This page is to give you all the information you need for our Paros 2026 retreat. Please read it carefully. If you still have questions, please message me directly at lynn@lynnroulo.com.
Q: When does the retreat start?
The retreat officially starts with our first Kundalini Yoga class at 18:00 on Saturday, Sept 5th. You are welcome to check into your rooms starting at 13:00 on Saturday, Sept 5th. There will be a welcome snack around 13:00 for those who have already arrived.
Q: How will I get to Paros?
Paros has a national airport and a port.
By ferry: The ferry ride is between 2:45-4:30 hours. Most people take a morning ferry from Athens to arrive at Paros port before 12:00. We will have a minivan waiting for you at the port on Saturday, Sept 5th at 12:15 pm. If you are coming by ferry, we recommend considering booking a first-class/business ticket. The cost difference is small and the first-class area is much more comfortable. If you’ve already booked, you can upgrade on the ferry. You can book your tickets online or by messaging Paris at paris@dimidistours.gr. The Athens port is called “Piraeus” and your destination is Paros.
By plane: The journey from Athens to Paros is less than an hour. The airport is about 30 minutes from our hotel (Hotel Paros Philoxenia in New Golden Beach). If you arrive by plane, you can get a taxi from the airport or we can help you arrange a taxi.
If you need help getting around Athens (from the airport to center or from your hotel to ferry, etc), we work with a very reliable taxi driver named Dimos. If you need anything arranged with him, just let me know!
Q: What should I expect for our daily program?
The general schedule will be:
8:30-9:30: Vinyasa Flow with Elli Zisis
9:30-10:30: Breakfast
10:30-11:30: Enneagram discussion (4 days)
12:00-18:00: Free time!
18:00-19:30: Kundalini Yoga with me
20:00-21:00: Dinner
This is a rough program meant to give you a general idea of our days. During your free time, you will have the option to take windsurfing lessons, rent scooters to explore the island, relax on the beach, etc.
Q: What should I expect for meals?
Breakfast, juice, tea and filtered coffee are served each morning. We have our special “healthy food” section, and you also have access to the regular breakfast. Filtered coffee, juice, and tea are included. Espresso drinks are available for a charge.
A lunchtime snack is provided each day. The snack is available at the bar, and you can pick it up from 13:00-13:30 and eat it when you are hungry.
Dinner is provided each night. These meals are nutrient-dense, vegetarian meals. Water is served, and other drinks can be purchased separately.
While we encourage you to stick to the meals provided as part of the holiday, you have access to the full restaurant menu and bar (at regular prices).
Q: Are there rules around food and drinks?
We serve vegetarian meals and alcohol-free drinks. This helps your body detox and increases your vitality. While we encourage this diet for our week together, we also realize that this is your holiday so if you want to eat meat/fish or drink alcohol, we aren’t here to be the food police. Feel free to do what you want knowing you will not be judged about it. However, we ask that you stick to the program for the group meals.
Q: What should we expect from the island itself?
Paros is an island famous for its beautiful beaches and windsurfing. Our hotel is connected to a windsurfing school so if you want to try a lesson, that will be available. There are also opportunities to try SUP. The island is not large, and for those of you who want to explore, you can drive the circumference in less than two hours. This year we’ll have a special excursion to the Taos Yoga Center for a Kundalini Yoga class in their big hall and a dinner at their restaurant.
Q: If I want to see more of the island, how can I do that?
The hotel can help you rent a car or scooter to explore the island. There are also buses and some places you can reach by foot.
Q: What should I expect for the accommodations?
We’ll stay at the Paros Philoxenia Hotel directly across from New Golden Beach. Rooms have air-conditioning and wi-fi. We recommend you bring your own toiletries and hairdryer. The rooms are basic, clean, no-frills, and comfortable.
Special note: It can be disorienting arriving at a yoga retreat. You are sleeping in a new space, eating different food, and surrounded by new people. In order to make your experience as pleasant as possible, I recommend bringing a few familiar things from home (some people like scented candles, your favorite tea bags, a special eye pillow or keepsake, something that grounds you and puts you at ease). You will get into the swing of things within a day or two but this can help your transition.
Q: What should I plan to bring?
- clothing for the beach, yoga and lounging. Plan to dress in layers as it may get cool at night. It has been windy the last few years so consider that as you pack.
- toiletry items including shampoo.
- a hair dryer if you use one.
- sunscreen and a beach towel!
- bug repellent! There have been lots of mosquitoes the last two years..
- a water bottle with a filter–we will encourage you to drink lots and lots of water this holiday.
Q: What should I know about the yoga classes?
All yoga classes are all-levels. We will provide yoga mats, but if you have a favorite mat or mat cover of your own, feel free to bring it. We also have blocks.
Q: When does the holiday end?
We’ll close on Friday, Sept 11th with yoga in the morning and breakfast ending at 10:30. Some of you are island hopping, others are heading to Athens or back to your home city. We can help you get to the port or airport for your next stop. We will schedule a 12:00 shuttle from the hotel to the port so you’ll have time to get to your next destinations. The port town of Parikia is charming so if your ferry is later in the day, you can use the luggage storage facilities at the port and enjoy an afternoon in Parikia.
Q: Do I need to pay for the holiday before arriving?
Yes. The cost of the retreat is 1,750 euros/US $2,050. A 50% deposit reserves your spot. The final payment is due on or before July 15th. If you are unsure of your balance due, message me and I can let you know. Payment can be made one of three ways:
1) Bank transfer to a US Citibank account via Zelle. Send me your Zelle details if you’d like this option, and I’ll send you the payment request. We recommend this option as it avoids you paying fees.
2) Via Paypal at lynn@rasayancenter.com (you are asked to cover the transaction fees).
3) Through a bank transfer service like Wise or XE.com. Message me for banking details.
Q: Anything else I should know?
My mobile is +30 6945767544. If you have any problems or questions, please call me. If I am not available, Maria is as part of our support crew: +30 6942780929.
I have lots of new information to share both relating to health/wellness and the Enneagram. This will be an educational week. We will also have a closing party and all of you have the option to present something to the group. This is like a low-pressure “Variety show” but if you’ve got a hidden talent, a specialization or anything you’d like to share, you’ll have the option to take a few minutes to present it to the group. This is entirely optional so no pressure. 🙂
It will be an amazing week, and we look forward to having you with us on this holiday!
lynn