October 11-18, 2025
Escape to Greece
Join Heather Thomson for an unforgettable Mediterranean Diet & Longevity Retreat on the breathtaking island of Poros, Greece. Nestled between the sparkling Aegean Sea and lush, rolling hills, this immersive experience blends ancient traditions with modern wellness for a journey that will nourish both body and soul.
Where You’ll Stay – A Boutique Greek Hideaway
Our home for the week is The Odyssey at Poros, a charming family-run retreat nestled in the peaceful Askeli area. Lovingly nurtured for over 25 years by Rik, Katerina, and their daughter Dora Sakelliou, this boutique hotel blends timeless traditions with a modern commitment to sustainability. Here, you’ll be welcomed like family, immersing yourself in authentic Greek hospitality and the island’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Accommodations reflect the same spirit of care, offering elegant suites with private balconies and serene views. Every detail—from the lush gardens to the warm communal spaces—has been designed to foster connection, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation for the Mediterranean way of life.
Your Itinerary – A Perfect Blend of Food, Culture & Relaxation
Each day is designed to transport you into the heart of the Mediterranean lifestyle, where food, nature, and community come together in perfect harmony:
Morning: Wake up to the scent of the sea breeze and start your day with foraging excursions, visits to vibrant local markets, and hands-on lessons from island artisans like beekeepers, olive oil producers, and winemakers.
Afternoon: Under the expert guidance of Chef Jeremy Rock Smith and Chef Katerina Sakelliou, roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of Mediterranean cooking. From the bold flavors of prawn saganaki to the delicate layers of homemade spanakopita, you’ll gain the confidence to bring these nourishing dishes into your own kitchen.
Evening: As the sun sets over the Aegean, unwind with scenic hikes through ancient olive groves, herbal walks along the coast, and unhurried evenings savoring long, laughter-filled dinners with newfound friends.
Your Hosts – Leaders in Wellness & Culinary Arts
Heather Thomson, a passionate advocate for health and longevity, will be your guide through this journey of self-care, connection, and renewal. With her deep-rooted knowledge of wellness and an infectious enthusiasm for balanced living, Heather will inspire you to embrace the Mediterranean way—not just for a week, but for a lifetime.
Joining her are Chef Jeremy Rock Smith, a master of plant-forward cuisine whose expertise in holistic nutrition will open your eyes to the healing power of food, and Chef Katerina Sakelliou, a Greek culinary expert who will share her love for authentic island flavors and time-honored cooking techniques. Together, they will help you reconnect with food in a way that is both joyful and deeply nourishing.
A Journey Worth Taking
This retreat is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to slow down, savor every bite, and embrace a way of life that prioritizes wellness, joy, and connection. The total investment for this weeklong experience is $4,150, with a $950 deposit securing your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
Click below to register directly through Jeremy Rock Smith’s page. Spaces are limited—secure your place today and get ready for a life-changing adventure!
Heather’s Retreats and Adventures
Recap - Backroads Adventure to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs 2024
An incredible journey was had on our first Women’s Backroads Travel Adventure! From the moment we set foot in Joshua Tree National Park, we were captivated by the distinctive beauty that surrounded us.
Hiking through the unique landscape of Joshua Tree and national reserves of Palm Springs! The sheer beauty of nature was not only visually stunning but also profoundly healing, revitalizing our spirits with every step we took.
Hiking part of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail offered us a majestic view of San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in California south of the Sierra Nevada. And, we traversed to breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains, where the majestic bighorn sheep gracefully navigate their rugged habitat. This experience was made even more special as we shared this journey with an inspiring group of women and the opportunity to connect with nature and with each other. Nature truly is the best therapy, and this adventure will remain a cherished memory for us all.
Here's to more journeys filled with exploration, inspiration, and beauty with Backroads for active travel in the great outdoors! Adventure with us!
Recap - Pure Freedom at Ross Bridge 2023
We found Pure Freedom at Ross Bridge! We created a beautiful space for each other to be present and fully engaged and I am confident that each one of these ladies will continue their personal journey towards freedom. I am grateful for all the love and energy that was given and know these fantastic women will continue to support and connect with each other and the world around them as they spread the gift of freedom. Our cups are full and we are grateful.
Recap - Red Rocks Dirty Freedom Retreat 2023
Dirty Freedom! We adventured, we got dirty, we nourished our bodies with nutritious meals, we relaxed, and we forged amazing relationships, and I know these fantastic women will continue to support and connect with each other and the world around them, as they spread the gift of freedom. We created a beautiful space to be in the present…so we could start to heal the past. We gave a lot and absorbed even more and we found strength in all that we are right now.
We found freedom in the desert and realized that it is always within us and always available if we know how to tap into it. Remember to hold your space in the present freedom riders! I am beyond grateful to have shared this time together.
Recap - Earth, Wind and Fire Retreat 2022
The Earth, Wind and Fire Retreat was filled with thought provoking workshops and conversations, delicious farm to table meals, fun fitness classes and outdoor activities. The Spa was spectacular with amazing treatments like the hydra-facial and CBD massages. The highlight of the weekend was the VIP Indigo Girls Concert in downtown Opelika. The Earth, Wind, and Fire retreat created personal change and growth for everyone plus memories and a community of support to last a lifetime!
Recap - Rock Shop Retreat 2022
“Heather’s Rock Shop retreat plus the combination of her Beyond Fresh Nutritional supplements was exactly what I needed, it’s amazing what 3 days can do when mixed with good diet, exercise, and reflection.” Gigi Capes. “Many clients of the Freedom Retreats continue to return each year to experience guidance opportunities from Heather and her team of experts from fitness and nutrition, to self-care and personal growth, Heathers retreats cover it all, and they are FUN!”
—Enlightened Spa Review
Recap - PATAGONIA 2019
We hiked among glaciers and lakes and dined on delicious local cuisine between our backcountry experiences. The “off the beaten track” hikes had less visitors than the other trails around El Chalten and followed an original access route used by early settlers of the region. It offered incredible views of the Fitz Roy and Torres as well as surrounding glaciers. Autumn was in full swing and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage contrasted sharply against the blue of the lakes, the white of the snowcap, and the golden brown of the vast grasslands that stretch east to the Atlantic Ocean. This trip took us off the grid on a once in a lifetime adventure that we will never forget.
Recap - NEPAL 2018
Mera 2018 was Humanitarian Expedition to Nepal.Our 2 teams started in Kathmandu were we serviced the CDCA Orphanage with 8 wheelchairs, Medical supplies, 4 laptops, water filters, boots, sandals, dental and school supplies. We conducted a one day medical clinic to service children and the community, and flew medical supplies to a high mountain hospital. We then turned our sites on the Mountains! This climb challenged every part of my soul but I would do it all again in a minute!
Recap - CANYON RANCH 2018
Testimonial: “Loved loved loved this retreat!! Having it be a small group allowed us to really interact with one another and get to know each other. Our dinners were delicious and equally entertaining with laughs and stories. The archery was the perfect mix of mindfulness and challenge and also really fun!! The step class, despite my having “two left feet” was fantastic! The 80s music took me back to my childhood and Memmy was the perfect teacher for someone like me, who feared the choreography!!
The group activities being spread out throughout the 2-3 days was perfect. It allowed us to also do our own thing, whether it was a spa treatment or additional class or workshop. The goody bags are amazing!!! I have my nutritionary protein shake a few times a week to make the containers last. Heather, have you thought about connecting Nutrionary with “Fab, Fit, Fun”? It would be a really great way to help spread the word on your product!
Honestly loved this retreat and loved being there with so many women that have such beautiful stories to share. I really hope we can all make another one happen! - Happy holidays all!!” Xoxox Aliza
Recap - KILIMANJARO 2016
Heather and 18 women headed to Africa to climb one of the ‘Seven Summits,’ Kilimanjaro. These women had no idea what to expect. All coming from different walks of life. Different challenges and experiences. Some of these women were Veterans, Brain Cancer Survivors, and TV personalities. The only thing they had in common, besides the fact that they were women, was their determination to climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Recap - MIRAVAL 2015
“The location and the group of ladies were amazing! Loved the group hike and fitness classes, but my favorite part was the group dinners! Enjoying healthy food, understanding where the food came from and how it was made, and taking that learning home and incorporating it into my daily life was life-changing! Heather's nutrition workshop was so informative and understandable, I loved it!” - Susan