Dolphin’s Leap Wellness Retreats
Lefokastro, Greece
Enlivening week-long yoga, Pilates and wellness breaks by the sparkling Pagasetic Gulf
Dolphin’s Leap is an elegant seafront estate surrounded by ancient olive trees and natural forest in Lefokastro, in the Pelion region of mainland Greece. Warm, generous owners and hosts Pippa and Nick Dale-Harris host a lovely range of yoga, wellness and Pilates retreats. Enjoy a sea-facing infinity pool, beachside yoga and meditation, expert Pilates teaching and holistic therapies in an unspoilt Mediterranean setting.
our Reviewer Emma douglas says:
‘Many of us would like to take our teacher and therapist Ioannis home, but settle for moments of happiness, calm or insight that we have found on this wellness week’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘The vibe is calm and relaxed here, with the daily schedule starting at a civilised 8am. Beachside morning meditation is gloriously thorough, with breathwork, self-massage and sound healing. It’s worth joining Pippa and Nick for a costal walk or go on a self-guided expedition into the mountainous local terrain to enjoy wild herbs, flora and fauna’
Experiences
Week-long retreats focus on wellness, Pilates or yoga in a variety of styles. All include plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Mornings usually begin with a two-minute walk to the beach for a 30-minute guided meditation. Holistic treatments such as sound healing, massage, face reflexology, acupuncture and reiki are available to book as extras.
Yoga retreats aimed at all levels feature two 90-minute sessions, one pre-breakfast and one at sunset. Styles on offer include jivamukti, Sivananda, vinyasa flow and bowspring. There’s also a more subtle chakra and yoga retreat that focuses on energetic healing and yogic flow.
Pilates on the wellness and Pilates retreats is taught by Ioannis Dovros, a highly experienced holistic practitioner, whose medical fitness and clinical Pilates background brings a precision approach - useful for those with injuries. Equipment (balls, hoops, straps, foam rollers) is provided.
Between sessions, go walking, sea swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding (equipment included in the price). There’s also a boat trip to local coastal villages such as Kalimos, where you can sample the taverna’s catch of the day.
Spaces
Enjoy wide open sun-baked terraces, a private diving platform into the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, and a beautiful secluded sandy beach just below the house.
Take quiet time to wander the well-tended gardens and grounds of olive trees. Treatments take pace in a beautiful yurt with sea views.
There’s a shaded first-floor terrace with cushioned seating, and comfy wooden sun loungers and umbrellas around the gorgeous saltwater infinity pool with sea views.
The welcoming main house has a spacious, light sitting room and reading snug with books and games. This opens out onto the outdoor dining and seating area under the shade of a canopy where all meals are served.
There are six roomy and light double or twin bedrooms, four en-suite, two with shared bathroom, all with sea views and air conditioning. Decor is clean, with white painted walls, traditional wooden furniture and modern white bathrooms.
Thoughtful arrival touches include a fragrant Pelion soap and vase of wild herbs. Extra accommodation is offered in a two-storey stone cottage, set apart from the main house.
Sustenance
All meals are vegetarian (with vegan available) and prepared by the resident cook, Toula, using organic, fresh, seasonal and locally grown or made produce.
Breakfasts include eggs, fresh wholemeal bread, yoghurt, honey and fruits.
Lunches are traditional delights - Greek salad, baked chickpeas and traditional spinach filo pie.
Dinners are delicious home-cooked dishes such as vegetable moussaka and butterbean casserole.
Snacks include fruit, nuts and afternoon treats of apple or plum cake. Tea and coffee are available all day, and local wine is offered at dinner.
