The Crete Retreat
Island Ritual, May 2-8, 2027
A week in Crete for women who want to step away from the noise and come back to what feels real. Beautiful places, wild beaches, quiet mornings, local experiences, movement, rest and meaningful connection. Hosted by Maria, a Cretan local, this retreat is an invitation to experience a different side of Crete: beyond the tourist trail, through the villages, mountains, beaches, food and traditions that make this island feel like home.
Wild Nature. Slow Living. Real Connection.
Unique Offerings
Every day on this retreat has been carefully designed to offer you the opportunity to energise, heal and reset.
Some days we head out to discover Crete: wandering through a traditional village, making pottery with local hands, swimming in turquoise water, walking through nature or discovering the island's southern coast.
Other moments are left open for you to be.
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Each morning begins slowly.
Through a combination of yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindful movement, we create space to arrive in the body and begin the day with intention.
Expect a mixture of energising morning flows, grounding practices, Yin and restorative movement.
All levels are welcome.
There is no pressure to perform, achieve or be flexible. The practice is simply a way to come home to yourself.
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Crete is an island of contrasts.
Mountain villages open into dramatic coastlines. Ancient olive groves sit beneath rugged peaks. Small roads lead to quiet beaches and crystal-clear water.
During our week, we will venture beyond the villa to experience some of the island's most beautiful natural landscapes.
We will walk, swim, explore and take our time.
There will be a beautiful balance between adventure and ease: enough to feel that you have truly experienced Crete, without feeling like you are on a sightseeing tour.
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One of the most special parts of this retreat will be our time by the sea.
We will discover beautiful beaches along the coast, choosing our destinations according to the weather and conditions.
Expect turquoise water, wild landscapes, long stretches of sand, hidden corners and plenty of time to simply lie down and enjoy being there.
No rushing from one beach to the next.
We will choose a beautiful place and stay awhile.
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This retreat is hosted from a local perspective.
Rather than simply visiting Crete, I want you to experience a little of how it feels to live here.
We will eat at local tavernas, visit traditional villages, explore the countryside and experience some of the crafts, food and traditions that are part of everyday Cretan life.
There will be time to wander, taste, talk and discover.
The goal is not to tick places off a list.
It is to experience Crete slowly.
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This retreat is a space to slow down, switch off and reconnect with yourself, with nature and with other women.
Away from the noise and expectations of everyday life, you will have the space to breathe, reflect and discover parts of yourself that can get lost in the busyness. Get inspired and create room for what you truly need.
Meaningful conversations happen naturally here, laughter comes easily and new friendships can grow.
Take time to rest. To listen inward. To move, explore, laugh, share and simply be.
7 Days - 6 Nights Including:
❋ Daily Yoga, Meditation & Sound
❋ Nourishing Food by Private Chef
❋ Picturesque Beach Visits
❋ Ancient Olive Grove Tasting Tour
❋ Traditional Pottery Workshop
❋ Mini Gorge Nature Hike
❋ Journaling + Cacao Workshop
❋ Goodie Welcome Bag
Our Villa - Hidden Gem
A countryside bohemian retreat in a traditional Cretan village surrounded by mountains, only a short distance away from the coast.
With a beautiful private pool, outdoor spaces for long meals and slow afternoons, multiple corners to read or rest, and plenty of room for our group to come together. The villa has been thoughtfully designed around natural materials, soft tones and traditional Cretan character. This will feel like a true home in Crete for the week.
Come Home to Crete
For one week, let life become a little simpler. Wake up and move your body. Eat beautiful food. Swim in the sea. Walk through the mountains. Make something with your hands. Sit beneath an olive tree.
Laugh around the dinner table.
Rest when you need to.
Room Pricing Options
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Twin Shared En Suite
€1,490pp Early Bird - €1,640 Full Price
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Shared Double Bed
€1,290pp Early Bird - €1,440 Full Price
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Private Double
€1,790 Early Bird - €1,940 Full Price
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Private Double En Suite
€1,890 Early Bird - €2,040 Full Price
Meet Your Hosts
Maria Arnaoutaki, Host + Teacher
Maria has been teaching yoga and running her wellness and retreats business for 8 years. Her teachings are a combination of many different disciplines of yoga and she passionately incorporates forms of sound healing into her every class. The vision that Maria holds is to share the wisdom of yoga and open the hearts of people to love, gratitude and kindness. This retreat is the first time she will be bringing people to her home island, so it is very dear to her heart.
Ena Culic, Retreat Chef
Ena is a passionate traveler and intuitive chef. Her path in life is to explore, learn and share gathered knowledge and love through food. The dishes she creates are made with love and intention, while she wishes to raise awareness about the importance of mindful eating. Plant-based foods she serves are as gentle on your body as they are on the earth. She will be creating colourful brunch and dinner meals for us focusing on creativity and flavour.
Daily Schedule
What a day looks like.
❋ 08.00 Morning Meditation & Flow
❋ 10.30 Brunch Time
❋ 12.00 Free Pool Time/ Excursion
❋ 17.00 Special Workshop/ Evening Yoga
❋ 19.00 Dinner Time
❋ 20.00 Music & Sharing Moment
FAQs
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The retreat takes place at Spartacus Villa in Mesi Village, in the Rethymno region of Crete.
Mesi is a peaceful countryside village surrounded by the Cretan landscape. Rethymno is approximately 15 minutes away by car, while the nearest beach is around 10 minutes away.
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You can fly into Heraklion or Chania airport. Then you can either take a bus or a taxi to the venue. We will coordinate via group chat so that you can share transfers.
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Accommodation, all meals in the venue, transport during the retreat, daily classes and workshops, olive oil tasting tour, pottery workshop, 2x beach excursions and gorge hike all included.
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All flights and transfer from and to the airport are not included. Any meals outside the venue are not included.
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The retreat begins with the Welcome Circle on Sunday, May 2 at 17:00.
Departure is on Saturday, May 8 at 11:00.
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We have double and twin rooms. You can choose to share a room or book your own double private room. If you are coming with a friend you can share a double or twin room, and if you choose to come alone you will be placed with a suitable person to share in the twin room! Best way to make new friends!
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We will be offering Yoga for all levels and bulding up on the foundations each day. You will also have the opportunity to go deeper within esoteric practices such as meditation and mantra.
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In order to secure your spot, it is required to pay 30% deposit by bank transfer. The rest is to be paid 2 months before the retreat. If you would like to create your own payment plan this is also available!
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We offer a big brunch, small snacks during the day and a big dinner. All our meals will be fresh with many vegan options. We will be offering drives to the supermarket if you need any additional food during your stay.
Testimonials
Connect with @maria_arnaoutaki
