May, 3 – 9 | June, 18 – 24 2027
5 STEPS TO LONGEVITY RETRAT
WITH Kyriaki & Angeliki
The 5 steps to longevity retreat is a thorough elaboration of the secrets of the Ikarian Longevity into a comprehensive and playful weekly program.
This is a unique recreational Retreat where participants are encouraged to reboot their lives and to learn playfully the secrets of a long and happy life.
A Complete Immersion
into the Blue Zone Lifestyle
In the heart of Ikaria, the legendary Greek island where people are known for living some of the longest and healthiest lives in the world, our carefully selected accommodations offer an authentic retreat immersed in nature, simplicity, and the timeless rhythm of island life.
Surrounded by lush mountains, crystal-clear Aegean waters, and traditional villages where life unfolds at its own pace, you’ll experience the very environment that has made Ikaria one of the world’s five renowned Blue Zones. Here, wellness is simply a way of life, shaped by nature, community, and centuries-old traditions.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
01 . LONGEVITY AS A WAY OF LIFE
We believe longevity is shaped by the small choices we make every day — how we move, eat, connect and find purpose. We embrace simple, sustainable habits that nourish body, mind and purpose.
02 . CONNECT WITH WHAT MATTERS
Connect with your inner self, the natural world, and those around you. Connection is at the basis of longevity. During each journey with Longèra wellbeing grows through meaningful connection, going back to the essentials.
03 . LEARN FROM THE BLUE ZONES
We bring you in the heart of the world’s longest-living communities to live immersive and unforgettable experiences, transforming the Blue Zones people everyday rituals into inspiration you can carry into your everyday life.
RETREAT PILLARS
The people in Ikaria island used to have many lonely hours working in the fields and moving around.That gave them the time to contemplate on life. Meditation is the ideal practice in order to reinvent this life, invigorating habit. The meditative techniques of the Program are Silence Session and Nidra Yoga. The quality of the relationship to ourselves enriches the quality of our life.
Eating is one of the closest connections we have with the world—second only to breathing. In Ikaria, food is more than nourishment; it is a daily ritual of slowing down, sharing meals with others, and enjoying fresh, local ingredients.
The traditional Ikarian diet is predominantly plant-based, enriched with over 150 varieties of antioxidant-rich wild herbs and greens that thrive in the island’s unique soil. Fresh fish is enjoyed regularly, while meat is eaten only occasionally, mainly from free-ranging goats and home-raised chickens.
Throughout the retreat, guests discover the principles of the Ikarian diet while enjoying three daily meals prepared by local cooks using fresh, seasonal ingredients, experiencing not only what Ikarians eat, but also how they eat.
Aqua Fitness
Exercising in the sea or in a pool offers a low-impact workout that combines cardio, flexibility, and strength conditioning without placing stress on your joints, muscles, or bones. By combining aerobic movement with the natural resistance of water, aqua fitness can help you burn more calories than many land-based workouts in the same amount of time. Suitable for all fitness levels.
During the retreat you will engage in different gentle movement activities
Ai Chi (Aqua Tai Chi)
Ai Chi is based on years of research into the health and rejuvenating benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong practiced in water. It is a form of moving meditation that promotes relaxation, balance, and wellbeing. Suitable for all abilities, including beginners and non-swimmers.
Hatha Yoga & Yoga Nidra
Practice Hatha Yoga surrounded by the peaceful landscapes and fresh sea air of Ikaria. Combined with the deep relaxation of Yoga Nidra, these sessions help improve flexibility, restore balance, and cultivate both physical and mental wellbeing.
Embrace the Blue Zone tradition of midday rest. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a midday rest or siesta each day.
Research from the Harvard School of Public Health, based on a long-term study of more than 23,000 healthy Greek adults, found that people who took a midday nap of at least 30 minutes, three or more times per week, had a lower risk of dying from heart disease than those who never napped.
The famous longevity of the inhabitants of Ikaria is due to their carefree attitude. This attitude is built during their lifetime through openness, communication, solidarity, responsibility and festive spirit.
During the retreat you build meaningful connections through playful theatre-based exercises designed to foster trust, openness, laughter, and authentic human connection, because strong relationships are one of the foundations of a long and fulfilling life.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation in a carefully selected traditional Ikarian hotel or villa
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspired by the authentic Ikarian longevity diet
Herbal teas, local honey tastings, and traditional Greek coffee
Daily guided meditation and mindfulness sessions
Hatha Yoga classes in nature
Aqua Fitness and Ai-Chi sessions
uided scenic trekking through Ikaria’s natural landscapes
Theatre-based workshops to foster connection, trust, and personal growth
Educational sessions on the Ikarian lifestyle and the science of longevity
Time each day to embrace the traditional Ikarian siesta and slow living philosophy
Local cultural experiences and authentic encounters with the Ikarian community
Professional guidance from the retreat founders throughout the entire experience
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Airport pickup & drop off to and from the retreat center (Arranged by request)
Additional excursions
Accommodation outside of retreat dates
MEET YOUR AWARD-WINNING GUIDES
Born from Kyriaki’s deep roots in Ikaria and Angeliki’s lifelong passion for the Greek philosophy of living well, the Ikaria Longevity Retreat was created to preserve and share the timeless wisdom of one of the world’s five renowned Blue Zones. Together, they have designed an experience that goes far beyond a traditional wellness retreat, offering guests an authentic immersion into the island’s culture, traditions, movement, nutrition, and strong sense of community. By combining local knowledge with decades of experience in education, theatre, and well-being, they invite participants to experience the everyday habits that have shaped generations of exceptionally long and healthy lives.
Their unique vision and commitment to promoting healthy ageing have received international recognition through the Wellness Awards 2025, earning Gold for Best Wellness Program for Active Seniors, Silver for Best Wellness Retreat, and Silver for Best Health & Wellness Consulting – Education & Training Program.
These prestigious awards celebrate their innovative approach to longevity, education, and holistic well-being, establishing the Ikaria Longevity Retreat as one of Europe’s leading wellness experiences inspired by the authentic Blue Zone lifestyle.
Angeliki Douka
Angeliki Douka is a PhD in Adapted Physical Education, University Lecturer at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and a 500-hour Certified Hatha Yoga & Meditation Teacher. With more than three decades of experience in movement science, sport psychology, aquatic therapies, and holistic wellness, she has dedicated her career to helping people improve their health, mobility, and quality of life.
Her unique approach combines scientific research with the timeless principles of the Ikarian Blue Zone lifestyle. Drawing on her expertise in yoga, meditation, Aqua Yoga, Ai Chi, Watsu, and life coaching, Angeliki creates transformative experiences that help guests reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, build resilience, and embrace healthier habits that last well beyond the retreat.
Alongside her academic career, Angeliki has contributed extensively to research, publications, and international conferences in the fields of physical education, adapted exercise, sport psychology, and aquatic movement. A former national-level swimmer and water polo player, she brings together academic excellence, decades of practical experience, and a genuine passion for guiding others toward healthier ageing through movement, mindfulness, and the authentic wisdom of Ikaria.
Kyriaki Spanou
Kyriaki was born and raised in Ikaria, where she developed a deep connection with the island and its people. She knows the Ikarians, their stories, their joys and sorrows, their victories and challenges, but above all, she understands their generosity and the pride they take in preserving their ancient way of life.
As a theatre practitioner, Kyriaki has worked in different parts of Greece. During the years of the Greek economic crisis, she experienced a particularly difficult period in her life. It was returning to her home island that helped her heal. Being surrounded by the people of Ikaria, sharing meals, conversations, celebrations, and everyday moments became a safe haven and allowed her to rediscover the true essentials of life.
Enjoying vegetables and fruit from her mother’s garden, swimming in the Aegean Sea, walking through nature, and spending time with lifelong friends revealed the profound wisdom behind the Ikarian lifestyle. Through this experience, she rediscovered the warmth, simplicity, and sense of belonging that make Ikaria’s way of life so unique—one that nurtures health, inner balance, and harmony with the world around us.
DISCOVER LONGEVITY WHERE IT NATURALLY EXISTS.
This is your invitation to:
Slow down and reconnect with what truly matters
Meet a like-minded community and form bonds for life
Let go of what no longer serves you
Develop balance, strength and vitality
Nourish your body with authentic Ikarian food and traditions
Reconnect to inner joy & bliss
Spend time in nature through movement and outdoor adventures
Explore the landscapes, culture and traditions of Greece’s Blue Zone
Want more info?
BOOK A CALL
Interested in attending, but want more info? Book a call with one of our team members to learn more about our upcoming retreat.
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