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Strengthen your body through daily BASI Pilates practice
Deepen your understanding of BASI Pilates principles
Learn to teach up to advanced level clients on the MAT
Enjoy training in a friendly circle, with top level teachers who will support and encourage you, in an absolutely gorgeous, relaxing environment.
Practice & Learn the Fundamental, Intermediate, and Advanced Pilates exercise repertoire.
Learn to teach up to Advanced Level Clients on the MAT.
BASI Pilates graduates teach all over the world and are part of an expanding family of passionate Pilates professionals.
Zen Rocks is a sanctuary in nature: a place where we consciously choose a different rhythm of living. Here, we conserve energy, live in close relationship with the natural environment, and are guided by the principles of mindfulness and interbeing. We invite you to slow down, soften your pace, and bring your attention inward — to rest, to reconnect, and to cultivate gratitude.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, as well as consideration for one another’s need for quiet, space, and presence. We encourage keeping mobile phones out of sight and use to a minimum; if a call is needed, we simply step beyond the shared spaces. In the same spirit, we remain mindful of our energy use — turning off lights, fans, or air conditioning when not needed. We embrace the elements as they are: when it’s warm, we adapt; when it’s cooler, we layer up. This is a place to gently lower the pace, reconnect with simplicity, and remember what it feels like to truly be!
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Primary concepts covered include the 10 movement principles of the Pilates method, an overview of the pelvic region, Pilates breathing, a historical overview of Pilates, the BASI approach, and the importance of safety when teaching Pilates. In addition, the repertoire includes fundamental Mat and Reformer exercises.
Includes a one-hour Mat class.
Primary concepts covered include an anatomy and terminology overview: major bones, muscles, joints, bony landmarks, and center of gravity. In addition, the importance and practice of cueing are discussed. Repertoire covers fundamental Reformer, intermediate Mat, Pole, and Ped-a-Pul.
Includes a one-hour Mat class
Primary concepts covered include the BASI system of movement analysis, exercise physiology, and aerobic/anaerobic exercise. The BASI format of teaching is discussed and the BASI Pilates® Block System, created by Rael Isacowitz, is introduced. Repertoire taught is intermediate Mat, Reformer and exercises with Leg Weights.
Includes a one-hour Mat class.
The primary concepts covered are the principles of alignment and posture assessment. Discussion includes exercise as a tool for assessment. Repertoire taught includes intermediate through advanced Mat, intermediate Reformer, and fundamental Cadillac.
Includes a one-hour Mat class.
Primary concepts covered are core strength and the relationship of the various muscle groups that make up the core, focusing on the abdominals and the back extensors. Contraindications, effective exercises, and the importance of understanding your client’s needs and body type are discussed. Also addressed are the role of the teacher and the importance of flow in a session. Repertoire taught includes advanced Mat, intermediate Reformer, and Arm Chair.
Includes a one-hour Mat class.
Primary concepts include an in-depth look into exercise adaptation and the use of assists and modifications. The lecture focuses on how to construct a complete and comprehensive program. Repertoire taught is advanced Mat, intermediate Reformer, fundamental Wunda Chair, and Magic Circle. A general review of the repertoire is conducted and the online Written Examination is available at the end of the program.
Includes a one-hour Mat class.
After completing the Mat Program, students are eligible to pursue a BASI Pilates Mat Teaching Certificate.
To receive a BASI Pilates Mat Teaching Certificate, students must complete the following graduation requirements:
Attend all Modules
Pass final online or live written exam
Complete a minimum of 15 hours of Observation & Class Attendance
Complete a minimum of 40 Self-Practice hours
Complete a minimum of 30 Student Teaching hours
Pass final practical exam
Pass final teaching evaluation
Your practice hours can be completed at a BASI Studio or Academy near you, and partially online.
Students are encouraged to begin their student hours during the Foundation Program. Up to 50% of Observation hours may be completed via BASI Interactive.
Additional testing fees apply depending on your region. Tuition, cancellation and auditing policies vary by location and licensee.
Students should aim to complete all requirements within one year of the last module of their Mat Program. However, we are happy to give an extension, if needed. If the requirements are not completed within three years, we may require the student to repeat 50% of the program prior to receiving a BASI Pilates Teaching Certificate.
Mat Program Requirements
*Offered in three different formats. Students have the option to choose between In-Studio, Online via Zoom or Self-Recorded Online.
This in-house retreat is offered several times in 2026. Upcoming editions will take place on:
7:15-8:00
Optional Meditation or Walk in Nature
7:30 - 8:30
Morning Tea, filter coffee, fruit, granola
8.30-12.30
BASI Mat Class & Teacher Training Modules
13:00
Fresh Vegetarian Lunch
13.30
Rest, Slow Down: Disconnect in order to Connect
15:30
Student Practice & Teaching in Partners
17:00-18:30
BASI Mat Teacher Training Theory
19:00
Dinner & enjoying the sunset
21.00
Early to bed, Early to rise
Arrivals
3:00-5:00pm check-ins
5:00pm Welcome circle, Introductions & light practice
7:00pm Dinner
Departures
7:15-8.00am - Optional Meditation or Walk in Nature
7.30-8:30am Morning Tea, Granola, Fruit
8.30-9.30am BASI Mat Class
10:30am Departures
Previous Mat practice is a plus but not entirely necessary.
Previous teaching experience especially in movement a great plus.
If you are an experienced movement practitioner even in other modalities like yoga, fitness, dance, you would be able to follow this rigorous fun and strengthening, therapeutic training.
Acceptance of your application
Payment of Fees
For more information/registration contact info@nysystudios.com
Retreat Package: Accomodations options for 6 Nights / 7 days + Program Tuition + 2 meals/day
In a shared Glamping Tent:
2180€ (up to 4 guests)
In a shared Double Room:
2780€ (the room has to be guaranteed for 2 guests to get this rate)
In a Luxury Single Room
3590€ (Subject to availability, please contact us for more information)
Accommodations, 6 nights \ 7 days
BASI Pilates Mat Course
Access to Online Anatomy Course @NYSY Academy or BASI Pilates Greece
Pilates classes & optional meditation
Τwo delicious vegetarian meals a day (brunch and dinner) and Morning Tea
All Pilates Mat/Yoga equipment and accessories
Biodegradable toiletries
Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani
Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area
Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable.
Deposit:
500€ to be paid with your registration application
Balance Due:
Rest of balance 60 Days before course starts
Refunds:
In case of Covid Related Cancelations. Full refund minus 50€ handling Fee 30 days before course starts.
No refunds after course starts.
Walter De Maria, who has always been passionate about movement and the knowledge of the body in all its many aspects, has always dedicated himself to sports ranging from swimming, artistic gymnastics, to hip-hop, contemporary, classical dance and Pilates.
He graduated from the Margherita Biosecurity Institute of Rome, and then graduated in physiotherapy in 2003 at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”.
He trained in the workplace for many years in various rehabilitation centers and refined his knowledge in the rehabilitation recovery of neurological pathologies such as hemiplegia, parkinson’s disease, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, pathologies of the vertebral column such as hernias, protrusions, neuropathies, vertebral degeneration.
Since 2003 he has been practicing as a home and outpatient physiotherapist, he constantly follows refresher and training courses that lead him to get closer and closer to the field of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, but without neglecting the neurological field.
Among his various professional experiences in the sports field, his role as a physiotherapist in the cast of the great production of the musical “Romeo and Juliet” was staged at the great theater in Rome.
Since October 2017 he has been a professor at the Lumsa University, teaching the post-university master’s degree in psychomotor skills.
It is formed and perfected in various rehabilitation techniques including Global Postural Re-education, the Cranio Sacrale technique, the Body and Conscious gentle exercise method, Manual Therapy, plantar reflexology and neuro-muscular taping.
In 2005 he trained as a Pilates teacher, following the training courses of one of the most famous international schools, Polestar Pilates, and after having taught the discipline in various gyms, he now teaches permanently at the Loft Studio Cerere in Rome. In 2017 he is certified as a Pilates Matwork teacher at the Basi Pilates Italia international school, attending international conferences held by the school’s founder Rael Isacowitz, a second-generation student of Joseph Pilates. In 2019 he completed his training with the Pilates BASI school, training in the Comprehensive Global Program, the complete training course with all the great tools of the BASI brand.
Continuous updating, both in physiotherapy techniques and in Pilates, provides him with continuous knowledge and in-depth studio of the methods, and therefore a more effective application for customers. The integration of the two disciplines allows him to have the tools for a faster recovery of the health conditions of each individual client.
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All our retreats aim to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for all levels of practice and all student needs. All programs offer the opportunity for a dose of daily good exercise through yoga or pilates, walks in nature and/or swimming in the sea, and both restorative and meditation practice. A weekly program offers a complete experience of well-being. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled. If a program seems enticing to you, it is probably the one you need. Make a bold step and trust it: Go for it!
Absolutely! Our friendly staff and group of guests/friends will make you feel right at home. Surrounded by good company, with space to be on your own, according to your needs and wishes.
Yes. As long as one understands and respects the philosophy of Zen Rocks, your partner can join in the daily activities, or feel free to relax and follow their own schedule. Your friend or partner will feel warmly welcome at Zen Rocks.
Book early, as soon as you know the retreat you are interested in, and your schedule. Click here to send us your questions or to register. Link: REGISTER
We would be happy to help arrange your transfer from Athens or Kalamata to Zen Rocks.The retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kalianeika, about one kilometer from us. There is airport access both from Athens Airport (3 hours from ZR) and from Kalamata Airport (30-40min from ZR).
-Flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and transportation to Zen Rocks
All major airlines fly to Athens international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos. Zen Rocks is about a 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Athens. We can arrange a private transport for you and/ or your group or you can rent a car to drive yourself to Zen Rocks. The ride is beautiful, and you can enjoy a direct ride along the new Athens-Kalamata highway, or you can make stops in places like the sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Nemea, the city of Nafplion, and the town of Kalamata.
-Flights to/from Kalamata (KLX)
More and more there are direct and/or charter flights to the small airport of Kalamata from different European cities. Also, new 30 minutes flights have just started from Athens to Kalamata regional airport are very reasonably priced if booked well in advance.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kalamata from the northern Greek town of Thessaloniki.
-Transportation options while in Greece
The way to reach Zen Rocks is either with our luxurious Mini Van for 8 people or by renting a car from Athens or Kalamata and drive around on your own. Our office can assist you with your car rental reservation. Or you can make your booking directly. During your stay at Zen Rocks our minivan is available for hire along with an experienced driver. The rates for transfers with our minivan are in the attached document titled: ZenRocksRates.
Allow us to book your transfer from Athens or Kalamata. Simply email us at: info@zenrocksmani.com
The retreat is located about 30 minutes South of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst the sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kallianeika.
1. Drive on the new freeway from Athens to Kalamata, and be prepared to stop frequently for tolls. Expect to pay around 15€ each way. It may take you 2-2.5 hours to reach Kalamata.
2. Stay on the freeway and exit Kalamata heading towards Areopolis and Kitries. After the freeway ends, you will pass Lidl, and a café called Cosi on the right, and then the road forks and you see a road sign. At this point you have the option of heading up towards the mountain towards Areopolis and Kardamyli, or taking a right towards the sea and Kitries. You can reach us either way. We are giving you directions through the coastal road here, as it may be easier to find our location this way.
3. Take a right towards Kitries and drive down the coast for about 10-15 minutes. Right as you approach Kitries, the road goes uphill. There is a big retaining wall right in front of you, causing you to almost stop. You see a road sign for Doloi.
4. Make a sharp left up the mountain towards Doloi.
5. Drive for 5 minutes until you reach the village of Kalianeika.
6. When you reach Kalianeika, stop in front of the church and set your odometer to 0.
7. Drive for one kilometer, and you will come to switch back turn where you will see a fence with big cacti and a huge rock. You are getting close.
8. Immediately afterwards, you see a second switch back turn and a couple small signs for Zen Rocks. At this point leave the asphalt road and enter a smaller cement farm road. Drive 200 meters on cement, and then another 400 meters of dirt road. At this point you will see the electrical posts and a cement road up on your left. This is our private drive way to Zen Rocks.
(Attention: our drive way is the SECOND paved road you see on your left. Do not take the first one, right where the cement ends… wait till you drive the extra 400 meters of dirt and pebble road and you come across the electrical wires and big posts… at this point you will also notice that the farm road you are on is covered with the cement of our paved drive way.)
9. Go left on our cement road. It is a sharp incline. Come up on first gear and full throttle. Small cars will do fine if you know how to drive fearlessly.
10. Welcome to Zen Rocks.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says: YOU HAVE ARRIVED!
Το Zen Rocks Mani βρίσκεται σε απόσταση περίπου 30 λεπτών Νότια από τη πόλη της Καλαμάτας, ανάμεσα σε ήσυχους ελαιώνες, τον ουρανό και τη θάλασσα! Το κοντινότερο χωριό είναι τα Καλλιανέικα.
1. Πάρτε τη νέα εθνική οδό απο την Αθήνα προς τη Καλαμάτα οπου θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε συχνά σε σταθμούς διοδίων. Υπολογείστε οτι το συνολικό κόστος των διοδίων θα ειναι 15€ η διαδρομή. Η απόσταση ειναι περιπου 2-2.5 ώρες απο την Αθήνα μέχρι να φτάσετε στη Καλαμάτα.
2. Μείνετε στην εθνική οδό και βγείτε στην έξοδο της Καλαμάτας με κατεύθυνσή προς Αρεόπολη και Κιτριές. Όταν τελειώσει η εθνική οδός, θα συναντήσετε ένα σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl και μια καφετέρια στα δεξιά σας που ονομάζεται Cosi. Σε εκείνο το σημείο ο δρόμος χωρίζεται και θα δείτε μια πινακίδα. Σε αυτό ακριβώς το σημείο, έχετε την επιλογή είτε να συνεχίσετε προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Αρεόπολη και Καρδαμύλη είτε να πάρετε το δρόμοι που είναι στα δεξιά σας που πάει μέσω του παραλιακού δρόμου στις Κιτριές. Όποιο δρόμο και να πάρετε μπορείτε να έρθετε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Εμείς παρακάτω σας δίνουμε οδηγίες από το παραλιακό δρόμο μιας και θεωρούμε ότι είναι ο πιο εύκολος δρόμος για να έρθετε.
3. Κάνετε δεξιά προς Κιτριές και οδηγείτε στο παραλιακό δρόμο για περίπου 10-15 λεπτά. Στο σημείο που έχετε φτάσει σχεδό στις Κιτριές, ο δρόμος έχει μια ανηφόρα. Στο σημείο αυτό υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος τοίχος μπροστά σας που σας αναγκάζει σχεδόν να σταματήσετε. Εκεί βλέπετε μια πινακίδα προς Δολούς.
4. Εκεί αριστερά προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Δολούς.
5. Οδηγείστε προς τα επάνω αυτόν τον δρόμο με τις στροφές, για 5 λεπτά μέχρι να βρείτε το χωριό Καλιανέϊκα.
6. Όταν φτάσετε στα Καλιανέϊκα, σταματήστε μπροστά από την εκκλησία και ρυθμίστε το μετρητή χιλιομέτρων σας στο 0.
7. Οδηγείστε για 1 χιλιόμετρο και θα δείτε μια στροφή φουρκέτα, η οποία σας φέρνει προς τα δεξια. Εκεί θα δείτε ένα φράχτη με μεγάλους κάκτους και ένα τεράστιο βράχο. Πλησιάζετε!
8. Αμέσως μετά βλέπετε μια ακόμα στροφή φουρκέτα που στρίβει τον δρόμο προς τα αριστερά. Θα δείτε δύο μικρές πινακίδες για το Zen Rocks. Σε αυτό το σημείο αφήνετε το ασφαλτοστρωμένο δρόμο και μπαίνετε προς τα δεξιά σε έναν μικρό αγροτικό δρόμο από τσιμέντο.Οδηγείστε για 200 μέτρα στο τσιμεντένιο επαρχιακό δρόμο και άλλα 400 μέτρα σε χωματόδρομο. Ακολουθήστε τις πινακίδες για να μην μπείτε στον ελαιώνα που είναι πριν από εμάς. Περιμένετε να δείτε το σημείο με την πινακίδα του Zen Rocks να δείχνει τον ανηφορικό ιδιωτικό τσιμεντένιο δρόμο στα αριστερά σας. Είναι που θα σας φέρει στο κατάλυμα.
Σε αυτό το σημείο και μόνο θα δείτε και τους στύλους της ΔΕΗ να ανεβαίνουν προς τα πάνω.
9. Κάντε αριστερά σε αυτόν τον τσιμεντένιο δρόμο. Έχει έντονη ανηφορική κλίση, οπότε βάλτε πρώτη ταχύτητα για να ανεβείτε. Ακόμα και μικρά αυτοκίνητα ανεβαίνουν άνετα. Είναι λίγο σα να ανεβαίνετε ίσια πάνω στον ουρανό, στα σύννεφα… Απογειώνεστε λοιπόν.
10. 5 Δευτερόπτα μετά: Καλώς ορίσατε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Χαλαρώστε και απολαύστε τη διαμονή σας!
Όπως λέει και ο δάσκαλος του Ζεν Thich Nhat Hahn: You have arrived! Pause. Enjoy!
Let us know about your needs and preferences and we can pre-arrange the perfect nurturing massage or related therapy session for you.
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Elegant room with private entrance from main Villa foyer/kitchen, and nicely furnished balcony with open garden & sea views. Hand crafted elegant wooden furniture, Cocomat mattresses, organic cotton sheets & pillows, special lighting. Organic kourasanit floors (made of river sand) and bathroom walls.180 degree Panoramic Seaview.
Comfortable spacious suite with private entrance from main Villa foyer/kitchen,and nicely furnished balcony with open garden & sea views. Hand crafted elegant wooden furniture, Cocomat mattresses, organic cottonsheets & pillows, special lighting. Organic kourasanit floors (made of river sand) and bathroom walls. 180 degree Panoramic Seaview.
A sea of tranquility, this double or twin room rests on the upper floor of each Villa, with its own external stone staircase. The room opens to a private small balcony with expansive sea and sky views. Thisupstairs oasis also features a large private terrace, your own 40 square-meterprivate sun deck, and star gazing arena.
The area of southern Peloponnese known as “The Mani’ is a very special place. Its location on the edges of southern Europe, its tempestuous history and its natural beauty, all combine to give the visitor an exceptional experience.
The Retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst a stunning nature spread of olive groves and rocky terrain. Kalamata is about a 2-2.5 hour drive from Athens on the Southern tip of the Peloponnese. Kalamata’s location marks the beginning of the incredible Mani, a peninsula stemmed by the magnificent Taygetos Mountain range, which also features some of the most picturesque seaside small towns, variegated beaches, byzantine churches, medieval Towers, and traditional stone-housed mountain villages.
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Zen Rocks employs only local people and makes every effort to source only local food produce. Materials are also local wherever possible, the walls are madewith local stone and a local family of furniture makers are responsible for the beautiful hand carved stools, benches and bed heads. All organic waste iscomposted, it's plastic free where possible, and guests are invited to conserve water. Bathroom products are natural, the bed linen is organic cotton and themattresses are made with coconut fibre.
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