In a quiet, pristine corner of Cyprus, where the spirit of Aphrodite lingers in sea and stone, we gather. With mountains at our back and the sea stretching endlessly before us, we are held by the beauty of this ancient terrain. Olive trees, citrus groves, gardens and wide open spaces surround us.
This 8-day retreat invites deep rest and reconnection. Through traditional Hatha Yoga, classical Yoga and Tantra meditations, and guided inner journeys, we soften, open, and return to ourselves.
A space to nourish body, mind, and spirit — peaceful, potent, and transformative.
##### On the 8 day Alchemy of Yoga Retreat you will:
- Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in the essence of Yoga.
Be guided to move into Yoga as a spiritual journey — one that brings you home to yourself.
- Through committed daily practice, guided meditations, and deep inner journeys, you’ll find limiting tensions effortlessly dissolving as you reconnect with your natural vitality.
- Discover the transformational potency of traditional Yoga practices as they uplift your body, calm your mind, and open your heart.
- Uncover the stillness, joy, and inner clarity that lives within — a place you can return to, again and again.
- Rest and restore in the serene beauty of Cyprus.
#### A Day In the Life of The Alchemy of Yoga Retreat
Wake to the soft light of morning and the gentle whisper of the sea. From your room, step out onto your private terrace and take in the view — sun rising over the mountains, casting golden light across the gardens and the Yoga deck just a stone’s throw away.
Your day begins here, with a grounding Yoga practice held in the open air, right nexxt to the sea, surrounded by nature and peace.
Afterward, nourish yourself with a wholesome Cypriot breakfast — homemade jams, fresh breads, local cheeses, and fruits and vegetables grown on the land.
The morning is yours to enjoy. Walk along the shoreline, take a dip in the sea, wander into the nearby village with its quaint craft shops and cafés, or simply rest with a book in hand and the sun on your skin.
Before lunch, you’re invited to join an optional dharma talk and inner journey practice. These sessions explore the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, offering insights and tools to support balance and clarity — both during the retreat and far beyond it.
A nourishing vegan Cypriot lunch follows, and the afternoon is a time for quiet reflection, connection with new friends, or peaceful solitude in nature.
As the sun begins its descent, we gather again for a gentle evening Yoga practice. Then, enjoy a leisurely buffet supper on the terrace, surrounded by the colours of a radiant Cypriot sunset and the warmth of shared stories.
Your day closes with a candlelit Yoga Nidra under the stars, lulled by the rhythmic sound of waves — a soft and sacred close to a day of rest, renewal, and presence.
Our days together are grounded in time-honored Yogic practices, carefully chosen to support deep transformation and renewal.
We will practice:
- Asana
Mindful movement to build strength, restore suppleness, and ease fatigue. These postures help release physical tension and clear energy-sapping toxins — creating space for vitality and lightness to return.
- Pranayama
Conscious breathing practices to quiet the mind and interrupt unhelpful patterns of thought. Through the breath, we open the door to inner calm, clarity, and lasting peace of mind.
- Kriyas
Gentle cleansing techniques to purify body and mind, freeing you from stagnation and restoring your natural flow of energy.
- Mudras & Bandhas
Subtle but powerful techniques to direct and contain your vital energy — cultivating inner strength, clarity, and balance from within.
- Meditation
A time to turn inward and reconnect with the heart of your being. These guided practices help awaken the joy, love, and wisdom that already live within you, deepening your connection to life itself.
##### What’s Included:
- 7 night’s single or shared twin/double accommodation, with private ensuite room and AC.
- Breakfast, lunch and supper, apart from day 6 which includes breakfast and supper only. Meals are vegan with vegetarian options.
- Herb tea on waking and with lunch.
- Two daily Yoga classes
- Two daily meditation practices
- One pre-lunch dharma talk and inner journey practice.
- Use of the hotel pool, and poolside towels.
- Daily walks in nature and enjoyment of the beach.
- Access to the hotel gardens and beach.
### Is This Retreat Right for You?
This retreat is designed for anyone who:
- Wants to release stress and recharge by the sea in a peaceful, natural setting.
- Believes in the healing power of Yoga for body, heart, and mind, and desires a deep, focused immersion in practice.
- Prefers a gentle yet profoundly transformative approach to Yoga — one that leaves you feeling renewed and strengthened in every way.
- Wishes to cultivate daily meditation as a vital part of their Yoga journey, supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing amid life’s everyday challenges.
### Accommodation & Food
You’ll stay in spacious, comfortable rooms — single or shared twin/double — each with a private terrace and views of either the garden or the sea. All rooms include air conditioning and private ensuite bathrooms.
Meals are thoughtfully prepared vegan dishes, with vegetarian options available. Many ingredients are homemade or sourced locally, with organic fruits and vegetables grown just steps away in the hotel’s own gardens.
##### Meet Your Retreat Host, Sara (Shama) Palmer, M.A.
I’m Sara Palmer, also known as Shama, founder of Heart of Ayurveda. Cyprus has held a special place in my heart since my teenage years, filled with joyful family memories. That love inspired me to bring Yoga groups to this beautiful island, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been returning with wonderful communities to share this unique retreat experience.
I’m an Ayurveda practitioner and Senior Yoga teacher, passionate about guiding a gentle yet deeply strengthening Yoga practice. For me, the true power of Yoga lies in its subtlety — the alchemy of posture, breath, and meditation that transforms body, mind, and heart from tired and stressed to revived, inspired, and joyful.
I love weaving Ayurveda’s wisdom into every class, adding an extra layer of balance and nourishment.
Yoga, nature — and yes, dogs! — bring out the best in all of us. While my beloved Spanish rescue dog stays behind in the UK, the magic of nature here in Cyprus is abundant and ready to uplift you.
With 20 years of teaching experience that began in a residential Yoga ashram in the Bahamas, I’ve witnessed countless transformations in the bodies, hearts, and minds of those who’ve practiced alongside me.
My approach is gentle and respectful — believing deeply that less effort often leads to more profound release and renewal.
It would be my honour to welcome you to this retreat and share a week of dedicated Yoga practice in the stunning beauty of Cyprus.
GETTING THERE:
Flights are to Paphos International Airport, and are not included in the retreat fee. We will arrange a shared taxi for you, with other retreat participants, to the eco hotel that hosts us. This should be about 25 Euros.
BOOKING:
To reserve your place, a £550 deposit is required.
The balance is payable to the venue in Cyprus and costs from 567 Euros depending on whether you opt for a standard or premium room, sea view or garden view, single or shared accommodation.
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