Silver Island Yoga
Silver Island, Greece
Unplug on a private Greek isle with beautifully hosted yoga retreats
Silver Island Yoga is a stunning, peaceful and entirely private yoga retreat run by sisters Claire and Lissa Christie, whose family has owned the 60-acre island for over 70 years. It feels remote, yet it’s only 15 minutes by boat from Evia. With a gorgeous yoga shala, meditation platform and whitewashed houses, it’s been crafted with caring authenticity, and a stay here will help your worries fade into the beautiful Aegean horizon.
our Reviewer Pat McNulty says:
‘Silver Island has solar lighting and is practically silent, with the exception of nature’s own music. And that did incredible things, in terms of allowing my head to rest’
our Reviewer caroline sylge says:
‘By the end of the week, I feel connected to everyone, and happy and warm inside. In a quiet moment with no-one around, I stand on the jetty in goddess pose, breathing the ocean air, head raised and jubilant’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Do let yourself get lost on this charming island - eventually, a road will bring you back to the main house. The sisters have created a colourful home strewn with personal artefacts, hand-made chandeliers, and Lissa’s own artwork - delve into her art cupboard, which she’s packed with paints and crafty bits for your use. Factor in an extra day or two in Athens or on Evia, so you can make the journey here nice and easy. The island has a micro climate - bring layers incase of the odd rainy day ’
Experiences
Week-long retreats from April to October are led by an array of expert visiting practitioners, and feature twice daily yoga for all levels and tastes, with one-to-ones offered by most teachers.
Local therapist Katerina is on hand to offer shiatsu on most retreats, while other treatments vary on each retreat - enjoy them in a refurbished chicken hut amongst the olive and pine trees.
Relax, read and sunbathe in a hammock, or on a colourful lounger on one of the two cute pebble beaches or in secluded bays.
Calm waters around the island are perfect for swimming. Go looking for dolphins or seals - on kayaks, SUPs or the reclaimed 1970s pedallo, or take the snorkels, masks and rock shoes to explore the coves.
This stop-the-world eco-retreat is solar powered and off grid, so a perfect place for a digital detox - bring your journal, and that big book you’ve always wanted to read.
Walkers love exploring the criss-cross tracks on the island. Take a look inside the ancient church, amble up to the lighthouse, or find a spot to write or take in the view.
Spaces
Two 19th century, newly refurbished, white-washed, blue-shuttered houses with fuschia pink bougainvillea climbing the walls and 360 degree views of the sea are the hub of the retreat.
The open-air yoga shala has views over the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands. The nearby meditation platform sits at the top of the island, perfect for sunrise or sunset sessions.
The six simple yet welcoming whitewashed rooms have stylish interior touches and have been named after Greek goddesses.
Rhea and Panacea are next to each other with a shared balcony. Above is the marvellous master suite Hemera, a twin room with en-suite bathroom and a large balcony. All rooms except Gaia and Rhea can be converted into a king-size bed for couples.
Bathrooms are naturally light with white screed walls, marble floor tiles and round stand-alone wash basins. You’ll get your own Turkish hammam towel and a pretty sarong for the beach.
Sustenance
Healthy, locally sourced and colourful Mediterranean food is served in decorative bowls at a long table with amazing sea views.
Meals are vegetarian, and vegans can be catered for.
Breakfast comprises granola, fresh yoghurt, nuts, chunks of seasonal fruit, local honey and bananas. Sometimes eggs and Corne’s famous banana pancakes too.
Lunch and supper dishes include delights such as carrot and pumpkin fritters with Greek parmesan and sage, Lissa’s nectarine, tomato and local ricotta cheese salad with a balsamic and basil leaf dressing, or her incredible vegan or vegetarian beetroot and mushroom burgers with homemade flat bread buns, pickled onions and topped with tomato jelly.
Before supper, enjoy drinks around the fire pit. Organic vegan wine (red, white and rose) is served with the evening meal and herbal teas, coffee, water and snacks are available all day.
