Being Well Retreat

Sept/Oct 2024
dates to be confirmed
Staying in the village of Palaiopoli
on the Greek island of Andros
Hosted & guided by David Young

Palaiopoli - I love this ancient, powerful place, nestled in a valley between pristine beach and soaring mountain. 2500 years ago this now-hidden, tiny village was the capital of Andros and it is still soaked in archaeology and timelessness, undiscovered by tourists, and governed by the god-twins Artemis and Apollo. 

When I am in this valley, I feel well, connected to history, myth and myself, aware and content and empowered. All the elements present themselves so clearly: the hardened rock, salty water, mercurial air and fiery sun. The seasons cycle in full view, with olives then oranges then pomegranates then mulberries then capers then figs and more figs each taking their turn on the stage that is this place of terraces and steps (yes, there are a lot of steps).

​I would like to share this experience with you, combining Alexander Technique, meditation, walking, swimming, cooking, eating, resting and being. The group will be small so that each person can find their own Andros. While I will offer a program of Alexander Technique and meditation, it is designed for you to come and go as you need and wish, giving space to just be, and explore what calls you, fascinates you, nurtures you.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss some aspect of the retreat, including accommodation, travel and catering, please do not hesitate to reach out here or email me: mail AT davidyoung.online
a week in a very special, beautiful and powerful place with Alexander Technique, meditation, walking, swimming, cooking, eating, resting and being
 Some practical information:

The valley is literally an archaeological site and there are signs of antiquity to be found in many places here. The beach is a 15-20 minute walk down, sand at one end, rocks at the other, with a multitude of impossibly variegated pebbles and stones between. The water in June is fresh but most certainly swimmable, free of sharks but full of fish. There really are a ​lot of steps, so expect to increase fitness after just a couple of days. ​Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access. There is one cafe and a tiny shop in the village. The nearest supermarket is 10 minutes away by car.

​Costs:
Retreat fee by donation, as a guideline: €690 / $1,190 (Australian dollars)
Food €150 / $250 plus 1 lunch and 2 dinners in restaurants (to be paid individually at the time).
Accommodation: various options ranging from €60-100 / $100-165 per night x 6 nights
Travel on Andros included.
​Travel to and from the island not included.

Deposit of €250 / $400 payable on booking.
Balance due one month before the retreat begins.
Payment can be made into either an Australian or German bank account. Cancellation policy: once paid, both the deposit and balance are non-refundable due to the need to book, plan and prepare accommodation, catering, transport and logistics for the retreat. I am committed to making our work as accessible as possible. If money is a barrier, please contact me to discuss.

Catering:
​Andros is replete with delicious, healthy, local, organic produce, and early summer is a great time to experience the seasonal bounty of the island. To fully experience the splendour and delight of the food on Andros and to keep costs down, the idea for catering is that we all participate in preparing, serving and cleaning up our meals. All the shopping and menu planning will be done in advance, and you can get involved to the level that suits you each day. And of course your dietary requirements can be catered for. Please note that alcohol is not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase your own drinks and other supplies should you wish to. For one lunch and two evening meals, we will go out to restaurants in order to also sample some of the gastronomic offerings available. For the restaurant meals, we will each individually order and pay à la carte (usually €15-25 including drinks. These costs are not included in the overall retreat catering). 

Getting there:
The easiest way to get to the island is from Athens.
If you arrive at Athens airport, take a taxi (or there is a public bus) to the port of Rafina. From there, the ferry takes two hours to Andros (approx. €25 each way). The ferry also takes cars if you decide to hire one. There is also a ferry from Mykonos. You can check the ferry times and prices here.

Dates & times to be confirmed
The retreat begins on Andros on a Monday in Sept/Oct 2024.
The ferry departs from Rafina and takes two hours.
The retreat ends on a Sunday.
​Please ensure that your flights coordinate with the ferries, allowing time for delays.

Travel on Andros:
I will meet you at the port of Gavrio on Andros, and organise transport to your accommodation. Transport for our outings away from Palaiopoli are also included. Any additional travel you may wish to undertake on the island is your responsibility. There is a very limited bus service on the island. Cars are available for hire and this is recommended so the group can also do some independent exploration of this beautiful place.

Accommodation options:
There is a limited range of places to stay in the village of Palaiopoli, including simple, beautiful apartments with single or shared bedrooms. I will coordinate the various accommodation options. Prices vary, and you can choose which accommodation suits you depending on availability, or you are welcome to book your own stay through Airbnb or similar. Booking early is recommended.
Example accommodation here. Please note that the retreat's group activities including meals will be based at a beautiful house which has 2-3 bedrooms, and this is one option for you to stay in.

You may wish to arrive before the retreat or stay on afterwards to explore the island more fully. I can assist with planning your extra stay, however all costs are your responsibility outside of the retreat timeframe.

Once again, if you have any questions or would like to discuss an aspect of the retreat, including accommodation, travel and catering, please do not hesitate to reach out here or email me: mail AT davidyoung.online​