MEDITATION
& YOGA
RETREAT
PAKLENI ISLANDS
DATES
26.07. — 30.07.2024
MAXIMUM CAPACITY
10 people
SUITABLE FOR
All levels
singles, groups, couples
PRICES
*Single Room • 1,290 € per person
Twin Room • 1,090 € per person
Triple Room • 990 € per person
Tent • 690 € per person
HIGHLIGHTS
Eco-friendly villa on a secluded island
Shakti Mantra Ceremony
Daily Yoga, pranayama & meditation
Private beaches & sunset walks
Healing mud
ACTIVITIES
Meditation and yoga retreat on Pakleni islands includes — Shakti Mantra meditation, an ancient Vedic ceremony where you will receive your own personal mantra, meditation workshops and lectures, daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation practices by the sea, a healing mud experience, island exploration, and plenty of free time to relax and simply enjoy.
OVERVIEW
In this retreat, we’ll explore the connection between meditation and nature, which has a profound healing effect on mental health, deepening peace and connection.
Connect with the natural world, be present in the moment, and experience the untouched beauty of the Pakleni islands with no cars or neighbors, just pristine beaches and Mediterranean landscapes. Immerse yourself in walking barefoot, picking figs, and listening to the soothing sounds of crickets and waves.
Shakti Mantra meditation, an ancient Vedic practice, is a powerful tool for deepening self-awareness. Through the use of a sacred sound, it leads to inner silence and harmony. This is evidence-based technique anyone can easily master and benefit from it.
Experience the release of stress and the emergence of joy, energy, clarity, creativity, and long-term positive changes. The retreat offers lectures, discussions, yoga, and experiential practices to help you understand your mind, manage stress, improve cognition, and establish a meditation routine for daily life.
No prior knowledge is required, and learning meditation is simple and accessible.
PROGRAM
Discover day by day program of our Meditation and yoga retreat on Pakleni islands with Petra and Marco
Day 1 — ARRIVAL + MEDITATION
We will meet at 4 pm at Hvar Island’s main square and then head by speedboat to our villa on the Pakleni Islands.
Once you’ve settled into your rooms and relaxed, join us for the opening circle and an introductory lecture on Mantra meditation.
Our first day will conclude with a homemade dinner served on the villa’s porch, surrounded by nature.
Day 2 — SHAKTI MANTRA CEREMONY + HEALING MUD + YOGA
Through an ancient Vedic ceremony, each participant will receive their own personal sacred sound or mantra and will learn to meditate with it. Those participants who already have regular mantra meditation practice will have a chance to recheck and reestablish their personal mantra. After the ceremony, we will meditate and conclude the morning by sharing experiences.
Take time to recharge with a long and lazy brunch.
The afternoon is reserved for visiting a nearby beach known for its ancient Roman spa. Here, you can find Roman ruins, but what we really care about is the healing mud which will make your skin feel soft and smooth.
Before sunset, allow Petra to guide you through therapeutic asanas and pranayama practices to support our second daily round of meditation.
Time for dinner and sharing experiences.
Day 3 — YOGA & MEDITATION + ISLAND EXPLORING + MEDITATION WORKSHOP
We will start the morning with gentle yoga, pranayama and Mantra meditation practice immersed in the spectacular nature of our private beach area.
After a delicious brunch, we will explore the Pakleni Islands on foot, taking a walk to the famous Palmižana beach. Embrace the lush Mediterranean forest, pristine sandy beaches, and relax with coffee or a glass of local wine in unique beach bars.
In the late afternoon, we will continue with the meditation workshop and gain a deeper understanding of how it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Dinner, a sweet diner under a shiny sky.
Day 4 — YOGA & MEDITATION + LEISURE + SUNSET SUPRISE
We will wake up early to catch the first sun’s rays, beginning the day with meditation followed by therapeutic asana and pranayama practice.
Then, it is time for a delicious brunch.
The afternoon is dedicated for leisure activities, like massage, relaxing with a book in your hammock, or simply having a long swim in the friendly Adriatic Sea; your choice.
Later, we will gather for a workshop on the scientific perspective and various studies that have proved the effects of meditation on the human organism.
And the last touch of a day, we’ll embark on a sunset meditation walk. Walking in silence is designed to help you deeply connect with the natural elements and with yourself. We believe this island has a special energy, can’t wait to hear your impressions!
Upon return, we will be graced once again with an amazing dinner.
Day 5 — MEDITATION + LECTURE ON HOME PRACTICE + RETURN or...
We will start the day with gentle pranayama and meditation practice, followed by a structured lecture on when, where, and how to meditate back home.
Practice is followed by brunch.
Rejuvenated and recharged, you are ready to return to the real world. We will escort you to the island of Hvar, from where you can decide, whether to stay to live in Croatia or to go back to your home…
VILLA
The Cricket house is located only 20 minutes boat ride from Hvar island. There are no cars on the Pakleni islands, and our villa has no neighbors. The house consists of a large living room, kitchen, spacious dining room, 4 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms. Two bedrooms are situated on the ground floor with double beds and en-suite bathrooms. On the upper floor are a triple room and a twin room with en-suite bathrooms.
Surrounding the house is a spacious Mediterranean garden with authentic herbs, figs, and olive trees. The wild flora garden is equipped with hammocks and deck chairs, making it the ideal place to enjoy nature and silence. Private beach just 5 minutes walk away.
We also offer the option of staying in the tent and using the bathroom from the house. If you are interested, let us know, so we can provide a tent and all equipment for you.
FOOD
Our food is prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients from local farmers because we love to support the local economy.
During your stay, you’ll be delighted with two rich daily meals and afternoon snacks made by the in-house chef. Brunches and dinners are mainly vegetarian and vegan. The gluten-free options are available – let us know ahead about your special needs.
Coffee, tea, fruits, and snacks will be available throughout the day.
LOCATION
Pakleni Island is a gorgeous chain of wooded isles that stretches out immediately in front of the town of Hvar.
Although the name literally means ‘Hell’s Islands’, it’s thought to derive from ‘paklina’, a pine resin that was once harvested here to waterproof boats. The more descriptive name will be ‘Green and Blue Paradise’ of the Dalmatian coast, for plenty of deep blue caves and tiny white sandy beaches.
MEET OUR TEAM
…your teachers, and your host
Petra grew up in a yogic environment in Zagreb, as her parents practiced and taught yoga in the eighties. In 2001, when she was working worldwide as a successful professional model, yoga became her daily practice, helping her to balance worldly life under the fashion industry's reflectors and her intimate nature of yearning for connection from within. Very soon, she realized the yogic path was her life calling. After finishing her career in 2010, she enrolled in a teacher training program in Rishikesh with Kamal Singh and Sunil Sharma and started teaching the Ashtanga method daily. Today she is studying the Ashtanga system with Eddie Stern, who also introduced her to the power of mantra chanting and puja setups.
In 2012 her intense passion for breath work brought her to study under the guidance and tradition of O.P. Tiwari, one of the few living masters in India teaching pranayama practice in a traditional way. With his blessing, guidance, and extensive yearly education in the pranayama teacher training program at Kaivalydhama Yoga Institute of India in 2015, she became the first registered pranayama teacher of this tradition in Croatia. A few times each year, she returns to Kaivalydhama to continue her pranayama studies with Tiwariji and his son Sudhir Tiwari.
In 2012, with her husband Marco, she opened the Pink Elephant Yoga House, a well-known house for Yoga in Croatia, and since then developed 300 hours and 600 hours teacher training program taught in Zagreb, Rijeka, and worldwide called Pink Elephant Yoga Institute.
Petra is a passionate meditator and certified Shakti meditation teacher very grateful to her guide Ananda Vdovic, a well-known meditation teacher, painter, and musician, for guiding her on the path of self-discovery since she was a teenager. Her interest in yogic philosophy brought her to study with Dr.Rajani Pradhan, with whom she is studying Sanskrit, particularly the chanting of Patanjali Yoga Sutras. She is currently dedicated to a Wellness Coaching Program specializing in feminine form healing arts, particularly Ayurveda and Tantra, folk herbology, contemporary neuroscience, somatic psychology, and functional medicine.
Besides teaching, she is a passionate traveler and sociologist by profession who loves to share her energy with people around the globe. Petra's teachings are based on a deep understanding of all aspects of yoga: anatomical, philosophical, and experiential. Today her way of teaching is mainly oriented toward classical pranayama and different aspect of working with Prana Shakti. In teaching Ashtanga and Hatha yoga, she works a lot with mindful hands-on adjustments and energy transfer, breath, and bandha work by focusing the attention of students on their personal experiences and discoveries.
Born and raised in Italy, Marco commits his life to the wisdom of yoga, spreading it to people around the world. He first encountered Eastern philosophy in the mid-80s and since then, through his rich life experience, he had the opportunity to meet and work with many great teachers of different traditions.
He received his education in Yoga from the oldest and great Italian master Yoga Ratna Carlo Patrian. In 2005, he moved to Croatia where he was invited to teach and developed the first Croatian program for yoga teachers according to the high international standards of European Yoga Federation, Yoga Alliance and International Yoga Federation.
Today he lives in Zagreb and, with his wife Petra, develops and implements various programs and schools dedicated to yoga education. He is advisor for Croatia at the European Yoga Council, member of the European Yoga Federation, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider at Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500 - YACEP), international advisor for the World Yoga Council.
In addition to his knowledge and experience in asana practice he is a committed meditator, a meditation teacher and a scholar of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
He received his education in Yoga from the oldest and great Italian master Yoga Ratna Carlo Patrian. In 2005, he moved to Croatia where he was invited to teach and developed the first Croatian program for yoga teachers according to the high international standards of European Yoga Federation, Yoga Alliance and International Yoga Federation.
Today he lives in Zagreb and, with his wife Petra, develops and implements various programs and schools dedicated to yoga education. He is advisor for Croatia at the European Yoga Council, member of the European Yoga Federation, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider at Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500 - YACEP), international advisor for the World Yoga Council.
In addition to his knowledge and experience in asana practice he is a committed meditator, a meditation teacher and a scholar of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Marco often goes abroad as a guest lecturer and teacher. He constantly collaborates with many masters and especially with Swami Suryananda, great Italian yogi and ayurveda teacher, with whom he has long-term friendship and great respect.
Marco teaches Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes which include sense of precision, alignment, fluidity, strength, philosophical wisdom and often also a touch of fun!
Karolina is a long time Buddhist practitioner, Shiatsu masseur and Macrobiotic chef. When she is preparing a food, you can feel all her energy and love in that meals. She uses seasonal ingredients and makes the best of it.
Karolina was the owner of Zagreb famous restaurant, Veganspek, first vegan and meat restaurant in Croatia.
Karolina was the owner of Zagreb famous restaurant, Veganspek, first vegan and meat restaurant in Croatia.