A yoga & meditation retreat inspired by the stories of The Goddess
with Dulcinea Moran and Athena Vassilatos Kirste
31 October - 6 November, 2025
in Pelion, Greece
To whomever has wandered here: we are honored to share our first collaborative yoga retreat with you.
Join us for a lush week of yoga, meditation, kirtan, creativity, storytelling, the beauty of nature, delicious food, and embodying the energies of the Goddess archetypes. Gift yourself a moment of pause on your daily tasks and allow the energy of the Shakti to renew your spirit in community, and also in intentional periods of silence to get to connect deeper with yourself. A week of exhaling at the magical point where the mountain meets the sea, ending the last night of the trip on a Full Moon in ritual.
On this retreat we will enjoy silent mornings and nights, as another way to replenish, restore, and appreciate the little gifts of quiet company and the sweet whispers of nature. Then, during our other daytime activities we will get to converse and share with one another, and make some new friends along the way.
Keep on reading through this page to see what our days will look like, the choices of accommodation, more photos, and pricing packages.
(subject to change)
Day 1
16:00 arrivals, settle in
18:00 welcome, introductions, gentle flow
19:30 dinner
21:00 meditation, beginning of silence
21:45 rest
Days 2 to 6
7:30 wake up
8:15 sunrise meditation and movement (vinyasa yoga or hiking meditation)
10:30 brunch
11:30 free time (mindful breaking of silence)
12:30 - 17:00 activity
17:00 relaxing practice
18:30 dinner
20:45 kirtan or evening practice
*Last evening: Full Moon Ritual
Day 7
6:30 wake up
7:00 packing / free time
8:00 last practice
9:00 breakfast
10:00 closing circle
11:00 checkout
Goodbyes
Pelion offers beautiful rooms, each unique and comfortable. There are three accommodation options:
Twin Rooms with Shared Bathroom
These rooms have two twin beds and a shared bathroom, and each is unique and beautiful. Two retreaters will stay in each shared room.
Private Rooms with Shared Bathroom
The private room offers you a room all to yourself if you prefer a little more privacy (or maybe if you snore loudly!). This option has a shared bathroom.
Private Rooms with Ensuite Bathroom
The private room offers you a room all to yourself if you prefer a little more privacy (or maybe if you snore loudly!). This option has a private ensuite bathroom, and there are less of these available.
About Pelion Homes
All located in “Greece’s hidden gem where lush mountains meet the sparkling sea”, the Pelion peninsula.
Rich with Greek mythology, the Pelion region is the home of Chiron the Centaur and where Thetis, a sea-goddess and the mother of Achilles, marries Peleus (named after mount Pelion). This region is still largely unknown to tourists, but is greatly loved by Greeks who travel there for their own holidays. The north side holds Mount Pelion, with an elevation of 1,624m, which feeds the numerous rivers and streams of the region, supporting it in being one of the most fertile and verdant of the eastern Mediterranean.
Pelion Homes, where we are staying, was created with the dream of supporting a community eager to embrace nature, to grow and cook nutritious food and to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. The retreat centre has an underlying ethos to share knowledge and wisdom within a peaceful framework of Pelion.
Each day you will be served brunch and dinner, made with produce grown from the gardens on the retreat grounds and other locally-sourced ingredients. The meals are made by the professional, experienced chefs on site, and are plant based.
In addition to the main meals, you will be able to help yourself to local coffees, teas, and snacks from the permaculture farm.
Other dietary needs, such as gluten free or otherwise, can be accommodated. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have specific dietary needs or requests.
Yoga mats, meditation pillows, yoga straps, cork yoga blocks, and blankets are provided by the retreat center if you do not wish to bring your own.
Pelion homes is located about half-way between Greece's biggest cities: Athens and Thessaloniki, both having accessible airports.
Depending where you are coming from, you may find a flight to Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" or Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia.
We will organize a minibus to take you from the Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia to the retreat. The retreat price includes the minibus cost.
Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you will be taking the minibus shuttle with us from Thessaloniki.
In all transparence: we need a minimum of 10 people per bus, but we won't be 20 in total. So ideally everyone will be picked up from the same point, and Thessaloniki may be the most convenient, and may also provide more affordable flight options.
If you are coming instead by car or public bus or train, please let us know! Then you can get a discount for not using the minibus.
The centre is located here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YL26qi87TXpmU8bU8
Twin Rooms with Shared Bathroom: €1450
Private Rooms with Shared Bathroom: €1600
Private Rooms with Ensuite Bathroom: €1750
*these are the early bird prices, valid until 29 April 2025. If you book after that date, prices are €100 more
Includes:
shuttle from Thessaloniki airport
2 yoga asana classes, 1 to 2 meditation sessions, 1 kirtan session per day
1 activity per day, such as: creativity workshops, storytelling, beach excursion, picturesque hiking trip
lovely accommodation for 6 nights
2 homemade (delicious) plant based, farm-to-table meals a day made by experienced chefs
coffees, teas, and loads of yummy local snacks
use of yoga mat and meditation cushions from the centre
use of the property, ocean and mountain views, and its hiking paths
Does not include:
flight and travel
insurance
extras of your choice, like a thai massage
*If you are wanting to join us on this adventure but finances feel like an obstacle, please reach out to us at athenakirste@gmail.com to discuss payment plan possibilities. We are sure we can find something that works for you and for us.
To sign up, please fill this form
Any questions? Email us at athenakirste@gmail.com.
A deposit of €500 is required to save your spot.
The remainder of your payment is due on 25 August, 2025.
Bank transfer if paying in Euros:
ADM Vassilatos Kirste
NL85 ABNA 0869 9088 04
Please write "Waves of Shakti, (your name)" in the desription.
Paypal (5% fees added):
https://paypal.me/athenakirste?country.x=NL&locale.x=en_US
If paying in another currency, you can use Wise:
Using the Euro Bank information
If you need to cancel, please email athenakirste@gmail.com.
If cancelled before 1 July, you can get a refund minus €250.
If cancelled by 1 August, 40% of the full price is owed.
If cancelled by 25 August, 70% of the full price is owed.
Thereafter, non-refundable.
Any time, fully refundable (minus administration fees) if another participant is found to transfer your place.
Starting: Friday 31 October 2025 at 18:00
Finishing: Thursday 6 November at 11:00
You may arrive at Pelion from 16:00 on the first day (please arrive before 18:00 so you can settle in) and must leave by 11:00 on the last day.
We have both been practicing and teaching yoga for years, the last several of them at Open Yoga in Groningen (where we were lucky enough to meet). While we have very different skills, styles, and areas of expertise in the world of yoga, over time we noticed that we have a quite a big crossover in our communities of dedicated students. Athena had the brilliant idea to bring our complementary ways of teaching together to host this retreat. Athena has led multiple retreats in the past and has much experience under her belt in this arena. Dulcinea, however, has been waiting for the right opportunity to come along as students keep asking every year “so, when are you going to host a yoga retreat??” The time has finally come!
About Athena
Yoga first showed up in my life as a key support to my studies in business and accountancy in 2010. My practice then evolved into a strong physical exercise, and today it is a gift of presence, a time to savour my breath, and a daily opportunity to study myself and the world we are in.
After completing my 200 hour teacher training in 2015 with Yoga Arts in Bali, Indonesia, I became more interested in anatomy and movement. This inspired me to train with Yoga Tune Up®, The Roll Model®, and Kathryn Bruni-Young (Mindful Strength).
In 2019, I focused on hands-on assists expertise under the guidance of Asami Martens with whom I also studied Yin Yoga.
In January 2020, I made a big move from Montreal to Groningen, and navigated teaching in a new city through a tumultuous time.
I made the decision in 2021 to follow my thirst for knowledge with a Physiotherapy degree. I knew this would support my path to help you feel better in your body with more and more expertise. This episode came to an earlier-than-expected stop when in 2024 I felt the call to teach yoga full time.
I love to teach classes from dynamic Vinyasa yoga to restorative Yin yoga, based on thoughtful sequencing for body awareness, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of our breath and maybe also of our thoughts.
I can only hope that the classes and retreats I share offer you a gaze inwards that supports you individually and extends to our wellbeing as a community.
About Dulcinea
There is so much I could say about my yoga journey. I used to say that I came to yoga - but I've learned over the years that yoga really found me. I owe everything to this practice, and to this path of teaching it to others.
Before yoga, I spent a lifetime as an artist and years as a long distance runner. After a running injury, I was introduced to this practice. I was instantly hooked, and spent the following five years immersing myself in home practice, a little bit of Ashtanga yoga, and ultimately found my home with my teacher, Greta Hill from the Tantric school of Rasa Yoga. The teachings of Tantra are infused in all of my classes, which, in essence, is about helping us remember who we are and to radically embrace all of it. I am a true Rasika; one who savors every flavor of this life. Over time, I found my asana, meditation, and artistic practices merging their way towards each other until one day I realized: these are all one practice. One practice of connection, remembrance, and calling the sacred back home. I am multifaceted, and so are my teachings.
I took my 200 hour teacher training with Greta Hill in 2018 and started teaching in 2019. Since then, I have moved across the world to beautiful Groningen, completed my MFA in painting, and been lucky enough to grow a yoga community beyond my dreams. I like to teach a wide variety of styles of classes, ranging from powerful vinyasa that helps you find your edge through play, to slow ooey-gooey-flow, to restorative Yoga Nidra. Knowing from personal experience what it is like to overcome struggles with the body, my intention is to help my students realize their body and their breath are worthy of care, respect, and celebration. My vision is to spread the power of kindness through the practice of yoga, to make this world a sweeter place.
First, fill this form
Save your spot by sending the deposit.
Get ready for a week of connection, rejuvenation, and the magic of the Shakti in November 2025!
Reviews of Dulcinea’s teachings:
“I love me some Dulcinea! Her deep body wisdom and artistic playfulness combine to create a truly unique and transformative spiritual experience on the mat. She listens to the needs of her students. She has been a source of grounding, healing, light, warmth and soothing in my life... I 10/10 recommend joining the community she has so intentionally curated! Your mind body spirit will thank you.” - Hannah Beth
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“Showing up for class with Dulcinea is always a special gift. She provides in her classes both the cues and teaching methods of a wise and well-versed coach, and the comfort and ease of being with a dear old friend. I have practiced yoga and other movement practices for most of my adult life, and Dulcinea's class stands out as a well-paced, specific yet adjustable, appropriately challenging and always-compassionate bright spot. Being a part of Dulcinea's community provides an exceptional touchstone in my life, as well as a warm and welcoming community that makes me feel good about the people in my world.” - Alexa Peden
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“Even though I only practice with her for about a month or so, I think she's one of the most inspiring and fun teachers I've come across this far in real life. Dulcinea teaches creative well sequenced fierce flows with clear and precise cues still giving lots of options for all levels. From what I can tell she's playful, funny and wise beyond her years.” -Eelke Aptroot
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“There’s so many great yoga options and teachers out there but Dulcinea is truly unique in the best way. She has an abundance of expertise and her classes are truly for everyone - newbies to all levels expertise. I’m a yoga teacher myself, and I find myself inspired and learning from her in each class. Her down-to-earth, not ego but well-being and student centered approach, makes you leave her class feeling valued and happy.” - Juli Kont
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“Dulcinea’s classes are always a breath of fresh air! … A true embodiment of her teachings, she never fails to remind us of the importance of patience, acceptance, kindness and self love. … above all, what I love the most is her call for introspection and self-reflection on how to take the teachings from the mat and apply them to daily life… her classes are truly magical! I’m forever grateful to be her student.” - Angie Krassa
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"I've known Dulcinea for a few years now, and she always has such a kind, loving, calming energy surrounding her. … Throughout our time together, Dulcinea has shown me how to find the lighthouse in the middle of the storm. She really knows what I need in a session. Whether that's to be grounded or to face my innermost fears, she will center each one around a specific theme. ... I trust her to guide me through my spiritual journey. She's a very empathetic person, and I always feel that we're on the same wavelength. But, she'll also give you the encouragement you need to step outside of your comfort zone. Since starting one on one yoga sessions with Dulcinea, I feel like a whole new world has opened up to me. Doing yoga, meditation, and journaling daily has made me feel more grounded, focused, present, and at ease. Not to mention stronger, more resilient, and confident. I've been able to dive deeper into my inner consciousness to face trauma, emotions, and problems and either adapt or overcome them. I now have a whole new perspective on life. While I know this is just the beginning, I'm glad to have someone as intelligent, kind, spiritually, and emotionally in tune as Dulcinea to guide me through life's treacherous waters. After all, at this point, she's more than just my yoga teacher; she's my friend. I feel totally comfortable, heard, and seen by her. If anyone feels as stuck as I was, I highly recommend starting your own spiritual journey with the lovely Dulcinea Moran." - Liz Kasser
Reviews of Athena’s Retreats + Teachings:
"I attended Athena [last retreat in] 2024 - this retreat was life changing for me. The silence allowed for my true self to bubble up and finally have the space that she has been crying out for! The environment was beautiful and calming, a perfect setting and the combination of all the activities offered was so well balanced. Athena is a gentle soul, and her teaching is some of the best I have ever experienced. I am beyond grateful for the experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe and soft space to explore their inner selves. Thank you!" -Jennifer
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“Athena's teaching has a distinctive combination of qualities: wisdom, grace, and playfulness. There is something harmonious to it too. Go to her classes, tune in to her cues, abandon thinking, immerse into the flow, and then you could hear the soft, beautiful music coming from inside you. Maybe that's why after nearly every class with her, this quote by Anandamayi Ma echoes in my mind: "This body is like a musical instrument; what you hear depends on how you play it;" Athena is an excellent conductor! Also, her extensive experience with yoga and growing understanding of anatomy are genuinely and compassionately transmitted to the student; there is nothing contrived about her teaching -- that is a sign of an authentic teacher.” - Mehran
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"I am in awe of Athena's teaching. Her presence is calm and graceful, and she pours her heart into every little detail of the retreats she hosts. Athena's profound knowledge of the human body is seamlessly woven into her yoga classes and aligns with the deeper, non-physical aspects of yoga. There is so much to learn for me from her approach. She [is] authentic and down-to-earth, making sure every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. There is no pretence - just an exceptionally talented yoga teacher navigating life like the rest of us. I am forever thankful for this blissful week of rest, self-reflection, silence, deep conversations, flowing movements, amazing food, and the company of wonderful people. I will always cherish this experience." - Emma
”Athena is an awesome yoga teacher, with solid asana skills and very precise, technical and thoughtful cues to guide a practitioner in their yoga journey. She's also handy with the harmonium and a great mantra singer. I'd absolutely recommend taking classes with her whether it's a flow class or a Yin class.” - Eelke
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“I had the most wonderful time [at Athena's retreat], it was truly a moving experience and helped me process a lot.” - Edie