Frequently Asked Questions

LODGING

Is lodging included?
No. Participants book their own lodging. We do this intentionally to offer flexibility around budget, comfort, privacy, and travel preferences, and to allow you to arrive early or stay longer if you wish.

Where should I stay?
Check out the housing recommendations on the Housing Info Page. Please email, text, or call if you would like to have some more personalized advice.

Can I share lodging with other participants?
Of course! When you fill out your registration form - there is a question about sharing contact info with other retreat participants. If you checked yes, the emails we send will have your email address visible. You can reach out to other participants about sharing housing. Airbnb is a place to look for smaller apartments that would be appropriate to share.

TRAVEL

Where do I fly into?
International flights arrive in Athens International Airport (ATH). You can then fly to Parikia, Paros.

Should I arrive early?
Yes. We recommend arriving in Athens or on Paros a night before the retreat begins. This allows time to rest, adjust to travel, and protect against flight delays. Often the trans-Atlantic flights arrive in Athens in the morning and there are a few options for flights from Athens to Paros that will line up.

How do I get from Athens to Paros?
You have two main options:

By flight:
– Approximately 40 minutes - Olympic, Sky, and Aegean are the main airlines
– Departs directly from Athens airport
– Fast and simple

By ferry:
– Departs from Piraeus port - about an hour bus or taxi ride from the Athens airport
– 3–5 hours depending on ferry type
– Scenic and relaxed

What should I know about return flights?
You will most likely need to spend a night in Athens on your way home. Trans-Atlantic flights back to the US usually don’t line up with the Paros flights to allow you to connect in one day. You can spend a night very close to the airport - there are lots of hotels with free shuttles. There is a Sofitel right in the airport which is definitely the simplest but more expensive option.
You can also choose to visit Athens at this point. The city is at least an hour from the airport so trying to fit a trip into the city during a few hour layover is definitely not recommended.

SPENDING TIME IN ATHENS

What should I do if I spend a night in Athens?
Athens is walkable, vibrant, and rich with history. You may enjoy strolling through the Plaka neighborhood, visiting the Acropolis and excellent Acropolis Museum, and sitting at outdoor cafés. The airport is around an hour away from the city center, so exploring Athens is only recommended if you choose to spend the night and schedule this into your trip. 

Where should I stay in Athens?
A hotel or Airbnb near the Acropolis/Plaka area for walking and culture, or near the airport for simplicity and rest.

PACKING & PREPARATION

What should I bring?
Generally, bring comfortable clothes, a wind breaker is useful, layers, a warm layer - it can be chilly at night, walking shoes and sandals, a swimsuit, sun protection. Spring on Paros can be warm and sunny with an occasional windy, cool and rainy day, so bring clothing for both. There is no need to really dress up for anything on Paros.
I always bring:
pair of jeans,
pair of light weight pants
pair of shorts
bathing suit
few t-shirts
couple long sleeves — a light-weight sun shirt comes in handy
hat for the sun
sunglasses
fleece vest
light sweater
wind breaker/rain coat

What will the weather be?
Spring on Paros can be warm and sunny with an occasional windy, cool and rainy day. By the end of April there will be days in the 70’s when the sun is bright and the wind is down and swimming is refreshing and invigorating. The water will be cold though - not like New England-cold, but not warm. There will also be days in the lower-mid 60’s. The wind can be strong and make a day in the upper 60’s feel 10 degrees colder.

Can I get medication on the island?
Please bring enough of any prescription drugs you take regularly. There are lots of pharmacies - you can get many typical, over-the-counter items

RETREAT FLOW & DAILY RHYTHM

What does a typical day look like?
Days are intentionally spacious. A general rhythm includes morning hiking or mindfulness and stretching, group meeting, creative practice, group lunch, midday rest or studio time, afternoon gathering with tea and snacks, dinners on your own or with fellow participants.

Is everything mandatory?
No. All activities are invitational. Rest and choice are part of the retreat.

Will there be free time?
Yes. Spaciousness and integration are central to the experience.

FOOD & DIETARY NEEDS

Are meals included?
We will have a welcome and farewell dinner at a local taverna. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day in the studio building. Lunches will be buffet style on the days we are in the studio - picnic will be provided on our excursions. Other meals are intentionally left open so you can explore Paros - we will give you recommendations for some good local dinner options and super markets if you’d like to cook your own food.

Can you accommodate dietary needs?
We can often accommodate common dietary needs with advance notice. Please include allergies or restrictions on your registration form.

EMOTIONAL SAFETY & GROUP CULTURE

Is this therapy?
No. This retreat can be deeply meaningful, but it is not psychotherapy or clinical treatment.

Will I be asked to share personal things?
Sharing is always optional. You are never required to disclose anything you don’t want to.

What if I get emotional?
That’s normal. The work is held gently, with care and respect. You always have choice in how you participate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE & RESPONSIBILITY

Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance protects you in case of delays, illness, or unexpected changes.

What if my flight is delayed?
Travel insurance covers these situations. We’ll provide contact details so you can communicate if delays occur.

AFTER THE RETREAT

What happens after the retreat?
We close with simple integration practices. Many participants may choose to continue with online group work or one-to-one support to stay connected and supported.