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INGRID GOTTSCHALK

Ingrid grew up on the Swiss-German border but found her home in London in the late seventies, where she began a twenty-year career in finance and raised three daughters. After initially discovering yoga in 2001, Ingrid decided to train as a teacher in 2010, specializing in Vinyasa Flow, at Brahmani Yoga, Goa, India.

Ithaca is the backdrop for her beloved project, Itha108, which she designed and managed over 4 years alongside teaching public and private classes for locals and holidaymakers alike. Ingrid has succeeded in her vision for Itha108 that combines her eye for lifestyle design with providing a beautiful space to practice, teach, inspire and share.

ITHA 108

Itha108 is a Grecian island retreat set in a place of outstanding natural beauty, providing a space specifically for peace, relaxation and practice.

Ithaca, home of Itha108, is one of the smallest in the Ionian island constellation that is radiating with Grecian authenticity. It’s shores play host to a long Homeric and mythical history whose many mysteries are sensed amongst animated panorama and secretive coves. Itha108 overlooks the sea and the eastern coastline of neighbouring Kefalonia from an elevated wilderness of olive trees and exposed rocks that provide the elements around which it is built, allowing its natural beauty to speak for itself. An emphasis on indoor-outdoor living ensures full use of the land and its treasures that extend to sweeping and hidden beaches below.

“As you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that your journey be a long one, filled with adventure, filled with discovery.”

– Constantine P. Cavafy

Itha 108 sleeps twenty across varied accommodation; six luxury double bedrooms in the main house and three mongolian yurts that are staggered up between rocks, forestry and winding walkways. The many social and quiet spaces allow guests to enjoy the landscape and relax.

A perfect chill out spot is tucked away at the back of the house. Soak up sun or shade on one of two antique Rajasthani swings set with linen cushions. Choose a view of the Ionian sea or wild oak trees. This area is also used for massage therapy.

A library houses Indian artefacts, family photographs and paintings, board games and music. A comfortable sofa and two armchairs are arranged around a stone fireplace. Sea views and a gentle breeze through shuttered French windows lead on to a cool minimalist first floor terrace with views of Fiskardo, Kefalonia and the setting sun.

At the front of the house is a serious sun trap with a panoramic sea view and comfortable Indian Charpoy daybeds; this veranda is soaked in sun from mid-morning until nightfall.

Beneath an expansive pergola are traditional Rajasthani sofas and coffee tables, carved spice boxes and Eastern lanterns. Help yourself to breakfast and snacks from the outdoor kitchen – a curved Kourasanit counter beneath the bamboo pergola – complete with an inbuilt BBQ and a sunken drinks fridge. Handmade African wood doors lead from the kitchen to the al fresco dining area with far-reaching views of the Ionian sea and beyond, the hills of Kefalonia.