Hidden Greece: A Yoga & Island Life Retreat
A Boutique Yoga Holiday on the Hidden Cycladic Island of Iraklia, Greece
Tucked away among the Small Cyclades, Iraklia is one of Greece's best-kept secrets. Home to around 150 permanent residents, this tiny island offers a glimpse of the Greek islands as they once were—far from the crowds, cruise ships, and mass tourism of Greece’s better-known islands.
Known for its crystal-clear waters, walking trails, remote beaches, traditional tavernas, and dark star-filled skies, Iraklia invites visitors to slow down and embrace a simpler rhythm of life. It's a place where days are spent swimming in turquoise waters, exploring hidden coves, hiking scenic trails, and enjoying long meals overlooking the sea.
Hidden Greece is a small-group yoga retreat hosted by Miriam, designed for those seeking a more authentic side of Greece. Our journey begins with one night in Athens before travelling together to Iraklia, where we'll spend six nights immersed in island life, balancing daily yoga with opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and meaningful connection.
Throughout the week, we'll explore the island's natural beauty, visit the impressive Cave of Agios Ioannis, enjoy a boat excursion to secluded beaches, experience Greek dance, Pilates, and a sound bath, and leave plenty of free time to simply unwind and enjoy the slower pace that makes this island so special.
With a maximum of just nine guests, this intimate retreat offers the perfect balance of movement, nature, community, and independence in one of the most peaceful corners of the Greek islands.
8 Days / 7 Nights
31st August -7th September, 2026
What’s Included In Your Yoga & Island Life Retreat in Greece?
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One Night in Athens & Six Nights in Iraklia
Begin your journey with one night in Athens before travelling to the hidden Cycladic island of Iraklia. Enjoy six nights at a quaint, family-owned retreat venue overlooking the Aegean Sea and famous island sunsets, where authentic Greek hospitality and a slower pace of life create the perfect setting to relax, explore, and connect.
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Greek Flavours & Local Hospitality
Share a welcome dinner overlooking the Acropolis before travelling to the retreat, where each day begins with an included breakfast at the retreat venue. Throughout the week, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover authentic Greek cuisine while supporting the island's traditional family-run tavernas and local businesses.
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Yoga & Mindful Practices
Join Miriam for a blend of yoga, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and breathwork woven naturally throughout the retreat. Held in a stunning open-air shala overlooking the sea, these practices are designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and restore while fully embracing the rhythm of island life.
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Island Exploration & Adventures
Discover the natural beauty of Iraklia through a mix of guided and independent exploration. Highlights include a boat excursion to secluded beaches, a hike to the impressive Cave of Agios Ioannis, and plenty of free time to swim, walk scenic trails, visit hidden coves, or simply unwind by the sea.
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Cultural & Wellness Experiences
Connect more deeply with island life through a selection of authentic cultural and wellness experiences. Enjoy a lively Greek dance class, a refreshing Pilates session, and a deeply relaxing sound bath, each led by local practitioners and designed to complement your retreat experience.
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Ferries & Group Travel
Travel seamlessly through the Cyclades with included group transport and ferry journeys between Athens, Iraklia, and Naxos. From the moment we meet in Athens, we'll travel together, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while taking in some of the most beautiful island scenery in Greece.
Discover the Hidden Side of Greece Most Travellers Never Get to See
What’s Not Included In Your Yoga & Island Life Retreat in Greece?
To help you plan your trip, here's what's not included in the retreat price:
Travel to Athens and onward travel from Naxos.
Lunches, dinners (except the welcome dinner), and any meals not listed in the inclusions.
Optional activities and any other personal expenses
Travel insurance – we highly recommend comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind.
Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary
(Subject to slight changes)
DAY 1 - Monday 31st August
Arrive in Athens and settle into our hotel before meeting the group in the evening. We'll gather for a relaxed welcome dinner overlooking the Acropolis, getting to know one another and setting the tone for the week ahead before our island adventure begins. (Welcome dinner included)
DAY 2 - Tuesday 1st September
An early start marks the beginning of our journey into the Small Cyclades. We'll travel together by ferry, watching the islands emerge from the Aegean Sea before arriving in Iraklia, where our family-run retreat venue awaits.
After checking into our rooms, you'll have some free time to settle in, explore the surroundings, or enjoy a late lunch at one of the island's traditional tavernas. As the sun begins to set, we'll gather for our first yoga practice in the open-air shala overlooking the sea. Afterwards, you're welcome to join the group for a relaxed dinner and your first evening soaking up Iraklia's wonderfully slow pace of life.
DAY 3 - Wednesday 2nd September
Begin the day with an energising yoga practice overlooking the Aegean Sea, followed by breakfast at the retreat venue. The rest of the day is yours to unwind—swim in the crystal-clear waters, discover nearby beaches, or simply let the island set the pace. If you're feeling more adventurous, a selection of optional experiences, including guided hikes, massage treatments, and other seasonal activities, may also be available.
Later in the afternoon, we'll come together for a lively Greek dance class, offering a fun introduction to one of the country's most cherished traditions. Afterwards, enjoy the island's spectacular sunset before heading out for a relaxed dinner at one of Iraklia's welcoming tavernas. (Breakfast included)
DAY 4 - Thursday 3rd September
Start the day with a refreshing yoga practice, followed by breakfast before setting off on one of the highlights of the retreat—our boat excursion along Iraklia's stunning southern coastline. Spend the day discovering secluded beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.
After returning to the retreat, we'll come together for a deeply relaxing practice, culminating in a sunset sound bath—the perfect opportunity to unwind after a day on the water. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own leisure. (Breakfast included)
DAY 5 - Friday 4th September
Begin the day with morning yoga followed by breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to spend however you wish—relax on the beach, head out on another scenic hike, join one of the optional experiences, book a massage, or simply enjoy the island with the group or at your own pace.
Later in the afternoon, we'll come together for a Pilates class with a local teacher, offering a different style of mindful movement. Afterwards, settle in for another unforgettable Greek island evening—perhaps with a drink at sunset, a leisurely dinner by the water, or simply good conversation as the stars begin to fill the sky. (Breakfast included)
DAY 6 - Saturday 5th September
Begin the day with a morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast before setting off on one of Iraklia's most iconic adventures—a guided hike to the Cave of Agios Ioannis, one of the largest and most impressive caves in the Cyclades. The trail offers breathtaking views across the island before leading us into this remarkable natural wonder, steeped in local history and legend.
After returning to the retreat, we'll gather for a gentle sunset practice, followed by a Yoga Nidra session, allowing body and mind to fully unwind after the day's adventure. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy another peaceful night on the island. (Breakfast included)
DAY 7 - Sunday 6th September
Our final full day on Iraklia begins with a morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast at the retreat venue. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish—perhaps revisiting your favourite beach, joining one of the optional experiences, booking a relaxing massage, or simply making the most of your last few hours on this beautiful island.
As the sun begins to set, we'll come together for one final yoga practice, bringing the week's experiences gently to a close. Afterwards, we'll head out for a farewell dinner before ending the week with one of our favourite traditions—a feel-good dance party featuring a collectively curated playlist. (Breakfast included)
DAY 8 - Monday 7th September
After one final breakfast together, we'll say our goodbyes to our hosts before boarding the ferry to Naxos, where our retreat officially comes to an end.
Whether you're continuing your journey through the Greek islands, returning to Athens by sea or by air, or making your way back home, may you leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and carrying a little piece of Iraklia with you. (Breakfast included)
Your Retreat Investment
Private Room (1 person) – 2,495 EUR
Private Room (2 people) – 3,990 EUR
(1,995 EUR per person)
As this retreat is being offered exclusively to our subscribers, the prices below already reflect the special subscriber rate.
Choose between a private room for one person or a private room for two people to share with your travel companion. All rooms feature an en-suite bathroom and beautiful sea views.
* THE SMALL PRINT THAT IS NOT SO SMALL *
Please note: for this retreat, all rates are in Euros (EUR).
A non-refundable deposit of 500 EUR is required to secure your place and must be received by 30th June 2026. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the retreat begins.
Payments can be made via PayPal (EUR) or by bank transfer to a EUR account. Any PayPal or bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the participant.
If the retreat is cancelled by the organizer for reasons within the organizer's control, all payments made will be refunded in full. If the retreat cannot take place due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the organizer's control (such as natural disasters, war, government restrictions, or other force majeure events), any refunds will be subject to the refund policies of the retreat venue and other suppliers.
If a participant cancels for any reason, all payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, travel disruption, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Ready to Experience Hidden Greece?
Is this Yoga & Island Life Retreat for me?
It is for you if:
You're looking for a retreat that combines movement, relaxation, and authentic Greek island life.
You love the idea of starting the day with yoga and spending your free time swimming, hiking, or simply soaking up the beauty of the Aegean.
You're excited by the idea of discovering a quieter side of Greece, far from the crowds and busy tourist hotspots.
You enjoy having a balance of planned experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
You appreciate simple comforts, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful conversations more than luxury hotels and packed itineraries.
You're looking forward to sharing the week with a small group of like-minded people, creating memories together while still having space for yourself.
You enjoy travelling without having to organize every detail yourself—we've done the planning so you can simply enjoy the journey.
It is not for you if:
You're expecting a luxury resort experience. Iraklia is beautifully simple, peaceful, and authentic—and that's exactly its charm.
You're looking for lively tourist hotspots, shopping, or nightlife. Iraklia is wonderfully peaceful and invites you to embrace a slower rhythm of life.
You're looking for a retreat where every hour is scheduled. While we'll share yoga, hikes, excursions, and group experiences throughout the week, there's also plenty of free time to slow down, explore, or simply do nothing at all.
You prefer complete independence throughout your holiday. While there's plenty of free time, many of the week's most memorable moments are shared as a group.
You don't enjoy ferries or travelling on a small boat. Reaching and discovering Hidden Greece is part of the adventure.
You don't like hugs, laughter, or spontaneous fun—because there will almost certainly be plenty of all three.
Meet Your Host
Miriam Rodríguez Márquez
After an international career in aviation, Miriam chose a very different path when a documentary about veganism inspired her to rethink the way she wanted to live. She became a certified Health Coach specializing in plant-based nutrition, trained as a 500-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher in India, and eventually settled in Nicaragua, where she co-founded Villa Laguna, a vegan retreat center on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo.
Now based in Nicaragua for over a decade, Miriam combines her background in yoga, health coaching, and retreat hosting to create experiences that help people slow down, reconnect with nature, and return home feeling lighter, calmer, and inspired. Her classes are gentle, accessible, and suitable for practitioners of all levels.
Miriam lives surrounded by rescued animals and is passionate about supporting local communities, ethical travel, and animal welfare through her work. Her retreats are known for their warm, relaxed atmosphere, where people are encouraged to slow down, be themselves, and connect through meaningful conversations in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
The loss of her daughter Aixa, who was born still in 2020, profoundly shaped the way Miriam approaches both life and retreat hosting. That experience deepened her commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe, supported, and truly seen, regardless of where they are on their own journey.
Hidden Greece brings together many of the things Miriam loves most: quiet island life, breathtaking landscapes, getting off the beaten track, authentic local culture, and the joy of discovering beautiful, underrated places at an unhurried pace. After many years away, she can't wait to return to Greece and share this special corner of the country with you.
What Previous Guests Have Said
“Traveling with Miriam makes everything easy- she's so detailed, delivers hospitality like no other, and is full of positive vibes that your adventure is sure to be a memorable one. I don't know how she does it, but everyday was perfect - from the food, to the sights and even her power to make the weather cooperate! I'd go anywhere in the world with her and can't wait for the next trip!”
— Kelly Y. (USA)
“A beautiful and fascinating region of Spain and I would love to return to continue exploring. The retreat was inspirational, it was just what I needed and more! Such a wonderful group of people and very well organised trip, accommodation and location was breathtaking. Highly recommend.”
— Lorraine L. (UK)
