Time for deep transformation during the
8th Yoga and Meditation Retreat
With the breath in the sails
Inner sailing trip on a real boat,
with a 36 hour silence experience.
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October 19 - 26, 2025
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Southern Turkey, 8 days of deep breathing, yoga and meditation on a boat in the Mediterranean. Finding or strengthening your breath. Taking care of your own physical and mental health. Working on change from within.
I will guide you during this week to an experience of 36 hours in silence. Then we let go of talking to each other, our mobile phones, our books. We give all the space to the way inward, to the yoga practice and meditation, to writing, drawing, connecting with the mountains and the sea, to sailing, to swimming. To doing nothing and looking over the water for a long time. And above all, to observing our own reaction patterns.
The other days there is plenty of room to laugh, dance, sing, talk, walk, visit the hammam and villages, and philosophize over the fresh, delicious food of the day.
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
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I received a theological and philosophical training, I am a teacher within
health care, teacher in the Hatha yoga and Inner Axis, yoganidra counselor,
recognized system therapist, yogatherapist.
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All my insights into the interplay between body and mind,
gained over the past 26 years, I would like to share with you.
Your Captain: Osman
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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 ....
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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. The rocking of the boat on the water. Conversations with others, sharing feelings and experiences. Still a need to feel solid ground under my feet every now and then. Physical challenge by mountain hike. Guiding/talking to Mom through this. Roles are reversed, I am allowed to take care of her. Physical touch is so good but at the same time releases so much. Taking in less, closing off more becomes an exercise for life. Being overwhelmed by the infinite, immensity of the sea. Grateful for so much beauty. The group's support is great. Conversation about transience came in. Courage is needed to grow old. Singing is embarrassing until singing is meaningful/connecting. Sunrise/sunset. KarmaYoga. Friendly, helpful and charming crew...
Swimming in the sea. Beautiful nature. An experience never to forget.
Thank you Hilde, thank you fellow travelers, thank you crew, thank you mom for letting me experience this week with you."
Practical information
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On this private boat we as a group are supported materially by a fantastic captain and his crew. There is full board hotel service. The food is prepared fresh daily. The ship's chef's cooking goes beyond every word.
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Price before December 30, 2024
Each cabin has its own toilet and shower, hotel service provided.
cabin 2 persons: € 1,620 p.p.
cabin1 person: € 3,100
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Price after December 30, 2024
cabin 2 persons: € 1,820 p.p.
cabin 1 person: € 3,500
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You pay 50% of the amount due upon registration.
The deposit is non-refundable.
The remaining amount 9 weeks before departure, by August 15th 2025.
Account number: BE17 9531 2350 5621
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Included in the price:
• The meals
• coffee/tea/water/fruit
• yoga classes and meditations
• Bed linen and (swimming) towels
• Cleaning
• tip for the crew
• group transfer to boot
Not included
• excursions • flight
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Boarding on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 4 p.m.
Bring your own yoga equipment.
For the flights we work together with a travel agency, if you wish.
Sign up
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By phone 0476/864204
Or the form below