Nefeli Nine Retreats, Greece
dikastika, pelion, thessaly and zagori
Cultural hiking and yoga retreats off the beaten track
Drawing inspiration from the Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives, these cultural hiking and yoga breaks focus on community, natural movement and stress reduction and include excursions and gourmet food and wine. Based in gorgeous spots all over mainland Greece, from the coastal charms of Dikastika to the lush greenery and waterfalls in the Pelion region, they offer a chance to move, rest and transform in nature. Nefeli is derived from the ancient Greek work meaning ‘cloud’, so the idea is you will be on Cloud Nine.
our Reviewer Nirpal dhaliwal says of his pelion retreat:
‘In ancient Greek mythology, Nefeli was a cloud nymph, the goddess of hospitality, generosity, peace and loyalty – and Stephanie’s artfully curated week manifests all of these qualities’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Stephanie Contomichalos is a wonderful host and likes her guests not to have to make decisions – all you have to think about is when you’d like a massage. Stick to the packing list – your days are spent in hiking and activity gear, and dinners are casual and unglamorous. There’s a free laundry service once during your stay. For the apprehensive, hiking guides Archelaos Biehler and Elias Mavroeidakos and yoga teachers Eirini Tzavara and Panos Kontis will have your back’
Agrafa Retreat at Montanema Handmade Village
Get away from it all at the fairytale Montanema Handmade Village, tucked away in a fir forest above Lake Plastira in Agrafa Mountains in northern Greece. Five guided hikes are on offer and there are two yoga classes every day. Learn about honey and enjoy a tasting session, do a soap-making workshop, go mushroom foraging and enjoy the spa.
Downtime can be spent with extra sessions in the spa or swimming in the pool. Be sure to admire the dramatic peaks of the mountains – on clear days you can see all the way to Mount Olympus. Stay in cosy houses and small villas, and enjoy ever-changing menus, which include feta cheese tsantilas with oil and oregano, trahanas soup, village chicken with bulgar wheat and meatballs.
june 2025
Hiking and Yoga Retreat in Pelion
Enjoy hiking and yoga breaks in an area known for sleepy villages, majestic mountains and off-track beaches. As well as four daily guided hikes, there are two optional yoga classes daily, one massage per stay and day trips to the beach and local villages. You’ll also forage for mushrooms and learn how to cook them. Chill out at local beaches.
Stay in a stylish, mountainside villa with panoramic views and relax in the Hermes Lounge, reminiscent of 19th century nobility. The front, ground floor bedrooms look out on the terrace and hills below, while chalets are more spacious and private. Have some quiet moments by the private pool, on terraces and in gardens. Food is largely plant-based, but local meat, cheeses and wines are served.
june 2025
Signature Retreat in Dikastika
Serene breaks at a traditional villa in the small village of Dikastika, overlooking the Aegean Sea, and very close to Marathon – you are exactly 26 miles from Athens. Spend mornings hiking routes for all abilities and ages with experienced guides and enjoy morning and afternoon yoga classes. Visit the city of Rhamnous dating from 400BC.
You’ll have free time every afternoon to read a book or rest by the pool or go for a stroll. Bedrooms are light and airy, with white walls, crisp white linen, splashes of colour on throws and large windows to let the sunshine in. Feast on meals made from fresh seasonal ingredients.
april and may 2025
Weekend Breaks at various locations, mainland Greece
Embrace slow living on a Weekend Break at a location of your choice from Nefeli Nine’s mainland Greece collection and emerge refreshed inside and out. Enjoy sunset poolside and terrace yoga classes, morning yoga flow sessions, panoramic hikes, and visits to family-run tavernas on the beach.
Wine-tasting, cookery lessons, painting classes and ceramics sessions can also be included. You’ll stay in small houses and villas, and your menu will be fresh, seasonal and free of chemicals.
AVAILABLE ON DATES TO SUIT YOU
Zagorochoria Trekking Adventure
Set among pine and fir forests, this retreat in Zagorochoria in the Pindus mountains is for the serious hiker. Challenging routes take you along ancient footpaths, across stone bridges and through some of the most majestic parts of the Vikos Aoos National Park, including the world’s deepest canyon. Of the five hikes, the longest is 20km and you’ll cover 60km during your stay. Go river rafting and enjoy daily yoga and stretching.
Spend your downtime relaxing, reading or journaling at a coffee shop in the town square under a huge plane tree. You’ll stay in traditional guest houses, Selini and Archontiko, and enjoy pies which the region is well known for. Picnic lunches on hikes will probably feature a traditional Zagori pie and an egg frittata.
