Time for deep transformation during the
9th Yoga and Meditation Retreat
With your breath in the sails
May 22-29, 2027
Inner journey on a real boat,
Free information session,
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10:00-11:30
Melac, Zwijnaarde
Southern Turkey, 8 days of deep breathing, practicing yoga and meditation on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Rediscovering or strengthening your breath. Taking care of your own physical and mental health. Working on change from within. Every day, immersing yourself for 5 hours in the practice of yoga and meditation, making space for silence and deep rest. Connecting with nature through swimming, walking, gazing far out over the water and towards the mountains. Opening your perspective to what you do not yet see. And in addition: visiting a village, exploring a historical site, philosophizing together, exchanging experiences, dining together on delicious, fresh daily food.
Our focus is on:
breathing exercises
yoga and deepening in yoga postures
meditation techniques
formulating intentions
conversation and exchange
renewing your life force
flexibility, through relaxation and enjoyment.
Daily schedule
07:30 - 08:30 | coffee/tea/fruit & biscuit
08:30 - 10:30 | yoga
11:00 - 12:00 | brunch
16:00 - 16:30 | coffee/tea/fruit & biscuit
16:30 - 18:30 | yoga
19:00 - 21:00 | supper
21:00 - 21:45 | day closure
We stay in the region of Ancient Lycia with places like Göcek, Fethiye, Olü Deniz, Marmaris, Bozborun. We sail to a different place every day. Every trip we explore a different area. It is best to fly to Dalaman.
Your guide: Hilde Van den Hooff
I received a theological and philosophical education, am a healthcare teacher, a Hatha Yoga and Inner Axis teacher, a Yoga Nidra facilitator, a recognized systems therapist, and a yoga therapist.
I am happy to share all my insights regarding the interplay between body and mind, gained over the past 28 years, with you.
With the slowness of a snail, I made my way to this ark, this beautiful boat, on which I guide you on the path inward. I am happy to share all my insights gained over the past 28 years with you.
Your Captain: Osman
Osman grew up as a child in his parents' family business. as captain
from the boat Esinti, which means 'sea breeze', it takes us to safe coves and ports.
The Esinti is a typical gulet, a wood-crafted two-master.
The boat was made in Bozborun, where Osman grew up.
In addition to Osman, 4 crew members are sailing along: a cook and three sailors.
They are at the service of the entire group event.
Together, as one team, we blow our 'breath into the sails'.
Dominique Houbaert, Ghent
"The ship's bell rings. Bare feet audible on the wooden gangway, mats are rolled out on the deck. Some have been sitting there for a while, calmly looking out over the water, the golden glow of the morning sun on their faces. A few have already swum in the silence of the morning and are drying their hair. The ship rocks gently. Namaste. It begins ....
What a week. Back home I'm still rocking. This has done me good on so many levels. And it has made me delve deeper, more than I expected.
During a week of “Breathe in the sails” there is not only the beautiful sailing ship Esinti that takes you to beautiful bays, there is also Hilde who lets you sail further than you thought you could go with her exercises and experience. A gift and highly recommended!”
Nicole and Frank, Poeke
“It was the first time for me and my friend to go.
We ended up in a fantastic group that had already enjoyed this unique experience several times. Our surprise was great when we noticed that we were spontaneously accepted with much love and affection.
I myself got to know a side of myself that I didn't know at all.
But there is a positive side !
I could let myself be gently carried away by Hilde's sweet, warm, soft voice, which allowed me to dream away into a total state of relaxation . Something that was almost unthinkable for me.
I (we) can recommend such a unique experience with full conviction.
You will definitely come back feeling reborn!
And this aside. The food is also fantastically delicious. Not unimportant, right?”
Christine Van Canneyt, Gent
“A week on the beautiful ship
' de Esinti ' in Turkey with Hilde, is the most beautiful combination of
Yoga - nature - recharge - culture - friendship - breathe again - deepen - healing - fun - relaxation - culinary delights.
“A must for everyone!”
Kaat Cousin, Dendermonde
"Letting go… On the one hand I am looking forward to it because it is something I cannot do or find difficult, and on the other hand it scares me about what it might bring about. This was the feeling that crept over me the closer we got to leaving. Hilde's reaction was a bull's eye, which made me start counting down with confidence:
“Have full trust in the whole process. We are on the boat for a week, that gives enough time to sink down and come up. And letting go and changing, that is part of life. Everything changes. Including us. Change is good and healthy. And our body/mind is more than cautious enough to only allow the change that we can handle. Otherwise you wouldn’t come along. So, take a deep breath and trust. I look forward to seeing you there.”...
The week flew by. Yoga moments alternated with conversations, walking, sunbathing, laughing, writing, city visits, swimming, supping… And not to forget, our inner man was strengthened daily by super, but then also super delicious food…
The immensity of the sea is breathtaking. Sitting on the boat, musing about feelings, habits, people, situations… Tears roll down my cheeks. Letting go. Breathing in and out. T
Thank you Hilde, thank you fellow travelers, thank you crew for letting me experience this week with you."
PRACTICAL
Total cost: guide price, subject to slight changes depending on circumstances.
€ 2,320 p.p. cabin for 2 people
cabin for yourself alone: only upon request.
Each cabin has its own toilet and shower.
Hotel service provided.
You pay 50% of the amount due upon registration. The remaining amount 10 weeks before departure. The deposit is non-refundable.
Account number: BE 4073 30124872 63
Included in the price:
• Flight
• Meals/coffee/tea/water/fruit
• yoga classes and meditations
• Bed linen and (swimming) towels
• Cleaning
• tip for the crew
• group transfer to boat
Not included
• excursions
You bring your own yoga equipment. For the flights, we work with a travel agency, if you wish.
Register for the information session or participate in the retreat:
Ywan Dierick, your travel design