Breathe Deep Retreat
— Meganisi, Greece
June 8 - 15, 2025
A retreat with Brette Popper
Yoga, Breathe and You in Meganisi, Greece.
From June 8 - 15, join Brette Popper on the small verdant island of Meganisi. We’ll stay at the Meganisi Luxury Collection, three villas on the Ionian Sea. Each villa has expansive views, an infinity pool, fully-equipped kitchens and indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation. The villas are a perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern design.
The Retreat
Space
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Meganisi Luxury Selection consists of three beautifully finished villas on the Ionian island of Meganisi. Built on the North-West side of the island amidst lush vegetation, the villas are the perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern design.
During the retreat we will enjoy yoga and meditation sessions (early morning, morning and late afternoon). As well as, access to a private beach on the Ionian Sea with kayaks and paddle boards.
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Three luxurious villas, each with a pool, kitchen, washing machine, living rooms and five air-conditioned bedrooms. All rooms have either an en-suite bathroom or a private bathroom across the hall from the bedroom. The villas have expansive views of the sea with beautiful landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas.
Each villa is equipped with WiFi but please note, Greek WiFi is not as fast or sophisticated as it is in the United States. The villas are gated and have a code lock for guests.
BopperYoga and employees of Meganisi Luxury Villas will be the only people staying on the grounds between the late afternoon of June 16 and the morning of June 23. Meganisi Luxury Villas has a small beach, deck and paddle boards.
The beach and yoga deck for morning asana are accessable via stairs from the main property.
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Meganisi is a short boat ride from the island of Lefkada. The primary airport servicing Lefkada is Preveza. Preveza or sometimes referred to as Aktion Airport (PVK) is easily accessible from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.
There are also weekly flights from many other European cities. We are happy to recommend itineraries for before or after the retreat. To get from Athens to Lefkada by car will take approximately 4 ½ hours. There is also daily bus service.
Magical
Meganisi —
Meganisi is a hidden gem nestled in the azure embrace of the Ionian Sea. This poetic Greek Island figured in Homer’s epic The Odessey, as the home of the Cyclops. With a year-round population of 1,000 it has an untouched beauty and tranquil ambiance enhanced by cypress, fruit and olive trees. It weaves a spell of serenity on almost all who journey there. The island has three small villages, one within walking distance from the Meganisi Luxury Collection on the Northwest corner of the island.
“Brette Popper’s Breathe Deep yoga retreat on the verdant Greek island of Meganisi was beyond my expectations. Luxurious villas, fresh farm-and-sea-to-table food at every meal, lots of laughter in the company of fun yogis. Did I mention three outdoor classes a day overlooking the azure Ionian Sea? Yes, that too. “
— L.L.
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All prices include a $500 deposit that is refundable up to 12/31/24 and non-refundable thereafter. Full payment due by 3/15/25.
Please see the cancellation policies for more information
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The villas are first come, first serve. Your villa option is booked when full payment is received.
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You can book your spot at the retreat via the button below.
The Retreat
package —
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7 nights at Meganisi Luxury Collection.
Saturday, June 8 dinner and Saturday, June 15 breakfast. All other days include two meals per day. One late morning and one evening. All meals are prepared by local chefs using the freshest ingredients available. Vegetarian or pescatarian options are available.
A welcome package that includes coffee, tea, milk, honey, yogurt and fresh fruit will be in each villa.
One early morning movement and meditation class, one morning asana class and one late afternoon/early evening restorative and pranayama class each full day. Classes are not mandatory.
Mats, bolsters, blocks, blankets and straps are provided but you may choose to bring your own mat.
We have set aside one day, depending on weather conditions, for a boat-trip around Meganisi and the surrounding islands.
There are local restaurants that we can recommend for other meals and a small market within walking distance where you can buy additional food that can be kept or cooked in your kitchen. In addition, the staff at Meganisi Luxury Collection will be happy to place a delivery order for you.
Transportation from Lefkada or Preveza Airport to Meganisi and from Meganisi to Lefkada or Preveza Airport.
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Beer, wine and liquor are available BUT are not included in the price of the retreat. If you would like wine or another beverage with dinner you will be expected to settle the bill at the end of your stay.
Additional meals outside Meganisi Luxury Collection.
Each kitchen has a Nescafe machine for making espresso and cappuccino. Pods can be purchased through Meganisi Luxury Collection or at one of the markets.
Cab rides to and from one of the three local villages.
Additional transportation to and from locations other than Lefkada or Preveza Airport and transportation on the days after or before the retreat.
Travel to and from Lefkada and/or Preveza Airport.
Personal expenses including massages.
Excursions outside the retreat.
Travel or trip cancellation insurance.
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Late June is usually warm in Meganisi and Greek living is very casual. You may choose to bring a light sweater or scarf but in general will want to wear shorts and t-shirts. Each villa has its own washing machine and drying racks.
Clothing for asana based classes.
Two bathing suits. Towels are provided by Meganisi Luxury Collection.
Clothing for relaxing outdoor dinners.
Reusable water bottle.
Prescription medications and/or medical equipment.
Anything that might make your sleeping experience feel more comfortable.
Anything you might need to make your free time more enjoyable…books, knitting, journal, drawing supplies, a laptop.
If you are bringing electrical items don’t forget to bring an adaptor for European settings.
CASH! Many Greek establishments prefer cash over credit cards. The closest ATM to Meganisi Luxury Collection is a 30 Euro cab ride away. You may also want to tip the staff at Meganisi Luxury Collection at the end of your stay, have a massage, purchase wine or go on a boat excursion around the island to enjoy all the wonderful hidden beaches and coves. Depending on how you want to get the most out of your retreat, we would suggest bringing between 300 and 500 Euros with you. There are ATM’s at the PVK Airport.
Practical Information —
The slightly boring but nevertheless important logistical information for things like final payment, cancellation, refund and travel insurance.
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June 16 to June 23, 2024
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$500 deposit to reserve your space. Cancellable and refundable until December 20, 2024. Full non-refundable payment in full due March 15, 2025.
To pay please use this link.
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Full payment is non-refundable on March 15, 2025. If you have to cancel, you may wish to find someone to take your place on the retreat.
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If BopperYoga must cancel the retreat, your payment will be refunded.
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Travel insurance for your trip is not mandatory however, if you feel you need to have it, by all means purchase a policy.
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PLEASE make sure your health insurance covers your stay. There is a fairly sophisticated medical system in Greece but, there is no hospital and only one doctor on the island of Meganisi. The closest hospital is on the island of Lefkada. You are responsible for bringing any medications or medical equipment you need in order to participate in the retreat. Those of you allergic to bees, there are bees (Greece produces incredible honey,) on the islands of Meganisi and Lefkada. To be safe, please bring any medications you may if you get stung. Nearly 100%of the Ionian Island population has been vaccinated against COVID.
FAQs —
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There will be a wide range of students on the retreat. Some have been practicing for more than 30 years and some just started. Brette loves teaching both beginners and advanced students and enjoys giving both modifications and challenges in line with capabilities and understanding. In addition, class participation is voluntary. If you would like to sit out a session or two and read, sleep or swim you are both welcome and encouraged to do so. It’s a retreat for you to Breathe Deep.
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Vegetarian or Pescatarian Options can be met. Meganisi Luxury Collection can create vegan meals BUT, Greek cuisine relies on yogurt, honey and eggs for many dishes and vegan meals are not a specialty. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen if you choose to cook your own meals. Kosher meals cannot be offered.
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We expect to have between 12 and 16 students. Brette Popper will instruct and Elizabeth Zoumi, who was born on the nearby island of Kalamos, will assist with logistics.
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Meganisi is located between the island of Lefkada and the Greek mainland on the inner Ionian Sea. Its beautiful beaches, secluded coves and crystal waters have been a haven for sailors for centuries. The closest airport in Preveza (PVK). It takes approximately 5 hours to travel via highway and boat from Athens to Meganisi.
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Preveza Airport is easily accessible from the United Kingdom, Amsterdam and Germany and Vienna. There are also some seasonal flights on Ryanair, Volotea and Vueling from several cities in Italy. BopperYoga will get you from PVK Airport to Meganisi via a group meeting point in Lefkada. If coming via Athens (there are several direct flights from the U.S.) we will do our best to help you arrange transportation to Lefkada. Transportation from Athens to Lefkada will require an extra fee that the retreat participant will be responsible for. We will make every effort to create a possible group transport on the morning of June 16 from Athens to our meeting place on Lefkada to keep costs low. There is also bus transportation from Athens to Lefkada daily. There is also a new highway from Athens to Lefkada. If you drive we recommend that you drop your car off in Lefkada however, if you want to keep your car, arrangements can be made to take a car (we recommend a small one) on the public ferry from Lefkada to Meganisi.
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The villas are not available before the late afternoon of June 8th. If you choose to come a night early or need to stay a night after, we recommend staying in Vonitsa (18 minutes from the PVK Airport) or, you may also choose to stay in Lefkada where there are several small hotels.
Book the Retreat
$2900
STANDARD SHARED ROOM
$3900
SINGLE ROOM