Limnisa Greece

What stood out most about the retreat was its rare sense of place: a hidden haven that seemed to exist outside of time. The location itself felt almost otherworldly, perched between sea and silence, where the air carried a calm that lingered long after. It was a true surprise, a discovery that opened both landscape and soul. The people were radiant in their kindness, each encounter sincere and unhurried, creating a sense of belonging that asked for nothing and gave everything. Within the group, warmth moved quietly, like light between olive leaves. Supportive, generous, without judgment. It was as if everyone was there not only to practice, but to gently hold space for each other’s unfolding.

Limnisa and Mariël are both wonderful. The place is amazing, even better than how it looks on pictures. The house is located at the sea so you can enjoy listening to the waves the whole day long. It really is a little paradise. I went in May and the water was already really nice to swim and it's so clear. It's not much of a yoga retreat but a place where writers come together as advertised which makes it a really inspiring place. The house has a thousand little spots you can sit and enjoy quietly while reading, thinking or writing. I don't write myself but went for personal development and journaling. I stayed in one of the apartments, about 15-20 minutes walk from the main house. I would suggest renting a car if you do stay there which is really cheap and the drive to Methana is really beautiful. The yoga was focusing on breathing and some basic postures. I prefer more variation so did some some more yoga on my own just next to the sea. I prefer the apartment over the house in terms of comfort and facilities but can imagine you prefer to stay at the house itself. Most people travel solo which I also like. What was so much better than expected is the food, which is amazing! Breakfast options are quite basic (yoghurt, fruit, bread with some spreads and cheese) but lunch and dinner is home made with fresh ingredients and a variety of veggie food everyday. Sophie, the cook, is amazing. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience! I went home inspired and excited!

I really enjoyed the overall experience. Mariël is very welcoming and is obviously experienced running these retreats. The location is an absolute paradise and it's very easy to feel at home inside or outdoors. My room was nice and I got lucky being alone in the shared bedroom. There are many nooks to enjoy on the premises and the cats make the house feel even cosier. The silent mornings are very beneficial to write but also reflect. I feel I gained a lot from it. I also really enjoyed the company of the other guests. It felt like a community. I really appreciated everyone was making an effort to speak English while most of the guests were Dutch speakers. The food was also very good (thanks Sophie). It is easy to access from Athens on a 2 hour ferry ride from Piraeus. And the peninsula is very pleasant to spend time in. It felt secluded. I recommend it for everyone who needs peace for an artistic project or to reflect on life.

The owner, Mariel, has created an eclectic, kind-energy, and beautiful retreat for writers to have the quiet and the time to create and write.

The facility is filled with nooks and books and blue treasures from the owner's travels. The gardens are beautiful, and herbs are used in the meals. The meal service is excellent, and the food very healthy prepared by a French chef from Nice.

Many languages are spoken, and after quiet time the chatter is happy and supportive. The sound of the gentle sea on the rock beach is calming.

The yoga was carefully designed for beginners who need to stretch and prepare for the writing day.

Our retreat facilitator Mariel was exceptional. Her passion for writing and for creating the most conducive space to write was outstanding. From silent mornings to literary evenings, this retreat is set up to maximise your productivity and creativity.

Een warm bad en veilige haven!

The hosts were very friendly and helpful, the food was very good and healthy, the atmosphere at Limnisa was very relaxing, supportive and inspiring. The house was clean and nice.

...I could go on with many more things I liked. Overall I definitely recommend Limnisa !

You think they're going to be oppressive; the mornings during which everyone is "forced" to stay quiet. But they're truly wonderful. Once you get in the habit of finding your own quiet place among the countless utterly adorable spots around the estate, the mornings become your own private productivity booster. Someone among the group described it as "communal solitude" - you're alone, but never lonely.

The same goes the rest of the stay: you can be as involved with group activities as you like, or even organise your own outings. If you're in a flow, you stay put in your favourite writing nook and only show yourself to grab some delicious homemade lunch, cake or dinner. Everything goes at Limnisa :)

un lieu extraordinaire pour ecrire

Cadre magique, vue sur mer, au calme, amenage de plein de petites niches pour ecrire, reflechir, contempler, se ressourcer, se reposer... Les cours de yoga doux avec Mariel, le cours de Chi gong avec Philip, les differentes excursions et surtout une nourriture delicieuse, faite avec amour. Les hotes sont tres accueillants, disponibles et genereux. Le plus, les matinees silencieuses pour avoir toute son energie creatrice dirigee vers notre projet d'ecriture.

Jeder, der schreibt, kennt das: Man macht immer wieder Schreibpläne und am Ende kommt das Schreiben doch zu kurz, da so viele andere Dinge anliegen. Nicht so beim Limnisa Retrat! Hier ist alles darauf ausgerichtet, den Teilnehmern die Zeit und Ruhe zu geben, um an ihren Schreibprojekten zu arbeiten. Wundervolle Nischen auf dem ganzen Gelände sorgen für die nötige Ruhe und Abgeschiedenheit, zu hören sind nur die Wellen und die Vögel. Bei den leckeren und gesunden Mahlzeiten sorgen die anderen Teilnehmer und die Hosts für anregenden und kreativen Input. Wer möchte, kann an Yogastunden, QiGong und Nachmittags-Exkursionen, wie zum Beispiel einem Silent Walk, teilnehmen, um die Kreativität weiter anzustacheln. Ich komme bestimmt wieder - es war einfach toll!

I throughly enjoyed my experience and would recommend it to those individuals looking for a peaceful place to collect ones thoughts, journal/write, relax and absorb the natural beauty.

It was the perfect combination of solitude and interaction with the hosts and other participants. Our hosts were friendly and helpful, yet unobtrusive. This helped create a good environment to write and reflect.

The food was thoughtfully preparing and presented, and everything from the retreat was fresh and delicious. Thank you!

The Limnisa retreat is the perfect place to slow down and take stock. The moment I entered the villa I started to calm down, slow down and just relax. The pace of the retreat is slow and methodical; yoga most mornings (with a focus on breathing and mindfulness), great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The villa is on its own little cove which is perfect for refreshing dips in the sea, snorkelling or just floating in the waves. Myself and everyone I was on the retreat with felt a surge of writing inspiration here, you don't need to worry about anything. Sunset meditations, excursions to the peaks of the peninsula and the volcanoe all help to keep your mind engaged. Mariel and Phillip have really struck a nice balance between relaxation and activity. It's also a great place to meet other writers, share, listen and learn. I really recommend it for anyone in need of a break, anyone wanting to spend some time on a project, or just in need of inspiration.

Everything was thought of, the property and gardens are beautiful, perfect writers retreat x

The structure was loose but effective. No talking until 1.30 so it really helped create the space to concentrate. Paradoxically it was great to have other writers to talk to. Being fed was wonderful and having such a gracious and lovingly put together space was very special. While I was a bit taken aback by the remoteness and lack of good signal, it really helped to unplug.

Het eten, de locatie, de eigenaren die ontzettend vriendelijk zijn. De hele sfeer die er hangt is ontzettend prettig. Het is mooi aangelegd en de hele baai is ontzettend rustig en mooi.

Everything is done with care

Mariel and Philip goes out of their way so you can have the best conditions possible to work on your writing. Everything is designed so you can work in a peaceful, inspiring, benevolent environment. The house and the surroundings are gorgeous, the food is wonderful and the yoga classes helps you relax and focus. This was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. Many thanks to Mariel and Philip!

Great writing stations all over the property inside and out. Communal eating with very good vegetarian food.

The atmosphere is great thanks to Muriel & Philip and the lovely variety of their guests. The location is stunning, everything is done with the utmost care! ♡♡♡

Limnisa is such beautiful poetic pearl! The perfect place to reflect and recharge! Mariel and Philip are such wonderful host with such gentle care, esthetic understanding and skills to spread loving good and generous feeling, as well as really well informational logistics. They really know how to create the perfect inspirational and rechargeable settings. I would love to come back again, and I will certainly recommend it!