Affordable Luxury Yoga Holidays and Retreats
8 Days Yoga, Meditation and Culinary Nature Holiday in Crete
19 June 2021
to
25 September 2021
@
Crete, Greece
Join us for an all-inclusive week of yoga, eating great food and experiencing the famous Greek hospitality and love of life!
It is said that Crete's greatest treasure is to be found in its cuisine. It is also blessed with breath-taking nature and gorgeous beaches. This magical island was also home to Europe's oldest civilization, a 4000-year-old cultural path that weaves its way to the present. This yoga holiday has been thoughtfully created to celebrate these great riches, and allow you to experience them first-hand. Combined with refreshing yoga classes and meditation sessions, we hope you will leave feeling enriched, rejuvenated, and inspired.
HIGHLIGHTS
7 Nights Accommodation
All Meals Included
Daily Energizing Yoga Classes
Pranayama and Meditation
Five Tibetans Workshop
Walking Meditation
Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Barbeque party
Beach Meditation and Picnic
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please contact us if you would like to stay for more or less than 8 days so that we can discuss your options. On your arrival day, there will be an afternoon yoga or meditation class followed by dinner, apart from Saturdays where the afternoon and evenings are free for you to do as you please. On your departure day, there will be a morning yoga class followed by breakfast. Guests are free to participate in as many or as few activities as they like. We appreciate that this is a holiday and that sometimes you might just want to skip an activity or meal and chill on the beach! We only ask that you let us know in advance.
YOGA & MEDITATION
You will start each day with a morning yoga class and there is a second yoga or meditation class every evening apart from Saturdays. Most classes will take place in the garden although some classes will be held in beautiful locations during excursions, such as the beach or in the olive groves. The style is predominately Hatha and Vinyasa, and the classes are suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. Pranayama and meditation will also be practiced and there will be a Five Tibetans workshop during one of the classes.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Cretan diet is renowned for being significantly beneficial to human health and for contributing to the famous longevity of the Cretan people. Our resident chef will be showcasing the Cretan and Mediterranean diets using fresh, locally produced ingredients and organic wherever possible.
Meals are served outdoors on the veranda. A picnic-style brunch may also be provided during some excursions. Snacks and drinks will be available outside meal times.
We offer a vegetarian menu during the retreat with vegan alternatives for those who request them. Since the Mediterranean diet also consists of small servings of meat, fish and poultry, these may also be offered if there is demand from the guests. Separate utensils and equipment are used for the preparation of non-veg food. If you have any food restrictions or allergies then please let us know in advance.
ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
You will have many opportunities to taste and learn about the delicious and healthy Cretan and Greek diets and the Mediterranean diet in general. The meals provided in the villa will showcase traditional recipes from the region. Furthermore, we offer a recipe booklet so you can enjoy some of these tasty and healthy dishes when you are back home.
During one of your evenings there will be a barbeque party and on one morning during your stay there will be a beach meditation followed by a picnic. Walking meditation in the nature behind the villa will also be offered.
We believe that we have put together a great selection of activities to offer you a full and unique experience during your yoga holiday and you will even have plenty of free time to go off exploring or simply lounge in the garden or on the beach.
LOCATION
After several weeks scouting the magical island of Crete to find the perfect location, the retreat will be held in the ideal place to combine the tranquillity of living in the nature with the proximity of tourist attractions and activities!
The villa is strategically located near the village of Vamos, just 25 minutes east of the town of Chania, in a peaceful olive grove with expansive views of the Sea of Crete. It is a 15 minute walk to the traditional village of Vamos and just a 10 minute drive to a choice of sandy beaches, restaurants, bars and shops. The nearest beaches are Almyrida and Kalyves. Everything you might need or desire is just a short distance away.
Vamos is a low-key, traditional village with several restaurants, cafes, snack bars and shops, as well as a fully equipped health centre . It was the historic capital of the Apokoronas province, which extends from the foothills of the White Mountains to the north coast, in a wide plain with rolling hills. The area is very green and fertile which is unusual for rocky Crete. The villa is at the end of a private road and it is set in a beautiful garden and olive grove, with uninterrupted views of the sea.
Staying here you will get a taste of rural Crete and enjoy nature at its best. The pure countryside air will revitalize you and the quiet nights ensure an undisturbed and restful sleep, accompanied only by the song of the crickets and night birds. For those seeking to experience the countryside, the area is particularly suitable for hiking and nature walks.
If you are looking for traditional flavours, handmade, local cheese and wine are available to buy in the area as well as olive oil and olives, honey and wild herbs.
For those with a car who wish to explore this beautiful part of Crete, there is easy road access to the beaches to the east, west and south of the island, as well as the mountain villages and gorges of the interior. For those of you who like to walk, the whole region is a walker's paradise!
ACCOMMODATION
The villa is a two-storey building, with stunning views of the sea. On the top floor is a large two bedroom apartment and on the ground floor are two fully equipped and spacious studio apartments. A large garden and olive groves surround the property. Being situated at the end of a private road and surrounded by olive groves, means that you will enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful, natural environment.
Each apartment has its own entrance and includes a private bathroom and kitchen. The kitchens are fully equipped and all bedding and towels are provided. The refrigerators are stocked with snacks, and coffee and tea are always available.
The intention is to convey a hospitable home-stay environment whilst enjoying the privacy of your own accommodation. Yorgo and Atalya will always be at hand to assist you with your needs and provide useful and interesting information for your stay. To keep the retreat cosy and intimate, and to ensure that full individual attention can be given during classes, there is a limit of 6 guests at any time.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
The villa is easily reached by both Chania International Airport (CHQ) and Heraklion International Airport (HER), although Chania Airport is much closer being only half an hour away. A ferry from Athens to the Port of Souda in Chania is another option. It is highly recommend to rent a car to explore the island and you can arrange to collect it at the airport when you arrive and drop it off at the airport when you leave. We can help you organize this if you require it.
If any guests are interested in sharing a car with other guests then just let us know and they can connect you. If you decide not to hire a car then the best way to arrive to the villa would be by taxi. We can help to connect guests arriving at the same airport who would like to share a taxi. If you need help arranging a taxi then please let us know.
INSTRUCTORS
Atalya is the resident yoga teacher and co-founder of Blue Planet Retreats. She is fully certified and originally trained under Shakti Mhi, the founder of Prana Yoga College. She is constantly adding to her knowledge by studying with respected teachers on her numerous trips to India and around the world.
She predominantly teaches Hatha yoga with a strong focus on safety, proper alignment, breath control and the intuitive flow of the asanas. She teaches all levels from beginner to advanced with hands-on guidance and no pressure on her students to do anything they are not comfortable with.
BOOKING & FEES
The total cost of the package is €749 per person based on two people sharing and includes accommodation, all meals, all classes and activities and all excursions. The retreat is limited to a maximum of 6 places so book early to avoid disappointment. If you are a couple or pair of friends who would like to share in which case you should indicate so at the time of booking. Should you require sole occupancy of a room then there is a surcharge for a total of €999
You can book by writing to us at blueplanetretreats@gmail.com
We look forward to meeting you soon!
BOOK NOW
For more information or
to reserve your place please contact us at: blueplanetretreats@gmail.com