Εxperience a week of deep transformation and connection at our 7-day Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Retreat, led by Savvas Giantsis at Yoga in Salento. Set in the peaceful countryside of Zollino, near Lecce, the retreat takes place on a beautiful organic farm, an ideal environment for personal growth and renewal. Surrounded by nature and the calm rhythm of rural life, it offers the perfect space to recharge body, mind, and spirit.
Each morning begins with a traditional Ashtanga Mysore class, where practitioners of all levels are guided through their own self-practice under Savvas’ attentive guidance. It’s a valuable opportunity to explore the Ashtanga method at your own pace while receiving personalized support and adjustments. Whether you are new to Ashtanga or wish to deepen your practice, the morning sessions are designed to help you progress with confidence and awareness.
Our afternoon workshops, each lasting two hours, begin with a Vinyasa Session designed for all levels, an energizing flow that prepares the body and mind for the session ahead. These workshops are structured to inspire, challenge, and refine your understanding of Ashtanga yoga, offering practical tools to approach more complex postures and transitions.
This retreat invites you to explore the balance between strength and surrender, movement and stillness, body and breath. It’s a time to reconnect with yourself and experience the essence of yoga in the serene landscape of Salento, an experience that will stay with you long after the retreat ends.
Retreat Highlights:
• Daily Mysore-style practice, guided and adapted to all levels of practitioners.
• Short Vinyasa sessions and four exclusive afternoon workshops focused on key elements of the Ashtanga method.
• Peaceful natural surroundings that encourage reflection, inner balance and deeper connection with your practice.
• Time to relax and connect with like-minded practitioners while enjoying the calm and inspiring atmosphere of Salento.
Daily Schedule:
- 08:00-10:00 | Mysore Practice, all levels
- 10:00-11:30 | Brunch with organic, locally-sourced ingredients
- 17:00-19:00 | Vinyasa Class & Workshop (On selected days)
- 19:00-20:30 | Dinner with fresh, seasonal produce
Daily Schedule
08:00 - 10:00 AM: Mysore Practice (All Levels)
Start your day with a dynamic Mysore-style Ashtanga practice. This self-led session, open to practitioners of all levels, is guided by Savvas Giantsis, providing personalized adjustments and insights to help deepen your practice. Explore the traditional method of Ashtanga yoga in a supportive environment, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Salento.
10:00-11:00 AM: Brunch
Enjoy a nourishing brunch featuring fresh, organic produce grown on the farm. Replenish your energy with delicious meals that support your practice and overall well-being.
11:00 AM -17:00 PM: Free Time:
Take time to rest, explore the serene surroundings, or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the retreat center. During this time, you can journal, meditate, or connect with fellow participants. Take advantage of the on-site spa facilities, where you can unwind with a rejuvenating massage or therapy session. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply relax by the water, soaking in the tranquility of the Salento countryside.
17:00- 19:00 PM: Dive deeper into specific aspects of the practice with these focused workshops. The workshops will start with a short vinyasa class specially designed for all levels.
Workshop Descriptions
Sunday - Hips Unlocked: Creating Freedom from Within
Our hips often carry built-up tension that can limit movement and affect the way we feel in practice. This workshop offers practical tools to release that tension, improve mobility, and build the strength needed for more advanced postures. Through mindful exploration of alignment and stability, you’ll find greater ease and openness in your body, especially in seated and standing poses. A perfect session for anyone who wants to move with more freedom while keeping the joints safe and strong.
Tuesday - Opening the Heart: The Art of Backbending
Backbends are both challenging and freeing , they invite us to open, to trust, and to move with awareness. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to approach backbending safely and mindfully through strength, alignment, and breath. With the use of active release techniques, you’ll discover how to deepen your poses with ease rather than force. Suitable for all levels, this session helps you find a sense of openness through the spine and lightness in your entire practice.
Wednesday- Arm Balances: Building Strength and Control
Learn to approach arm balances with strength, control, and mindfulness in this focused workshop. We’ll explore the key principles that create a stable foundation, from proper hand placement and shoulder engagement to core activation and breath awareness. Step by step, you’ll practice targeted drills and accessible progressions designed to help you build both confidence and control.This session offers clear guidance for practitioners of all levels, helping you understand the mechanics behind arm balances and how to approach them safely. With time and awareness, you’ll discover how these postures can bring not only physical strength but also a sense of lightness, focus, and balance within your overall practice.
Friday - The Flow of Movement: Refining Jump-Backs and Jump-Throughs
Master the art of fluid transitions in this practical workshop dedicated to the jump-back and jump-through techniques of the Ashtanga practice. These movements, though challenging, can become smooth and controlled with the right approach.We’ll break down each component step by step, offering clear techniques to build the core strength, balance, and coordination needed for seamless transitions. You’ll explore how the Ashtanga Primary Series naturally prepares the body for these movements and have time to experiment with jumping into and out of different postures. By the end of the session, you’ll gain greater understanding and confidence in moving with lightness, rhythm, and grace through your practice.
7:00 PM: Dinner
Enjoy wholesome, organic dinners made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Share nourishing meals with fellow practitioners, reflecting on the day’s practice and experiences together.
Saturday, June 7
9:00 AM: Final Breakfast & Check-Out
Enjoy a last meal together, reflecting on the growth and experiences from the week. Depart feeling revitalized, with new skills and a deeper connection to your practice.