“I spent a week with Serenity Retreat on 15th May 2016. It was an amazing holiday and I loved every minute of it.
From my initial enquiry to the return journey home, everything was thought of and very well planned. The little touches like the welcome pack upon arrival are great.
I took part in the “Zen Practices for Developing Insight” meditation course as well as doing some early morning mindful walking and QiGong on the beach. I went on Aris’s herbal walk and Earth Aware talk up in the mountains and I also had some fantastic reflexology from the lovely Giota. You can dip in and out and do as much or as little as you want.
Nikiana is very special with a beautiful energy and I felt right at home in this lovely place from the moment I arrived.
I stayed at Pana’s and loved the apartment I stayed in. It really was right on the beach. I woke up to a view of a mountain out of one window and a view of the sea out of another. I don’t think there are many places you can do that! I sat out on the balcony for hours admiring the view which I found very calming and healing.
I met some wonderful people both on the course and in the village itself. I think the fact that half the people on the course had visited Serenity Retreat at least once before says an awful lot about both Kim and Nikiana.
This holiday was a true gem, something quite unique and special. The whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable. I will go on another Serenity Retreat holiday for sure and I’ve been telling everyone about it since I got home. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Kim.”
What a lovely, comprehensive review. Thanks Rachel. You were very easy to share time with and SO full of ideas. Well done for getting the Northern Gang together in the UK. I look forward to hearing more :) xx
“I am begrudgingly leaving my feedback (I use the term begrudgingly very loosely!). On the one hand I had such an amazing time on this retreat I wanted to keep it all to myself. Then on the other, because it’s so amazing and fantastic and wonderful and magical, I feel that I have to share it with everyone so that we all get to experience the magic-ness of Serenity Retreat, Nikiana Greece and of course lovely Kim.
It’s been a while since I’ve been away on my own and having never been to Greece before, I was pretty nervous about going. Even on the way to the airport, I was tempted to turn back! But I had absolutely nothing to worry about. It was so well organised, the minute I walked out of the airport, I was met by someone and whisked off to Nikiana.
The meditations and qi gong in the mornings were a really nice way to start the day and they weren’t at all difficult to do for a newbie like me!
I deliberately chose to go early May, slightly out of season, to avoid the crowds and it was perfect for me, I had enough to do to keep me entertained. Although some tavernas were not opened yet, there were still sufficient places to go for food and the supermarkets were very convenient. Nikiana itself is beautiful, from my apartment I had a gorgeous view of the sea and on the other side are mountains. I was lucky enough to see fireflies too which I was very excited about!
If I could change anything about the trip, it would be that I stayed for the 2 weeks as Kim suggested and not one!
There isn’t much more I can say about Kim that hasn’t already been said, but I can honestly say that when I met her, she immediately made me feel very welcomed, like an old friend! Thank you so much Kim for this retreat, bit of a cliché, but it really did change my life! I am already counting down the days until I go again (for two weeks!).”
Thank you so much for this lovely review, Fiona. It makes my heart happy to know you're coming back (and for two weeks). Oh, and I'm really looking forward to an interesting salad and a slice of cake at the WooWoo cafe ;) Much love to you xxx
“Serenity Retreat was the best holiday I've had in years. Perfect balance of time with the group and time to yourself, amidst the most beautiful surroundings.
Kim is just lovely - a wise, inspirational teacher, and always there to make sure her guests are looked after and happy.
The accommodation was fantastic (I stayed in Theo's apartments), the locals were wonderfully friendly and some great places to visit / trips to go on too. Massively recommend the Ms Christina boat trip!
I left feeling completely relaxed and determined to come back one day soon.”
Thanks Freya - it was totally a pleasure to have your with us for our first week of the season. Loved your sharing and your honesty. Very happy that you're thinking of coming back :)
“I would so recomend this holilday retreat , was an amazing experince the place was beautifull , kim was grt and the people lovely , done me the world of good ????????????”
“I attended the New Year retreat with Kim and Michael at Whaley Hall and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for peace and time for introspection away from the world. It was everything I was looking for in a retreat. There was a schedule of activities but it was not rigid Kim seemed to sense what people needed and adjusted the activities accordingly.
Carmen”
Hi Carmen. Michael and I really enjoyed your company. Even though we weren't talking! Some people convey a sense of peace just with how they are and you're one of them, so thank you for bringing that to our New Year Retreat x
“What a fantastic experience! I was looking for a relaxing retreat which could offer me a basic introduction to meditation and to practice silence. Having read a few websites 'Serenity Retreat' really stood out as it sounded down to earth and what I was looking for. The experience is hard to put into words but certainly exceeded my expectations! The hosts, Kim & Michael, were knowledgeable, approachable and supportive at all times and really looked after all of us and created a wonderful environment. I would highly recommend the company and the retreat experience and I am already planning my next trip!”
“It is difficult for me to top what has already been said about Serenity Retreat..
This inspirational place on the beautiful island of Lefkada.
Brilliantly (although, seemingly effortlessly) run by Kim with lovely Jackie helping and offering wonderful massages. Not to mention the charming and welcoming locals of Nikiana.
I spent a week here in September with a group of lovely people and had a wonderful time.
We had some peace, quiet and fun. At times it was magical.
Kim, I know how grateful you have made so many people by inspiring us to join you and thank you for including Serenity Retreat as part of the brilliant journey you are making.
I hope one day to be able to join you again.
With love and hugest thanks.
Helen G”
“The week I spent at Serenity was one of the highlights of my life.
Everything was just perfect. The room, the people, the Meditations, Nikiana, the sea view, the trips, massages and I could go on and on.
Kim Bennet has just so much to offer, and she overdelivers. She has heart, knowledge, and a great sense of humor.
I was able to come home relaxed, strong, and with more inner peace than I have had for a long time.
I am counting the days till me next booking.”
“My stay exceeded all expectations, I came away so rested. There is no pressure to do anything, that is the beauty of it you have permission for yourself, to do nothing but what you want to do. I went to the guided meditation classes, and I am so pleased I did, Kim is an inspirational woman. I would say to anyone considering going just do it! It certainly is one of the best things I have done for myself.”
Thanks Angela - you're quite an inspirational lady yourself, you know... So glad the week was better than you had expected. That's always very good news :)
“You are probably reading this because you are thinking of participating in a 'serenity retreat'. I have done three now (two Greek one English) and would heartedly recommend them to anyone vaguely or intensely interested in mindfulness, meditation or just good old fashioned peace and quiet. Kim has oodles of Yorkshire gumption and not only does a fabulous job of making mindfulness accessible to all, she is a great hostess, sensitive to individual needs and preferences. I recommend these holidays/ retreats to everyone I know without exception and look forward to returning one day soon...”
Yippee! I'll see you again?! That's great. Thanks for joining me on our inaugural 'Sort of Silent Serenity Retreat' - it was very cool to see some familiar faces there. I have more planned in the UK for the coming months :)
“I returned from Nikiana two weeks ago fully refreshed and relaxed. It was my second visit and found that the village had not lost any of its charms. It was great to be there with old and new guests. The views from my apartment this year were absolutely fantastic. Loved the Christina for the star gazing and the cruising - brilliant times. Meditation and qi gong in beautiful surroundings. Loved shakin it out in the sun with Kim - an amazin hostess xxx”
“My second year at Serenity retreat. I didn't think last year could be bettered, but it was! Flawless organisation and
support from Kim; perfect accommodation and Nikiana is a place to feel welcomed, safe, with lovely people and everything anyone could possibly want for a holiday. The finishing touch is the meditation practice, accompanied by Kim's wise words and humour and her respect for however anyone wishes to use the time and space in this special place. I didn't do any of the trips because Nikiana itself had everything I wanted, but one could never be bored or feel lonely. Company was always on hand, but peace and quiet too with gorgeous views to read, write, reflect or whatever was there too.. 'Very good' is not a good enough summary for this unique experience.
Jane S”
“Beautiful sea & scenery. Local tavernas & people are lovely. Course 'Recreate Yourself' by Annette was well given and personally revealing. Whole holiday was relaxing and well organised. I am definitely returning for longer!”
“My third time on a serenity retreat in Lefkada, Greece and that says it all, although just to be absolutely clear: a wonderfull friendly welcome, a beautifull location and an opportunity to meet new friendly and likeminded people. Thank you.”
“This was my second visit to Serenity Retreat and it didn't fail to deliver peace, tranquility, space to be mindful and joyous moments in a safe and beautiful environment. If you are thinking of booking just do it... You won't regret it! Thank you Kim x”
“My week in Greece with Serenity was just what I needed at this point in my life.
I feel I have learnt so much and the exceptional surroundings and people I met has really given me some clarity that I was searching for. In short, it's been key in giving me a step up in those areas of life I feel I need to pursue or deepen my understanding of. It's also opened doors to experiences and opportunities I wasn't aware of. Regardless of my searching, I feel this holiday can be whatever you want it to be as there's no pressure. You can either spend your time by yourself or get together with other people as and when you feel like it, you can attend the meetings and group meals or you can chose not to - its all optional and very easy going which I loved. I'm just disappointed I didn't book for two weeks as there was so much to do and I just wanted to make the most of it....
Thank you Kim!”
“i was looking for somewhere i could rest, and feel comfortable and confident being alone, and serenity retreat was just perfect. i’m so grateful. kim runs the retreat with such thought and generosity and with the lightest of touches. the location and my apartment were lovely … watching the sunrise and sunset over the water and the swallows’ acrobatics from the balcony was very special. i very much hope i can return next year.”
Thank you so much, Pamela, for taking the time to write. We loved how you took us at our word and really made your holiday your own. You'll be very very welcome next year xx
“Thanks Kim this was the most amazing week loved it. First time on my own and immediately felt at home and welcome. The apartments the beach, sea and beautiful village are amazing!! Will definately be back...big thanks to Jackie for the massage it was brill..hope to see you soon x. Beth x ????????????”
“what a wonderful week I had at the Serenity Retreat, thank you Kim it's was just fab!! First time on holiday on my own and was amazing. Made loads of great friends and loads of memories, most definately be back soon...x ????????????”
