Science of Ayurveda, Hatha Yoga, Ayur-Yoga, Vinyasa, and Yoga for a Happy Back. I am the founder of Doterra International in Israel.

Excursions

Visit the best beaches on Lefkada Island: Expand

Porto Katsiki, Agios Nikitas, and Milos Beach

Lefkada’s beaches are known as some of the most magnificent in the world. The amazing landscapes, crystal clean water, endless shades of blue, and breath-taking scenery will absolutely enchant you.

⛱ Porto Katsiki with huge vertical cliffs and breathtaking panoramic views, is a natural wonder, one of the main beach attractions of Lefkada, and among the 10 best-rated in the Mediterranean.

⛱ Agios Nikitas Beach on the western side of Lefkada, a lovely fishing village with exotic water, special ambience, and the unique scenery of a small picturesque bay.

⛱ Milos Beach is a little piece of heaven, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and in the world. The unreal and exotic beauty of Milos beach is awe-inspiring.

Sea Kayak Experience in the Rouda Bay Sea Caves Expand

Find yourself gliding gently and rhythmically (in a completely safe and sturdy plastic sea kayak with a professional local guide) along the beautiful coastline, in and out of magnificent sea caves in sparkling blue waters of the Ionian Sea.

Swim in the warm, shallow ocean waters at picturesque secluded beaches. Snorkel around and inside the sea caves of Lefkada, which are adorned with stunning stalactites.

A fruit snack picnic will be provided!

Sea Kayak Experience in the Rouda Bay Sea Caves Expand

Find yourself gliding gently and rhythmically (in a completely safe and sturdy plastic sea kayak with a professional local guide) along the beautiful coastline, in and out of magnificent sea caves in sparkling blue waters of the Ionian Sea.

Swim in the warm, shallow ocean waters at picturesque secluded beaches. Snorkel around and inside the sea caves of Lefkada, which are adorned with stunning stalactites.

A fruit snack picnic will be provided!

Hike to Nydri Waterfalls Expand

Take the short hike to Nydri Waterfalls and be rewarded with a swim among lush scenery.

The height of the waterfalls and the scenery surrounding it create a tropical atmosphere complete with wildflowers and thick foliage.

The hiking trail is partially paved and has a protective railing, making it safe for those of nearly every skill level.

Bring along a towel and take a dip in the stunningly turquoise-colored natural pools.

Shopping in Nydri Expand

We’ll make time for shopping at the funky seaside village Nydri, for authentic products made in Greece.

Take home special gifts for your friends and loved ones: colorful ceramics, olivewood utensils, Greek honey, local woven fabrics, towels, scarves, bags, and artisanal jewelry.

Shopping in Nydri Expand

We’ll make time for shopping at the funky seaside village Nydri, for authentic products made in Greece.

Take home special gifts for your friends and loved ones: colorful ceramics, olivewood utensils, Greek honey, local woven fabrics, towels, scarves, bags, and artisanal jewelry.

Yes, I want to see more of Lefkada!

This journey is Totally for you if:

You're a woman who needs to rest, recharge, have fun, feel amazing

You want to travel and explore a beautiful destination with a group of like-minded women

You’d enjoy a quality, kosher vacation without the complex planning

You’d like to establish new habits and learn tools for a wellness lifestyle

This journey is not for you if:

You’ll be very uncomfortable with being in a different environment with new people

You like to complain, are uncooperative, or act negatively; we're all here to support each other, not bring each other down

You will be unhappy for a few days without chicken or meat. The menu, including Shabbat, will be comprised of fish, fruit and vegetables, eggs, grains and legumes, cheese at lunch. (We can provide chicken for Shabbat, if it is important to you).

You can't be flexible

Testimonials from past Women’s Wellness Retreats (in Israel):

“It was everything I could have wanted and more from a retreat....

I thought the atmosphere was so positive and supportive and non-judgemental and I loved and savored every single second.

“To Devora and Kara, the retreat was fabulous... I'm amazed at what you pulled together...

There were so many aspects to this, I'm sure hundreds of details that didn't meet the eye.... The feeling of peace and smoothness, and choice, with so many things to do, was exquisite... I just can't believe how much I got out of being there... The beach was gorgeous, and I spent a lot of time there... I loved the yoga classes, and went to two of them.

The women were so special.. not to mention the food... I hope to experience more of the other things next time. I learned so much from you, and being with you...Your calm self confidence, your humor, wisdom, ability to hold and love every single woman who came.... Your presence and energy surrounded and energized the whole enterprise... I would love to keep in touch.

Do you realize what a masterpiece you pulled off?”

“Thank you so much for everything...

Your incredible devotion and hard work have really transformed my life! I have so many new tools now to use to improve my emotional and spiritual well-being.”

We have only 19 beds available 1 bed remaining, then this retreat
will be sold out!

Register with full payment to secure your spot.

Show me the Lefkada gallery

Why the Women’s Wellness Travel Retreat?

You had a fabulous time at Nahsholim.

You came to our annual retreat in Israel and walked away vital, energetic and happy.

You made vital connections and loved being with other Jewish sisters in a positive, nurturing place. Your Purim and Pesach were better because of it.

You’ve been asking Devora to run another retreat after the Chagim, and she’s doing it.

Devora lives Women's Wellness.

She’s an experienced trip leader and travel guide with more than thirty years experience. She’s a certified yoga teacher who practices meditation and wants to share her global trip leading discoveries.

More than 175 women enjoyed her 2022 Nahsholim retreat and many more are on the waiting list after it sells out, year after year.

This is for you!

This retreat is for women who need a break from their many responsibilities, mothers of children that can get away, mothers and daughters that need catch-up time, single women who love to travel but don’t want to join all those couples tours, or don’t have a husband or partner to join them.

This is for women who don’t want those “on the bus, off the bus” trips, accompanied by endless meals and pastries all day in the hotel lobby.

You don’t want to research all the travel options.

It’s too much work and too stressful. You don’t have the time and want someone else to figure this all out. And the kosher logistics? Extremely complicated.

You’re delighted that’s taken care of.

You will come away feeling resilient and vibrant from this retreat, after a long holiday marathon.

You are ready to live your New Year vision for yourself, implement your goals and have time to center yourself.

You dream about having time to laugh with people who get you. To sleep. Swim in the sea at a private secluded beach. To smell the great pine forests of this magical island. To eat delicious, healthy food that someone else shopped for, prepared, served and cleared for you!

You have a sense of adventure and want the best guides!

Explore the most stunning locations of Lefkada with Devora Ratner and Kara Blattman-Rock, expert hikers and teachers.

“I need time to relax but I don't like yoga. That’s not my thing.“

Great! Yoga’s only one item on the activity buffet. Tai chi, hiking, sea kayaking, beautiful beaches, you choose what you enjoy.

Have fun spending time with other women you haven’t met yet. You really do need a little adventure in your life after the past couple of years. You’ve been feeling so boxed in.

This entire trip is arranged for you, every detail, including your travel pals, including everything.

You are OFF DUTY for a week, to just have fun and savor this precious opportunity.

More lasting takeaways

Traveling together as a supportive and caring group of wonderful like-minded Jewish women you’ll reconnect with the free-spirited, vibrant parts of yourself and start living with renewed self-confidence, ease and joy.

Through breathing techniques, a morning meditation practice, mindful living, and taking home a customized yoga mini-home sequence, you will gain the tools you need to maintain a calm, serene, and balanced mind throughout the various circumstances of your life.

As a result of this retreat, you will experience profound relief, joy, and a deep sense of accomplishment from finally implementing the lifestyle changes you have long wished for.

On this retreat we will guide you through awe-inspiring natural environments, living and learning an abundance and positivity mindset, and you will return an uplifting influence on your friends and loved ones.

During our time in Lefkada, you can establish a daily yoga and meditation practice that will be the pillar of your lifetime emotional and physical well-being, so you feel strong physically, free emotionally, and soar spiritually.

By the end of this retreat…

You’ll feel deeply taken care of.

No work, no kids, no cooking, no cleaning.

Just you, enjoying yourself with wonderful women on a well-deserved vacation.

You’ll be given the gifts of friendship, laughter, fun, outdoor dining, morning walks in the forest, the beauty of Shabbat, workshops after dinner on abundance mindset, emotional wellness, enhancing great sleep, and the energetics of words, so you’ll feel happy, cared for and free.

mountains
table-under-tree

You’ll go home with:

Tools and habits for a life of wellness, rested and vibrant, and widely connected with other Jewish sisters who love to travel; now you don’t ever have to worry about where to go, or who to go with.

We’ve got you covered and you’ll go home empowered and energized.

You’ll go home with:

Tools and habits for a life of wellness, rested and vibrant, and widely connected with other Jewish sisters who love to travel; now you don’t ever have to worry about where to go, or who to go with.

We’ve got you covered and you’ll go home empowered and energized.

table-under-tree
Take me there, virtually!

Notes to self:

chairs-pool

"Along with all the growth and healing, remember to give yourself time for integration.

It looks like doing nothing. This nothing is necessary!"

dining-at-the-water

"Surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel.

Energy is contagious."

Sunset

"Instead of focusing on a To-Do list, I’m focusing on a To-Be list.

Things I want to be: Happy, Calm, Healthy, Positive, Loving"

Daily Schedule

The daily itinerary will be posted each morning

  • (~7:00-9:00a) Fresh juices, cut fruit, coffee, granola, muffins
  • (~7:30-8:00a) Forest Walking Loop
  • (~8:00-8:20a) Meditation class
  • (~8:30-9:30a) Flow Yoga
  • (~10:00a-11:00a) Brunch
  • (~11:00a-4:00p) Excursion or free time at the villa
  • (~5:00p-6:00p) Restorative Yin yoga (sunset in Lefkada is at 5:36 pm)
  • (~6:30p - 8:00p) Dinner
  • (~8:00p-9:00p) Evening Workshop

* Excursion days mean the day’s schedule may be subject to change

Group flight from Tel Aviv to Athens

Our short 2 hr. nonstop flight to Athens, departs Israel at 8:10 pm on Tuesday November 1, 2022 (November 1 is Election Day in Israel, you can vote that morning if you like.) We will rest overnight at an elegant hotel on the water, very close to the Athens airport.

Leaving refreshed in the morning, we will journey to Lefkada on a private bus, journey time is around 4-5 hours. Breakfast, lunch and rest stops will be provided.

If you are arriving in Athens from a different location, you can meet us at the airport hotel on the afternoon of Nov. 1st.

Tuesday November 1st - meet at Ben Gurion airport at 15:30
Flight: 20:10 departure from Tel Aviv, landing at 22:20 in Athens

Tuesday November 8th - check-in at Athens airport at 18:00
Flight: 22:55 departure from Athens, landing at 00:55 in Tel Aviv

The flight from Israel price is based on the airlines rate at the time of booking which is $450 today (Sept 19th) + $50 travel agent fee.

What's included?

Overnight stay at a lovely hotel on the sea near Athens airport (Nov 1st night)

Transportation from airport to Athens hotel and from airport hotel to Lefkada island

Accommodations for six nights at Urania Luxury Villas

Three abundant healthy meals a day + juices, smoothies and snacks, from breakfast on November 2nd thru and including dinner Nov 8th. The menu, including Shabbat, will be comprised of fish, fruit and vegetables, eggs, grains and legumes, cheese at lunch. (We can provide chicken for Shabbat, if it is very important to you).

All classes and workshops

All organized excursions including transportation to/from excursions

What's not included?

International flight to Athens.

Travel (medical) and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)

Souvenir shopping, private taxis, purchased snacks & drinks off-site, and items of a personal nature. (We will bring fruit, snacks and water with us on all excursions.)

Your Questions (FAQ’s)

This retreat looks wonderful, but why is it so pricey?

I'm glad you asked! Happy to explain why the price is what it is, which is based on the actual trip costs:

1) Private luxury villas with 5 private pools overlooking the ocean - we will have the privacy and quiet of just our group of women, and we can swim with women only (and sunbathe in swimsuits if we want). The less expensive hotel option has one large pool on a central lawn which is open to passersby and other hotel guests, including men and boys, who can also swim while we're in the pool.

2) Fully stocked open-air yoga studio facing the sea means we can put on A/C if it's hot or turn on heat if it's cool out, or keep all the sliding glass studio panels open if the temperature is nice outside. The less expensive hotel option means yoga outside on the lawn and no protection from the sun/winds and others can watch (no privacy.)

3) Mehadrin kashrut and private kosher retreat chef - I am flying in from Israel a talented and experienced retreat chef (Efrat) and a wonderful, capable chef assistant and a Mashgicha to check all the greens and herbs, veggies and fruit, beans and grains.

Rather than eggs with cheese & toast for breakfast, sugary pastries and soda for snacktime, and schnitzel & potatoes for dinner as in a regular hotel, we will be eating gourmet super-healthy food the entire week, with breakfasts including freshly squeezed juices, chia pudding with home-made almond milk and blueberries, home-baked beetroot & walnut focaccia bread with pesto and sundried tomato dips, savory zucchini-eggplant lasagna (vegan style), made-to-order fresh fruit and nut smoothies and fresh-baked festive gluten-free almond fruit cake in the afternoons after the excursions, broiled Mediterranean fresh catch of the day (fish) with a lemon-rosemary-pepper encrusted glaze and sweet-potato & caramelized onion quiche, with naturally sweetened peach mousse trifle or chocolate-orange torte for dessert...is your mouth watering yet?

4) Staff - My retreat co director Kara Blattman-Rock, one of the most amazing, special, grounded, kind, authentic, wise, experienced educators and women I have ever met (did you meet her at Nahsholim?) is flying in from the US to help make this retreat possibly the most memorable and amazing retreat of our lives.

5) Other costs of running a high-quality international retreat - buying a brand-new oven and food processor/blender/juicer, buying brand new serving dishes for the buffet and dining ware to eat on (can’t use their regular ceramic dishes, right?), retreat insurance, a lovely airport hotel on the waterfront in Athens for the arrival night...and much more.

6) The price includes EVERYTHING once you get to Greece, all food and snacks and trips, excursions, and transportation, local guides and tips, classes and workshops, you will not need to pay for anything else in Greece.

If you have more questions feel free to contact us.

Do I have to be really good at yoga?

No, yoga is optional and you don’t have to be a yogi!

Newbies welcome if you have a willingness to try it out. It’s okay if it’s all new to you. We’re here to help.

I’d like to come from the United Kingdom, Europe, or the United States. Is that possible?

Yes! Whoever flies from outside Israel should plan to meet us on Tuesday November 1st afternoon at the hotel.

Email us and we will provide all the details.

I’m not athletic or in shape. Will this all be too much for me?

No! You do not need to be an athlete. All hikes are easy to moderate.

However if you are a power hiker this option is open to you as well. The Milos Beach and Ammoudi Beach hikes are for the higher energy ladies!

Can I join for just part of the trip and go back home for Shabbat?

No, there is no partial retreat option. The retreat is Tuesday to Tuesday with Shabbat right in the middle.

Once you experience a retreat for a week (with a travel day on each end) you will understand the value and benefits of 5 days in a row of staying in one place with a healthy and consistent daily rhythm.

Can I get a discount, I am in a unique life situation?

The retreat cost is based on actual expenses: travel, accommodations, excursions, insurance. There are no discounts.

Couldn’t I just go to Greece by myself? Why do I need a Women’s Wellness Travel Retreat?

You want to travel to the undiscovered remote locations we already scouted for you, and eat healthy kosher meals without having to schlep your traveling kosher kitchen, plan the menu, shop, cook and clean.

When you go to international retreats on your own, you basically have to eat raw foods or cook eggs since kitchen facilities are often unavailable to you at a yoga retreat. We’ve got that all covered for you.

What else would you like to know?

Send an email with your questions to Devora: koshervacationexperts@gmail.com

Room Types and Prices:

Early Bird Offer: Below early bird prices are until September 20th.

Prices increase by $400 per person on September 21st, 2022.

DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY

$4,200 US dollars / per person

Seems Pricey? So glad you asked

I'm glad you asked! Happy to explain why the price is what it is, which is based on the actual trip costs:

  • 1) Private luxury villas with 5 private pools overlooking the ocean - we will have the privacy and quiet of just our group of women, and we can swim with women only (and sunbathe in swimsuits if we want). The less expensive hotel option has one large pool on a central lawn which is open to passersby and other hotel guests, including men and boys, who can also swim while we're in the pool.

  • 2) Fully stocked open-air yoga studio facing the sea means we can put on A/C if it's hot or turn on heat if it's cool out, or keep all the sliding glass studio panels open if the temperature is nice outside. The less expensive hotel option means yoga outside on the lawn and no protection from the sun/winds and others can watch (no privacy.)

  • 3) Mehadrin kashrut and private kosher retreat chef - I am flying in from Israel a talented and experienced retreat chef (Efrat) and a wonderful, capable chef assistant and a Mashgicha to check all the greens and herbs, veggies and fruit, beans and grains.

    Rather than eggs with cheese & toast for breakfast, sugary pastries and soda for snacktime, and schnitzel & potatoes for dinner as in a regular hotel, we will be eating gourmet super-healthy food the entire week, with breakfasts including freshly squeezed juices, chia pudding with home-made almond milk and blueberries, home-baked beetroot & walnut focaccia bread with pesto and sundried tomato dips, savory zucchini-eggplant lasagna (vegan style), made-to-order fresh fruit and nut smoothies and fresh-baked festive gluten-free almond fruit cake in the afternoons after the excursions, broiled Mediterranean fresh catch of the day (fish) with a lemon-rosemary-pepper encrusted glaze and sweet-potato & caramelized onion quiche, with naturally sweetened peach mousse trifle or chocolate-orange torte for dessert...is your mouth watering yet?

  • 4) Staff - My retreat co director Kara Blattman-Rock, one of the most amazing, special, grounded, kind, authentic, wise, experienced educators and women I have ever met (did you meet her at Nahsholim?) is flying in from the US to help make this retreat possibly the most memorable and amazing retreat of our lives.

  • 5) Other costs of running a high-quality international retreat - buying a brand-new oven and food processor/blender/juicer, buying brand new serving dishes for the buffet and dining ware to eat on (can’t use their regular ceramic dishes, right?), retreat insurance, a lovely airport hotel on the waterfront in Athens for the arrival night...and much more.

  • 6) The price includes EVERYTHING once you get to Greece, all food and snacks and trips, excursions, and transportation, local guides and tips, classes and workshops, you will not need to pay for anything else in Greece.

If you have more questions feel free to contact us.

Register your place in a double room
villa-lefkada_3_2018_17
double

All Inclusive Retreat Package.

Luxury villa accommodations

Three incredible meals a day + fresh juices + smoothies + snacks during the retreat

Transportation within Greece

Excursions

All classes and activities.

The double occupancy option gives you a shared bedroom with two twin beds and private bathroom.

Bring your girl friend, mom, sister or daughter! Or we'll match you with a roommate who may become a special friend.
Register your place in a double room

SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY

$4,900 US dollars / per person

Seems Pricey? So glad you asked

I'm glad you asked! Happy to explain why the price is what it is, which is based on the actual trip costs:

  • 1) Private luxury villas with 5 private pools overlooking the ocean - we will have the privacy and quiet of just our group of women, and we can swim with women only (and sunbathe in swimsuits if we want). The less expensive hotel option has one large pool on a central lawn which is open to passersby and other hotel guests, including men and boys, who can also swim while we're in the pool.

  • 2) Fully stocked open-air yoga studio facing the sea means we can put on A/C if it's hot or turn on heat if it's cool out, or keep all the sliding glass studio panels open if the temperature is nice outside. The less expensive hotel option means yoga outside on the lawn and no protection from the sun/winds and others can watch (no privacy.)

  • 3) Mehadrin kashrut and private kosher retreat chef - I am flying in from Israel a talented and experienced retreat chef (Efrat) and a wonderful, capable chef assistant and a Mashgicha to check all the greens and herbs, veggies and fruit, beans and grains.

    Rather than eggs with cheese & toast for breakfast, sugary pastries and soda for snacktime, and schnitzel & potatoes for dinner as in a regular hotel, we will be eating gourmet super-healthy food the entire week, with breakfasts including freshly squeezed juices, chia pudding with home-made almond milk and blueberries, home-baked beetroot & walnut focaccia bread with pesto and sundried tomato dips, savory zucchini-eggplant lasagna (vegan style), made-to-order fresh fruit and nut smoothies and fresh-baked festive gluten-free almond fruit cake in the afternoons after the excursions, broiled Mediterranean fresh catch of the day (fish) with a lemon-rosemary-pepper encrusted glaze and sweet-potato & caramelized onion quiche, with naturally sweetened peach mousse trifle or chocolate-orange torte for dessert...is your mouth watering yet?

  • 4) Staff - My retreat co director Kara Blattman-Rock, one of the most amazing, special, grounded, kind, authentic, wise, experienced educators and women I have ever met (did you meet her at Nahsholim?) is flying in from the US to help make this retreat possibly the most memorable and amazing retreat of our lives.

  • 5) Other costs of running a high-quality international retreat - buying a brand-new oven and food processor/blender/juicer, buying brand new serving dishes for the buffet and dining ware to eat on (can’t use their regular ceramic dishes, right?), retreat insurance, a lovely airport hotel on the waterfront in Athens for the arrival night...and much more.

  • 6) The price includes EVERYTHING once you get to Greece, all food and snacks and trips, excursions, and transportation, local guides and tips, classes and workshops, you will not need to pay for anything else in Greece.

If you have more questions feel free to contact us.

Register for a single room
bl-room
Single-Room-1

All Inclusive Retreat Package.

Luxury villa accommodations

Three incredible meals a day + fresh juices + smoothies + snacks during the retreat

Transportation within Greece

Excursions

All classes and activities.

The single occupancy option gives you your own bedroom with queen bed, private bathroom with bathtub

*SPECIAL OFFER: First 4 single occupancy bookings get a free private jacuzzi bath
Register for a single room

Still not sure about the cost of this retreat? 

Are you lonely, exhausted, cranky, impatient, resentful...

what happens when you don't take care of yourself? What is the cost?

The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is take some quality time away in a beautiful and inspiring place to rest, relax, have fun, reflect on what you'd like to change in your life, experience your best self

...and come home energized and in high spirits.

Show me to Lefkada right now, Devora!
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

The registration deposit of $500 is non-refundable for any reason.

Cancellation after Sept 21st (or if you do not show up, or you leave early for any reason) results in a total loss of funds. If I can fill your place after cancellation, I will offer a refund less the $500 non-refundable deposit.

If you need to cancel before Sept 21st, you will get a full refund less the $500 non-refundable deposit. You can transfer the amount of your deposit/balance to a future international retreat (excluding the Nahsholim Israel retreat), as long as there is space available in the retreat that you'd like to attend. You may transfer your retreat balance one time.

We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it does not meet minimum registration. It is highly unlikely this will happen, but if it does, your payment is refunded in full.

Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended whenever making travel plans. Our retreat travel agent can assist you with your travel (medical) insurance and trip cancellation insurance.

COVID Policy

COVID Policy

Current COVID protocol for Greece: As of Sunday May 1, 2022 and for as long as the epidemiological data allows, all travelers arriving in Greece, regardless of their country of origin, are no longer required to display a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, nor evidence of a negative test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen test).

If Covid-19 protocols interfere (for example, the destination is under lockdown), the retreat will be rescheduled for a later date when travel is possible again. If this occurs, you’ll have the option to transfer all your funds towards the future retreat dates or receive a full refund.

No refund is given if the participant contracted the virus and can’t attend the retreat. In this case, travel insurance would most likely cover any losses depending on the travel insurer’s policy. It is important to confirm with the travel insurance provider that Covid-19-related issues are covered and to what extent.

All COVID-19 entry requirements at the time of travel are to be adhered to and will be communicated before the start of the retreat.

Eligibility and suitability for this trip

Eligibility and suitability for this trip

All applicants are interviewed to determine eligibility and suitability for this trip.

We reserve the right at any point before trip departure to decide if a participant should not attend the retreat for the benefit of themselves and the group.

Emotional Health Disclaimer:

Though therapeutic in nature, this retreat is not intended to be therapy.

Feel free to reach out to Devora if you have any questions about your individual circumstances.

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