FAQs

Pilates, named in honour of its founder Joseph Pilates, is a holistic physical exercise method that harmonizes the synergy between mind and body. Developed by J. Pilates from the 1920s to the 1960s, his teachings gained widespread acceptance among his students. The origins of Pilates can be traced to a response to prevalent health challenges in the late 19th century. In addition to drawing practitioners from diverse backgrounds, the method found popularity within the modern dance community in New York City. 

Today, Pilates remains a relevant practice accessible to individuals of various backgrounds, physical requirements, and objectives. Its popularity arises from its promotion of overall well-being and the enhancement of physical resilience against the rigours of daily life. Dedicated practitioners often experience significant improvements in their overall health.

Pilates offers a comprehensive range of benefits, including improved overall physical strength, enhanced muscle tone, increased flexibility, better posture, improved balance and coordination, support for pre- and post-natal individuals, rehabilitation assistance, relief from pain (especially lower back pain and injuries), potential anti-degenerative effects, effective stress management, and suitability as cross-training for athletes in various disciplines.

The Pilates taught at the retreat encompasses a blend of elements. The skills class incorporates material from Kathy Grant's Heritage practice, specifically focusing on Before and Beyond the 100s, together with some fun exercises related to posture analysis and footwork. The flow class complements these skills by applying them within a regular, classic Pilates flow.

Throughout the retreat, modifications will be offered to accommodate various levels of participants, ensuring everyone can comfortably follow the one-hour flow. Moreover, you will learn how to adjust exercises independently, empowering you to continue the practice without interruption, even when faced with challenging movements.

Absolutely! While regular sports participation is not a requirement, we do encourage you to be prepared for a three-hour physical practice every day throughout the retreat. Embracing this work can be a transformative experience, regardless of your previous sports background. Pilates is a practice that you can continue to benefit from long after the retreat.

During the retreat, we recommend prioritizing the Pilates lessons, and you're welcome to participate in the other organized activities. However, if you feel the need for extra rest or recovery time, you have the option to skip some of the additional activities and focus on rejuvenation.

Absolutely! This retreat is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of participants, from those who are entirely new to Pilates to advanced practitioners looking to refine their technique and strategies. Each day, the first class will focus on providing you with the tools and skills needed to navigate any Pilates class, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginners. The second class of the day will be a live application of these skills in a regular Pilates flow. If you're ready to embrace a three-hour practice every day during the retreat, your lack of prior Pilates experience won't hold you back!

Absolutely! The skills class at Skill to Flow is a valuable experience for Pilates practitioners of all levels, including those at an advanced stage. It offers an opportunity for advanced practitioners to revisit and enhance their movement strategies, gain new anatomical knowledge, and add depth to their practice. While advanced practitioners may already demonstrate high abilities, Skill to Flow helps deepen their understanding of Pilates, addressing questions and aspects that may not receive in-depth attention in a typical studio setting. Throughout the retreat, intermediate and advanced participants can expect to refine their awareness and precision in practicing the regular repertoire.

The main language of instruction during the classes will be English. However, Astarti, Moira, and Yannis are also proficient in Greek, Dutch, and German. If necessary, they can offer support and clarification in these languages to ensure that everyone can fully engage in the sessions.

There are a maximum of 10 spots available for participants.

Yes, you will always have your own bed. However, apartment-type accommodation is limited and so you will likely have to share the same space with a fellow participant if you choose to share a room. We have clearly marked which accommodation options are suitable for sharing with other solo participants in the rooms section. You can find a list of accommodation options by clicking here.

Absolutely, bringing your family is possible! Our aim is to create an inclusive retreat that welcomes people from all backgrounds, including families. To make family bookings more attractive, we have a special offer for solo participants who wish to travel to Chios with a partner and/or children who will not participate in the Pilates classes. By paying for single occupancy, solo participants can bring along other family members (depending on room capacity) to the retreat. We charge an additional fee of €100/day for adults and €50/day for children below 16 if your family members wish to join the non-Pilates related activities, including meals. If you are interested in this option, please indicate that by marking the dedicated field in the booking form.

For future editions of Skill to Flow, we are also developing a program for children. This program will allow parents to fully immerse themselves in the practice while their children are engaged in enriching activities. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or feedback on how we can make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Certainly! Our default dining option includes a vegetarian menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We make an effort to use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in our meal preparations. We understand that dietary preferences may vary, and we are flexible in accommodating your specific needs. Whether you prefer a vegan, gluten-free, or have any other dietary requirements, please inform us of your preferences, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

You can comfortably explore Mestá and reach the Pilates training location on foot. Furthermore, transportation to all organised activities and excursions is included in the retreat package and will be arranged for you. While having a car can provide more flexibility and convenience for exploring Chios independently, it is not mandatory. Renting a car could be beneficial if you plan to explore other parts of the island during your free time and prefer the convenience of having your own vehicle. We are happy to assist you in booking a rental car if you decide to do so.

Yes, a deposit of 30% of the retreat price is required to secure your spot. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance must be paid 60 days before the retreat start date. Please ensure you have travel insurance in the event that you cannot join the retreat.

Expenses not covered in the retreat package include travel to and from Chios town, personal travel insurance (including trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and personal liability), and alcoholic beverages. Also, you'll need to take care of any expenses related to getting the right travel documents, like visas or vaccinations.

To complete your deposit payment and settle the final amount, you will receive a payment link from us. We offer multiple payment options, including SEPA/International Bank Transfer, iDEAL (NL), and Bancontact (BE), all with no additional charges. If you prefer, you can also choose to pay via Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) or Apple Pay, with an additional fee. Please indicate your preferred payment method when you fill out the booking form.

Our cancellation policy allows for different refund options depending on when you cancel. If you cancel up to 60 days before the retreat start date, we will fully refund the remaining balance (excluding the non-refundable deposit). If you cancel within 31-60 days of the retreat start date, we will issue a refund of 50% of the retreat cost. If you cancel within 30 days of the retreat start date, no refunds will be issued. Please keep in mind that the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded in any case. We therefore recommend having travel insurance to cover such situations.