Name: 8 Day Beginners Tai Chi and Qigong Holiday in Zante
Brand: Natural Zest
Price: 1195 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 10.0 (4 reviews)

Accommodation

Check-in Time:

12:00

Check-out Time:

12:00

The retreat is genuine, simple and at one with nature and this is reflected in the accommodation. You won’t find any shiny cutting-edge technology or luxuries in materials on the retreat but you will experience a warm simplistic accommodation in the traditional Greek family hospitality style.

The retreat experience offered, coupled with the beautiful Greek weather, means you will be indulging in a variety of exercise/relaxation classes that bring you close to nature, or in your spare time resting on a sun lounger absorbing some much-needed Vitamin D. At the end of the day your room will be your little sanctuary in which to rest, relax and recoup.

There are five rooms offering en-suite accommodation that are suitable as either twin/double or single accommodation. These rooms are all traditionally Greek and are furnished with simple white comfortable bedding, bedside tables, lamps, fridge freezer, and air-conditioning/heating. All the en-suite bathrooms are comprised of a sink, toilet, and shower. The room amenities are rustic and you will not find the latest plasma TV or mini bar, however, you will find a comfortable bed, a breathtaking sea view, with the sounds of the waves to nurture your soul, and a space in which to relax, rest and rejuvenate.

Program

This holiday is designed for those who wish to discover their inner strength with the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong. During this training designed for beginners, you will practice between 3-5 hours of Tai Chi, Qigong, and daily.

You will enjoy sunset Qigong practice above the famous shipwreck, experience a boat excursion to the famous shipwreck and the Blue Caves, and take a trip to the beautiful Xigia healing natural spa waters. You will also receive a Tai Chi e-book so you can register what you learn and keep contacts for future information and keep you motivated.

About Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise designed to relax the body and mind and increase physical and mental energy (chi). The result is better health and a feeling of well-being. It provides gentle physical movement of joints and muscles, relaxes the body and the mind, and develops concentration.

Tai Chi is designed to help the body maintain balance and flow. Tai Chi advocates say that this soft martial art helps to release the energy flows from the body. When these energies are trapped, the body can become ill and unwell.

About Qigong

Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of your being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. Most other forms of exercise do not involve the meridian system, nor do they emphasize the importance of including mindful intent, and breathing techniques with physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.

The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and digestive functions.

Sample daily schedule

08:00 Wake up tea
08:30 Qigong
09:00 Breakfast
09:30 Tai Chi walking
10:00 Tai Chi lesson
11:00 Tea break
11:30 Tai Chi lesson
12:30 Meditation
13:00 Lunch followed by free time
17:00 Tai Chi lesson
19:00 Meditation or Qigong
19:30 Dinner
20:30 Chill time

Included excursions

This holiday includes a boat excursion to the famous shipwreck, the Blue Caves, and a trip to the beautiful Xigia healing natural spa waters. The shipwreck is the most famous of the beaches of Zakynthos Greece. It is situated on the eastern part of the island, near the village of Anafotiria.

The official name of the beach is Agios Georgios. The beach took its name from the ship that transported illegally cigarettes in 1983 and washed up on the beach which, with the years passing, grew up around it.

The ruins of the ship are in the middle of a beautiful white sandy beach with crystalline waters. The beach is surrounded by vertical rocky cliffs, creating a very impressive picture. You will go by a local boat to visit the crystal clear waters ad enchanting caves.

The Xigia Beach is in the north of Zante and offers a unique chance to go to a health spa for free! The water here has high sulfur content, reputed to be good for skin, removing cellulite, relieving arthritis, and other minor ailments.

You will treat yourself to a pampering swim, so you can return home healthier and revitalized! The beach is small and uncrowded, perfect for a tranquil time to bathe in the healing waters.

Instructors

Nasos Mystriotis

Nasos is a passionate Tai Chi and Chi Kung practitioner, dedicating the last twelve years to developing his teaching methods and furthering his knowledge in Tai Chi and Chi Kung. He has studied Tai Chi in his native homeland, Greece, and in China, developing his Yang style technique from Master James Fu Qing Quan. He is a personal trainer and a juice therapist. His passions are Tai Chi, Chi Kung, physical fitness, and having a healthy living.

Location

This training will take place at the Natural Zest Retreat Center in Zante, Greece. The island of Zakynthos or Zante is a very popular destination, called by the Venetian "the flower of the orient," for being one of the most beautiful islands of the Ionians.

The island has impressive landscapes, long golden sandy beaches diving into crystalline waters, a marine park for the protection of the sea turtle, beautiful pine-covered mountains, traditional villages with stone houses, and a charming capital to offer. There are also many beautiful orthodox churches, archaeological sites, and Venetian castles.

Distances

Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) - 35 minutes

+−

Food

Three daily healthy meals plus water and tea will be served during this training. You will also enjoy a meal in a traditional Greek restaurant. Special dietary requirements will be catered to with raw, cooked, and vegan options.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegan
Raw food
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

During your free time, you will have lots of options to see and do such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, cycling, sightseeing, horse riding, and many more. If you are keen to see some of the more historical sites on the island of Zante, then a trip up Mount Skopos to see the stunning monastery at the top should be on your list of things to do.

Recently renovated, the Skopiotissa Monastery is really stunning, perched on top of the mountain with sweeping island views all around. Natural Zest offers a sunrise-guided walk never to be forgotten.

You can also enjoy a massage or body treatment for an additional cost. There is a nearby spa that offers a range of treatments in your own environment.

Spa treatments

There is a nearby spa that offers a range of treatments also massage in your own environment can be arranged on request at an extra fee.

What's included

7 nights of shared accommodation
3-5 hours of TaiChi, Chi Kung, and meditation classes a day
Water, tea, and 3 meals a day (cooked/raw/vegan/etc)
Sunset Qigong practice above the famous Ship Wreck
Trip to the beautiful Xigia healing natural spa waters
Boat excursion to the famous Ship Wreck & Blue Caves
Transfers from and to Zakynthos Airport (Araxos prices on request)
Maximum group of 8 (shared rooms) on each retreat
TaiChi e-book of what you have learned and contact to keep you motivated

What's not included

Additional activities
Additional meals
Alcoholic beverages
Airfare
Spa treatments
Travel insurance

How to get there

Recommended Airports

ZTH

Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport)

168 km

Transfer included

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). Transfer from and to this airport is included in the price. Natural Zest will pick you up from the airport. Alternatively, you can arrive at Araxos Airport (GPA). Transfer from and to the airport is available upon request. There are direct flights offered to Zakynthos from April to the end of October. You can also take a 45-minute connecting flight via Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) to Zakynthos.

Arrival by bus

There is a daily bus service including the ferry available to arrive at Zakynthos. The journey is approximately seven hours.

Airport: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport) Airport transfer included: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios SolomosAirport) No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 21% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 1 days before arrival.

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