“In only 48 hours, Serenity retreat has given me so much. I have found a sense of calm that I desperately needed and learned tools to balance myself as I go forward with a very stressful period in my life. Two of the components, meditation and silence, are not things I am usually comfortable with but Kim’s genuine guidance and kindness made it secure. Thank you”
“Just got back from a Deep listening retreat in the Peak District and it was absolutely awesome.
We did lots of meditations in a beautiful environment. Kim was great and made sure we were all looked after providing brilliant food and talks.
Highly recommend it if you’re searching for some self discovery. It was a lovely group of people and quite intense in a very good way.”
“How do I find the words to describe Serenity Retreat. I can't, but bliss, inspiration, soul growth, destiny, connection, peace, beauty and friendship will have to do ❤️Set in the most stunning location, an unspoilt tiny Greek island. Created and run by a truly inspirational woman, whose humble approach to Zen Buddhist teachings and meditation, was perfect in its simplicity. The ethos she has created of the most healing balance of personal space, connection and wisdom was a beauty to behold.
A week in time, where 14 people, from all walks of life, crossed destiny paths. Each with a story that led to that moment. Soul Searching conversation, light hearted fun and belly laughs, mixed with time to please absolutely no one but myself 😉, so needed 🙏.
And of course the universe throws it signs, synchronicities and life lessons that never fail to blow my mind. 😂🌠❤️ Blessed to have found this magical place and will be returning every year 🌄❤️”
“A week of pure Bliss and serenity! This was my second time at serenity retreat, my last visit being over 8 years ago! And it came at just the right time. I loved it the first time and even more so the second. I can't wait to go back and will be booking for next year asap!!
You can be as involved with the meditation program as much or as little as as you like. Kim encourages you to listen to your body and if you need to sleep instead of going to the morning meditation just sleep! Although I didn't want to miss a thing as Kim's knowledge and encouragement is invaluable. She is also generally a warm and loving person who is happy to sit and listen to your problems and offer a hug if needed! There was a meditation workshop every morning, Kim guides you through the process and you get the opportunity to learn so much about yourself. After the meditation there is time to discuss your experiences and Kim's advice was so valuable. It was great to be with a lovely group of people who all have similar interests. I felt incredibly lucky to meet such interesting people whilst I was there, but there is no pressure to be with the group all the time. However there is always someone to spend time with if you prefer company. There was always a group going out for meals that you can join or you can cook in your apartment if you would rather be alone. I never felt any pressure to 'join in' but I knew the girls were there for me if I needed them which was lovely.
My apartment was gorgeous, right on the beach! With a stunning garden and balcony. Panagiota (not sure if I have spelt this correctly?) Who owns the apartment was so welcoming and kind, she didn't speak any English but I could feel her kindness anyway, she was always about to offer a friendly hug and even brought me a spinach pie she had made! She is just one example of the wonderful people of Nikiana who are so welcoming and helpful. Giota the massage therapist offers incredible massages (I had 3!) Which compliments the meditation so well.
If you're interested in booking a trip with serenity retreat, don't hesitate, just book you won't regret it!
Thank you Kim for such a beautiful and inspiring week ❤️”
“Kim was an excellent leader of the retreat, informative, calming and her guided meditations were excellent. It was particularly valuable to be meditating in the lovely group I was with. Kim and others in the group were extremely honest about their life experiences and I appreciated this enormously. To Kim and the group members I send heartfelt gratitude and loving kindness. :-)”
“It was thoroughly fabulous two weeks. I really enjoyed the meditation and found it beneficial. I loved the sea view from my balcony. What a beautiful location!”
“I needed time to myself whilst being surrounded by a beautiful network of women and that is exactly what I got. I felt safe and secure whilst having the space to release and do some inner-work.”
“Meditating in Greece, next to the sea, with Kim and the group were moments of unforgettable treasure. Believe the description 'do as little or as much as you want' it's how it is. No pressure with anything at any time. Kim brings a full-colour description of her life wisdom. I found I could grab hold of what we were exploring rather than it slipping through my fingers or over my head, that's down to Kim. I dying to return to Nikiana, I had a most special time.”
“I loved it that the accommodation was right on the beach - I could barely pull myself away from staring at the sea from my balcony.
Nikiana is a lovely, bustling Greek village & very friendly.
I liked it that there was no pressure to join in anything organised - my meditation was staring at the sea, that was my serenity.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
