A conversation with Ioannis Kentzeas and Egbert van Wyngaarden about reconnecting with nature, heritage, and purpose.

Q: Egbert, why did you choose Greece, and specifically Mani, as the setting for your retreats?

Egbert: Mani offers something unique. The Taygetos mountains rise against the Mediterranean light, while the Ionian Sea stretches endlessly before you. The ancient paths, walked since Homeric times, traverse a pristine natural environment that guides people back to their deeper purpose.

We encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in this landscape. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a chance to step into an archaic world that reawakens clarity and creativity.

Mountains for the Mind, a campaign we support, has documented how time spent in mountainous regions can profoundly affect our mental well-being. Here, we witness daily how the Taygetos mountains offer new perspectives and a sense of renewal.

Q: Ioannis, how does your family's connection to Mani shape this vision?

Ioannis: Mani is more than just a beautiful setting—it’s a living testament to a simple, sustainable way of life. My family's roots in the village of Thalames connect us to a time when life moved in natural cycles, when waste was unknown. My father grew up in this environment and through his stories, we inherit precious information about living in harmony with nature and community. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when simplicity and sustainability guide our choices.

“When you come to Thalames, you’re not just a visitor—you’re part of something bigger.”

Mani draws you into a state of openness and curiosity. You experience kairos—nature's rich sense of time. Walking among the olive groves or on a mountain trail, you might catch the gaze of a hawk or an owl. These moments invite us to expand our awareness and connect more deeply with the natural world, much as the ancient Greeks did. Their profound attention to nature sparked a sense of wonder that still resonates today.

Q: What are you working to create here?

Ioannis: Our vision centers on restoring my family's ancestral home, a protected monument with a unique history, and to reopen it as a Heritage Center. This space will allow people to experience authentic Mani—its ancient places, its oral history, and its genuine way of life.

Through agrotourism, we're creating opportunities for meaningful connection with the land and its people. We believe that being here, experiencing this simplicity and closeness to nature, can transform how people think about leadership and their role in the world.

Q: How does this connect to your broader vision?

Egbert: Our work extends beyond retreats and olive farming. We're actively fostering sustainable agriculture by collaborating with local farmers and helping them access international carbon and biodiversity credit programs. This ensures their traditional practices are valued and sustained.

Equally important is our commitment to protecting the Taygetos mountains, a Natura 2000 area, and its surrounding landscape. By championing sustainable practices and supporting the local community, we're helping secure this exceptional region's future.

Q: What does it mean to join your community?

Egbert: When people come to Thalames, they become part of something larger than themselves. Whether participating in a coaching retreat, a mountain hike, or the olive harvest, they're contributing to preserving Mani's natural and cultural heritage. Together, we're creating a future that honors our past while innovating for the challenges ahead.

Ioannis: For those seeking to rediscover simplicity, to live closer to nature, and to lead with greater purpose—we welcome you to join us in this journey!

Booking request or other queries? Please contact us.

Book through our Partner BookRetreats.com.

We support Mountains for the Mind, a campaign from Trail Magazine promoting the benefits of being outside for better mental health. We believe in the power of mountains to change lives.

Cultivating Leadership and Legacy in Greece.