HIGHLIGHTS
* Daily yoga and meditation classes with an experienced teacher
* Hiking through Galicica National Park * Visiting the incredibly charming Old Town Ohrid * Kayaking, boating, or scuba diving in one of Europe's deepest and oldest, and dare I say, most beautiful lakes * Doing a tandem paragliding jump overlooking the lake and the mountains |
* Accommodation in comfortable rooms with spectacular view over the lake
* Probably the most magical sunset view just in front of your doorstep * Ten minutes walking away from one of the numerous beaches * A beautiful yoga hall with breath taking views * Two delicious vegetarian meals per day * Organized airport transfer |
YOU WILL LOVE THIS RETREAT IF...
* Spending time in nature away from urban centers is what recharges your batteries
* You are curious about yoga and meditation and want to develop your own practice * You are a sunset chaser - we have the most spectacular sunset views from our accommodation * Swimming, kayaking, boating, or scuba diving in one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes sounds like something you definitely don’t want to miss * You want to enjoy a peaceful time in nature but also explore the culture and history of the region - we are only 15 minutes away from Ohrid old town * Having simple vegetarian food can keep your belly happy * You would like to add some adrenalin to your life and maybe go for a paragliding jump * You are looking forward to having some peaceful me-time to wind down and reconnect with yourself and nature |
LOCATION
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes and one of the very few places that are on UNESCO's world heritage list both for its natural beauty and the cultural importance.
We will be situated at the very border of Galicica National Park, enjoying the peace of nature and spectacular sunset views. Old town Ohrid is just a 15-minute drive away so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore all the layers of history of this area - from the ruins of a Hellenistic theatre, imposing Byzantine churches, a medieval fortress, and winding cobbled stone streets with excellently preserved Ottoman houses. And a beach is 10 minutes walking distance. The National Park offers amazing opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, sailing, kayaking, diving, and if you are in the mood for an adrenalin kick, you can even do paragliding here. Ohrid is three hours away from Skopje International Airport and about two and a half hours away from Tirana International Airport. |
YOGA & MEDITATION
On most days, we will practice two times a day in a beautiful yoga hall (shala) overlooking the lake and offering incredible sunset views.
The retreat happens at the beginning of the summer, during the summer solstice, so the classes will be organized around this theme. The summer solstice is is the longest day of the year and it marks the time when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky. It is a short moment of pause before the sun starts descending again. Powered by this natural cycle, we will also take a moment of stillness and see how we can shine a light of our awareness onto all aspects of our life. Summer is the time of growth, ripening, and expansion in the nature, and we will try to find and nurture the same qualities and processes within ourselves. Marija teaches Hatha yoga, focusing on mindful movement, body awareness and the proper alignment, rather than on achieving certain postures. The primary aim of these classes is to gain a better understanding of your body and of the underlying principles of yoga and meditation practice. Apart from asana (posture), we practice pranayama (breathing), as well as meditation in each class. The classes are organized as workshops, during which we will explore different physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the practice. To read more about Marija and her teaching style, click here. The retreat is suitable for all levels. Beginners will have the chance to get the taste of yoga and build a strong foundation for their yogic journey. More experienced yogis will deepen their understanding and get some inspiration to further develop their practice. |
PROGRAM
We will start each day with 90 minutes of asana practice (yoga postures), organic movement, breath work and guided meditation. After the class, we will have a delicious freshly prepared breakfast.
Afternoons are filled with possibilities. * Hiking through Galicica National Park to marvel the views over Lake Ohrid and get a taste of rural life by passing through remote villages * Visiting old town Ohrid and discovering all the layers of history of this place that has been inhabited since the 3rd century BC * Enjoying all that the lake has to offer - swimming, kayaking, paddling on a SUP, sailing, taking a boat ride, or simply having some good old beach time * Taking a half a day boat tour to visit Saint Neum Monastery (10th century) and Bay of Bones, a museum/reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement * Having an afternoon to yourself in one of the cozy corners of our garden, freshening up in our pool, and letting the hours pass as you rock in a hammock Evenings will see us back on the mat, having another shorter class (1 hour) before delicious dinner, served around 7.30 PM. |
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
8.00 - 9.30 am - Morning practice 9.45 am - Breakfast 11.00 am - Afternoon activity or free time (varies dayly) 6.00 - 7.00 pm - Evening practice 7.30 pm - Dinner 8.30 pm - Free time All activities and classes are optional, and everybody is welcome to skip any of them any time they feel like it. |
STAY
We will be staying in Lagadin Village, in the heart of Galicica National Park - far enough from the town to be away from the crowds, and close enough to all the amazing thigs this area has to offer.
We will have an entire guesthouse to ourselves - comfortable rooms, beautiful garden, a spacious yoga hall, and a refreshing plunge pool. The space offers several indoor and outdoor common areas where you can socialize, but also many hidden corners where you can enjoy a quiet moment. You can choose to stay in a private room, a shared room, or a dorm. All rooms have a private bathroom and a small balcony with a beautiful view over the lake. |
FOOD
Two hearty meals a day are included in the price of the retreat - breakfast and dinner.
The food served at the retreat will be vegetarian. It will always be freshly prepared traditional Macedonian food (with a vegetarian twist) made up of local ingredients - vegetables, fruits, local grains, locally produced dairy, honey, eggs, etc. Macedonian food is a wonderful mix of Balkan and Middle Eastern food, rich in the flavor of the excellent quality of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Also, Macedonia is famous for its wine, so very little is left to be desired when it comes to Macedonian cuisine. There is a nice restaurant 10 minutes away walking distance where you can have a lunch or you can always hop to Ohrid and choose among one of many amazing restaurants offering a good variety of food. If you have any specific dietary requirement (vegan, gluten free, food allergies, etc.), it is crucial that you discuss this with us before finalizing your booking. |
GETTING THERE
There is a small international airport in Ohrid with several international flights operating through the summer season.
The closest big international airports to Ohrid are in Skopje and Tirana, both under three hours away.
We can organize a group or private transfer from both of these airports. If you choose to do so, you can also reach Ohrid by public transportation from both of these locations. From Ohrid town, you would have to take a taxi to our village.
If you need any help with the organization of your travels, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
The closest big international airports to Ohrid are in Skopje and Tirana, both under three hours away.
We can organize a group or private transfer from both of these airports. If you choose to do so, you can also reach Ohrid by public transportation from both of these locations. From Ohrid town, you would have to take a taxi to our village.
If you need any help with the organization of your travels, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
BOOKING
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
* All yoga and meditation classes * Seven nights accommodation * Two freshly prepared meals per day * All the taxes |
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
* Any additional meals or drinks * Day trips * Kayaking, paragliding, renting bicycles, etc. * Airport or any other transfers |
7 nights/8 days half board
Dorm shared by three
650 EUR |
Double or twin room
750 EUR |
Private room
900 EUR |
For more information and for special deals, contact us at [email protected]