The rugged Taygetos mountains, the clear Mediterranean light, and the vast Ionian Sea create an environment that clears the mind and invites profound reflection. Walking ancient paths that echo Homeric legends in this land of myth effortlessly reconnects you with your purpose. The traditional cultural and agricultural practices offer fresh perspectives on sustainable leadership. Mani’s landscape and heritage aren’t just beautiful—they are truly transformative.

We’re deeply rooted in Thalames, a village where time seems to stand still. Our ancestors grew up in an archaic world, long before modern amenities arrived. The road to Kalamata was built in 1958, and electricity didn’t come until the 1980s. Life was simple, sustainable, and circular—waste didn’t exist. Through the stories of the elders in the village, we can vividly imagine what daily life was like here: a world where people lived in harmony with nature and community. Walking through the village today, you’ll still find traces of this timeless way of living. For us, it’s a powerful and inspiring reminder of what’s possible when simplicity and sustainability are at the heart of life.

Our retreats are tailored to your needs. Intensive coaching sessions alternate with space for reflection and free time.

Leadership Retreat / Board Retreat
May / September – 5 days (short version: 3 days)

• Arrival on Sunday evening: welcome and settling in

• Coaching sessions in the mornings: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

• Afternoons and evenings: free for personal exploration and rest

• Wednesday is intentionally free to fully immerse yourself in the region

• Closing on Friday with a traditional Mani lunch

Olive Harvest Retreat
First week of November – 4 days

• Arrival on Sunday evening: welcome session

• Day 1: Team development — roles and expectations (full day)

• Day 2: Communication, feedback, and innovation mindset (full day)

• Day 3: Leadership training + olive-harvest challenge (full day)

• Closing: tasting your own olive oil and a festive lunch

Optional: Coaching Hikes in the Taygetos Mountains

• Day hikes or multi-day mountain tours through the Taygetos range

• Adapted to your experience and fitness level; individual or group

• Egbert van Wyngaarden is a professionally trained mountain guide

The retreat includes daily coaching sessions, workshops, and future labs, as well as materials, drinks, snacks, and lunch on the final day. Not included: Travel, transfers, accommodation, and meals. Participants must provide proof of valid travel insurance prior to the start of the retreat.

Our retreats are held in spring and autumn to avoid the summer heat. In May and September, daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 25°C, with comfortably warm evenings. During the olive harvest in November, the days remain mild, though the evenings can be chilly. With sunshine most days of the year and the sea inviting for a swim year-round, Greece offers an ideal setting for reflection and renewal.

Kalamata Airport is conveniently served by flights from several European cites. From Kalamata, you can reach Thalames in about 1.2 hours by rental car or by the KTEL bus, which runs several times daily. If you’re coming from Athens, there’s a direct KTEL bus once a day, and by car, the drive takes around 4 hours. See also the map below.

You have many options, whether in Thalames itself or in nearby villages. We can recommend various options, ranging from traditional mountain homes to luxury resorts by the sea, depending on your budget and preferences.

The Mani landscape is rough and wild. We adapt our program to all fitness levels, but weather-appropriate, solid clothing is essential—think long outdoor trousers, hiking boots and sun-protective headgear. If you plan to swim or snorkel, don’t forget to pack your gear, such as swimsuits or snorkel masks.

Renting a car is the best way to explore the area. It gives you the freedom to enjoy the coastal beauty at your own pace and to visit remote, traditional mountain villages or archaeological sites that public transport doesn’t reach.

Mani really offers something for everyone. You can explore ancient heritage sites and traditional villages, hike or bike through the mountains, paraglide over breathtaking landscapes, or unwind on secluded coastal beaches. Upon request we can arrange boat trips and special excursions as an additional service. Culinary experiences here are exceptional, with local flavors that will become unforgettable highlights of your stay.

No specific preparation is required for the retreat. We’ll focus on the questions most relevant to you and tailor the program to your needs. If you’d like a preview of the region’s spirit, we recommend Patrick Leigh Fermor’s travel memoir Mani—a truly inspiring introduction to this extraordinary place. For a more reflective take on how this landscape connects to leadership and personal insight, you might also enjoy Knowing Thyself, Egbert’s book on ancient wisdom and modern leadership.