“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 ????????????”
“I feel like Serenity Retreats was set up just for me! It was so what I needed to be by the sea and hear the sound of it all day and all night, to be warm, to be expected nothing of and just to find out what I felt like doing and do it. I haven't slowed down like that for decades and two weeks with you has washed away a shed load of anxiety about the transition I'm in - I trust that new things will unfold and I will work out a way forward now. Thank you so much!”
Thank you so much, Carol-Ann. It was such a pleasure to meet you and to have you along. You so very quickly 'got it'. You'd be very welcome back any time (otherwise I'll see you in York for a cup of tea!)
“A perfect place to unwind. A good mixture of thinking space and great company when I wanted it. I loved the location right on the beach and the close partnership with the local community. I came home lighter in spirit and full of ideas. Can't wait to come back!”
Thank you, Alison, for the lovely review. You'll be very welcome to come back. And thanks for pointing out our relationship to the local community. It's something we really value. See you again, I hope!
“When I read about the retreat 18 months ago, I kept the article and promised myself I would visit one day. Well I did, and I was beyond delighted with the whole concept. Kim has developed and sustained a warm, welcoming, safe and serene haven in which you can pick and choose your level of participation. Ideal for the solo traveller.
The foundations are solid and established, the boundaries are clear which help to make your stay seem effortless and stress-free.
There is laughter, (sometimes, via workshops) tears, fascinating people, new acquaintances, time for reading, sunning, exploring, eating, time for self, or not, if you choose.
The location is perfect and retains a retro feel. The Greek locals are refreshingly friendly and accepting, the sea is blue and the food is ever-abundant and delicious....After my week under the 'Serenity influence' I feel grateful to have been part of this wonderful experience.
Thank you Kim. Your retreat is a credit to you....
I”
How lovely that you kept us in mind and then turned up! I'm so glad you 'got' what we're doing and thanks for such a lovely review. Hope to see you again some time.
