GREECE 2026
MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC RETREAT
Aegialis Hotel & Spa
Amorgos, Greece
May 16-23, 2026
with Melanie Caines
Join Melanie in magical Greece for an incredible week of yoga, cultural experiences, & relaxation under the Mediterranean sun. The picturesque island of Amorgos will be your home for this amazing retreat week: enjoy two yoga classes a day with the most incredible views, indulge in local cuisine, lounge by the pool, swim in the crystal clear sea, and soak up all the sweetness this beautiful island has to offer.
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yoga Nidra, Yin, Restorative, Neurogenic Yoga, & Myofascial Release.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 15-18 people
Exclusive use? No, there will be other guests staying at this property
THE EXPERIENCE
Amorgos Island … the hidden gem of the Cyclades
Amorgos is a remarkably unspoiled island at the south-eastern edge of the Cyclades group, where traditional customs are still inextricably interwoven into a landscape as rich in beauty as in its history and culture. Originally inhabited by seafarers from Asia Minor in the 4th Century BC, the island now cradles people who enjoy a lifestyle that has been shaped by a varied and dramatic past. This is a place that appears untouched by time, but where the inhabitants quietly preserve one of the best kept secrets of the Aegean.
The island has the perfect balance of tranquil and vibrant energy. Surrounded by nature, with high mountains and the crystal-clear Aegean sea, the island has a worldwide reputation for its high terrestrial magnetism, which can be felt as soon as you step foot on the island. Surrounded by green fields, high mountains and the blue Aegean Sea, Amorgos Island is the perfect location for a week of connection, self-discovery and life-changing experiences.
Exploring Amorgos, you will come across pristine beaches, where you can discover the healing powers of the Aegean Sea. Every beach on the island is ideal for snorkelling, SUP or simply taking it all in, from the sunny shores.
Our home for the week will be the incredible family-run Aegialis Hotel & Spa. The Giannakopoulos Family, including owners Irene and Nikitas with their two children and their eight grandchildren, live and work within the hotel premises.
Our daily breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the hotel’s Ambrosia Gallery Restaurant. Food is lovingly prepared with ingredients close to home: vegetables, fruits, & herbs from the garden, olive oil produced onsite, as well as meat and cheese from Amorgos and neighbouring islands.
Aegialis Hotel offers five beautiful yoga shalas and an outdoor rooftop, with direct views to the crystal clear Aegean sea and the Amorgian mountainous landscape. Each shala is complete with mats, props, tranquility, and bliss.
In addition to the outdoor pool with its stunning backdrop, the hotel also features a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, saltwater indoor pool & fitness centre. Lalon Idor Spa combines Eastern and Western healing arts and the best of classical spa and beauty treatments that will invigorate you and help you unwind, depending on your needs and state of mind.
Our week will include three cultural experiences:
COOKING CLASS
Led by Ambrosia Restaurant’s chef, this class will teach you how to prepare many famous (and delicious!) Greek dishes including Amorgian yellow lentil fritters, spanakopita (traditional Greek spinach pie), loukoumades (honey puffs), and of course the traditional Greek yoghurt sauce, tzatziki. And then we eat!
ISLAND TOUR
This guided island tour will take us to some of the most magical places on the island:
*the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, the second built church in Greece and one of the most popular national monasteries. The experience is magical, walking up 300 steps to reach the monument built in the high cliffs, overlooking the deep blue waters.
*the church of Agia Anna located in the most beautiful rocky beach in Amorgos, famous for its crystal clear waters and natural beauty.
*the capital of the island, Chora, a gorgeous little town, with small white-washed alleyways, authentic Amorgian boutiques, and Cycladic architecture coated in vibrant bougainvillea. Stroll through the beautiful cobbled stone alleyways, browse the local boutiques, and enjoy a delicious lunch of your choice (please note that the lunch is not included).
GUIDED HIKE
This hiking route is located in the most beautiful part of the island and offers fascinating views combining sea, mountain, and local vegetation. Visit Tholaria and Langada, two of the most popular villages of the island and discover and learn about the lifestyle of the inhabitants and their traditions. Along the way, you can see the whitewashed chapels and learn about the famous aromatic and medicinal plants of the island.
Accommodations & fees
Superior Cycladic Rooms
Each room features a private balcony with sea view, private bathroom, AC, fridge, espresso machine & kettle, bathrobe, & slippers.
Single Occupancy
(1 large bed)
€3325
Double Occupancy
(2 beds or 1 large bed)
€2975 per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Daily meditation & yoga twice a day
- 7 nights accommodations
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- Transfer from Amorgos ferry port to hotel on arrival & departure days
- 30min Massage
- Greek cooking class + lunch (1.5hrs)
- Private island tour via minibus (4-5hrs)
- Guided hike (3hrs)
- Use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre)
- 10% discount on treatments at Lalon Idor Spa
- Wifi
- Taxes/HST
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Ferry to Amorgos Island
- Optional excursions
- Massages and holistic treatments
- Daily lunch
- Alcohol (wine is available onsite for purchase)
How we spend our days
Morning Yoga
Breakfast
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Evening Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A €500 non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due November 16, 2025
• Remaining balance is due January 16, 2026
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
TRAVEL
FLIGHTS & FERRIES
The arrival day is Saturday, May 16 and the departure day is Saturday, May 23. Amorgos does not have an airport but is easily reached with daily ferries and high speed vessels. Athens International Airport (ATH) is the most convenient to arrive. Ferries start from Athens port, Piraeus, and dock alternately at the two ports of Amorgos Island: Katapola and Aegiali (near to the hotel). You can also take a ferry from Santorini, Mykonos, & Naxos. Please CLICK HERE for a link to the ferry schedule and more detailed suggestions.
TRANSPORTATION
There is complimentary ground transportation from both Amorgos ferry ports to our hotel on departure and arrival days.
TRAVEL QUESTIONS?
Check out our FAQ section by scrolling down the page or email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR retreat leader
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your expected departure date.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded..
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 1/2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!