Sept. 19 - 26, 2026
This eight-day journey explores the art of uncomplicated living through contrast and intention. Shaped by the island's understanding that slowing down does not mean doing less, but seeing more clearly, this retreat steps away from the pace of modern life in favor of an older, more attentive way of traveling. You will spend time on Naxos and Santorini—two islands with very different relationships to time, visibility, and change—each revealing a distinct face of the Cyclades.
On Naxos, daily life still moves with the land, the seasons, and the sea. On Santorini, you will look beyond the spectacle to the deeper layers of history, labor, and endurance beneath its famous surface. Through visits with weavers, cooking alongside farmers, sailing on traditional fishing boats, learning herbal remedies, and sharing music and dance with locals, you’ll encounter island life as it is lived rather than displayed. This journey invites you to step away from a fast-paced, digital world where everything looks the same. Instead, you’ll experience the handmade, walk through monasteries, rest on open shores, share local wine, and meet people who value resilience, interdependence, and generosity—those who know that the most precious things are not what we acquire, but what we share.
Your analogue escape will begin on the island of Naxos. Dominated by sea, sun, wind, and mountains, you'll have your first encounter with the island beauty of the poet Sappho where "love for the sun has a share in brilliance and beauty."
At 4:00 pm you'll meet your Alithea guide and Naxos local for an orientation to your next week of analog travel and the in-person approach that still thrives in small island communities. This evening we'll dine while overlooking the sea, enjoying the Greek tradition of philoxenia, the love of strangers, while making new friends of our own.
This morning we'll take time to slow down to the pace of Greek island life. After an optional Pilates flow session on the beach the morning will be yours to swim, visit the spa, or relax on the beach.
In the later afternoon, we'll regroup and head to the Chora, or main town of Naxos, for a walking tour through the historic center. Continuously inhabited for more than five thousand years, Naxos was the capital of the Aegean in ancient times. Whether walking alongside the seashore filled with pottery shards, strolling through the Venetian Castle and medieval town, or tasting local cheese, we’ll begin our immersive journey through the traditions and culture that make the Greek islands unique. Our walking tour will conclude with a visit to Apollo's gate in time for sunset.
This evening, our visit to Naxos' Chora will conclude with a dinner overlooking the sea.
After breakfast in your hotel, you'll drive to the center of the island for your first full day dedicated to learning to live like a local Naxian. Today's first lesson will introduce the importance of agriculture and seasonal festivals for the development of community and sharing knowledge. As you visit the ancient temple of Demeter, you'll begin to see that the story of Greece illustrates the development of humanity and the birth of Western Civilization through community, shared belief, and rootedness in nature.
Your next stop, in the village of Chalki, will take time for conversation with a traditional weaver, honey farmer, and a visit to the local church where you'll see the importance of religion and nature in maintaining the bonds that connect one generation to another.
After lunch in Chalki and an opportunity to try the Naxian classic dessert, galaktoboureko, you'll take a stroll through some of the oldest olive groves in the world before returning to your hotel for a free evening or a swim in the sea. For those interested in returning to Naxos' Chora for an evening of shopping or sipping wine by the sea, your guide will help coordinate transfers.
After breakfast this morning, you'll return to the island's center where the rhythms of life are still deeply connected to the landscape of nature. Not greatly changed from the days when Homer's Odyssey was written and goats roamed the hillsides of Greece, you'll spend the day experiencing philoxenia, the Greek culture of hospitality and 'love of guests' while your host, a local goat farmer, introduces his farm and explains the making of cheese.
After your introduction to the farm, the rest of your morning will be dedicated to learning a few Mediterranean recipes with ingredients grown from the surrounding gardens followed by enjoying the lunch that you have prepared. You'll return to your hotel overlooking the sea towards mid-afternoon in time for a dip in the sea and a free evening.
This morning, you'll check out from your seaside hotel to sail the waters where the earliest Greek sailors developed the art of navigation. Traveling by traditional fishing boat, come prepared for a day of swimming, exploring coves reachable only by boat, cooking and chatting with the boat captain, and experiencing the Greek sea as a horizon that fosters curiosity and connects one small world to another. Among our various stops we'll get to explore the nearby islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa--reachable only by boat.
In the early evening, you'll return to your hotel overlooking the sea for a free evening.
After a free morning, we’ll arrive in Santorini. Famous for its beauty even in ancient times, the Phoenicians who settled here in the thirteenth century B.C. called the island Kallisti, ‘the most beautiful’. Created by the volcanic craters that gave way to its existence, the Caldera of Santorini is unique in the Aegean.
Time-permitting, we’ll explore the archeological site or the museum of Akrotiri. Like a Greek Pompeii, this city was destroyed when the volcano erupted in the sixteenth century B.C. and is a window in time to observe the daily lives of bronze-age Greeks.
For lunch this afternoon we’ll enjoy a tasting of its world-famous wines paired with a light Greek lunch that create a sommelier’s journey through the ages.
And after checking into our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll be free for the evening to stroll through Oia and conclude with a spectacular view of the sunset over the Caldera.
After breakfast in our hotel, we'll be free this morning to hike the path towards Fira or to relax and explore the cobbled streets and classic views of Oia.
We will regroup in the early afternoon and head to the port to embark on a spectacular sailboat cruise around the island. During our last evening together we'll sail through the caldera and have dinner on board while observing the sunset and sea of the Greek mariners.
Walking: moderate
Breakfast is included this day but there are no planned activities. Catch a boat to Crete, Folegandros and other easily reachable Greek islands or head to the airport to connect to your next destination or to fly home. Your Alithea guide will be available to help with travel plans throughout breakfast.
Immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the minor Greek islands, you'll encounter a slower pace of life and a hidden world where you'll learn to live like the Greeks who never seem to grow old and who always have time for a conversation.
Greece has a way of helping you exhale. In Naxos, life moves with the rhythm of the sea. Mornings are slow, the light is soft, and days unfold outdoors with beach walks, fresh food, and time to simply be. Without trying, your body begins to settle and your mind grows quieter. It is the perfect place to begin our reset.
Later in the week we travel to Santorini, where dramatic cliffs, endless blue water, and unforgettable sunsets create a sense of awe and expansiveness. Evenings stretch longer here as conversations linger over dinner and the beauty around you invites you to slow down and savor each moment.
Our home in Naxos is Lianos Village, a peaceful hillside property overlooking the turquoise waters of Agios Prokopios Beach. The whitewashed architecture, soft blue details, and expansive sea views create an atmosphere that immediately invites you to settle in.
Rooms are light filled and designed in classic Cycladic style with private balconies or terraces, comfortable bedding, modern baths, and thoughtful touches throughout. Mornings begin with a generous Greek breakfast, and afternoons invite you to lounge by the pool or stroll to the beach just minutes away.
Perched along the cliffs of Oia, Strogili Traditional Houses offers breathtaking caldera views and the iconic beauty Santorini is known for. Built into the volcanic rock in traditional cave house style, the property feels intimate, elegant, and quietly luxurious.
Each suite features curved white interiors, private terraces overlooking the sea, and modern comforts for a restorative stay. Many accommodations include outdoor seating or hot tubs, perfect for sunset moments with a glass of wine.
During our time in Naxos and Santorini, you’ll enjoy meals in a variety of beautiful local settings, from relaxed seaside tavernas to charming open-air terraces. Greek cuisine is simple, fresh, and deeply rooted in the land and sea, and our meals will highlight the region’s best ingredients, including fresh seafood, local olive oil, creamy feta, ripe tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Each meal is an opportunity to slow down, share conversation, and enjoy the warm hospitality Greece is known for.
Your days will begin with leisurely breakfasts of fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, coffee, and traditional Greek specialties. During our island explorations, we’ll enjoy casual village lunches featuring dishes like grilled fish, octopus, and vibrant salads. Evenings will bring relaxed dinners at hand selected local restaurants where you’ll experience authentic Greek flavors and classic desserts like baklava. Dietary needs are happily accommodated so everyone can relax and enjoy the experience, and during free time you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the islands’ many wonderful restaurants and cafés on your own.
Greece has a way of helping you exhale. In Naxos, life moves with the rhythm of the sea. Mornings are slow, the light is soft, and days unfold outdoors with beach walks, fresh food, and time to simply be. Without trying, your body begins to settle and your mind grows quieter. It is the perfect place to begin our reset.
Later in the week we travel to Santorini, where dramatic cliffs, endless blue water, and unforgettable sunsets create a sense of awe and expansiveness. Evenings stretch longer here as conversations linger over dinner and the beauty around you invites you to slow down and savor each moment.
Our home in Naxos is Lianos Village, a peaceful hillside property overlooking the turquoise waters of Agios Prokopios Beach. The whitewashed architecture, soft blue details, and expansive sea views create an atmosphere that immediately invites you to settle in.
Rooms are light filled and designed in classic Cycladic style with private balconies or terraces, comfortable bedding, modern baths, and thoughtful touches throughout. Mornings begin with a generous Greek breakfast, and afternoons invite you to lounge by the pool or stroll to the beach just minutes away.
Perched along the cliffs of Oia, Strogili Traditional Houses offers breathtaking caldera views and the iconic beauty Santorini is known for. Built into the volcanic rock in traditional cave house style, the property feels intimate, elegant, and quietly luxurious.
Each suite features curved white interiors, private terraces overlooking the sea, and modern comforts for a restorative stay. Many accommodations include outdoor seating or hot tubs, perfect for sunset moments with a glass of wine.
During our time in Naxos and Santorini, you’ll enjoy meals in a variety of beautiful local settings, from relaxed seaside tavernas to charming open-air terraces. Greek cuisine is simple, fresh, and deeply rooted in the land and sea, and our meals will highlight the region’s best ingredients, including fresh seafood, local olive oil, creamy feta, ripe tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Each meal is an opportunity to slow down, share conversation, and enjoy the warm hospitality Greece is known for.
Your days will begin with leisurely breakfasts of fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, coffee, and traditional Greek specialties. During our island explorations, we’ll enjoy casual village lunches featuring dishes like grilled fish, octopus, and vibrant salads. Evenings will bring relaxed dinners at hand selected local restaurants where you’ll experience authentic Greek flavors and classic desserts like baklava. Dietary needs are happily accommodated so everyone can relax and enjoy the experience, and during free time you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the islands’ many wonderful restaurants and cafés on your own.
With a deep passion for travel, health, and wellness, April has dedicated her career to helping others live vibrant, balanced lives. She spent 22 years in corporate America—15 of those in senior leadership roles, where she led high-performing teams for a large organization. While she thrived in the corporate world, she ultimately felt called to pursue a career that aligned with her passion for health and well-being.
In 2017, April earned her Health Coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, setting the foundation for her journey in fitness and holistic well-being. She went on to open her first fitness business in 2018, an indoor cycling studio, and later expanded into Pilates, where she is currently completing her instructor certification. Through her studies and personal practice, April has developed a deep appreciation for the mind-body benefits of Pilates, recognizing its ability to enhance strength, mobility, and overall well-being. She believes Pilates is a powerful tool for creating strength, reducing pain, and building resilience at any stage of life.
An avid traveler, April has explored 21 countries, embracing the transformative power of new experiences, movement, and mindful living. She is passionate about combining travel with wellness, creating opportunities for others to move, explore, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways.
For further questions don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Through beautiful settings, meaningful connection, and experiences that engage your senses, you will reconnect with the simple pleasures of life so you can return home with renewed energy and excitement.
Through shared meals, meaningful conversations, and experiences you enjoy together, you will feel a sense of connection and camaraderie that is often hard to find in everyday life so you can return home feeling supported, uplifted, and deeply inspired.
Through exploring charming island villages, sailing across the Aegean, savoring unforgettable meals, and experiencing the richness of Greek culture, you will feel newly inspired so you can return home energized, curious, and open to more.
Through nourishing meals, restorative rest, beautiful surroundings, and space to breathe, you will reconnect with what fulfills you so you can return home feeling strong, clear, and fully yourself.
A few weeks before departure, we’ll gather on a group Zoom call to meet face to face, walk through the retreat details, and begin setting intentions for the week together. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the group and start stepping into the experience before we even arrive in Greece.
After we return home, we’ll reconnect for a group call to reflect on the experience and share how we’re carrying the retreat into our everyday lives. It’s a chance to reconnect with the women you traveled with, revisit what mattered most during the week, and support each other as we move forward feeling renewed and inspired.
This experience may be a beautiful fit if you are a woman who:
This retreat may not be the best fit if you are looking for:
Not at all. We offer both single occupancy rooms and shared double accommodations. If you’d like to bring a friend and share a room, that’s wonderful, but many women attend on their own and quickly connect with the group.
The week includes light to moderate activity such as walking through villages, boat outings, and island transfers. Movement sessions are optional and designed to feel enjoyable and accessible rather than intense.
Not at all. This is your time, and you are always welcome to participate as much or as little as you’d like. While we encourage you to experience everything the retreat offers, you’re equally free to take quiet time for yourself whenever you need it.
Yes. We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options whenever possible.
Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected changes to your travel plans.
Most of the women who attend come on their own.
One of the beautiful parts of a small group retreat is how quickly meaningful connections form. By the end of the week, many women say the friendships they formed were one of the most special parts of the experience.
You will fly into Naxos Island National Airport (JNX). Most international travelers will first arrive in Athens (ATH)and then take a short connecting flight to Naxos, which takes about 40 minutes. After you register, we will provide detailed travel guidance, recommended flight windows, and step by step instructions to make planning your journey easy and stress free.
This is an intimate small group experience with approximately 8 to 10 women attending. Keeping the group small allows for meaningful connection, relaxed experiences, and plenty of personal space throughout the week.
Your deposit is fully refundable for 30 days. Consider purchasing trip insurance that provides cancellation for any reason if you'd like to have complete flexibility.
