Athens, Greece
"The Art of Softening" one day Retreat, Marietta Sarigiannidou & Donna Poulidis, Athens, Greece
Day Retreat & MYNDers Reunion
Overview
There is a particular kind of strength in allowing ourselves to soften. The Art of Softening is an intimate day retreat and Women’s Circle for women who spend so much of their lives doing, caring and holding space for others, yet rarely give themselves permission to pause and receive. For one carefully curated day, around 20 women come together at Ethera Wellness in Athens, a nurturing space to slow down, feel supported and reconnect with themselves. Through a tea ceremony, embodied movement, breathwork, heart-opening meditation and selected Ethéra modalities, we release tension, support nervous-system regulation and create space for rest, presence and emotional connection. We close over herbal tea, with time for reflection, sharing and meaningful connection. More than a Women’s Circle, this is an invitation to return to yourself feeling grounded, restored and nourished from within. Because softness is not the opposite of strength. Sometimes, it is what makes strength sustainable. One circle. One intentional pause. A softer way back to yourself. Location: Ethera Wellness, inside NMD Praxis Koniari 45, Athens, 114 71
Hosts
Marietta Sarigiannidou
Luxury Retreat Designer | Founder of MYND Retreats | Immersive Awakening™ Facilitator
Marietta Sarigiannidou is the Founder of MYND Retreats and creator of Immersive Awakening™, designing transformational retreats and immersive experiences around the world that bring together intentional travel, human connection and inner exploration.
With a lifelong background in dance and embodied movement, and certifications in SOMA Breath and Embodied Philosophy, her approach combines breathwork, movement, guided visualization, sound, nature and immersive technology to create powerful multisensory journeys.
Through Immersive Awakening™, Marietta guides participants away from the noise of everyday life and into deeper presence, self-awareness and connection, creating space to pause, listen inward and reconnect with what truly matters.
Her philosophy is simple: every journey can become an opportunity to return to yourself.
Donna Poulidis
Wellness Practitioner | Meditation Facilitator | RTT Practitioner | Founder of Ethéra
Donna has been involved in the wellness world as a practitioner for over two and a half decades, beginning her career in personal training and weight lifting, before transitioning into yoga and meditation as therapeutic modalities for healing.
Between 2019 and 2023, she completed intensive training in Rapid Transformational Therapy, Master Life Coaching, and Master Usui Reiki. During this period, Donna felt a calling to fulfil a wider mission and vision of bringing healing to humanity.
Her training also includes trauma release protocols, embodiment, somatics, breathwork, inner child work, and more.
Professionally, she has worked as a Meditation Facilitator, Hatha and Vinyasa Yogi, and Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, both within workplace wellness and through private, personalised sessions.
Donna is also the founder of Ethéra, wellness and longevity centres located across Greece, focusing on technologies designed to enhance vitality and support longevity.
Schedule
THE ART OF SOFTENING | Women’s Circle · Day Retreat
14:00 | Arrival at Ethera Wellness
A gentle welcome into the space, with time to leave the outside world behind, settle in and connect with the women around you.
14:15 – 16:00 | Tea Ceremony, Arrival Ritual & EESystem
LoungeTea · Intention · Presence
We begin slowly.
A warm tea ceremony marks the transition from the pace of everyday life into a more intentional rhythm. A moment to connect with the space, settle into the body and set a personal intention for the day ahead.
With time to unwind in the EESystem lounge, you are invited to put aside distractions and give yourself permission to rest.
Pause. Receive. Arrive.
16:00 – 17:00 | Infrared Sauna Experience
Warmth · Stillness · Softening
An unhurried hour dedicated to the infrared sauna experience, with space for breaks, hydration and cooling down at your own pace.
Feel the warmth. Notice the breath. Allow yourself to slow down.
Bath and wash towels are provided.
17:00 – 17:30 | Vegan Smoothie & Rest in the EESystem Lounge
Nourish · Rest · Receive
A nourishing vegan smoothie, followed by quiet time in the EESystem lounge.
An invitation to pause between experiences, enjoy each sip and notice how you feel.
17:30 – 18:15 | Gentle Embodied Movement & Breathwork with Marietta Sarigiannidou
Movement · Breath · Body Awareness
A gentle embodied practice combining slow, mindful movement and conscious breathing, guided by Marietta.
Together, we explore ways to ease accumulated tension, encourage a calmer rhythm and bring attention back to the body.
An invitation to soften into yourself.
18:15 – 19:00 | Heart-Opening Meditation, Frequency Toning & Sounding with Donna Poulidis
Self-Compassion · Voice · Connection
The journey turns inward.
Donna guides a heart-opening meditation, creating space to step away from the roles, expectations and responsibilities we carry and meet ourselves with greater kindness.
Through frequency toning and sounding, we explore the connection between breath and felt vibration, with room to participate or simply listen.
19:00 – 20:00 | Closing Reflection & Herbal Tea Circle
Integration · Sharing · Connection
We return to the circle over warm herbal tea.
An unhurried space to reflect, listen and share what feels meaningful, without expectation or pressure. Silence is welcome, too.
What feels softer now? What do I want to carry with me?
We close with gratitude for our bodies, our shared presence and the permission we gave ourselves to pause.
One circle. One intentional pause. A softer way back to yourself.
20:00 | End of The Art of Softening
What's included
Gallery
FAQs
To reserve your place at "The Art of Softening", full payment is required at the time of booking through our website.
Simply click "Book Now" and follow the steps on our booking platform to complete your reservation.
For any questions, booking support, or further guidance, please contact us at bookings@myndretreats.com.
What’s included in a MYND retreat?
Each MYND Retreat is a premium, thoughtfully curated experience. Your journey includes daily wellness sessions, breathwork, sound healing, mindful movement, as well as sacred ceremonies, and intentional time for reflection and integration.
Is the retreat physically demanding?
Our experiences are accessible to most fitness levels. All activities are optional and adapted to your pace.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move and relax with ease.
Bring a light layer or warm socks, as your body temperature may change during moments of deep rest.
Come with an open mind, an open heart, and no expectations.
Give yourself permission to slow down, receive, and experience the day exactly as you are.
Full Payment:
Full payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your place. This payment is non-refundable, non-transferable.
Cancellations by the Client:
All cancellations must be made in writing via email.
Refunds are issued according to the timeline below:
---> Deposit is Non Refundable in any case.
---> Refund Entitlement:
* Up to 60 days (2 months) before the starting day of the retreat: 100% refund (excluding deposit & bank fees)
* Less than 60 days (2 months) from the starting day of the retreat: No refund available
Cancellation by the Company:
The Company reserves the right to cancel any retreat due to force majeure, insufficient registrations, safety concerns, or other uncontrollable events. In such cases:
* We will refund 100% of the amount paid, excluding a 4% fee. This 4% covers unavoidable bank/transaction charges (including international transfers, interbank fees) and the online payment platform processing fee OR you will be offered a credit or transfer to a future retreat, subject to availability.
* No refund will be given for travel costs or external bookings