Write & Do Yoga With Me in Greece
Mamma Mia, here we go again! This time to Paros, Greece. Get creatively unstuck as you relax and reset at a seaside retreat center in the Greek islands.
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THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT. Email writeandflow@gmail.com to get added to the waiting list, or to inquire about future adventures.
WRITE & FLOW GOES TO GREECE! I am so excited to announce that I am hosting a Writing & Yoga retreat on the gorgeous Greek Island of Paros, from Friday, June 16th to Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Okreblue Eco Retreat Center.
There are a few reasons why I’m particularly excited about this retreat:
It’s in GREECE, which is literal heaven on earth. *Plays Mamma Mia on repeat until June.* It’s also one of the birthplaces of storytelling and mythology. We’ll travel to ancient ruins and immerse ourselves in the islands’ mythical creative energy as we channel our own.
I’ll be joined by an incredible 500h Greek Yoga teacher, Sasy Chasomeri, who is the co-owner of Okreblue. She will lead meditation, breathwork, and Yoga classes to help ground us each day before we move into writing.
We have 7 full days and 8 nights. You can come to settle in Friday the 16th, eat a delicious dinner, and get a good night’s rest to start the retreat bright and early on Saturday the 17th. This also guarantees more writing time and time for individualized one-on-one consultations.
The theme of this retreat is getting creatively unstuck! This will be a week to reset, connect to your core Self, and work through the blocks that are preventing you from reaching your creative potential.
We’ll be focusing on connecting to ourselves, so we can write from an authentic place. We’ll mix that deep relaxation and introspection with adventure, friendship, and fun! We’re traveling halfway across the world, after all, so expect boat rides along the Mediterranean, sightseeing, and dinner and dancing out in town.
We’ll be staying at Okreblue, a sustainable retreat center located RIGHT on the beach in Paros, Greece.
Okreblue is not only a hotel, it’s also an organic farm that will provide ingredients for all our meals. It’s secluded in nature, calming, full of charm, eco-friendly, and steps away from the ocean.
The island of Paros is a little more off the beaten path than the super touristy Santorini or Mykonos. It offers a traditional Greek living experience, while still having nightlife, incredible shopping, wonderful restaurants, and lively energy.
Every morning, we will practice Yoga, meditation, and breathwork to start the day feeling centered, grounded, and aligned with our creativity.
The Yoga & meditation portion is open to all levels, even those who’ve never done it before. If you’re experienced, there are also options for more advanced classes at Okreblue.
In the afternoons, there will be options for writing workshops, private consultations, and free time.
The writing workshops are tailored to the interests of the group, and they are hosted by me. If you’re new here, I’m WGA-Award nominated writer for The Morning Show. I’ve also written dozens of short films with over 500 million views online. As a journalist, I’ve contributed to BuzzFeed, Vulture, and more. Beyond all that, I’m a trauma-informed 200h Yoga teacher & TV writing teacher at Script Anatomy.
Because of my specific background, I teach classes on craft (character, story, etc.) as well as trauma-informed introspective writing workshops to get to the root of your creative blocks. It’s a very unique and special syllabus, and it’s open to all writers — whether you’re working in TV, prose, or poetry. Attendees tend to be a mix of professional writers, aspiring writers, and people who want to get back into writing after following other career paths.
Throughout the week, there will be opportunities to receive private consultations, and to share your work with me for individualized feedback on your writing.
You’re also always welcome to skip workshops and opt for free writing time.
Rooms & All-Inclusive Prices:
Expect rustic, eco-friendly living at a beachside retreat center & organic farm. Inspired by the elements, all rooms at Okreblue are open, naturally lit, and purposefully minimal. The room amenities include a mini-fridge, kettle, ceiling fans, ensuite bathroom, an outdoor patio, and daily room service.
Most of the rooms face the seaside and are a stone’s throw away from Filizi beach, with unencumbered access to the Aegean Sea. Perfect for a sunrise dip! Or sunset, if you’re a night person like me :)
Shared triple room: $2500/person
Shared double room: $2700/person
Private room with King bed: $3,100/person or $5,400/couple
Photos are examples of rooms, and may not be the exact room you are allocated.
Prices are all-inclusive for the following:
8 nights of shared or private accommodations at Okreblue
Delicious organic meals (brunch & dinner) full of ingredients grown in Okreblue’s own gardens, plus snacks, tea & coffee. Okreblue’s chef cooks Indian/Mediterranean-infused farm-to-table vegetarian meals.
Daily writing workshops based on the group’s interests
Trauma-informed introspective writing workshops and guided journaling
One-on-one verbal notes and feedback on your work from me
Daily Yoga, meditation, and breathwork with Sasy
Boat rides to nearby islands
2-3 meals out in town
Airport or port transfer on Paros
New friends from around the world
And so much more!
Email writeandflow@gmail.com to register or to ask questions.
To secure your space, a nonrefundable $500 deposit is required. Full payment is due March 1, 2023, at which point the retreat is non-refundable. 6-month payment plans are available.
Paying subscribers receive $100 off the price, and founding members receive a 10% discount… that’s between $250-310 off!
There is more information about the location, travel tips, and teacher bios on the retreat website.
Hope to see some of your beautiful faces in Greece!
Xo,
Ali
What people say about my retreats:
“When I first decided to sign up for the retreat I was a little nervous because I didn't know anyone else there, and I had no idea what I even wanted to write. I only knew that I like moving my body, pasta, and writing. My fears very quickly disappeared. The combination of daily thoughtful writing exercises, yoga, and not having to worry about anything while on the retreat made me so relaxed and open to new ideas and experiences. Seriously, waking up to meals freshly made from the Italian land we were living on was a dream.
Ali was there for everyone no matter where they were on their creative and yoga journey. I came to Italy with a vague idea of what I wanted to write about and left with clarity and a great start to a pilot I am now finishing a second draft of.
We had deep conversations about writing, story structure, and the industry, but we also had a very goofy time with lots of space for spontaneous adventures. I can honestly say I love everyone on that trip, and am a better writer/yogi/creative because of it. I loved it so much that I signed up for the retreat in Greece! It's an experience I'll never forget and will cherish forever. <3”
— Sharilyn, Italy 2022
"The Write and Flow Retreat was both sublime and door opening. Ali flawlessly created an ambiance that nourished both our souls and our voices as writers. What’s even more wonderful than the live experience is how I have been able to carry the tools forward into my everyday life. On a certain level the retreat made me feel like I had come home to myself.“
— Mindy M., Costa Rica 2022
“This retreat was one of the most amazing adventures of my life! It was well-designed and organized, and I felt extremely safe in Ali’s hands from the moment I signed up on a whim to stepping onto the plane home. The yoga and sound bath meditation interweaved with selected excursions and tailored writing workshops allowed me to navigate the apprehension I was feeling about the next steps of my career and the limitations I was setting on myself, not just in my writing but also in my personal journey. I made lifelong connections with a lovely group of people through sharing our work and collective experience, and by default, we created the space to share ourselves. We laughed, we cried, and we became fearless in the process. Feels like a dream I’d want to have again and again! Thank you, Ali, for opening your heart to make ours feel fuller.”
— Ariel S., Costa Rica 2022
"Spending a week amidst nature’s sounds and the smells of an Italian countryside with a group of strangers who I would quickly recognize to be such grounded and beautiful souls, was everything and more. I cannot stress the immensity of joy, magic, and love that I was blessed to receive through my time at the Italy retreat. The best part? Months later, I still carry the spirit and energy of the retreat with me - and that is the power of the beautiful space that Ali was able to make for us.
A typical day for us would be somewhat as follows. Wake up in the morning to do yoga in the shala together. Reflect as the sun rises and do some guided journaling. Sit down at the table together as we squeal every time we’re served a delicious farm-to-table meal by our wonderful villa staff. Do some writing, or take a dip in the pool, or explore town. Sit down again for a priceless mentoring session with Ali, where we’d talk about everything from story structure to writer’s block. More food. More writing. Perhaps, dancing around to ABBA in public, or going to a pork festival. Watch the stars. Knock out, as we dream about yet another day at the retreat.
Ali, thank you for being such a radiant source of inspiration, sunshine, and power. I’m grateful for the beautiful community and space I got to be a part of, held together by the warm and protective hug you embraced us with. I know I’ll need my dose of Ali again, so expect me at one of your future retreats - I already can’t wait."— Sow R., Italy 2022 retreat
My wife: "We need to save more."
Me: *reads this post