Pilates Retreats in Greece, Crete

Pilates Reformer and Props Retreat

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:06:09 -0700

We are happy to announce new available dates for this late summer - early autumn at the wonderfully restored Villa Kerasia in the heart of the island of Crete! Come in for a week long of transformative Pilates holidays, exercise daily in the private garden, eat clean and fresh farm to table, drink organic wine and let your soul enjoy the slow-life pace of the Mediterranean.

Our Pilates instructors approach each guest with great care and a tailor-made to needs Pilates regime, work with you in 1:1 sessions or in very small groups to ensure you get all the attention you deserve. Learn more about our personalised Pilates programmes here.

Massage therapies by an experienced practitioner are available to book on demand, as well as trips around the island, e-biking or hiking tours.

27 August - 1 September 2024 (5 nights/ 6 days) spots available

02 October - 09 October 2024 (7 nights/8 days) spots available

09 October - 15 October 2024 (6 nights/7days) spots available

Email Cristina directly for more info and bookings.

See you in Crete!

Pilates at the Villa

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 11:33:49 -0800

Check out our film-like retreat venue, the century-old restored Villa Kerasia in Crete, located some half an hour drive from the airport of Herakleion, in the midst of olive tree groves and rich vineyards.

Wake up to breath-taking views, enjoy a morning Pilates session at your own pace, and a highly nutritious, delicious Cretan breakfast after. Babis - the wonderful owner and host of the Villa Kerasia - growns his own veggies, makes his own bio wine and olive oil (and yes it is certified!) and sources all the other ingredients exclusively from local producers in Crete. While at the retreat you will learn a lot about the authentic Mediterranean diet and, try about everything in season.

Then, you can then spend the day by exploring the surrounding villages, hiking the ancient trails or just relaxing by the pool. We offer on some days tours to some picturesque villages, gastronomic and wine-tasting experiences, visits to ancient sites and of course daytrips to the sea. You can close the day with a stretching session and an unforgettable dinner under the stars.

Save your spot for the retreat starting on 30 May to 6 June 2022, no advanced payment required.

Bring a friend, your partner or a travel buddie and you get a 15% discount when you both register.

Email Cristina for more details or questions.

Save your spot: Crete Retreat 2022 Pilates at the Villa, 30 May -6 June

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 06:54:25 -0700

Shake the winter and pandemic fatigue off by saving your spot at Crete Retreat 2022! We will kick-off the retreat season at the Villa Kerasia, a film-like location with a wonderful and caring local host, doing Pilates mind-body practice every day, enjoying clean soulful food and simply taking in the amazing views. Bring a friend and you will get a 15% discount when you both register! See details on the homepage here or email Cristina for a detailed retreat program in your inbox.

Crete Retreat Healing Focus

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 08:24:52 -0700

Although Pilates and the mind-body practice in general is a fundamental pillar of our retreats (with daily sessions on apparatus and simple effective mat and meditation exercises) allowing your soul to stretch by connecting with nature is key to our healing philosophy.

Re-connecting with nature may mean anything from long walks - plenty of trekking trails to choose from around the Villa Kerasia - to discovering secluded beaches, exploring impressive gorges and observing the rich wildlife of the island.

You can also simply join in one of the many outdoor activites on the offer, be that a traditional Cretan cooking class, a Mediterranean nutrion and longevity talk with a culinary heritage tour or the visits to the local producers. You will be amazed to discover the depths of the old wisdom still preserved in the eating habits of the Cretan countryside and the lifestyle surrounding it.

Last, but not least, during your time at the Villa, you will have plenty of time to try a variety of mindfulness practices, from the guided "awareness through movement" sessions to mindful watercolor painting and sketching classes we organise.

Remember, healing yourself is ultimately your responsibility, that means you should listen to your needs in order to reflect, renew and redirect your life. We can help you find new paths to healing, providing you with the perfect surroundings and the mind-body program to change, as well as the space to breathe.

Allow yourself to experience the transformative vacation you deserve. For the 2021 retreats schedule please email us.

Free Zoom Pilates for You

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 04:49:01 -0700

Dear friends,

We are aware that some of you won't be able to travel to Crete for our summer retreat during these strange times. We thought we could help keep in touch and in shape, so we will offer both our returning and new customers the possibility to join us for live Pilates classes via the already well known Zoom app. Classes will be held in English. The first two classes are free of charge. We would be happy to see you again, even if this year it's going to be online only. Email us to register. Stay safe and keep smiling!

Crete Retreat Pilates Team

Safe Pilates Retreats

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:50:22 -0700

As you already know Greece has done a great job keeping the pandemic under control. Currently Greek mainland and the islands, Crete included, are on the top of the list of the safest COVID free destinations worlwide.

In addition, our team at the Villa Kerasia is implementing all the health and safety regulations according to the guidelines of the Hellenic National Public Health Organisation. You can find the detailed list and the latest news here.

Futhermore, in order to make your experience at our retreat absolutely safe and carefree, we have adapted our retreats policy as follows:

Group retreats will not take place this season. We will accept only private retreats, with one (1) up to three (3) retreat participants at the same time (same retreat period). Accommodation will be available only in single use rooms. Only for guests that are members of the same family is shared accommodation allowed.
ALL Pilates sessions are going to be individual, one-to-one ONLY.
ALL Pilates sessions are going to be held OUTDOORS in the private area at the Villa.
ALL Pilates apparatus including reformer, mats, balls and other props will be adequately desinfected before each client use.
The entire retreat program has been adapted to make for PRIVATE experiences (visits only to outdoor locations/ sites, up to 2 persons each time). We are currently NOT implementing any GROUP activities. We will not go to any crowded places or beaches. Crete has plenty of secluded locations which you can enjoy
Our Pilates therapists will be tested before the start of each new retreat. In addition, during the sessions safe distancing will be ensured. The therapists will wear a protective mask.
Throughout your stay at the Villa, hand sanitiser gel will be available to use at all times.
Breakfast and meals can be served in the privacy of your room upon...Read More

Five reasons to join our secret pilates & Omega 3 rich Mediterranean diet retreat in Crete

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 06:46:42 -0800

If you are looking for a break from the hustle of bustle and yearn for disconnect from it all in a superb and very private location on the island of Crete, you are (finally) at the right place. Here are the top five secrets that makes our Cretan retreat unique worldwide:

We have found the perfect natural location conducive to deep relaxation and healing. The retreat Villa is surrounded by old age vineyards and rich olive groves, blessed with an optimum for health micro climate conditions all year round.
You will enjoy both freedom and privacy on site: The retreat Villa is a historical building entirely restored into a small luxurious hotel with a pool and private garden. Far from the tourist crowds, it is truly a hidden gem in the Cretan country side.
The daily pilates regime at the retreat is entirely designed for each guest's needs and health objectives. Pilates Reformer, Pilates mat and props classes are complemented by therapeutical massages, breathe work, Feldenkrais and other somatic therapies such as Bowen and/or Shiatsou.
There is method and scientific evidence behind our Pilates and Omega 3 Diet Retreat. It is not by chance we have chosen an approach based on "intelligent" workouts, mind-body exercises, breath work, extensive outdoor time and activities, all supported by the healthiest most balanced diet known to humanity, the original Mediterranean Diet. Plus the famous Cretan hospitality to experience during the rich meals exclusively prepared from local, seasonal and organic produce,
An international team of pilates teachers, massage therapists and hosts that will guide you through your pilates practice, as well as in to the historical and culinary discovery of the island. We take professionalism seriously, but we also honestly care to make your long...Read More

Pilates Crete Retreat Schedule for 2020

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 06:10:14 -0800

A summer full of Pilates on the island of Crete

We are happy to announce our Pilates retreats schedule for the summer season 2020.

We have a very few spots left for the following periods:

24 - 31 May, Villa Kerasia, Crete (Pilates reformer and mat daily, Cretan diet, guided culinary and wine tours, therapies, full package retreat)
7 - 14 June, Villa Kerasia, Crete (Pilates reformer and mat daily, Cretan diet, guided culinary and wine tours, therapies, full package retreat)
21 -28 June, Villa Kerasia, Crete (Pilates mat and props daily, Cretan diet, guided culinary and wine tours, therapies, full package retreat)
23 - 30 August, Villa Kerasia, Crete (Pilates mat and props daily, Cretan diet, guided culinary and wine tours, therapies, full package retreat)

Please contact us early in order to reserve your spot. FULL DETAILS HERE.

2nd Pilates Mat and Reformer "Crete Retreat" 2019

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 02:24:31 -0800

"Crete Retreat": experience a full mind and body transformation on the beautiful island of Crete

8 days escape to a fantastic villa retreat: daily Pilates reformer& mat training, famous Cretan Omega 3 rich diet programme, hiking, wine tasting and exploration tours in the unspoiled regions in the island of Crete.

Escape to the magical Villa Kerasia for an inspiring dose of fresh air, natural beauty, total tranquillity and a thorough fitness and wellness boost. This Pilates Mat and Reformer retreat has a holistic approach and was created with the Cretan environment, nature and diet in mind, providing a challenging Pilates programme for both beginner and advanced practitioners, under the close supervision of experienced certified Pilates instructors. As well, this retreat provides revitalising outdoor activities in the Cretan nature, and exploration of the less known Southern coast and inland Crete. Delicious and healthy meals based on the Cretan Omega 3 Diet Plan are included (vegan and vegetarian options available). Nutritionist, physical and massage therapist services are available. Feldenkrais sessions (Awareness through Movement) will also be included in the retreat regime.

Detailed information on the programme can be found on our website.

Please contact retreat@up-pilates.com for further information.

Available dates for Spring 2019:

April 15-22, 2019 and April 24-30, 2019

May 20 - 27, 2019

Weekend or shorter stay retreats can also be arranged upon request.

This retreat is couple/couple with children friendly.