The Olive Tree Garden
With an astonishing view over sea and mountains, this 5,5-acre olive grove is home to a natural return to basics: electricity is entirely solar; we use natural products available at our shop; the tents are comfortable and ready to welcome you; our restaurant offers mediterranean vegetarian meals; and you can cool off in the swimming pool and relax while being lulled by the wind in the many hammocks.
Luxury Tents
Single, double and triple comfortable tents, each with a private shaded area with table, chairs and hammock. All of them have a view of olive groves, the sea, the Messinian Gulf and Mount Taygetos. Each tent has close access to a natural toilet and a shower with hot and cold water.
Conference Room
A 120m2 spacious room in the heart of the Garden offered for conferences, ateliers of meditation, music, dance and circles of sharing in the evenings.
Swimming-pool
A 14-meter large swimming pool in the center of the Garden and a smaller 3-meter more private pool located toward the therapies area, are spots for therapeutic ateliers in the water or just for moments for relaxation and cooling off on hot days.
Shop
Here you will find natural soaps, dry shampoos, toothpaste, creams, ceramic objects, organic soy candles, paintings, wood and stone artworks, all hand crafted by essene artisans; books and mandalas; local herbs, handmade marmalades and of course the unique extra virgin olive oil, olive paste and olives of our Garden!
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Restaurant & Cantina
One of the most enjoyable areas! Here are served delicious vegetarian meals Mediterranean style prepared by our kitchen team, while our Cantina serves hot and cold beverages, tea, coffee, icecreams, smoothies and more! Digestion is favored by the rustling of the olive trees and some relax time in the hammocks…
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A Little bit of History…
Our story begins in 2008, when two Greeks, Sofia and Nikos, attend the European celebration of the Essenes of the world in France, and make their entry into the Essene family. In 2009, they meet Erifyli and, together, they found Essaion Ekdoseis, a publishing house in Koukaki, Athens: they translate and publish the first book of Olivier Manitara in the Greek language Marie, the Essene Virgin.
They begin educational seminars, lectures, book presentations, conferences, exhibitions, continue to publish books and the Essene family in Greece starts to grow…
Vertu Essenia
In 2012, they found the non-profit Civil Association Vertu Essenia Ecology & Spirit, which takes under its auspices all publishing and educational activities.
For the next 8 years, they jointly operate the Hellenic Center of Essene Education in the heart of Athens, together with a large group of members, students, and teachers.
As they continue their educational path within the contemporary Essene Academy, all together they transmit a multitude of healing methods and sacred arts -meditation, dancing, body movements, mystical theatricals, singing, oration, initiations- to people who are looking to find their own, unique path.
The Olive Tree Garden
In 2021, after years of searching with the Essene priest and healer Guilhem Cayzac for a land that would welcome an Essene initiation center in nature, a magnificent 22-acre olive grove in the southern Peloponnese is purchased with donations from hundreds of Essenes from all over the world, in order to create an international place of study, communion and expansion of consciousness.
It takes the name Kipos tis Elias (Olive Tree Garden) and is operated by a Social Cooperative Enterprise bearing the same name, since 2022.
The Olive Tree Garden
In 2021, after years of searching with the Essene priest and teacher Guilhem Cayzac for a land that would welcome an Essene initiation center in nature, a magnificent 5,5-acre olive grove in the southern Peloponnese is purchased with donations from hundreds of Essenes from all over the world, in order to create an international place of study, communion and expansion of consciousness.
It takes the name Kipos tis Elias (Olive Tree Garden), operated by a Social Cooperative Enterprise bearing the same name, since 2022.
Our Mission
Our common goal is the establishment of a new way of life that restores virtues in everyday life, awakens the consciousness to the essential, the real and harmonizes our inner life with nature and the subtle worlds that surround us.
The Olive Tree Garden is a field of life of rest, rejuvenation and healing, a place of peace, tranquility, clarity. The soul is touched, relieved and begins to remember…
The Olive Tree Garden
Team
Nikos
Co-founder, General manager
Erifyli
Co-founder, Administration
Guilhem
Co-founder
Marina
On-site coordinator, Therapist
Florence
Teacher, Therapist
Laurie
Teacher, Therapist
Leo
Teacher, Therapist
Ekaterina
Therapist
“Awaken, because you must know who you are, what is the nature of your inner life
and in the service of which world you put your creative forces.”
Ouriel 183-15
Our Essene Center is located in the south of Greece
From beaches to mountains, from waterfalls to rivers, from archaeological sites to sacred places, discover this land of beauty and abundance covered with olive trees, citrus trees and flowers.
Ancient Messini
The remains of this vast ancient city, the site comprises a large theatre, an agora, a sizeable sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most impressive ancient Greek stadiums.
Agia Triada
A small settlement with traditional houses and cottages, the homonymous church of the small village and a sandy virgin beach underneath.
Kardamyli
One of the oldest settlements in the Peloponnese, it sits at the foot of the Taygetos mountains on the coast of the Messinian bay. Local beaches are unique in the world for their remarkably round stones. A departure point of many mountain trails, some of which lead to the peak of Mount Taygetos, Profitis Ilias.
Petalidi Village
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, soak in the Mediterranean sun and experience the warm hospitality that Petalidi village graciously offers.
Methoni Castle
Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on a rocky promontory, it is among the largest ones in the Mediterranean. Stroll in the scenic town and swim at the beautiful beach by the castle.
Voidokoilia Beach
In the shape of the Greek letter omega (Ω), its sand forms a semicircular strip of dunes. A hiking route begins from here towards Nestor’s Cave. Considered a protected area due to the richness of its aquatic and bird habitats.
Kalamata
The capital and central port of Messinia, a wealthy urban center at 30’ from Petalidi. Especially during summer, it hosts numerous cultural events, theatrical performances and concerts at the Castle amphitheatre, including the renowned International Dance Festival.
Polylimnio Waterfalls
Multiple hidden waterfalls cascading into crystal clear waters and turquoise lakes. A true gem reached by a short trek through a gorgeous forest and craggy canyon.
Sapientza Island
Pure sand, sun, turquoise waters only accessible by small boat. The only place in the world where the arbutus plant turn into trees, forming an entire forest known as “Koumarodasos” which extends over 60 acres.
Koroni
Small, classy Messinian town with sea view, cobbled alleys, Venetian castle charm, linking the Messinian gulf with the Ionian Sea.
“Through its incredible diversity, its multitude of colors, shades, shapes, smells, manifestations, through flowers, trees, animals, mountains, rivers, the Mother shows you the path of unity in diversity.”
Gabriel 188-11