“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.
“I had a wonderful relaxing week at Serenity Retreat. My apartment was on the ground floor with a patio area from which I was about 10 paces from the beach. The beach is small and pebbly, very pretty with great views and clear water. The atmosphere is totally relaxed. I joined in with some of the morning meditations and went on a couple of trips but spent a lot of time reading on one of the very comfortable sunbeds on the beach or just simply relaxing (had quite a few afternoon snoozes!) Kim is a genuinely lovely person and a great host. Thoroughly recommended!”
Thanks Caroline! I love it when people really get to grips with the sunbeds ;) Nothing quite like an afternoon nap, either. Come back some time - you'd be very welcome!
“I had a wonderful week at Serenity. The view from the first floor of Tassoula's apartment was 'dreamy' and I could not resist swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean sea every morning! My alarm clock was the lapping waves each day .... We met a real diverse group of ladies and had such fun and a giggle. Nikiana is a perfect village for relaxation, the local Greeks are so friendly and everything you need is within a very short walking distance. I went on a couple of trips; the Christina boat trip and Aris' Herbal Walk - would definitely recommend both of these. Do go if you can :) Mandy H.”
What great energy you brought to the group! Thank you so much for that (and for your passionate love of all things Greek - lovely to meet such a kindred spirit). The very best of luck with your new Greek venture!
“I have had such a wonderful time with everybody.! its really been an amazing time for me and it will be with me for a long time. My'luxury' apartment had all I needed and I loved being there. The view was just perfect. I hope its not too long before I am there again to renew my bubble - should I need too!! I am so pleased I found such a beautiful place..........JEANX”
Glad that you had such a good time, Jean. It really was lovely to meet you and to spend some time with you. Thanks for coming and hope to see you again :) x
“For anyone single who is looking for a relaxing and maybe holistic holiday in beautiful and safe surroundings with other like-minded people, then this is just what the doctor ordered!
Great accommodation, a warm welcome and the option to do as much or as little as you want without pressure. I didn't want to eat alone in the evenings and it was easy to join a group to meet at a nearby restaurant for some great Greek food - very reasonably priced!
I definitely recommend and would certainly return!”
Pleasure to have you with us, Cynthia, and thank you for your kind words. Lovely to have you with us for the week. VERY glad to hear you're returning.....!
“Amazing organization and an amazing place. You will feel right at home. The mornings on the beach, the cuisine, the greek culture, the sea, it has it all. I was very satisfied with my stay at Serenity Retreat. You will not be disappointed.”
Hi Kristi - thanks so much for your review and for letting us all get to know you. You are always welcome back and I know where to come if I fancy Paris ;) x
“Can't really add to what others have written - it's all true. It's unusual to find people whose motivation is not just money and who genuinely want to support their guests. Just wondering how to go back next year. Pamela”
“A fabulous holiday!! Everything was extremely well organised in the capable hands of Kim, who is so lovely. From the moment I made contact on booking, I was reassured that all would go smoothly, with regular emails prior to leaving the UK. Then whilst there, everything was taken care of, it was a completely relaxing week. There was no obligation to do anything which was great - just what I needed. However, there was lots on offer if you did want to keep busy with really good trips and evenings out - will have fond memories for a long time! Thank you.”
Thank you Rebecca, for your patience while you were here. Very gracious of you not to mention that there was an issue or two that arose, but very glad it didn't colour your experience of the holiday. See you again for sure xx
“A great way to spend a week with right balance of peaceful time and sociable time. The setting is amazing and I especially enjoyed the meditation practice in all its forms although the restaurants tavernas and bars were also pretty good.
Thanks to Kim for setting it up.
Jan M”
“I booked Serenity Retreat as my first solo holiday. From the moment I booked I knew it was going to be the right thing for me. The information & links provided by Kim & Jools for booking accommodation & flights meant that the whole process was quick & simple. The follow up emails on packing & airport transfer were useful & reassuring...to the point that as soon as I got on that plane I already felt myself relaxing, safe in the knowledge that everything was organised for me at the other end! I can only reiterate what others have said about Lefkada, the locals & Kim herself : perfect setting, lovely people & a safe & happy atmosphere. The "just sit" sessions were a great way to start the day & I have kept up the meditation practices since returning home. I cannot thank Kim enough for making it happen!”
“It is difficult to add to the glowing comments already written about Serenity retreat. You can believe all the 5 star comments that you read. I came with a friend for the start of the 2015 season. The location is beautiful, the local people very welcoming, especially once they knew we were part of Kim's group. Kim herself set very safe boundaries for group members from the outset which allowed people to have real choices about what they wished to join in with and how much time they chose to have alone for relaxation and reflection. Kim was an excellent teacher on mindfulness and meditation so no worries if this is not something you have done before. Also very helpful was the 'rule' that everyone paid for their own food on joint nights out so that for anyone on a tight budget there were no hidden costs to fear. I feel very fortunate to have been with the group I shared the week with. We ranged in age from 30 to 61 ( three of us in last bracket) with various life experiences both joyful and challenging. So interesting to chat with everyone with no division it felt, between younger and older participants. Just a lot of mutual support (and laughter) exchanged. On a practical note if mosquitoes are around do keep your screens closed over windows and doors and take spray, then you should be fine. Also if you are able, do have a massage with Jackie. She is wonderful. Finally my advice for those of you reading this who may be tempted but feeling nervous then "just go for it!" Hope the weather is as glorious for you as it was for us. Jan Dollery”
“Kim and the island of lefkada provide the perfect space to take time out from our busy world and reflect on your presence within it. Beautiful scenery, lovely people and an opportunity to develop mindfulness through supported practice. This combined with options to be more sociable and explore the island through a guided walk and boat trip make the perfect starting point for lone travellers wanting something more meaningful, different and relaxing than usual.”
Kate - fab to have you here. Thank you for taking the time during the week to express your gratitude for all sorts of bits and pieces. It was lovely to be on the receiving end of your positivity :)
“A bit loath to say what I really think. Because if I say just how amazing, fantastic, transformative, beautiful and life-affirming this place is it will be booked up so far in advance I'll never get in again!! So yeah, it's ok I suppose...
Joking aside, Kim has made something special that attracts special people - probably because she is so special herself...I loved my time there, for the first week I walked around with a gleeful, excited grin on my face that I couldn't get rid of, nor did I want to... oh, and I finally learnt how to meditate! Bonus! (Tip: it's actually easy, just needs a bit of concentration). Thanks Kim - you're a star!!”
“Nikiana is a lovely location on Lefkada island. The local people are friendly and I felt safe and comfortable there at all times. The apartments are directly on the beach, a stone's throw from the crystal clear blue sea, perfect for a daily swim. Anne's "Feel the Fear" workshops were excellent as were Kim's Mindfulness walks and Meditations. You don't have to take part in any of these activities to enjoy being in this special place - just go and find out for yourself.”
Thanks for taking the time to leave us some feedback - always greatly appreciated. Yes, I think that mentioning the locals is really important. They really are fabulous and have taken us all under their collective wing... Me too! Kim xx
“Attended Greece in September, 2014. I had a feeling that it would be mainly women at the retreat so being a male solo traveller I was a little apprehensive. I need not have worried however because although I was the only man there everyone was very friendly and made me feel very welcome. The location is fantastic and my accommodation was excellent. Having your own space and being allowed to do what you want is stressed from the very beginning and I had a great chilled out week. Everyone appeared to have really enjoyed themselves and one of the women decided to stay for an extra week.
Kim and the rest of the staff were brilliant, so if you are a solo traveller and this holiday appeals to you don't have any concerns because you will be well looked after and be able to meet some lovely people.”
“My 2nd time at Serenity Retreat & it felt like coming home! A joy to be with like minded people in such a beautiful & tranquil setting. It's like plugging myself into the real meaning of life for a week, helped by Kim & her many words of wisdom x”
Hi J! Thanks for this. You are always very very welcome... Everyone is involved in creating atmosphere and you were an important part of a great atmosphere... thank you. Kim x
