The Quiet Draw of Pelion

Pelion is one of those corners of Greece that somehow remains under the radar, and that’s one of the reasons I love it.

It’s a little adventure to get there. The final hour winds through mountains and forests before descending a steep dirt track towards the sea. And then you arrive… and it takes your breath away.

I’ve just spent a week at Dolphin’s Leap, a beautiful villa tucked into the hillside overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf. It was my third visit with my family, and somehow it feels even more special each time.

There’s something about the space here. Endless blue water stretching out before you, the gentle sound of the sea below, and the feeling that life naturally slows to the rhythm it should be.

Each morning we roll out our yoga mats on the terrace overlooking the water. A gentle practice to wake up our bodies, breathe deeply and quietly take in the view before the day begins.

After yoga comes our favourite ritual: a dip in the crystal-clear sea from the platform below the villa, with the warmth of the morning sun on our faces.

Breakfast is wonderfully simple. Greek yoghurt, summer fruits, local honey and strong coffee enjoyed on the terrace while looking out across the bay.

Then comes the daily dilemma. Do we spend the morning by the infinity pool or wander down to the little wild beach just a few minutes away? Perhaps it’s a day for taking out the paddleboards or kayaks and exploring the coastline from the water instead.

Some mornings we walk the coastal path that hugs the shoreline towards the tiny village of Kalamos where Dimitris the boat man has a little waterside taverna serving breakfast just metres from the sea. We usually arrive on foot and, because we have a small boat, enjoy the journey back across the water.

One of the greatest luxuries of being on holiday is having time to read. It’s something that always seems squeezed out by everyday life at home. Sitting beside the pool with a good novel and nothing but sea and sky ahead feels wonderfully indulgent.

And sometimes I don’t even open the book. Simply watching the changing colours of the water is enough. If you’re especially lucky, you’ll spot dolphins. This year one swam right up to the villa, and later an entire pod appeared alongside our boat, surfacing and playing in the waves. It was one of those magical moments that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.

Evenings are slow and unhurried. Sometimes Toula, a wonderful local cook, prepares dinner for us at the villa. Other nights we stroll into the little fishing village of Lefokastro, just a short walk away, for fresh seafood at one of the family-run tavernas by the water.

As the sun begins to set, the sky turns shades of gold, pink and orange, and another peaceful day draws to a close. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how little you actually need to feel content.

Every summer we bring one small group to Dolphin’s Leap for a yoga retreat. It’s always a joy to share somewhere that has become so special to my own family, and I can’t imagine a more peaceful setting to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy being by the sea.

Categorised in: Adventures, Health & wellness, Holidays & retreats, Meditation, Relaxation, Well-being, Yoga, Yoga retreat