“Another fantastic week at Serenity Retreat. Thanks so much Kim I loved every minute. From the amazing sea view from my apartment to the lovely group of people it was everything and more....yet again! Thanks to Bevan as well.”
“27 year old male here from Manchester.. the retreat is for ALL who need a 'spiritual jump start', within their life!
The environment is warm and relaxed and the location, to die for; awaking to a mejestic ocean view surrounded by Jurassic, mist shrouded mountains.
The meditation is entirely optional and aplenty, suited for both beginners and the more so advanced.
This is an opportunity for you to invest in yourself, settle your mind and begin (or enhance) your Journey through emotional intelligence.
'You don't need to see the whole staircase, just take the next step' - and find out what Kim and co can do.”
Wow, Marcus. That's lovely, thank you so much! I love what you say about investing in yourself - yes, yes, yes! Put yourself at the top of the list for a while :) x
“If you are reading the reviews then you have nearly made your decision- so just book it! The only thing you may be disappointed with, is if you only book one week and not two! I have just returned from Nikianaia on an amazing Serinity Retreat with Kim and her delightful team and cannot wait to return, I extended my weeks stay which just shows how much I loved it.
From the minute you arrive at the airport and are met by one of the team, you just know that you are being looked after.
The resort of Nikiania is absolutely delightful, small but that's part of the charm and it has everything you need - one of my personal reflections of the holiday was the realisation that I don't actually need that much to be relaxed and happy.
The accommodation is all charming in its own unique way and there is one to suit all needs- whichever one you choose I promise you won't be disappointed. ( we all had a sneaky peak at each other's and interestingly everyone of us thought ours was the best☺️)
And don't worry about being a solo traveller- I have made some truly beautiful friendships from my holiday, ones that will be cherished for ever. But in saying that, if you just want time to be on your own, then everyone gets that too - no one judges or expects anything from you, it's your time to do whatever you want to do.
Kim- it's so hard to put Kim into words-she is just unique and a true inspiration! You just need to go and meet her for yourself and then you will understand what I'm trying to say- she really has changed my way of approaching life in just the short time I was there!
I could go on forever, but I won't as I hope that by now that you have decided that are just going to go and book it - please do, you will love it!”
Thanks Kaye :) I'm so glad you extended your stay and loved how open-minded you were to everything that turned up. You're a real joy to be around. Thank you for adding your special ingredient of youness to Serenity Retreat x
“I was feeling really anxious about going away on my own and this was a big step for me. Serenity Retreat have all this covered with helping you prepare your trip and there to greet you on arrival and throughout my stay.
Nikiana is a fantastic place and the peace and tranquility helped me recharge alongside the meditation and talks from Kim who by the way is an amazing woman.
I will definitely go back and recommend this amazing place.
Well done Kim you have nailed it.”
Ha! Thanks Narinder! Nailing it day by day and sometimes not nailing it at all, but hey - that's life :) Great to have had you with us. Looking forward to the next time x
“Serenity is the perfect name for this unique healing place. It has everything the soul, mind and body could possibly desire.
The sunsets and sunrises are majestic. The people of Nikiana are very kind and helpful.
I was very impressed to see how clean and modern the streets and shops are.
If you are hungry, there are many quality restaurants within walking distance or just a bus ride away.
The supermarkets offer practically everything you want if you stay in one evening and cook up a meal.
Originally, I sought solitude and found it there. But as I met the "seekers" arriving at the retreat, I realized these are special like minded people that are there for both solitude and friendship, and you can pick and choose when to have either.
And then there is Kim.
She teaches us "life" with love, wit, and heart.
Each morning, be it QiGong or Meditation, or mindfulness walks, or various other activities, Kim started my day connecting with Universe. How does it get any better?
I've had two amazing experiences at Serenity, and already signed up for 2017.”
Thanks Eliya, very much looking forward to seeing you again in September and catching up. Yes, the people of Nikiana look after us really well, thank you for highlighting that xx
“I had a beautiful experience at Serenity Retreat, there's something so magical about the place, you can't help but relax and settle into a lovely new rhythm straight away.
I'd start every day watching the sunrise from my balcony, and listening to the waves. That set me up beautifully for the day. I really enjoyed the mindful walking in the mountains and to the waterfalls, the daily Qigong sessions on the beach, as well as the meditations and glorious massages!
Everyone in my small group was so friendly, warm and welcoming and it was lovely to connect with like minded people on similar journeys. You really had total freedom to participate as much or as little as you liked, whilst still having enough time for solitude and reflection as required. And finally, Kim, who is such a great teacher, is kind, wise, insightful, funny and warm.
Go to Serenity Retreat, it's a beautiful place and a really special experience that words really can't describe!”
Thanks Ayesha! Love what you wrote about settling into a new rhythm... I love it when people take the opportunity to drop out of their normal 'normal' and find a new 'normal' for a while :) x
“Really enjoyed my trip to Lefkada with Serenity Retreat, very well organised and a good structure to the week with very clear guidance on being able to join in with as much or as little as you like. My accommodation was fine (in Tassoula) with everything I needed, but I would have preferred a little more privacy - the balcony view was fantastic but during the day when people were on the beach, I felt I was very much 'on view' too. Met some great people, really good company and conversations on the beach and at dinner. This is a really great way to go on holiday on your own, I thoroughly recommend giving it a try!”
Thanks Kate. Yes, I hear what you're saying about being 'on view'. It's tricky to be right on the beach and also hidden away a bit! I think that maybe Theo's would be the best choice for that, but I appreciate that they're normally booked up very quickly.
Glad you enjoyed the structure, people and conversations - we do attract a very good bunch ;) x
“I had the most wonderful week at Serenity Retreat 4-11September. Serenity Retreat offers all the elements I would wish for in my perfect holiday: the freedom to spend time alone whilst being part of a group of warm, lovely people, the opportunity for some meditation and sharing for a week with others on our own inner journeys, swims before breakfast in the clearest water, amazing food, comfortable and peaceful accommodation right by the sea, and a variety of opportunities for trips and different therapies.
Kim has set up something here that seems unique. Two weeks after arriving back home I still feel relaxed, nurtured and inspired. Food for the soul. Thank you.”
Thanks for this Cathy. I'm so glad that you were able to carry your relaxation forward with you. Loved having you here and thanks for such lovely comments xx
“Just back from a Serenity Retreat holiday in Greece, it was my first solo holiday and I was nervous; it took me several years to get there! I needn't have worried, I had a great time. It was well-organised, incredibly friendly, met a lovely group of people and had a great time. Would definitely recommend. As the blurb says, you can do as much or as little as you like and the place is truly beautiful.”
“What a wonderful week! Exactly the right combination of making new friends and eating out together if you want to and lots of time on your own if your prefer, enjoying the stunning location. Kim is brilliant - I would love her to be my friend! She gave totally the right approach to Meditation - showing how accessible it is and even how funny and joyful it is, which I had not expected. The organisation/freedom element is spot on as was the introduction to the village and day trips. The holiday attracted some absolutely wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds and they also made the holiday really special.”
“It is so difficult to write something original in reviewing Serenity Retreat. It is everything that everyone else has said - with a cherry on the top! There is absolutely no pressure to do anything, but there are always people around to do something with if that's what you want. It is such a safe environment, and the locals are so friendly. Kim is an inspiration - I feel everything she says and does comes from the heart; she really gives so much of herself . If you've ever thought "should I? - could I?", the answer is very definitely yes. Looking forward to coming back again Kim! Heather xx”
Thanks Heather! Very much looking forward to having you back and thanks for helping out on Sunday - very much appreciated. You're very Team Serene ;) x
“I have been to Serenity several times now...like so many other girls/ladies and we all keep returning...I call it my little bit of heaven! Its a wonderful holiday and very much a 'stop the world I want to get off ' for a while. I have made some lovely friends and we all stay in touch Roll on my next visit.......JEANX”
“I cannot recommend Serenity highly enough, I found the balance of time alone and optional time with others just right (clearly well developed by Kim and the Serenity team over time) A great choice of accommodation all superbly situated for peace, tranquility and relaxation, coupled with the warmth of the people of Lefkada makes for a winning combination. Thank you for a wonderful week, look forward to seeing you all again.... xx”
“Love Nikiana, Love Pana's, Love Kim. Wished I'd booked for two weeks. Won't make the same mistake again. Qigong on the beach, meditation on the patio surrounded by brightly coloured sweet smelling flowers and the most amazing views of the Ionian sea. A day spent on the M/S Christina fantastic. Pantazis for delicious cuisine. Perfect getaway ! Love Serenity Retreat - Kim please book me in for two weeks June 2017 !!!”
“I cannot express in words what Serenity Retreat meant for me and still does, it was my first visit so I was a little apprehensive on what to expect. It was a truly beautiful experience, I felt safe and everywhere I turned I could hear the sound of the beautiful sea or the birds singing in the trees, the views were serene. I chose not to go on any trips or excursions and nor did I go out every evening. There were no expectations of me.
I went to be just me, not a partner, not a mother, not a daughter, not a sister, not a friend - I was finally free to just breathe and just be.
The whole week I was able to think about where I am in my life and my journey .
It worked miracles for me along with the workshop Living Softly and since being back home I keep that magical experience in mind and feel very blessed to have found both Kim and what an amazing retreat she has put together. Totally recommend it and will no doubt be attending more workshops and going to Sicily one day.
Kim - I cannot thank you enough, you have amazing energy and are an inspiration to me. x”
“Serenity Retreat (Retreat to Greece) is my yearly lifesaver. It keeps calling me back for regular soul renewal. The simplicity and beauty at every turn - sea, mountains, greenery - is my drug. Being among like minded folks for eating, laughter & chats when I choose! or enjoying alone time with my thoughts. Apartments within feet of the water, lack of commercialism, the support of others. Fab & meaningful activities if you choose. Oh and amazing food!! All restaurants are on the waters edge. Of course!! This is my life saver. Thanks Kim x”
You're such a very welcome regular face here at Serenity Retreat. Thank you so much for yet another lovely review and for creating such lovely energy when you turn up. Always very welcome and thank you xx
“I had the most amazing time at serenity retreats. From the fantastic accommodation, outstanding views, to the meditations and qigong on the beach. I cannot find fault, nikiana is a beautiful village with lovely local people who are not only helpful but take time to stop and chat. Kim is lovely and is so passionate about what she does. I cannot recommended highly enough. The two courses I did were fantastic and really helped me. I will be booking for next year.”
“Imagine being given total freedom to choose what is good for you for an entire week. To choose where you will stay (I stayed in a beautiful aqua apartment overlooking the sea so I could hear the waves lapping in the morning). To choose when to wake up and where to spend your days; on the beach, in the pretty main town of Lefkas, in the mountains discovering herbs, on the stunning west coast and to choose how much or how little you socialise with your like-minded fellow guests. To choose when, where and what you eat from wonderful taverns, shops bursting with amazing fresh, local produce, bakers and take-away . To choose how to spend your day from morning walks through the Cyprus groves, qigong on the beach, daily meditation, live-enhancing courses, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sunbathing having a massage and so much more.
You are imaging Serenity Retreat, the most perfect holiday solution to soothe stress and overwhelm run by the courageous and wise Kim Bennett and, on the week I stayed, by the kind, gracious and insightful Jane Matthews.
Kim's commitment to her guests wants for nothing and from her welcoming email the day before you leave for Greece to her follow-up message after your return her focus is on giving her guests everything that they could possibly want to allow them the freedom to choose what it is they need.”
Wow, Sarah, that's a beautiful review, thanks for taking the time to write it. I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us. I look forward to hearing from you with your news! x
“I honestly could not have wished for a better week. Kim Bennett is a wonderful person inside and out as is Jane Matthews who took me on an amazing journey with her Heal Your Life Course
My apartment was great, French doors that opened out onto a patio followed closely by the beach. Listening to the sea whilst I was dropping off at night was an absolute treat
I cannot fault my week in any way, excellent value for money, wonderful food at great restaurants and local shops, amazing weather, great people
I made some of the greatest friends and memories, both of which I will never forget
I am truly thankful to have discovered Serenity Retreat, otherwise I would still be missing a huge part of my life. It has changed me for the better and I am truly grateful for that
I would highly recommend and visit to anyone and I will most definitely be returning
Thanks again Kim and Jane
From Stephanie Devlin (One of the Serenity Sweeties) xx”
“An amazing experience that I would recommend to everyone. The Louise Hay course especially is recommended. It allows you to look at your past insecurities and hurt in a supportive group of people.”
