For humans up for being honest, messy and real together
Learn how to create deep, meaningful and vibrantly alive connection with yourself and others
A week retreat in Greece, held by land, sea and community
1 – 8 July
Humans are relational creatures. We are wired for connection. Not just any old connection…
- Loving connection to our bodies, our feelings, our aliveness, the full spectrum of our glorious messy humaness
- Meaningful close friendships where we feel truly seen and we’ve got each others’ backs
- An intimate romantic relationship with a special person to share life and journey deeply with
- Connection to a wider community where we feel a sense of belonging and being part of a bigger whole
- And connection to our beautiful Earth that sustains us and all life.
But relationships are in crisis, globally.
Loneliness is a global epidemic, divorce rates are higher than ever, and people are turning to AI for companionship.
What the heck is going on?
- You spend more time on your screen than meeting real people, even though your notifications don’t feed you and leave you feeling emptier than ever
- You want depth but often find yourself stuck in polite, surface-level chats
- You’re longing to be around people where you can just be fully yourself, warts and all
- You feel ‘generally OK’ but something’s missing, some juice, some aliveness, something you can’t quite put your finger on
- ChatGPT seems to ‘get you’ more than the people around you do
- You’re fed up with doing all your healing work alone with your therapist or journal
When our essential need for connection isn’t met, we turn to screens, food and other distractions to try and fill that hole.
But you know as well as I do that they don’t work… they just provide some temporary relief.
Introducing...
Relational Arts, a week in Greece to practise being human, together.
This is a spacious week of living and practising the art of relating in a supportive, vibrant community.
Off the screens, in person, feet on the ground and plenty of deep breaths.
The art of relating begins at home – within. If you’re not present and connected with yourself, then there’s no one at home to meet. This is where we begin.
As you grow in self-awareness and your ability to express your true self (and all the many multi-faceted parts that make up you), you unlock the potential for richer, more fulfilling relationships.
By slowing down, connecting to our bodies and opening our hearts, we’ll explore the threads that weave together the space where intimacy can be felt and shared.
Relational Arts invites you to show up as your real, unpolished and wonderfully unique self. We’ll explore the rich landscape of human experience, together with others.
It takes courage. It’s not always easy or comfortable. But the reward is a life of deeper, more meaningful connections.
The tools and skills that you learn in this workshop will ripple out into your life, where it really counts.
As the saying goes, if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
This is the chance to do something different.
Think of it like “Relating School”, just a LOT more fun and definitely no exams.
What we will explore
Through guided practices in pairs, small groups and the full circle of explorers, you’ll discover new ways to relate through words, movement, body and touch.
Every interaction is a beautiful moment of discovery that calls for openness, presence and a willingness to meet the unknown.
The workshop will respond sensitively to the needs of the group and may include:
- Presence and relational awareness
- Movement and embodiment practices
- Communication and listening
- Nervous system regulation
- Consent and attunement, both verbal and non-verbal
- Touch and connection practices
- Circle work and shadow exploration
Everything is an invitation and you choose how to participate, always.
What we will explore
Through guided practices in pairs, small groups and the full circle of explorers, you’ll discover new ways to relate through words, movement, body and touch.
Every interaction is a beautiful moment of discovery that calls for openness, presence and a willingness to meet the unknown.
The workshop will respond sensitively to the needs of the group and may include:
- Presence and relational awareness
- Movement and embodiment practices
- Communication and listening
- Nervous system regulation
- Consent and attunement, both verbal and non-verbal
- Touch and connection practices
- Circle work and shadow exploration
Everything is an invitation and you choose how to participate, always.
This is an invitation to…
- Say a deeper “yes” to all that you are with nothing left out – no more shapeshifting in order to fit in
- Experience the joy of being fully alive and present in your body and feelings
- Show up as your radically authentic and unapologetic self, empowered to just be you
- Communicate your boundaries, wants and needs with grace and care
- Learn tools for creating depth in connection with others, without losing yourself
- Reclaim your natural play, spontaneity and enough-ness
- Receive new imprints of being seen, met and attuned to by a group
- Feel a sense of belonging, not as a concept, but as a lived, embodied experience
- Feel the relief and weight lifted off when you realise you don’t have to hold it all alone
Through shared learning, vulnerability and authentic expression, you’ll rewire old habits and open to new ways of meeting yourself and others, so that you can…
Bring more self-love, depth and confidence back home to your life and your relationships.
This is an invitation to…
- Say a deeper “yes” to all that you are with nothing left out – no more shapeshifting in order to fit in
- Experience the joy of being fully alive and present in your body and feelings
- Show up as your radically authentic and unapologetic self, empowered to just be you
- Communicate your boundaries, wants and needs with grace and care
- Learn tools for creating depth in connection with others, without losing yourself
- Reclaim your natural play, spontaneity and enough-ness
- Receive new imprints of being seen, met and attuned to by a group
- Feel a sense of belonging, not as a concept, but as a lived, embodied experience
- Feel the relief and weight lifted off when you realise you don’t have to hold it all alone
Through shared learning, vulnerability and authentic expression, you’ll rewire old habits and open to new ways of meeting yourself and others, so that you can…
Bring more self-love, depth and confidence back home to your life and your relationships.
The incredible location
Part workshop, part holiday, part community immersion, this retreat takes place at Kalikalos community, located in the natural paradise of Greece’s Pelion Peninsula.
Kalikalos is nestled in a wild chestnut forest, offering simplicity in nature. The centre is surrounded by magnificent nature and just a short drive from beaches with crystal turquoise waters.
Nature lovers, you are in for a treat!
We’ll be in the workshop during the mornings, while the afternoons are free to explore, swim, hike, or relax amidst the outstanding beauty of this Mediterranean haven. It’s a perfect setting to unwind and be nourished by both nature and community.
As part of the Kalikalos community experience, we’ll start our week with gathering in circle with the wider community and close it with a fireside circle on the last evening to share reflections and celebrations. We’ll take part in community activities such as helping with meals and we’ll share delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals together under the grapevine cover.
With the mountains, sea and lush green landscape around us, nature will support us in dropping more deeply into connection with ourselves.
When we awaken our senses, we awaken our capacity to feel and to live fully.
The incredible location
Part workshop, part holiday, part community immersion, this retreat takes place at Kalikalos community, located in the natural paradise of Greece’s Pelion Peninsula.
Kalikalos is nestled in a wild chestnut forest, offering simplicity in nature. The centre is surrounded by magnificent nature and just a short drive from beaches with crystal turquoise waters.
Nature lovers, you are in for a treat!
We’ll be in the workshop during the mornings, while the afternoons are free to explore, swim, hike, or relax amidst the outstanding beauty of this Mediterranean haven. It’s a perfect setting to unwind and be nourished by both nature and community.
As part of the Kalikalos community experience, we’ll start our week with gathering in circle with the wider community and close it with a fireside circle on the last evening to share reflections and celebrations.
We’ll take part in community activities such as helping with meals and we’ll share delicious home-cooked vegetarian meals under the grapevine canopy.
With the mountains, sea and lush green landscape around us, nature will support us in dropping more deeply into connection with ourselves.
When we awaken our senses, we awaken our capacity to feel and to live fully.
All the practical details
Dates: Begins with dinner on Wednesday 1 July (arrivals from 14:30) and concludes with breakfast on Wednesday 8 July
Location: Kalikalos, near Anilio village, Pelion Peninsula, Greece.
Travel: Fly to Volos (VOL), Thessaloniki (SKG), Athens (ATH), or Skiathos Island (JSI). Contact us for guidance on the best travel route. More information: www.kalikalos.com/location/getting-here
Investment:
Private tent (provided with mattress and bedding): €650 (approx £567)
Shared room (3-4 people): €650 (approx £567)
Twin room: €748 (approx £657)
Single room: €846 (approx £737)
The investment covers the workshop, accommodation for seven nights, vegetarian meals, and beach transportation. Travel to and from Kalikalos and one evening meal at a local taverna are not included.
Ready to step in?
Reserve your spot with a 100 euro deposit
Frequently asked questions
Why is it so low cost?
Kalikalos is an educational charity run by volunteers. It’s affordable, simple and for people who love nature, community and being outdoors all day. If you need a 5* hotel, jacuzzi and air con, it’s not for you.
How do I get there?
I’m not going to lie, it’s not the easiest place to get to (that’s why this part of Greece has remained untouched by international tourism). Fly to Skiathos, Thessaloniki or Athens, then travel overland to Volos. From there it’s a taxi or local bus to Kalikalos. For detailed travel instructions, check out this page on the Kalikalos website.
Will I have to touch other people?
You never have to do anything you don’t want to. There will be exercises where physical touch is an option, and this will always be rooted in boundaries and consent. You can do the whole workshop without touching a single person if you want.
Is this a couples' retreat?
No, it’s not. This workshop is about exploring how you relate, whether that’s with a partner, a lover, friends, family, strangers or yourself. We welcome individuals of all relationship statuses and preferences who are curious about exploring new ways of relating.
Can I come alone?
Yes, this experience is designed for individuals. It might feel a bit scary travelling all the way to another country to spend a week with complete strangers, but it’s amazing how quickly the group bonds with exercises and sharings to support you to feel safe and open up. Before long, we’re living and holidaying together like old friends.
Can I come with my partner?
Although this is not designed as a couples retreat, couples are absolutely welcome and the tools and skills will support you in deepening your relationship, as well as other relationships in your life. You will have the choice to do exercises together, with others or mix it up.
What should I bring with me?
Check out the things to bring page on the Kalikalos website.
I really want to join but I don't have the cash
You only need a deposit of 100 euros to confirm your place. Then you pay the balance on arrival. If the total cost is unaffordable you can apply for a bursary with Kalikalos. Enquire here