Greece
handstand retreat
with Marie-Ève Dicaire and Nicolas Montes de Oca
19 – 25 June 2026
Join us for a 7-day intensive handstand retreat in Paros Island, Greece.
Open to all levels.
Intensive handstand training
The intensive handstand retreat is open to individuals of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced hand balancers. The group will be divided into two levels, so that we can tailor drills to each individual’s needs and ensure everyone can progress at their own pace. During this retreat we will teach methodology based on the renowned techniques of Chinese and Ukrainian hand balancing.
What does it cover
Beginners:
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to develop proper alignment
- Drills to help you transition smoothly from your feet to your hands
- Wall exercises to build confidence and familiarity with being upside down
- Confidence-building drills for freestanding handstands
- Various methods for learning how to kick-up into a handstand
- Techniques for achieving and maintaining balance in a handstand
- Spotting techniques for safe and effective practice
Advanced:
- Drills to optimize alignment
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to test your two arm handstands
- Exercises to play with isolation
- Practising press handstands
- Techniques for building stamina
- Various spotting methods
- Exercises for one arm handstand transfers
- Techniques for building stamina in one arm handstands
- Practicing various one arm handstand shapes, such as side bends and Figa.
Relax
/
Train
/
Renew
Schedule
19 June
- Check-In: after 2 p.m.
- Training: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Welcome meal: 6:30 p.m.
20 June
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Training: 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
- Lunch: 1 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6:30 p.m.
21 June
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Training: 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
- Lunch: 1 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6:30 p.m.
22 June
- Rest day
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Lunch: 1 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6:30 p.m.
23 June
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Training: 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
- Lunch: 1 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6:30 p.m.
24 June
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Training: 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
- Lunch: 1 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6:30 p.m.
25 June
- Breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Check-out: 12 p.m.
Who is Marie-Ève?

Marie-Ève Dicaire began her artistic journey as a dancer, but after three years of training, she felt that something was missing. She auditioned for the National Circus School of Montreal, where she was accepted as a hand balancer, and quickly discovered a love for this rare blend of precision and fluidity.
Since graduating in 2006, she has performed around the world with numerous circus companies, including Circus Monti, Circus Starlight, Cirque Plume, Cirque Éloize, Cirque du Soleil, and The 7 Fingers, and has performed in many variety shows across Germany. More recently, she has had the privilege of spending three years teaching hand balancing at the prestigious National Circus School of Montreal.
Marie-Ève is still evolving as a dancer, but now she does it while balancing on her hands.
@dicairemarieeve
Who is Nicolas?
Nicolas Montes de oca is a professional circus performer who has dedicated his life to hand balancing and the circus arts. He has developed his own unique hand balancing style, fusing it with dance and movement, which has led to him performing all over the world.
Originally self-taught, Nicolas Montes de Oca took his skills to new levels, receiving professional tuition at the Shanghai Circus School in China, at ESAC (École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque) in Belgium and at the Kiev Circus Academy in Ukraine. He has performed at many prestigious companies such as Franco Dragone, The 7 Fingers and Cirque du Soleil.
@nicolastanding

What is Okreblue?
Connect with nature and immerse yourself in an authentic and truly sustainable experience. In perfect balance with nature, Okreblue Eco Yoga Retreat sets itself apart as a wellness destination designed in total harmony with its surroundings. Okreblue sits on the relatively untouched coastline of Santa Maria on the tranquil peninsula of Paros Island, Greece. The retreat’s natural surroundings, in particular the earth and water, are the soul of Okreblue.
Enjoy your stay in total comfort, Okreblue’s accommodation is inspired by the elements and by Greek mythology. The rooms are open, naturally lit and purposefully minimal to simplify your experience. Most of the rooms face have sea views and are a stone’s throw away from Filizi beach, with direct access to the velvet waters of the Aegean Sea. Perfect for a sunrise dip!
Okreblue Eco Yoga Retreat
Filizi, Santa Maria, Naoussa
Paros 84401, Greece
What kind of Food is available?
Enjoy delicious cuisine based on ancient Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing wellbeing, balance and bliss in the body. Create your own meals from a selection of plant-based dishes, fusing exotic Indian flavours with the tastes and character of traditional Greek cuisine.
Our resident Ayurvedic chef, Suresh, hails from northeast India and together with Elvira (our goddess of pastries and sugar-free desserts), the duo whips up all the delicious meals at the Caretta Lounge restaurant.
The kitchen takes great pride in creating meals with complex flavours that tantalize taste buds and leave the body and soul satiated, nourished and energized. There will be an animal protein meal option every other day.
We will eat together three times a day on Caretta’s open deck with amazing views of the Aegean Sea or the moon rising! Between meals, the kitchen can serve juices and smoothies, and a selection of healthy snacks and salads.
Why Paros Island?

Tucked away in the Cyclades, Paros Island is your ticket to a world where nature’s wonders meet Greek heritage. Okreblue is cocooned within lush gardens, and marries sustainability with traditional Greek allure. Embark on a cultural odyssey through time, exploring ancient relics, charming villages, and pristine beaches. Paros’ rich history and breathtaking landscapes are an invitation to rediscover the very essence of Greece. From kayaking to secret coves to hiking scenic trails and sailing on turquoise waters, Paros offers boundless adventures for the intrepid traveller. Escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary on Paros Island. Your Greek adventure awaits.
How do you get there?
From Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos, ATH)
Aegean Air and SkyExpress fly from Athens to Paros. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance because it can be difficult to find availability during the summer months.
For tickets and information visit:
http://en.aegeanair.com/ or https://www.skyexpress.gr/
From Mykonos International Airport (JMK)
There is a 45-minute boat ride from Mykonos to Paros.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com
From the Port of Piraeus (Athens Port)
Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways sails to Paros from the Port of Piraeus.
The Blue Star Ferries crossing takes about 4.5 hours and runs twice a day, with tickets starting at €37. The Hellenic Seaways crossing takes 2.75 hours, with tickets starting at €50.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/ or https://hellenicseaways.gr/en/ or https://www.bluestarferries.com/en/
From the Port of Rafina (Athens)
The Port of Rafina is closer to Athens airport and you can get there by taxi or bus.
The ferry to Paros takes about 4 hours, with tickets starting at €50.
For tickets and information visit: https://www.ferriesingreece.com/
Arriving in Paros
Once you arrive in Paros, you can take a taxi from the port or the airport. If you’re arriving by sea, you can also catch a bus from Parikia (the port) to Naoussa, and then take a taxi to Okreblue.

Intensive training Gallery

Shared Accommodation (Double Occupancy)
2,399 €

Single occupancy
3,299 €

































