Ashtanga & Pranayama Retreat in Croatia, Pakleni Island

Pakleni Island

Ashtanga & Pranayama Retreat

Aug 28 - Sept 01, 2023

Pakleni Island Experience

Escape to the picturesque Pakleni Island in Croatia and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating Ashtanga Yoga retreat. Wake up to the sound of the sea and let the natural beauty of the island inspire your daily practice.

This Unique Experience is carefully curated and hosted by 3 senior yoga teachers. To ensure that all of the participants receive direct and personal attention spaces are very limited.

Enjoy Daily Traditional Ashtanga Yoga and Pranayama practice, playful workshops, pristine beaches and hidden coves, delicious vegetarian meals in the intimate surroundings of Villa Cricket.

Join us for an unforgettable yoga adventure in one of Europe’s most stunning destinations.

Location

Pakleni Island is a gorgeous chain of wooded isles that stretches out immediately in front of the town of Hvar. Although the name literally means ‘Hell’s Islands’, it’s thought to derive from ‘paklina’, a pine resin that was once harvested here to waterproof boats. The more descriptive name will be ‘Green and Blue Paradise’ of a Dalmatian coast, because of plenty of deep blue caves and tiny white sandy beaches.

Accommodation

Our yoga retreat is taking places at “The Cricket house” , located on Pakleni islands, 20 minutes boat ride from Hvar island. There are no cars on the Pakleni islands, and our villa has no neighbours.

Surrounding the house is a vast Mediterranean garden with authentic herbs, figs, and olive trees. The wild flora garden is equipped with hammocks and deck chairs, making it the ideal place to retreat from urban daily life. From there, you can reach the private beach in just a 5 minutes walk.

Food

Food is prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients purchased from local farmers, because we love to support the local economy. You’ll be delighted with two daily meals in our retreat, made by the in-house chef. Brunches and dinners are mainly vegetarian and vegan. The gluten-free options are available. Coffee, tea, fruits and snacks will be available throughout the day.

Schedule

Day 1 — ARRIVAL + YOGA NIDRA

We will meet at 4 pm at Hvar main square and then head with the boat towards our villa at Pakleni islands.
After you settle down in the rooms and relax, we will have an introduction circle.
Our first day will conclude with a homemade dinner served at the villa’s porch immersed in green, and relaxing Yoga Nidra class.

Day 2 — ASHTANGA YOGA + PRANAYAMA PERSONAL CONSULTATIONS + YOGA SUTRAS

We will wake up early to catch the first sun’s rays and start a day with guided pranayama practice. You are free to join us later for refreshments, before the practice based on Ashtanga Yoga method starts.

After awakening body practice, it is a time for recharging with long and lazy brunch.

After brunch we will have individual pranayama consultations, so Petra can configure your personal practice for coming days according to your needs and level of practice.

The afternoon is reserved for leisure activities, like massage, relaxing with a book in your hammock, or simply having a long swim in the friendly Adriatic Sea; your choice.

At sunset time, join Marco under the olive trees to reflect on on Patanjali Yoga Sutras. It will be a practical and contemporary overview how to apply yogic philosophy to support our asana & pranayama practice.

Dinner and free time for relaxing.

Day 3 — MYSORE PRACTICE + ASHTANGA WORKSHOP + CHANTING & MEDITATION

Our morning will start with pranayama, Yoga and brunch.

The afternoon is reserved for Ashtanga workshop with Irena.Irena is certificated KPJAY teacher and you will learn some techniques which can help you in asana practice and in daily life. After dinner, Marco will continue with the lecture and we will learn to chant some important Sutras describing Ashtanga Yoga practice. We will end up the day with guided meditation for better relaxation and sleep.

Day 4 — MYSORE PRACTICE + MEDITATION WALK + PRANAYAMA WORKSHOP

We start the day with our morning rhythm that you already know — pranayama, Yoga practice, and then another delicious brunch.

After brunch Petra will hold a workshop on physiological and meditative values of Pranayama practice and give you tools and guidelines how to maintain your home breathing practice.

The late afternoon is reserved for a sunset meditation walk through the island. Walking in silence is intended to enable you to connect deeply with the natural elements and with yourself. We believe this island has a special energy, can’t wait to hear your impressions!

Back home we will be graced again with an amazing dinner.

And the last touch of the day, gathering and sharing experience around the bonfire.

Day 5 — MYSORE PRACTICE + RETURN HOME

We will persistently feed our last day on this adventure with our daily morning Yoga practice and fresh local delicacies.

Rejuvenated and recharged, you are ready to get back into the real world.

We will escort you to the island of Hvar, from where you can decide; or to stay to live in Croatia or to go back to your home…

After awakening our bodies with healthy morning routines and cuddling our souls with delicious brunch, we are ready to return home.

Meet Your Hosts

Irena, Petra & Marco

We are thrilled to invite you on our retreat!

Together we have more than 80 years of experience in traditional yoga studies and many successful yoga projects. However, what we love the most is bringing community together and share magical moments in the nature. With Love