Escape to the Aegean

Indulge in a transformative week of Pilates and mindful movement at the luxurious Aegialis Hotel & Spa, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Greece. This retreat, led by experienced instructor Laurel Desmarais, welcomes participants of all levels, with a focus on enhancing functional movement, strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Daily Movement & Mindfulness

Each day will begin with an invigorating movement class led by Laurel, seamlessly blending the principles of Pilates and Yoga. With a focus on how the body moves in everyday life, these sessions will help you develop a deeper understanding of your body and unlock its full potential. 

Luxurious Accommodations & Amenities

The Aegialis Hotel & Spa offers a haven of tranquility, with its stunning views, world-class amenities, and exceptional service. During your free time, you can unwind by the pool, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, or explore the local area’s charming villages and pristine beaches. Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with delicious, locally sourced cuisine, catering to all dietary needs.

Transformation & Self-Discovery

This retreat is more than just a physical experience; it’s an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit. Through movement, mindfulness, and self-care, you’ll return home feeling refreshed, energized, and empowered to embrace a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Embrace a Healthier You

Join us in Greece for an unforgettable journey of transformation and self-discovery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Aegean, connect with like-minded individuals, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. This Pilates retreat is your chance to escape, recharge, and return home with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.

  • 6 nights accommodations 
  • 2 meals per day (excluding alcoholic beverages), starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day.
  • Group Ground Transportation to/from the port on Amorgos to the Retreat Center
  • Use of yoga room and facilities
  • Daily movement practices
  • Free use of spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater swimming pool, and fitness center) 
  • 30-minute complimentary massage and 10% discount on all spa treatments
  • Optional guided excursions to ancient ruins, seaside villages, local markets, cooking classes, wine tastings, and more, at additional cost.
  • Unlimited internet access 
  • Personal retreat time (having time to nap, explore, walk, read, and just be)

Accommodations

This beautifully designed, family-run hotel is nestled on the cliffs of a quiet and peaceful Greek Island. Conveniently located near the bay and within walking distance of sandy beaches. Most rooms have a simple, elegant decor and boast views of the sea. The hundreds of reviews comment that the staff is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and super helpful, and most guests leave feeling like they have made new friends. Their chefs provide healthy, gourmet meals served buffet style that incorporate fresh organic produce from their garden. They offer full services, including the spa, gym, and pools. Immerse yourself in guest rooms that embody the epitome of luxury and tranquility. Come and enjoy an authentic Greek experience.

Laurel Desmarais

Laurel Desmarais is a seasoned movement instructor with over two decades of experience, holding certifications in Rehabilitative Pilates, Vinyasa Yoga, and dance. Her passion for movement and embodied learning shines through in her teaching, which can be experienced both online and at her Nashville studio, Maeva Movement.

Laurel’s approach to teaching extends beyond simply instructing; she views it as a collaborative exchange, stating, “I am interested in the exchange of knowledge, sharing what I know and learning from others.” This philosophy is reflected in her extensive involvement in the global movement community. She has hosted numerous workshops, Pilates retreats, and teacher trainings around the world, all with the goal of empowering individuals through embodied movement.

Laurel’s diverse background in Rehabilitative Pilates, vinyasa Yoga, and dance informs her unique and holistic approach to movement instruction. Her Rehabilitative Pilates certification enables her to work with individuals with injuries or specific physical needs, while her Vinyasa Yoga training brings a focus on breath and flow to her classes. Her dance background adds a dynamic and expressive element to her teaching.

Through her studio, Maeva Movement, and her online platform, Laurel has created a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals of all levels and backgrounds to explore the power of movement. 

Testimonials

“The retreat with Laurel was a dream. I felt like all the important decisions were made ahead of time, and I just followed my desires. It started with choosing just the right location. Being a movement person myself, I so appreciated the time with Laurel as our guide through a daily movement practice and self-care within a community.”  – Lisa Spradley

“I had the most wonderful experience on my retreat to Sicily. I enjoyed everything from excursions to our daily yoga class. She does a beautiful job that creates a lot of memories. Can’t wait for the next one.”  – Lizz Boettger

Amorgos is a picture-perfect Greek island. From traditional villages to stunning beaches, this secluded island is everything you imagine when you dream of a Greek holiday. During your retreat, you will have the opportunity to experience the island through various tours and activities. These excursions will give you a chance to discover what makes Amorgos so spectacular. Whether you are learning traditional Greek dance moves, exploring the island waters from a private yacht, or hiking through local villages, tours and activities are a great way to make the most of your time in Greece. 

Some of the possible options for tours and activities during your Greece retreat include:

  • Hiking Tours
  • Herbal Tours
  • Greek Cooking Class
  • Snorkeling 
  • Organic Gardens
  • Greek Nights (Traditional Greek Music and Dancing)

*Activities and spa services are not included in the price of tuition and will be booked onsite through the concierge. 

Please be sure to review Our Policies.
For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Getting There

True Nature specializes in curating and offering the best retreat experiences. For your flights, we recommend that you use Google Flights or a trusted travel agency. 

Included in the retreat is a shuttle from the local port on Amorgos Island to the retreat center. Participants will be responsible for securing their transportation to Amorgos Island. There are many ways to come to this island, and this will depend on your travel plans. Many participants enjoy arriving in Athens a day early and staying a day later in order to have more ferry options and travel flexibility. The journey to Amorgos Island is long and totally worth it! Once the retreat is confirmed, you will receive complete information about the airports and the ferry options that will bring you to your destination. The center is a 5 or 35-minute shuttle ride, depending on which port you arrive at.

Travel Insurance

We cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, Mother Nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Often for less than $150, you can purchase a travel insurance policy and be protected in the event that you need to make a change or need to be covered financially prior to or during your trip. 

We have partnered with Trawick International (available for U.S. Residents only). Read more about their policies here. We encourage you to research the insurance company and policy that best meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have questions about traveling abroad? After you register, we will provide you with a Participant’s Package with helpful information. Also, be sure to check out our Participant FAQs. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us at info@truenaturetravels.com and let us know how we can help!

Click Here to Register Now!

Save $200 on full-price (shared only) ENDS June 1st! 

Shared Accommodations – $3095 USD (Full Price $3295)

Single Accommodations – $3995 USD

Deluxe Single Accommodations – $4295 USD

Deposit & Payment Requirements

To secure your tuition rate and reserve your spot, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of registration:

  • $350 for registrations made more than 90 days before the trip.
  • $1,000 for registrations made 60–90 days before the trip.
  • Full payment is required for registrations made within 60 days of the retreat.

A non-refundable $50 payment processing fee will also be added to the tuition at registration.

If you select Deposit Payment, depending on when you registered, your remaining balance will be split into 1-3 payments and processed with your credit card on file on the dates indicated on your Confirmation Letter.

Follow this link to review our payment schedule policies.

For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Cancellation

  • Initial deposits and the $50 registration fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • 50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before a retreat excluding the initial deposit and the $50 registration fee.
  • 89 days prior to a retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Full tuition is refunded* if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $50 registration fee is not refundable.
  • True Nature Travels is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.

*Refundable amounts do not include applied credits.

If you wish to cancel your spot on a trip you must submit your cancellation by email to info@truenaturetravels.com.

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