workshops

Experience a week of deep transformation and connection at our 7-day Ashtanga & Vinyasa Yoga Retreat, led by the inspiring Savvas Giantsis, at Yoga in Salento. Nestled in the heart of the serene Salento countryside in Zollino, near Lecce, our retreat takes place on a beautiful organic farm, offering the ideal setting for personal growth and renewal. Surrounded by lush fields and the peaceful rhythms of nature, you will find a sanctuary to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.

Each morning begins with a traditional Ashtanga Mysore class, where practitioners of all levels are guided through their self-led practice under the attentive and supportive eye of Savvas. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Ashtanga method, progressing at your own pace while receiving tailored adjustments and insights.Whether you are new to Ashtanga or looking to deepen your existing practice, the morning sessions are designed to help you explore your full potential and establish a solid foundation in the practice.

Following the Ashtanga practice, the morning continues with a dynamic Vinyasa session designed for all levels. In this fluid and energizing class, practitioners are guided through a seamless sequence of movements, synchronizing breath with motion to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Under Savvas’ attentive instruction, students are encouraged to explore their personal practice, refine their alignment, and find a sense of flow that feels both accessible and empowering. Whether you are new to Vinyasa or seeking to deepen your understanding, this session provides the perfect space for growth and exploration.

Our afternoon workshops are thoughtfully curated to inspire, challenge, and refine your understanding of Ashtanga yoga. These sessions focus on the physical aspects of the practice, offering practical techniques to master challenging postures and transitions.This retreat invites you to explore the harmony between strength and surrender, body and breath, and to cultivate a deeper connection to the Self. It is a time to fully embrace the beauty of yoga amidst the tranquil landscapes of Salento, creating a memorable and enriching experience that will resonate long after the retreat concludes.

Retreat Highlights:

• Daily Mysore-style practice, tailored to all levels.

• Daily Vinyasa class, tailored to all levels.

• Four exclusive afternoon workshops focusing on key elements of Ashtanga.

• A serene environment, surrounded by nature, fostering reflection and deepening of your practice.

• Time to unwind, connect with fellow practitioners, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Salento.

Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 - 9:00 | Mysore Practice, all levels

• 9:00 - 10:00 | Vinyasa class, all levels

• 10:30 | Brunch with organic, locally-sourced ingredients

• 16:30 | Afternoon Workshop (on selected days)

• 19:00 | Dinner with fresh, seasonal produce

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Daily Schedule

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7:00 - 9:00 AM: Mysore Practice (All Levels)
Start your day with a dynamic Mysore-style Ashtanga practice. This self-led session, open to practitioners of all levels, is guided by Savvas Giantsis, providing personalized adjustments and insights to help deepen your practice. Explore the traditional method of Ashtanga yoga in a supportive environment, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Salento.

9:00 - 10:00 Vinyasa Class (All levels)

A Vinyasa class specially designed for all levels. This session offers a supportive environment where practitioners can build confidence in movement, alignment, and breath. Under the attentive guidance of Savvas, participants are invited to explore and deepen their Vinyasa practice, making it accessible and enriching for everyone

 

10:30 AM: Brunch
Enjoy a nourishing brunch featuring fresh, organic produce grown on the farm. Replenish your energy with delicious meals that support your practice and overall well-being.

Free Time:
Take time to rest, explore the serene surroundings, or enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the retreat center. During this time, you can journal, meditate, or connect with fellow participants. Take advantage of the on-site spa facilities, where you can unwind with a rejuvenating massage or therapy session. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply relax by the water, soaking in the tranquility of the Salento countryside.

4:30 - 6:30 PM: Workshop Sessions (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Dive deeper into specific aspects of the Ashtanga practice with these focused workshops:

Workshop Descriptions

Monday - Open the Hips - Unlocking Freedom of Movement 
Our hips are a key area where we often hold tension, which can limit our range of motion and impact our overall practice. Discover the key to unlocking mobility and strength in the hip area. This workshop will guide you through targeted techniques to open up tight hips and build the strength required for deeper postures. By exploring hip alignment and stability, you’ll find more freedom in your practice, which can greatly enhance both seated and standing postures. This session is ideal for practitioners looking to increase flexibility while maintaining joint integrity and stability.

Tuesday - Backbends: Liberate the Spine
Explore the transformative power of backbends in this invigorating workshop. Backbends can be both exhilarating and challenging, requiring a balance of strength and surrender. Learn the fundamental techniques for safe and effective backbending, including the concept of active release, which helps you deepen your poses with integrity. Understand how to balance strength with flexibility, allowing your spine to expand and your breath to guide you. Suitable for all levels, this workshop encourages participants to find their own expression of freedom in backbends.

Wednesday- Arm Balances: Building Strength and Control
Explore the power and stability required to master arm balances within the Ashtanga series in this workshop. We will dive into the foundational principles needed to approach arm balances with confidence, focusing on proper hand placement, core strength, and breath control. Through targeted drills and exercises, we’ll break down the key components of each arm balance, offering modifications and progressions to suit all levels. This session aims to guide you step-by-step into finding balance on your hands, helping you build the strength and awareness needed to make these challenging postures more accessible. Whether you are new to arm balances or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will empower you to explore these poses with ease and grace.

Thursday - Jump-Back & JumpThrough- The Art of Fluid Transitions 
Master the art of dynamic transitions with this workshop focused on the jump-back and jump-through techniques of the Ashtanga practice. While these movements can be challenging, they don’t have to be elusive. We’ll break down the components, providing practical tools to build inner strength and fluidity. Discover how the primary series prepares you for these transitions and experiment with jumping into and out of various postures. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to move through these transitions with grace and ease.

7:00 PM: Dinner
Savor delicious, organic dinners prepared with fresh ingredients from the local area. Enjoy a communal meal with fellow practitioners, sharing insights and experiences from the day’s practice.

Saturday, June 7
9:00 AM: Final Breakfast & Check-Out
Enjoy a last meal together, reflecting on the growth and experiences from the week. Depart feeling revitalized, with new skills and a deeper connection to your practice.

Instructor Bio: Savvas Giantsis

Savvas Giantsis, with over 25 years of experience in yoga practice and teaching, is a dedicated and passionate instructor known for his profound knowledge and approachable teaching style. As the founder of the House of Yoga, Savvas has cultivated a welcoming space where students can deepen their practice and explore the transformative power of yoga.

Savvas began his yoga journey with Vinyasa Yoga under the guidance of John Tomayo at the renowned Atmananda Yoga Studio in New York, where he also taught for a period of time. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in dynamic sequencing and alignment. Later, he drew inspiration from Dharma Mittra in New York, whose teachings on traditional yoga philosophy and practice enriched his understanding and approach.

Seeking to further immerse himself in the Ashtanga method, Savvas traveled to Mysore, India, where he studied under the direct lineage of Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy. This connection to the source of Ashtanga yoga remains a cornerstone of his practice and teaching, and he continues to refine his knowledge through regular study with respected teachers both in India and internationally.

As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, Savvas brings a unique blend of traditional and modern perspectives to his classes. His extensive teaching experience includes leading numerous yoga retreats and teacher training programs, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness, breath, and alignment into each posture. His approach is rooted in the belief that through consistency and dedication, every practitioner can unlock their potential and discover the deeper layers of yoga practice.

 

For More Information and Booking:
📧 Email: training@houseofyoga.gr

For Further Information About the Location:
🌐 Visit: yogainsalento.com