Lesvos, Greece ~ The Sacred & Subtle ~
Find Your Inner Sun
Summer Solstice Retreat
Dates: June 21-28, 2026
Location: Milelja Retreat Center, Lesvos Greece
Includes:
8-Days & 7 Nights Accommodations , All Delicious/Island Fresh Breakfasts & Lunches, 3 Farm-To-Table Dinners, , Daily Yoga & Meditation, Mantra & Music, Boat Cruise on the Aegean Sea, Therma Gera Hot Springs on The Sea, Island Bus Tour, Visit to Ancient Greek Temple Ruins, Salt Water Swimming Pool & Hot Tub, Sacred Geometry Drawing & Sessions, Practices for Heart/Mind/Spirit, Sessions on The Subtle Body/Chakras and Sound, and Plenty of Free time to Explore the Magical Island of Lesvos, 15 Min walk to Beach and the town of Port Town of Molyvos…
Fly To: Athens, Greece ~ Then local flight to Mitilene (Lesvos), Greece
Hosts: Katrina Gustafson & Michael Shankara
Pricing
Standard Single: $2,700 ~ Available
Standard Double: $3,870 ($1,935/pp) ~ Available
Poolside Suite: Single: $3,240 ~ Available
PoolsideSuite: Double: $4,230 ($2,115/pp) ~ Available
Gypsy Wagon Suite: $2,907 Single/$3,906 Couple ($1,935/pp) ~ Available
** If you would like to split the registration cost between two people please contact Michael and we will set up the split payments **
You can contact by email before you make a purchase :
Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com with message for “Split Double Room Payment: Greece Retreat”
Watch a short video about our Magical Retreat to Greece!
~ Greece Summer Solstice Retreat ~
Overview
Join Michael and Katrina as they return once again to the serene island of Lesvos, Greece—the magical place where they celebrated their wedding in 2018 and have been drawn back to year after year. This enchanted coastal village of Molivos on the Aegean Sea holds a special place in their hearts, and they’re thrilled to share it with you during the most luminous time of year: the Summer Solstice.
As the sun reaches its peak on June 21st, we’ll gather in this timeless place where the quality of light is truly extraordinary—healing, magical, and outside of ordinary time. Here, we’ll return to the ancient rhythms of life where people rise with the sun, follow the cycles of sun and moon, and live in harmony with the land and sea.
Each morning begins with yoga and meditation as the Mediterranean light awakens the day, followed by a farm-to-table breakfast sourced from the island’s bounty. After a nourishing lunch, your afternoons are free to explore, rest, or simply be. Perhaps you’ll wander the cobblestone streets of the antiquated castle town, swim in the crystal-clear Aegean, walk through ancient olive groves, or sit poolside with a book.
In the late afternoon, we gather for daily satsang where Michael will guide us through the mysteries of Sacred Geometry—teaching us to draw these essential shapes and understand their profound relevance in our lives. Katrina will illuminate the subtle realms, sharing wisdom about our astral (electric) and causal (magnetic) bodies, and how caring for these invisible aspects of ourselves can transform our quality of life.
Together, we’ll journey inward to connect with the inner sun of our hearts—the Hridayam in Sanskrit—and explore the sacred relationship between our heart center and the heart of the sun itself.
As evening descends, we often gather poolside for Michael’s star talks, connecting with the celestial rhythms that have guided humanity since ancient times. Three dinners are lovingly prepared and served in the retreat center’s enchanting gardens, where you’ll dine under the stars surrounded by the fragrance of Mediterranean herbs and flowers. Four evenings are yours to explore the magical harbor town below, where traditional tavernas serve fresh-caught fish and authentic Greek cuisine, and the gentle sounds of the sea accompany your meal.
The retreat center itself is a sanctuary. Choose from poolside apartments with stunning views, private guest rooms, or the charming Gypsy wagon with its own patio. Each space is thoughtfully appointed with wonderful balconies overlooking this paradise. The saltwater pool and hot tub offer refreshing respite, while the entire property emanates peace and simplicity.
Your journey includes four sacred excursions: a boat cruise on the sparkling Aegean Sea to the charming seaside village of Skala Sykaminia—where we’ll dine harbourside beneath ancient trees and explore the famous Mermaid Madonna church; a visit to the nearby Eftalou Hot Springs where legend says seven alternating plunges between the 108°-115° healing waters and the sea will clear your karmas; a day trip across the island to Therma Gera Hot Springs overlooking the mystical Gulf of Gera, with stops at 500 B.C. Greek temple ruins for meditation; and time to witness the pink flamingos at Gulf Kalloni where sea salt has been gathered for millennia. This is more than a retreat—it’s a pilgrimage to honor the sun at its most powerful moment, to reconnect with the eternal rhythms of nature, and to find your own inner sun.
In this place where time slows down, where the tourism has faded and life feels as it did centuries ago, you’ll discover a profound sense of communion—with the land, the culture, your fellow travelers, and the cosmic dance of sun, moon, and stars. Come celebrate the Solstice with us in this sacred corner of the world where the light itself seems to carry ancient wisdom.
Milelja Retreat Center
The Milelja Retreat Center is located on the Greek Island of Lesvos in the eastern Aegean, a ten minutes walk to the sea and the small town of Molyvos. The Milelja Retreat center provides a calm and intimate atmosphere for Workshops and Retreats. With a sweeping view of Molyvos and the sea, our three acre property with its old trees and flower gardens, natural stone buildings harmoniously set into the landscape create a truly lush and unique character.
Owners Gisa and Detlef first came to Lesvos with their young children in 1985, and instantly fell in love with the island. The friendliness of its people and the warmth of the sun convinced them to stay. Almost 40 beautiful year later, they have created a sanctuary that seekers from all around the world are called to visit and restore their Mind, Body and Spirits. Their resort and retreat center is a magical place for reflection, healing, relaxation, and connecting into a more ancient way of being. Time slows down and your senses open up. You notice the stars, the sea, the olive trees, the people working and living a pure life. The food comes right from the farmers and the land and is grown with love. Gisa and Detlef are caring and wise souls and make each group feel welcome and like family.
Four Senses Day Spa
Anna Liamo is the daughter of retreat owner’s Gisa & Detlef and the creator of Four Senses Day Spa that is located right with the beautiful grounds of the retreat center. Light up your face with gladness, celebrate your beautiful self with a day at her spa, reward yourself with authentic natural beauty products and luxurious body and facial treatments. At Anna-Liamo Day Spa, they will carefully listen to your needs, offer you high quality bespoke treatments and share with you our passion with all things beauty. Allow your beauty to radiant from within.
The Four Sense Day Spa offers facials, pedicures, massages, and body treatments all using botanicals grown from local farms and the local people. Anna is both trained in the German Health & Wellness Schools and the Ancient Greek traditions of the grandmothers. You can learn more and book a treatment here: Anna Liamo ~ Four Senses Day Spa
The Island of Lesvos & Molyvos, Greece
This green island in the eastern Aegean sea is off the beaten track of mass tourism. It has the feel of authentic Greek life. Covered with olive groves and vast pinewoods, legend has it that this is where music first came to man. Poetry, Song and dance still play an important role.
Lesvos is the third biggest island of Greece with many different landscapes – a micro cosmos of its own. Many traditional villages nestle in the mountains, one visit is not enough to see them all. Lesvos is simply amazing and has been a favorite destination for romantics, artists and birdwatchers.
The island is blessed with healing hot springs, a big variety of birds and wildflowers, award winning beaches, a petrified forest, medieval castles, fine museums, and last but not least is famous for it’s unique cuisine with traditional dishes and local fish.
Molyvos where the Milelje Retreat Center is located, also known as Mythimna is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Lesvos located 60 km west of Mytilene, the capital of the island. Molyvos is a traditional preserved settlement attracting thousands of visitors with its natural beauty and picturesque corners. Narrow alleys winding around the traditional stone built houses, the Turkish style fountains and beautiful mansions compose an idyllic setting.
The landmark of Molyvos is the medieval castle that stands at the top of the rocky cliff and is the second largest castle of Lesvos. Its entrance is quite impressive as well as the view to the Aegean. The archaeological collection, the numerous Byzantine churches and the neoclassical buildings witness a place of special importance. Plenty of accommodations, seaside taverns and nice cafes are found in the village. Some kilometres outside Molyvos is Eftalou, a stunning location with beautiful isolated beaches.
Molyvos is also famous for being home to the world’s most beautiful street. In 1965 it was declared a protected site by Greek authorities and it’s unique architecture, featuring homes made of stone and wood, which still remain the same in this rustic and picturesque village. The town is built amphitheatrically with a castle on top and traditional houses wrapping around the coastal road and the scenic harbour.
Sacred Excursions
During our week together, we’ll embark on four carefully chosen journeys that connect us to the healing waters, ancient wisdom, and timeless beauty of Lesvos. From soaking in legendary hot springs and sailing the Aegean Sea to meditating in ancient temple ruins and dining in charming seaside villages, each excursion deepens our connection to this magical island and its sacred rhythms.
Eftalou Hot Springs, Molyvos
Clear Your Karmas
The volcanic origin of the Island has left a very precious heritage – hot and healing mineral springs. The hot spring of Eftalou is only a few kilometers away from The Milelja Retreat Center. The spring water has a temperature of approx. 108°-115°. The spring is located next to the sea on the beach. You can enjoy the wonderful water in a big basin made of natural stone which is covered by a dome. The water contains radium, chloride and sodium among other minerals. A bath is highly recommended for visitors looking to connect with these deeply healing waters. It is said that if you alternate plunging in the sea and hot springs 7-times that you will clear and heal your karmas. Worth a try 🙂 We will make a visit to these ancient near by springs with the group.
Therma Gera Hot Springs, Mytilini
The volcanic origins of Lesvos have blessed the island with precious healing treasures—natural hot springs that have drawn visitors for millennia. Therma Gera Spa, one of the island’s most special destinations, sits majestically perched above the Gulf of Gera, an ancient and mystical bay that cuts deep into the heart of the island. This protected gulf, formed by volcanic activity eons ago, creates a unique microclimate and ecosystem that has been considered sacred since ancient times. The hot springs themselves emerge from deep within the earth, carrying mineral-rich waters heated by the island’s volcanic core—a direct connection to the primal forces that shaped this magical landscape.
We will spend a luxurious day soaking in these therapeutic waters while gazing over the serene beaches and azure waters of the gulf below. The spa has become a beloved destination for both locals and travelers seeking the restorative powers of these ancient springs. The facility features a lovely restaurant and cafe where you can order lunch and drinks while sitting comfortably overlooking the stunning vista. There is also beach access for those who wish to experience the unique practice of alternating between the hot mineral waters and the cool sea—a traditional therapy said to balance the body’s energies. This is a very special opportunity to soak, heal, and restore while being immersed in the nourishing rhythm of the local community at these sacred waters.
Ancient Greek Temple Ruins & Island Tour
Journey across the heart of Lesvos on a scenic bus tour to visit the sacred Temple of Messa, built in the 4th Century BC and dedicated to the Gods Zeus, Dionysus and Hera. Within these ancient grounds, you can still see remnants of a Byzantine church built in early Christian times, showing the continuous sacred use of this powerful site. As we explore the temple ruins, Michael will guide us in recognizing the sacred geometry embedded in the architecture—the golden ratios, perfect proportions, and harmonious forms that the ancient Greeks used to create structures that resonate with cosmic order. These same mathematical principles appear in nature, in our bodies, and in the mystical teachings of both Greek philosophy and yogic wisdom.
We’ll have the opportunity to meditate within these hallowed ruins, feeling how the Greeks and ancient yogis shared universal teachings about the subtle and spiritual dimensions of existence. Both traditions understood that sacred spaces could serve as portals between the physical and divine realms, using geometry, proportion, and alignment to facilitate spiritual awakening. Along the way to Messa, we’ll pass through the Gulf of Kalloni, where the famous pink flamingos make their home and where rich mineral sea salt has been gathered for thousands of years. This excursion offers a profound connection to the ancient mystery schools and their timeless wisdom, allowing us to experience firsthand how sacred architecture can open doorways to higher consciousness.
Skala Sykaminia
~ Seaside Village & Boat Tour ~
Departing form the scenic harbor of Molyvos, we will take a 1 hour boat tour on the Aegean Sea between the coasts of ancient Greece and Turkey. This is exactly where the epic Trojan War, Achilles and the Trojan Horse all took place. These shores are also where Aristotle and Epicurus lived and taught. You will get to see the stunning landscape of Turkey from a far and the volcanic mountains of the island of Lesvos from the mystic waters of the Aegean. We will arrive at the quaint seaside village of Skala Sykaminia.
Verdant mountain-sides rise behind the village and the inner harbor of fishing boats. The locales relax on the pristine benches with rows of trees lining the town square and waters edge. Harbourside, there are tables set for dining at the traditional Greek Tavernas. We will dine old-world style looking out to the sea in the shade of the trees. They still invite you into the kitchen to see what is being made and to choose the catch of the day if you eat seafood. And don’t worry they have all the food options for vegetarians, vegans, and other food needs. And just below the taverna is the famous landmark church of Panagia Gorgona (the Mermaid Madonna). You can explore the artisan shops, swim in the pristine waters, visit the church or have afternoon ouzo talking with the local people.
Daily Schedule
- Morning Beach Meditation (Optional) 7:30-8:30am
- Breakfast (Included) 8:30-9:30am
- Daily Yoga 9:30-11:30am
- Lunch (Included) 11:30-12:30pm
- Free Time (Optional Excursions) 1:30am-4:30pm
- The Sacred & Subtle Sessions 4:30-6pm
- Dinner (3 Included at Retreat Center) 6-8pm
- Free Time 6pm on…
- Island Excursions, Sunset strolls, Dinner, Pool Time, Beach, Bike Ride, Visit town, etc..
Included
Along with the daily retreat schedule with Katrina Marie and Michael the following packages are included
- 8-Days & 7-Nights Accommodations
- All Breakfasts & Lunches
- 3 Farm-to-Table Dinners
- Unlimited Tea, Coffee and Water Service
- Daily Yoga and Meditation
- Mediation and QiGong by The Aegean Sea
- Music, Mantra, and Chanting
- Art and Sacred Geometry Sessions
- Subtle Body, Chakras and Sound Sessions
- Shamanic Journey to The Soul
- Talks on Ancient Greece, Yoga, Consciousness, Astrology and Spirituality
- Boat Excursion on the Aegean Sea to Charming Fishing Village with Tradition Taverna Meal on the Water
- Salt Water Pool and Hot Tub
- 15 Min Walk to Aegean Sea Beach & Port Town of Molyvos
- Therma Gera Hot Springs by the Sea and Island Bus Tour to Ancient Temple Ruins
- Eftalou Ancient Hot Springs and Karma Clearing 🙂
- Plenty of Free Time to Explore the Artisan Towns of Molyvos and Petra: Crafts, Shopping, Textiles, Food, Local Spices, Ancient Castles and Churches, Village Life, Olive Orchards, Beaches, Sea Port, Cobble Stone Roads, Sunsets on the Water…
Additional Options
Attendees also can venture on their own during free time and take advantage of activities like spa treatments, sailing, visiting ancient ruins, scooters, visiting of the biological reserve, a petrified forest, medieval castles, cultural museums, touring the olive orchards, and personal trips to surrounding towns, reserves & additional beaches. There are taxis, private shuttles, buses, and rental car options for travel to further destinations.
Accommodations
Retreat Center Rooms
Milelja Retreat Center has three natural stone cottage houses nestled in the midst of terraced flower gardens, surrounding trees and view of the Aegean sea and the medieval port town of Molyvos. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, in suite bathrooms, outside terraces with reclining chairs, central heating, large windows and arched doors. The Poolside Suites have a Kitchenette and Living Room areas. Rooms can be set up for 1 or 2 guest with either 2 twin, 2 double beds or 1 Large Bed.
Standard~ Single
- Private Room w/ 1 Bed
- Private Bathroom
- Daily Cleaning
- All Breakfast & Lunches, 3 Diners
- Boat Excursion, Hot Springs, Ancient Ruins, Bus Tour…
- Outdoor Patio or Seating Area with Views of the Town and Ancient Castle
$2,700 Standard~ Single (Available)
Poolside Suite~ Single
- Private Room w/ 1 Bed
- Living Room and Kitchenette Space
- Poolside Rooms with Balcony
- 1 Private Bathroom
- Daily Cleaning
- All Breakfast & Lunches, 3 Diners
- Boat Excursion, Hot Springs, Ancient Ruins, Bus Tour…
- Outdoor Patio and Seating Area
$3,240 Poolside Suite~ Single (Available)
Standard Double
- Private Room w/ Large Bed or 2 Twin or Double Beds
- Private Bathroom
- Daily Cleaning
- All Breakfast & Lunches, 3 Diners
- Boat Excursion, Hot Springs, Ancient Ruins, Bus Tour…
- Outdoor Patio or Seating Area with Views of the Town and Ancient Castle
3,870 Standard~ Double
($1,935/pp) ~Available
** If you would like to split the registration cost between two people please contact Michael and we will set up the split payments **
You can contact by email before you make a purchase :
Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com with message for “Split Double Room Payment: Greece Retreat”
Poolside Suite~ Double
- Private Room w/ 1 Large Bed or 2 Twin or Double Beds
- Living Room and Kitchenette Space
- Private Bathroom
- Poolside Rooms with Balcony
- Daily Cleaning
- All Breakfast & Lunches, 3 Diners
- Boat Excursion, Hot Springs, Ancient Ruins, Bus Tour…
- Outdoor Patio or Seating Area with Views of the Town and Ancient Castle
$4,230 Poolside Suite~ Double ($2,115/pp) ~Available
** If you would like to split the registration cost between two people please contact Michael and we will set up the split payments **
You can contact by email before you make a purchase :
Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com with message for “Split Double Room Payment: Greece Retreat”
Gypsy Wagon Suite~ Single or Couple
- Private Gypsy Wagon w/ 1 Bed
- Private Bathroom
- Living Area and Kitchenette
- Daily Cleaning
- All Breakfast & Lunches, 3 Diners
- Boat Excursion, Hot Springs, Ancient Ruins, Bus Tour…
- Outdoor Patio or Seating Area
$2,907 Single or $3,906 Couple ($1,953/pp) ~Available
** If you would like to split the registration cost between two people please contact Michael and we will set up the split payments **
You can contact by email before you make a purchase :
Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com with message for “Split Double Room Payment: Greece Retreat”
Retreat Pricing does not include, airfare or airport transportation. We will arrange for all taxi and shuttle services to and from the airport, which will be paid for by attendees at time of pick-up. Any additional excursions outside of the The Boat Cruise, Therma Gera Hot Springs, Eftalou, Bus Tour and Ruins are personal expenses. If you would like to further discuss the retreat and/or rooming options, you can contact us @ Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com or 720-745-0184 (Michael).
How to Fly to Greece
While you can research flights to Mytilene, Greece using Flight Search Engines or a direct Airline Website, we recommend you book your tickets in stages for the best price. First book your flight to Athens, Greece (see below for more details). Then book the island hopper to Mytilene on the island of Lesvos. We recommend getting the International Flight as soon as you are able and then you have time for the Island flight as those are regular commuter flights. Many people fly to Athens and spend a night or two checking out the Ancient Temples and sites and then take the island hopper flight to Mytilene.
**We will happily assist and consult you on your flights to give our best recommendations. We can talk on the phone or meet at Karma Yoga Center **
Two Ways To Get To Athens, Greece
- One is a direct flight to Athens, Greece from a North American city such as Toronto, Chicago, or Washington D.C. This may be preferred as your layover will be in the United States- if for example you are starting in Denver, and you will directly enter customs in Athens.
2. The other option is to fly direct from Denver to another European city such as Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, or Paris and then get a connecting flight to Athens. You will go through European Customs in the first City you land in and will not need to repeat this in Athens. Most European countries share a common customs agreement called the Shenzhen Zone and allow you to pass through customs once for all of your European travels. For this option, be sure to know if your checked baggage will carry all the way through to your destination in Athens, or if you need to pick it up and recheck it at your first European layover. Also, know that if you first flight from the United States is delayed, you could miss your connecting flight if you have a short layover. And, you will need to pass through customs in this city before re-boarding for Athens.
You may find a significant variation in costs dependent upon the destination country and city. Your search engine will route you to Athens first (you have to go there) and there will be a layover at the Athens international airport, then a connecting flight to Mytilene on a Greek Airline such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Airlines or Sky Express. There are multiple flights a day from Athens to Mytilene and it is a 1-Hour flight. Once one the Island, we will arrange your custom-taxi pick-up at the airport, and it is a 1-hour ride through the gorgeous Greece countryside on the island.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change, and we’ve structured our policy to be as fair as possible while honoring our commitments to the retreat center.
More than 6 weeks before retreat start date:
- Full refund minus a $360 administrative and processing fee
6 weeks or less before retreat start date:
- Unfortunately, no refunds can be provided as we are required to pay the retreat center in full regardless of attendance.
- You may transfer your spot to another person with our approval.
- If we can fill your spot from our waitlist, we will refund payment minus a $216 administrative and processing fee
Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended:
We highly encourage all participants to purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation for health or other unforeseen circumstances. This can protect your investment if you need to cancel for covered reasons.
Important Notes:
* All payments become non-refundable 6 weeks before the retreat
* In the unlikely event we must cancel the retreat due to circumstances beyond our control (force majeure), you will receive a full refund
* No refunds or credits for unused portions of the retreat (meals, excursions, etc.)
By registering for this retreat, you acknowledge and accept this cancellation policy.
As the owner and founder of Karma Yoga Center in Denver, she brings the bhakti from all wisdom traditions to her yoga classes- singing, chanting, dancing, and journeys into the heart. Katrina fills every yoga session with love. She weaves in the teachings of her yoga mentor Saul David Raye and the cosmic knowings from the lineage of Evolutionary Astrology.
She shares her life journey with her half-side husband Michael Shankara and her two boys Max & Bo .
Michael Shankara
Michael is a yoga teacher, Mayan shaman/priest, astrologer, Qi Gong practitioner, and sacred geometer. He apprenticed with Dr. Don Miguel Angel Vergara, a revered Mayan Elder, Wisdom Keeper, Mayan Priest, and former cultural director of the sacred Chichen Itza Pyramids. This lineage deeply enriches Michael’s work to understand and share universal and perennial spiritual teachings from many ancient wisdom traditions.
Integrating his shamanic and yogic training, Michael offers transformative experiences through music, sound healing, crystal healing, energy healing, and astrology readings. With over a decade of study in Western, Mayan, Greek, Vedic, Native, and Chinese astrology, he brings deep wisdom to his teachings. Michael also shares the principles of sacred geometry through engaging drawing classes, seminars and workshops. He blends Taoist and Vedic yoga to help students balance Mind, Body and Spirit.
Together with his beloved partner Katrina, they co-own Karma Yoga Center in Denver. As “The Shaman & The Mermaid”, they create a loving community, offering teacher trainings, retreats, spiritual immersions, classes, workshops, events, and insightful teachings, including free Full Moon astrological forecast videos. Their mission is to create community, share the spiritual teachings, and inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys of self-discovery, empowerment, healing, self-realization and spiritual growth.
