2026 D’Arcy Wellness Adventure
Join us on the magical Greek island of Ikaria, often called "the island where people forget to die," but more importantly, where they remember how to live! From Monday, June 1st, to Sunday, June 14th, 2026, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this northern Aegean gem.
Save the Dates: June 1st to June 14th, 2026
Week 1: June 1st to the 7th
Week 2: June 8th to the 14th
All are welcome to join for one week or both!
The Magical Island of Ikaria
The retreat begins with your arrival in Ikaria, a short 35-minute flight from Athens. Settle into the Karras Star Hotel, relax by the pool, and savor the local cuisine. Over the next six days, engage in daily meditation, yoga, and acupuncture sessions designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Explore the island’s rich culture through various activities, including a sweet herb walk and honey tasting, an Ikarian cooking class, and a restorative road trip to ancient thermal baths.
Our schedule balances structured wellness sessions with plenty of free time for relaxation or exploration. You can participate in unique experiences like ceramics and painting classes or unwind on one of the island's stunning beaches. The retreat concludes with a memorable farewell dinner at a local vineyard, celebrating new friendships and the timeless lessons learned.
Your stay includes six nights at the hotel, daily breakfasts, meditation and yoga sessions, and acupuncture treatments. Everything is included except: beverages (alcoholic or soft drinks), massages, three free time dinners and one free time lunch at Therma restaurant, free time taxis transport and all flights.
This retreat is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends seeking to deepen their connection to themselves and others. Prepare for a week of wellness, relaxation, and discovering what it truly means to live well.
Sample Itinerary
June 7th to June 13th
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty and learn about the secrets of longevity, joy, and peacefulness. While increasing your own.
Fly into Athens, then fly to Ikaria (55 minutes), a Greek Island in the northern Aegean Sea
*Our schedule is fluid and subject to change, and our activities are subject to change, just like life.
Terms & Conditions
Sunday, June 7th
Arrive Ikaria early afternoon. Settle into hotel, hang out by the pool.
Meet and greet drinks, then a delicious meal
Welcome dinner at Karras Star Hotel, presentation by Geoff & Po D’Arcy
Monday, June 8th
Morning sessions will include meditation, gentle yoga, stretching, waking up the body, and greeting the sun, followed by acupuncture. You can also relax in the pool; it is all optional. More vigorous workout sessions are also available.
7:30-9:00am – Yoga with Po
9:30-11:00am – Breakfast buffet
11:30am – Acupuncture Clinic with Geoff & Alyssa
1:30pm – Lunch at the hotel
3:00pm – Local beach for some jet leg R&R
Discover the magic of Messakti, one of the island’s most renowned beaches, boasting a long stretch of find golden sand. With plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds available, you can relax in comfort. Enjoy refreshing cold drinks and snacks from the beach bar. Just next door, the sandy Livadi beach offers a perfect summer swim experience surrounded by lush vegetation and a charming small lake formed by a mountain stream. Both beaches are conveniently located near the picturesque tourist villages of Armenistis and Gialiskari. Take a stroll through the local shops and treat yourself to a delightful meal at one of the wonderful local restaurants.
Dinner – In your free time, savor another delightful local Ikarian restaurant
Tuesday, June 9th
7:30-9:00am – Yoga with Po
9:30-11:00am – Breakfast buffet
11:30-3:00pm – Ikarian Cooking Class and Lunch
George & Eleni Karimalis Ikarian nutrition cooking experts at their authentic farmhouse vineyard. George will give a talk about nutrition, the traditional Ikarian diet and longevity, then put your apron on and Eleni will teach us how to cook tasty dishes. Finish on a sunny vineyard terrace overlooking the blue Aegean and eat your delicious food, washed down with an organic wine from their vineyard below.Afternoon options – Beach, pool time, siesta, walk around local village
Dinner – Savor another delightful local Ikarian restaurant
Wednesday, June 10th
7:30-9:00am – Yoga with Po
9:30-11:00 am – Breakfast buffet
11:30-4:00pm – Road Trip & Ancient Thermal Baths
Explore the North Island, stopping for coffee in a charming mountain village, arrive at the ancient Thermal baths of Therma. Once the private spa of Greco-Roman royalty was built between the time of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra and ruined by an earthquake in 210 BC. The baths were famous throughout Greece and were not open to the public until the 20th century. Ikaria was always a place of incredible healing, going back thousands of years. The baths are a place of healing where Sulphur and other mineral elements naturally bubble up from the earth’s core. Enjoy a soak and swim, leaving you with a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing lunch by the beach.6:00pm-7:00pm – Restorative gentle yoga with Po (plus acupuncture with Geoff)
Dinner – Savor another delightful local Ikarian restaurant
Thursday, June 11th
7:30-9:00am – Yoga with Po
9:30-11:00am – Breakfast buffet
11:30-12:30pm – Acupuncture Clinic with Geoff & Alyssa
1:00pm – Lunch at the hotel
4:00-7:00pm – Hike, Natural History & Ethnobotany of Ikaria
This treat of a hiking trail, passes through a mature Mediterranean forest of pine, centenarian oaks, rare trees like redskin wild strawberry, we will hike past abundant Ikarian flora and medicinal plants, like a botanical garden. After we’ll visit a local herbal lab specializing in creating amazing natural medicines and cosmetics from many of the wild herbs we’ve walked past. This wonderful day will end with a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Friday, June 12th
7:30-9:00am – Yoga with Po
9:30-11am – Breakfast buffet
11:30-12:30pm – Acupuncture Clinic with Geoff & Alyssa
12:30pm – “Poolates” fun exercises in the pool with Po
1:30pm – Lunch and presentation (Geoff & Po) of the week’s lessons learned
Visit Messakti Beach – 1 mile away, it's one of the best beaches right next door
4:30-6:00pm – Ikarian Winery and Tasting
Enjoy visiting and tasting local wines on the Island of the mythical birthplace of the God of wine Dionysus. Take a tour of the estate starting from the "pithostasi", where the traditional clay jars for fermentation and aging of Afianes wines are buried in the earth and get to know the winemaking method of the ancient Ikarians. See up close the granite press where the grapes are pressed by foot and be guided to the stone pirate house of the winery where the oldest wines of the estate are kept.7:30pm – Farewell dinner buffet
Saturday, June 13th
7:00-11:00am – Bon Voyage Breakfast Buffet
Transfer to airport
Retreat Cost
Early Bird Pricing
TBA
Double Room Shared (with ensuite bathroom)
$2,999 per person
Single Room (with ensuite bathroom)
$3,200 per person
Reserve your spot by submitting your retreat deposit below.
Accommodations include a double bed or two single beds with either a garden or sea view. If you're open to sharing a room with a fellow retreat participant, let us know—it's a great chance to make new connections!
Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If no sharing preference is indicated, single occupancy may be assumed. Single rooms are limited.
*Your deposit guarantees your reservation, with the remaining balance due closer to the retreat date.
*Non-refundable deposit. Terms and conditions apply.
Included in the Price:
Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the hotel, welcome and farewell dinners, five lunches, daily yoga, and acupuncture sessions, (individual clinics and as part of “yin yoga” savasana), optional morning fitness classes, health presentations, all yoga mats and blocks provided in the yoga shala. All scheduled activities (Panagiria Festival, Herb Walk, Cooking Class, Road Trip/Thermal Baths, Winery Tour and Tasting).
Plus, priceless extras like siestas, laughter, new friendships, deepening connections, camaraderie, and valuable take-home knowledge to enhance your longevity and health span.
Not Included:
Beverages (alcoholic or soft drinks), massages, three free time dinners and one free time lunch at Therma restaurant, hiking lunch, free time taxis transport and all flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The fastest route is to fly into Athens and to catch a connecting flight to the island. There are direct flights from Boston.
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35 minutes
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Olympic/Aegean, Sky Express, and Astra Airlines all fly to Ikaria. Check the Ikarian flights first, then coordinate the International.
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Transportation is included for specific flight times.
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A spectacular 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Karras Star Hotel, North Coast. Karras’ Star Hotel is situated in Avlaki village, just a mile or so from Evdilos (the main port of north Ikaria).
Our hotel is situated on the gorgeous North shore of the Island in Avlaki village, just a mile or so from Evdilos the main port of north Ikaria. It is close to golden beaches and stunning villages. Newly renovated and elegant, the Hotel has firmly established itself as one of the best in Ikaria with great views being offered from our stunning pool.
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Dress code is athletic, casual and comfortable. Bring light layers, as the weather can get a little chilly at night. Make sure to have one pair of closed walking and/or hiking shoes, long socks, and one pair of long pants, preferably light colored. Average temperatures for June are 68-79 F.
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Most people tip the kitchen assistants and hotel personnel, i.e., cleaning person. Taxi drivers are not tipped. It is customary to leave a 10% – 15% tip in restaurants.
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Absolutely. Our group is very friendly, everyone feels at home and very comfortable.
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All are welcome to join our retreat. Yoga classes will be all levels, and all outings and activities are optional.
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It is highly recommend to get travel insurance. If you are looking for a company we suggest World Nomad or Allianz.
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Village festival dates for 2026 have yet to be announced. People come to Ikaria from far and wide to take part in these unforgettable celebrations. We will try to work one into the schedule if we can. It is a unique opportunity to revel with the Ikarians amidst village surroundings, traditional food, live music, non-stop dancing, and delicious Ikarian wine.
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U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa, for stays of up to 90 days.
Participant Terms & Conditions
1. Booking & Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot at the retreat. Reserve your spot here.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than March 1st, 2026 (90 days before the retreat start date). Failure to make payment by this date may result in the loss of your reservation.
All payments are to be made via [accepted payment methods].
A 3% service charge will be applied to all payments made for the retreat.
Upon receipt of payment, you will be automatically enrolled in the DWBZR program, securing your place. The program begins and ends on the scheduled dates, and DWBZR reserves the right to make adjustments due to circumstances outside our control.
2. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations made more than 90 days before the retreat start date will be eligible for a 50% refund of the total amount paid.
Cancellations made less than 90 days before the retreat are non-refundable.
No credit or refunds will be issued for guests who arrive late or leave early.
In the case of medical emergencies or government-imposed travel restrictions, a full credit minus administrative fees will be issued.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
3. Room Assignments & Sharing Policy
Accommodations include options for a double bed or two single beds with either a garden or sea view. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are willing to share a room with another participant, please indicate so upon booking. If no sharing preference is indicated, single occupancy may be assumed, and additional charges may apply (single rooms are very limited).
4. Health & Safety
Guests are responsible for informing us of any pre-existing medical conditions, including allergies, injuries, or other health issues that may affect their participation.
Participation in all retreat activities, including yoga and acupuncture, is voluntary and at your own risk. DWBZR and its facilitators are not liable for any injury or health issues sustained during the retreat.
It is advised to consult your physician before engaging in physical activities such as yoga and acupuncture.
5. Travel & Insurance
Complimentary transportation from the airport to the retreat location will be provided for guests arriving on the same scheduled flight. If you miss this transfer, you will need to arrange your own transport.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of personal belongings.
6. Conduct & Respect for Others
All guests are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and mindfully. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the retreat without refund.
Guests are encouraged to respect the peaceful environment and the privacy of other participants.
7. Program Changes
The retreat organizers reserve the right to make changes to the retreat program, schedule, or instructors as needed. Any such changes will be communicated as early as possible.
In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled, a full refund will be issued.
8. Force Majeure
DWBZR is not liable for any cancellations or disruptions due to natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen events beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will be evaluated based on the situation and at the discretion of the organizers.
9. Liability Waiver
By attending the D’Arcy Wellness Retreat Ikaria, you agree to release the organizers, instructors, and any affiliates from any liability for injuries or damages incurred during the retreat.
You expressly assume responsibility for any injuries or illnesses sustained while participating in these activities and, on behalf of yourself and your heirs, release DWBZR, its employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims arising from injury, illness, death, loss, or damage that may result from participation.
10. Waiver and Release
DWBZR assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen personal belongings during your participation in any program or activity.