“Not having been on a holiday abroad on my own for many years I was quite apprehensive and consequently only booked a week. However, I had an amazing and relaxing time despite having to move from my first accommodation because of unexpected building noise. The move was done swiftly and efficiently. The accommodations were different in character but both were equally comfortable with spectacular views straight on to the sea. The emphasis was very much on individual needs so I never felt compelled to join classes or excursions and for me this time I mostly needed to crash and commit to very little! However, I really appreciated meeting some lovely people and shared some great evenings with them but it never felt intrusive and individual space was always respected. Thank you Kim, Hannah and team, the lovely local Greek people and fellow guests for making my stay such a relaxing and happy time. I will definitely be back next year for TWO weeks!”
“I had such a wonderful holiday last year that I couldn’t wait to visit again this year. There is something magical in the air when stay in Nikiana. You cannot fail to have your spirits lifted. As it so beautiful and serene. So Serenity is the perfect name for the Retreat. It’s a great way to be able to meet new people. Who often share similar thoughts and beliefs to yourself. But it also gives you space to have time to yourself and just live in the moment and totally relax. This year was certainly the most relaxing holiday I have ever spent!
Kim is a wonderful Host and doesn’t put you under any pressure to attend Mediation. As she says ‘It is your holiday and you can do what you want!’ So I am really hoping I will get to go back next year!”
“Where else can you get a beachside apartment, no single supplements, beautiful scenery, lovely people, food for thought as well as for your belly, a safe and easy environment and be able to do as little or as much as you like all in serene surroundings? Perfect!”
“It connected me to the overwhelming pleasure I can take from the simplicity of buying amazing produce, knocking up a salad, sharing with a friend and watching the sea lap the shore as we raised a glass to how lucky we were. Slowing down, swimming in the sea, enjoying *the best kebab in the universe* for only 2.50Euro, laughing, breathing, moving. Realising it doesn't actually take much, in fact it takes less, to make me really happy.”
“Serenity Retreat is a little piece of heaven in a busy world. Kim has managed to create a safe haven for people to escape and just “be”. I would recommend it to everyone and am definitely going back !!
Keep up the good work Kim xxx”
“If you are reading this page thinking about whether to go on a Serenity Retreat, I would say, definitely, do it! You won't regret it. I spent an incredible week with Kim and Dinai in Sicily and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.”
“Waking up every day to the dawn on the beach 2 minutes from my bed, meditating in nature, listening to Kim's grounded and fun teaching, walking up the mountain.”
“Serenity Retreat made me happy as it gave me a chance to really remove myself from the hustle and bustle of life and simply be. The pure Joy of living in the moment was utterly blissful. Becoming more Mindful and Appreciative is all part and parcel of what I have learned from the Silent Retreat in Sicily. I am more stretchy and comfortable in body thanks to the Daily yoga which was so very grounding and comforting and taught so beautifully with grace.
The Meditations were blissful and challenging and very peaceful. The food was scrummy and the venue beautiful. Everyone I met was kind and supportive. I felt safe.”
“I have been on retreat with Serenity Retreat twice now and can't recommend it highly enough. Kim has set up something very unique here - it's a mix of the sensible and practical (who likes paying single supplements? who doesn't get hacked off at sharing the bill when you've only had the Greek salad?) and the sublime (it attracts fabulous people - I've never had a boring conversation yet!).
I love that, in Nikiana, you get a choice of accommodation depending on your budget - all are great and I totally adored my simple beachfront apartment. You can also do exactly what you want - have a completely reclusive retreat or be super-gregarious. The optional excursions are great value and huge fun. The meditation adds a deeper element and is highly recommended. I was also lucky enough to do a course with Jane Matthews while I was there - also highly recommended.
I recently went on one of Serenity's more formal retreats - offering twice-daily yoga and a series of daily meditation slots (plus a period of silence). Absolutely loved that too.
I go on a LOT of retreats (it's part of my job) and, hand on heart, Serenity is one of my all-time favourites - right up at the top. It's not super-lush or glam (if you're all about the fluffy bath robes, look elsewhere) but it is jam-packed with integrity and soul.”
“Wonderful experience, beautiful people and a stunning location. Surpassed my expectations completely. Thank you kim and team serenity you gave me so much xx”
“From the moment I pressed the confirm booking button to when I left Preveza airport a week later I always felt safe and in good hands, the best.
Serenity retreat for me is a very special retreat.
Everything is well thought out and the considerate detail upon your arrival that stays throughout your stay is just lovely and heart warming.
The freedom to pick and choose when you want to participate, the unconditional acceptance that everyone (group aka new friends, teachers, village, everyone) gives and then there is the view. Nikiana is a wonderful place to spend some time away from it all. I switched my phone onto airplane mode and kept it there. It was great. Meditation, Qigong, Introduction to Mindfulness, Massage, Waterfall walk, Sunset and stars wow this was defiantly a highlight for me especially with the wonderful people I got to share the experience with - Dolphins Suzanne!
Was I nervous about going away on my own? 100% yes but what I say to you is feel the fear and do it anyway because I didn't regret it not one bit and I am so grateful and happy to have had such a special, nourishing, relaxing, educational, happy, funny, social, time for myself, sunny, blissful week.
Thank you Kim, Giota, Bevan, Alison, Jools, Mark and every single person in my group, you were all simply W O N D E R F U L.
Sharon #notanewbieanymore”
“My 4th fortnight at serenity, in the same apartment, that must say something.. what made me happy? What didn't? Peace, privacy, space, sun, the beach, the village, the group and the local people..and of course the meditation practice and the wisdom and support of Kim. Happy doesn't come near to describing this experience for me..it's so much better than that!”
It is always so very lovely to have you with me for the last fortnight of the first part of our season. And especially ths year - I loved cooking up projects with you. Let's see where this all takes us. Much love x
“Everthing about Serenity Retreat is just brilliant, and I could write so much about how good this makes you feel, from the moment you arrive to the end of your stay. The ethos, the location, the people you meet and most of all Kim. The ability to unwind, and just immerse yourself in having time for you, with no judgement, no expection of what you have to do. The meditation practice and courses are truly fulfilling experiences. You get to realise the importance of taking time and care of yourself for when you return home.”
You are always so very welcome, Angela. You bring a lovely and fresh honesty every time you come and I'm full of admiration for you because of it. Thanks for being such a loyal supporter of Serenity Retreat x
“I had a wonderful week at Serenity Retreat. It was my first solo holiday and I felt so well looked after and safe. 'Pana' is a beautiful apartment to stay in and it is by the beach with fabulous views. I enjoyed all the meditation, chi kung, walks, friendly meetups and chances to be reflective. Kim has created something very special. I particularly liked how she has made Serenity part of the village and has such good relationships with the people there. And I liked the way she described the whole Serenity experience to us as giving us the ingredients and encouraging us to make our own cake from them. Well I did and my cake is tasting excellent! Many thanks and I hope I will be fortunate enough to return again.”
“I can't recommend enough Serenity Retreat, it totally exceeded my expectations, Kim, Bevan and Giota were great hosts and did everything possible to make me feel welcomed and comfortable with the experience, I never travelled on my own before, and after this trip I appreciate even more the time I spend alone and I am full of gratitude. The places they take you are amazing, the information clear and even though they offer different activities to participate in, you have the freedom of deciding what to do and when, what I learnt from my week in Nikiana was to take it easy and listen to myself!
I loved all the meditations and exercises, and I am looking forward to join any of the retreats in the near future.
Thank you guys! :)”
Ah, that's magic to my eyes and ears 'I learnt.... to take it easy to listen to myself'. How fabulous that you allowed yourself to do that, too. Thanks for your input as well, with our philosophical discussions. I really enjoyed hearing your perspective.
Love to you x
“I loved the flexibility of being able to dip in or out of the activities on offer, I also loved my accommodation, right on the beach, sparkling clean, with fabulous views over the Ionian sea. The fresh fruit, bread, tea, milk etc there when I arrived were a lovely and thoughtful idea. I find it hard to fault this holiday/retreat.”
Thanks for flagging up that our accommodation really is right on the beach, I think that sometimes folk think that's marketing talk, but nope - we really are right on the beach! You were a joy to have onboard. Thanks for your insights x
“I had been thinking about going on a retreat for a while but could not find one that sounded right for me, was at the right time, in the right place, not already fully booked or affordable. When I found Serenity it ticked all the boxes so I booked straight away. I loved it. I slowed right down, felt more and more relaxed as the week went on, and most importantly switched off from my normal working life. I've never slept so much either. Kim's meditation sessions were really great as were the recommended activities/trips. Nikiana is such a beautiful place too. It was everything I wanted it to be. Thank you so much!”
“Everything about it was wonderful! The accommodation was basic but that's the option I chose, but the course and meditation were really well done, inclusive and enlightening. Kim's approach set the bar for the environment of the guests by her honesty and non judgemental style. The island is lovely, the sea gorgeous and most importantly the other guests. I was lucky to meet some fantastic people and we had lots of fun as well as good food and chill out times. All good for me!”
“Lovely relaxing week with Qi Qong & Meditation on the beach. Very comfortable apartment,literally next to the sea. Very well organised,with optional other activities.
Option of meeting up with the other "Retreaters"for meals. Food in the Tavernas was very good & Nikiana a quiet village to stay in. Beach very rocky by the apartments but could walk
10 minutes to swim off another in lovely clear water. wonderful views of sea & mountains”
Thanks for a lovely review, Jan. I'm so glad you enjoyed your week (apart from the pesky pebbles, but glad you found the other sandier beach). And thanks for mentioning both the sea AND the mountains. How lovely to be surrounded by them.
Love xx
“Real relaxation,very comfortable apartment(Lefkothea). Qi Qong & Meditation on the beach.
Lovely people,fun & great conversation when eating out. Everything optional.Great idea all meeting at Pepe's. It all made me happy! Highlight for me was Aris's Herbal Walk,felt very privileged to have him share his knowledge-a delightful morning stroll,& the Monastery was
very atmospheric. What a lovely little Taverna Maria runs,too.”
