What are our Mens Retreats all about?

What even is a Men’s Retreat?

Well for me, it is the same as any other inspirational yoga, spirituality and wellness getaway, but with the crucial benefit of being surrounded by people who share your experiences, your challenges and your perspective. A group of men who are open to connect, learn and grow, building a small supportive and fun community along the way.

 

About me...

I am Ian, the creator of AthensFlow. Originally from the UK, my love affair with Greece has been ongoing for many years now, but it wasn’t until I permanently moved to Athens in 2020 that I had the opportunity to combine all my passions.

Firstly, I wanted to visit a beautiful Greek Island and attend a yoga and wellness retreat with people I could relax and engage with.  And then pretty quickly I realised the retreat that I wanted to attend just didn’t seem to exist. 

So, I thought I’d create it instead.

And it seems like many people were searching for it too!

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Sure, there were other Men’s Retreats out there, but so many seemed to revolve around words like ‘warrior’, ‘manhood’ and ‘testosterone’ and this just didn’t resonate with me. I am sure these events have great benefits for the right audience, but as a gay man who is comfortable in my identity, I didn’t want to work in this way, instead my focus is to facilitate people on their individual journeys as they continue to develop their authentic self.

I wanted a retreat where I could connect mind, body and spirit in a beautiful environment with a small community of like-minded people. 

 

Bringing it all together

Yoga has always been a passion of mine, and during the pandemic I became committed to developing meditation and pranayama breath work as a tool to help me overcome my own feelings of anxiety and stress. As I immersed myself in my personal practice, I realised this could benefit others too, so I began to hold intimate classes and used what I’d learnt to help others. The positive advantages to your mental health and wellbeing are so substantial and for me this is a key part of what we offer; the opportunity to connect with your inner self, reset your thinking and your body & adopt healthy ways to deal with the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life.

I wanted to explore the gorgeous Greek Islands, but not just the well-known ones. I wanted to feel the escapism, the personal growth, the yoga stretch & the connection and safety of an environment with a group of interesting and inspiring men.

When creating the Men’s Retreats the puzzle pieces then began to fall into place. I started working with yoga teachers, spiritual practitioners and fitness instructors from around the world and began to curate unique retreats that bring people to new parts of Greece!