Softness Within - Kea Retreat

Softness Within

MY RETREAT

Softness Within will be a retreat focused on reconnecting us to our natural essence. Through yoga, ceremony, ritual, embodiment, arts, aromatherapy, somatics, plant medicine and contemplative practices we will be guided home to a deep sense of reverence towards our personal path, the wisdom of nature and our body. 

Gentle Wake-up Flow, Meditation & Visualizations, Pranayama, Chakra Flows.

Aromatherapy Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Grounding Earth Practices, Embodiment & Somatics.

 

Special offerings

Awaken your senses and dive deep into nature’s way of healing and opening. Learn about the application and various effects of these essences, both physically, emotionally, energetically and psychologically. Blend and mix to your heart’s content and create your own favourite scents for your unique tincture.

Guided by the transformative energy of Cacao, the sacred plant medicine revered by the Maya, we open our hearts, grounding ourselves in prayerful intention. From this sacred space, we transition into a movement ritual, embodying connection and flow.

A movement practice designed to get us out of our head and into the currents of sensation in our body. In relating to the self and other this practice opens the doorway to fully experiencing the present moment, to understanding our emotions and to reclaiming connection and sensuality while using expression to integrate and reflect.

A workshop in which we discover and express the beauty within us through various forms of writing practices. Awakening our creative force, exploring the subconscious layers of our being and allowing us to communicate with and expand our perception of the outer world through the inner process of creation.

 

  • Manouk de Bijl
  • Manouk de Bijl
  • Manouk de Bijl
  • Manouk de Bijl
  • Manouk de Bijl

Manouk de Bijl

Your teacher

Manouk is a Trauma-Informed Somatic Guide, Sacred Space Holder, Women’s Ceremony Facilitator, Energy Healer, Yoga Teacher, and Retreat Leader dedicated to guiding others back to themselves. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, she embarked on a transformative journey of holistic healing, uncovering the intricate links between emotions, trauma, and physical health. Through somatic practices, natural therapies, and deep inner work, Manouk not only healed herself but discovered her purpose: to support others in reconnecting with their bodies and embracing their innate strength.

 

Over the past several years, Manouk has shared her wisdom globally, offering retreats, classes, and workshops. Her approach creates a nurturing environment for self-discovery, combining movement, mindfulness, and somatic healing to help individuals release limiting beliefs and step into their authentic selves.

 

Through her offerings, Manouk invites you to explore your body’s innate intelligence, fostering self-love and empowerment that ripple into every aspect of life. By weaving ceremony, ritual, and mindful practices, she guides you from head to heart—connecting movement with breath to realign body, mind, and soul. Together, you’ll journey home to yourself, to each other, and to the earth.

read more about Manouk de BijlLEARN MORE read more about Manouk de BijlView instgram

WHAT YOU WILL TAKE HOME

  • A sense of cultivated softness within and connection to your body and the earth. 
  • Knowledge and wisdom on Cacao, Healing, Chakra’s, Aromatherapy, Yoga & Meditation
  • Tools and techniques for regulating your own nervous system and how to stay in the softness 
  • Deep connections with minded souls
  • How to create seasonal rituals to support emotional well-being
  • Replenished and rejuvenated 
  • A renewed appreciation and love  for your body, nature and movement.

Retreating with us

  • 5 days/nights long, from Sunday to Friday
  • Full board in an upscale traditionally designed cottage with private balcony
  • Two yoga classes per day
  • One meditation or celebration/ceremony per day 
  • 3 abundant and delicious meals each day (cooked using our fresh farm and sea produce)
  • One group dinner at Kea Retreat’s family’s taverna
  • Yoga equipment and accessories (mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, and blankets)
  • Pickup and drop off at ferry station
  • Swimming pool with in water lounging section
  • Vegetable garden
  • A private bay
  • Spontaneous dancing every night

Additional Activities:

Kayaks – venture into the sea with our kayaks, double or single, to discover caves and more isolated beaches.

Snorkeling – for those looking to discover what’s lurking under the surface and meet our local fish, or do some shell diving, snorkels and goggles are available.

Illoulida – walk down to the ancient capital, Ioulida, during sunset hours to explore the beautiful architecture and small shops (clothing, ceramics, local produce).

Island boat trip – set sail around the island on a calm ocean bed to uncover hidden corners of the island that can only be experienced by boat.

Hikes – the island is full of ancient trails that cross through farmlands and forests, up greeny hills, or down to secret shores with ruins from the 12th century BC.

Kastriani monastery – drive up the windy cliffs of the northern peak of the island to the breathtakingly beautiful blue and white Greek orthodox monastery that overlooks the Aegean sea.

Winery – have a picnic between the grape leaves of Kea Retreat’s vineyard while sipping on their locally grown wine.

Arts and crafts – feel free to use the art supplies situated on the shelf and let your creativity flow.

Music and Instruments – strum away at the guitar or play the tibetan bowls to the intoxicating sounds of nature.

Relax – unwind by picking a book off of the shelf and laying down on one of the outdoor beanbags, hammocks, or couches, or take a few more steps down to the beach and soak up some sun.

TEACHER’S NOTE

This retreat is about reconnecting to a deep sense of belonging both to ourselves, to each other and to the land. It will be a safe, healing space that will bring us together in community to connect to each other, celebrate, and cultivate joy and resilience.

By slowing down and reconnecting to the elemental wisdom and the rhythms of nature we will align with the beauty of the present moment. It’s a week of creating bliss, space to reflect and abundant self-love.