Our Story

Mother-daughter duo behind Zengean, enjoying a sunny retreat day surrounded by greenery in Tinos

Lila & Maria

Zengean was born from a shared passion for yoga, travel, and meaningful experiences.

As a mother and daughter team, our yoga journey began together, deepening our connection to ourselves and each other. Over the years, we truly fell in love with yoga while on retreats - immersing ourselves in nature, community, and self-care. Our journey led us to completing our 200-HR YTT and teaching our own classes. Now, we want to help yoga teachers and studio owners bring that same magic to their students, creating transformative retreats without the stress of planning.

With our local expertise, years of working in marketing and deep love for Greece, we craft seamless, authentic retreat experiences, so you can focus on what matters—teaching, inspiring, and connecting.

Retreat caterers using fresh local ingredients—serving drinks outdoors and preparing meals in the kitchen

Cindy & Mike

Food is key to our family. Through it we share local ingredients, traditions and seasonality.

During the first retreat that we planned together, we needed a chef to cater for our guests throughout their stay. Luckily, Mike (Lila’s son and Maria’s brother) and his partner Cindy stepped in. Cindy and Mike are artists based in London, however their true passion lies in cooking and baking. They spent time researching the destination, learning about local dishes, and built connections with the farmers, butchers and suppliers to gather the best ingredients.

Their dishes are inspired by comforting Greek family cooking and celebrate local ingredients, traditions and seasonality. For breakfast expect freshly baked sourdough and pastries, local cheese and yoghurt from small dairy producers, and fresh fruits. For dinner we share our favourite family dishes with you such as slow cooked rooster in wine, stuffed tomatoes, and grilled fish. In the traditional Greek way, the main courses are served with salads and sharing plates.

Roasted pork with golden potatoes and leek—one of many nourishing retreat meals enjoyed in Tinos
Golden-brown rhubarb crisp fresh from the oven, served as a seasonal sweet treat on retreat
Roasted eggplant and tomato stew with fresh herbs, served with rustic bread and vibrant side salads at a Zengean retreat

Giving back to the country that shaped us.

Greece is more than just a destination - it’s our home, and we are committed to supporting its people through fair business practices and responsible tourism. We also believe in the power of retreats to bring peace, rest, balance, and joy.

For thousands of years, the Aegean has been a place of healing, and we want to help you bring that same zen energy to your retreats and your heart.

Wild mountain valley in Tinos with rocky cliffs, ocean views, and dramatic skies—one of many hiking landscapes on retreat
Relaxing in a hammock by the beach under Greek sun—moments of rest woven into every Zengean retreat
Cliffside monastery in Greece surrounded by trees and mountains—steeped in history and stillness
Natural rock formation balanced in the Greek hills—quiet power in the everyday landscape
Fresh-baked sesame loaf cooling outside—homemade touches that make our meals unforgettable
Two retreat guests bonding with a playful kitten on a stone bench in Tinos—moments of joy and connection
Looking through a stone window onto terraced Tinos farmland—where nature, history, and tradition meet
Hand-painted Greek sign on a hillside trail, guiding retreat-goers to new views and hidden gems
Hands-on cooking during our retreat—rolling out fresh dough for homemade meals shared in community
Seasonal fruit and snacks laid out for retreat guests—fresh, nourishing, and always local

Our Values

Freshly picked carrots from the garden—connecting retreat meals to the land they come from

Championing sustainability

We blend mindful living with eco-conscious practices, prioritising sustainable accommodations, waste reduction, and locally sourced cuisine. Following a “Leave No Trace” philosophy, we help preserve Greece’s beauty for future generations.

Experienced hands rolling dough—a quiet moment of tradition in retreat cooking

Celebrating local traditions

We believe in deep cultural immersion, connecting you with local traditions through cooking classes, historical tours, and festivals. Your participation helps preserve and celebrate Greek heritage, creating a meaningful exchange that enriches both your yoga journey and the communities that welcome us.

Local Greek market bursting with colour, flavour, and ingredients that inspire our retreat menus

Supporting the local economy

We are committed to supporting local communities by partnering with service providers who bring authenticity to our retreats. By working with local craftsmen, guides, and chefs, we create job opportunities and contribute to the local economy, ensuring your retreat experience directly benefits the people and culture of Greece.

On a boat between islands, Greek flag waving—retreat days that stretch beyond the shoreline

Crafting bespoke experiences

We know what makes a great yoga retreat, and quality is our priority. Every detail, from location to activities, is thoughtfully curated to exceed expectations. With seamless planning and world-class service, we ensure your retreat is effortless, enriching, and unforgettable.