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    • Crete Retreat:

      a mind and body transformation on the beautiful Island of Crete

       

      7 nights/ 8 days LUXURIOUS VILLA RETREAT, daily Pilates, authentic Mediterranean Diet and much more

      Forthcoming: 

          31 AUGUST - 7 SEPTEMBER 2022 AVAILABLE SPOTS: 6

      COVID19 SAFE POLICY Learn more here

      Accommodation in a luxurious Villa

      A holistic approach to health and holidays

      Escape to the magical Villa Kerasia for an inspiring dose of fresh air, natural beauty, total tranquility and a thorough fitness and wellness boost.

       

      This Pilates and Omega 3 Diet Retreat has a holistic approach and was created with the Cretan environment, nature and diet in mind, providing a balanced mind-body programme for any level, under the close supervision of experienced certified Pilates instructors and therapists.

       

      During your retreat stay, you can enjoy revitalizing outdoor activities, exploration of the less known Southern coast and inland Crete, as well as cultural and gastronomic tours in Herakleion and the surrounding villages.

       

      Delicious and healthy meals based on the Mediterranean Diet - also known as the life-saving Omega 3 Diet Plan - are offered daily at the Villa where you will stay. Plenty of options are available for vegans and vegetarians.

       

      Therapeutical massages (Shiatsou, Deep Tissue), Bowen Therapy and/or a Feldenkrais session (Awareness through Movement) are offered depending on the package you choose or as extras.

      The Mind and Body Regime

      Your daily practice includes Pilates in small groups and individual classes/ movement guidance/ therapeutical massage/ other mind-body practices as needed

      You will work with experienced Pilates instructors (internationally certified by either BASI, STOTT, Classical Pilates) who will develop a tailor made Pilates programme for you. They will contact you before your arrival to discuss with you your needs and medical history and give you a postural assesment when you arrive at the Villa.

       

      You will practice Pilates daily for aprox. two hours in small groups or in private depending on your retreat package.

       

      BENEFITS OF THE MIND AND BODY REGIME WE OFFER:

      • immediate visible results, 
      • stronger/more toned muscles, 
      • improved posture and flexibility, 
      • relief from back and joint pain, 
      • slimmer figure, 
      • refined movement and coordination, 
      • overall wellness and long -lasting feeling of relaxation
      • better sleep, 
      • increased concentration.
      The Pilates Equipment at the Villa

      The Authentic Life-saving Cretan Diet also known as the Omega 3 Rich diet

      Cretan breakfast and healthy dinner from the freshest organic produce every day of your stay

      The breakfast and the meals provided are authentic Cretan. This means all fresh all seasonal ingredients, most of which are organically cultivated by our host or locally sourced. Our host's remarkable organic wine is included with all your meals.

       

      The Omega 3 Diet based on the Diet of the Island of Crete/Mediterranean Diet is a lifesaving nutritional programme whose benefits have long been proven by science.

       

      Our team has conducted extended research in order to offer you the healthiest and most authentic dishes of the region throughout your stay. We will also show you how to easily implement such a diet and life-style when you get back home with ingredients you can find in your country.

       

      You will have many chances during your stay to visit local small producers, to learn from them and also taste the gifts they have to offer. You will discover numerous types of cheese, varieties of greens/vegetables and legumes- some of which are renowned for their Omega 3 richness, however less known in the Western world; you will drink locally produced wine and raki, and indulge in honey based healthy desserts.

       

      You will cook together with a local at the Villa Cretan dishes and learn even more Cretan secrets on the spot.

       

      At the end of your stay, you will discover that the Cretan/Mediterranean Diet is closely related to the life-style of the people living on the island and the seasons and nature surrounding them.

       

      You should know that a gigantic effort is made by Cretans to preserve their traditional nutritional customs, in addition to that of the farmers to cultivate organic but also preserve their ancient agricultural practices.

       

      Scientific evidence in support of the Cretan Diet: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/tdaug2007pg34.shtml 

       

      A brief introduction to the principles of the Cretan diet: http://zesterdaily.com/world/eight-healthy-food-tips-the-cretans-knew-first/

       

      BENEFITS OF THE CRETAN DIET: 

      • achieve and maintain healthy weight, 
      • reduce risk of heart disease and cancer, 
      • create a smart immune system, 
      • enhance your mood and learning ability,
      • combat depression and anxiety.
      Fresh and organic Mediterranean Food

      The Great Cretan Outdoors

      Your daily practice is completed by a number of relaxing, yet invigorating outdoor activities

      We usually offer day trips to explore the surrounding villages or to enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the Lybian Sea in the South. The more adventurous guests can take a hiking or an e-biking tour with a guide. The area surrounding the Villa is famous for its natural paths, and also for its historical and archeological spots.

       

       

      THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A FULL RETREAT PACKAGE PROGRAMME 

       

      Day 1 (Sunday)

       

      Arrival at Heraklion airport and transfer to Villa Kerasia.

       

      Welcome meze and wine

       

      Free time to enjoy the Villa and its surrounding settlement.

       

      Evening: welcome dinner

       

      Day 2 (Monday)

       

      Morning: Gentle mat pilates session and postural analysis session

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation, followed by session with instructor and/or therapist

       

      Private pilates sessions

       

      Free time/rest

       

      Trip and dinner in Archanes Village

       

      Day 3 (Tuesday)

       

      Morning: Mat pilates session/Movement meditation

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Departure to visit the archaeological site of Knossos, followed by visit to the Archeological Museum of Herakleion

       

      Gastronomic tour of Herakleion

       

      Return to Villa Kerasia

       

      Evening private sessions and Omega 3 rich Dinner at Villa Kerasia

       

      Day 4 (Wednesday)

       

      Morning: Mat pilates session

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Day trip to the South Coast

       

      Time at the beach and late lunch at taverna by the sea

       

      Return to Villa Kerasia

       

      Evening private sessions

       

      Day 5 (Thursday)

       

      Morning: Mat pilates session (Optional: Shiatsou massage, movement meditation, Bowen therapy session)

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Free afternoon options: cooking lesson, hiking, e-biking, massage or beach time can be arranged for guests

       

      Evening session and Omega 3 rich Dinner at Villa Kerasia

       

      Day 6 (Friday)

       

      Morning: Mat pilates session

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Visit to the local wineries for degustation

       

      Evening session and Omega 3 rich Dinner at Villa Kerasia

       

      Day 7 (Saturday)

       

      Morning: Mat pilates session

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Free day options:

       

      A trip to the picturesque city of Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos/Spinalonga (or any other activity as requested by the guests) can be arranged,

       

      Farewell dinner

       

      Day 8 (Sunday)

       

      Morning Final Mat pilates session

       

      A summary of the Pilates practice learnt/recommended for guests to take home

       

      A summary of the Cretan Omega 3 rich dietary guidelines for guests to take home

       

      Traditional Cretan breakfast and relaxation

       

      Departures: transfer to airport is arranged individually, independently of departure times of other guests

      Southern Coast Crete Day Trip

      Luxurious accommodation in the unspoilted Cretan nature

      Villa Kerasia is located in a rural environment 20 km from Heraklion city.

       

      Babis, the charming host is looking forward to offer you a warm welcome matching the high quality of the place. Babis grows and or produces his own wine, honey, raki and olive oil- all excellent quality.

       

      Internet Access: Free WiFi throughout // HOWEVER WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND DURING THE RETREAT TO DISCONNECT!

       

      Swimming Pool: The L-shaped pool (50 m2) is large enough for morning laps, aqua Pilates and relaxation.

       

      Disabled Access: Not suitable

       

      Pets: Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges

       

      Languages Spoken: Greek, English, German

       

      Parking: Private parking area

       

      Good to Know: Bicycles available

       

      Villa Services Include:

      • Breakfast
      • Daily Maid Service
      • Dinner
      • Fax & Photocopy Service
      • Garden
      • Pool Sunbeds & Umbrellas
      • Towels & Linen Provided
      • Wi-Fi Internet
      • Jacuzzi Swimming Pool
      • Dining as a Greek family (same table)

       

      Detailed information about the rooms:

       

      Double Room No.2 on ground floor: 25m2 up to 2 people. Bathroom with shower. Direct access to garden and pool. Garden view.

       

      Double Room No.3 on first floor: 30m2 up to 2 people. Bathroom with cabin shower. Valley view.

       

      Double Room No.4 on first floor: 35m2 up to 2 people. Bathroom with bathtub. Valley view.

       

      Double Room No.5 on first floor: 25m2 up to 2 people, 1 Double Bed, bathroom with shower. Valley view.

       

      Suite No.6 on first floor: 35m2 up to 3 people, 1 Double Bed and 1 Exta Sofa Bed, bathroom with bathtub. Valley view.

       

      Suite No. 7 on first floor: 40m2 up to 4 people, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed and 1 Sofa Bed, bathroom with bathtub. Mountain view.

      Room at the Villa Kerasia

      Meet our retreat professionals

      Cristina Mosora (Retreat Coordinator/ Pilates instructor)

       

      Cristina is a certified BASI Pilates instructor. She founded UP Pilates in 2015 with a strong belief in the healing power of Pilates. Cristina has years long experience in the organisation of international events, workshops and conferences. She will be assisting the guests throughout the duration of their stay in Crete and will join the guests in their exploration of the island as a guide.

      She speaks English, Greek, Romanian, Spanish and a bit of Turkish.

       

      Theodore Tarkazikis (Pilates instructor/ Movement Therapist)

       

      Theodore is teaching Pilates for more than 19 years in Greece and abroad. He is certified both in Stott and BASI Pilates Styles (Oxford/UK and Athens/GR) and is a graduate of the University of Physical Education and Sports in Thessaloniki, GR. Throughout his career, Theodore has worked closely with many Master Teachers worldwide (Alan Herdman, Richard Orbach etc.) He believes that Pilates is more than a fitness regime, but a powerful healing method that has the potential to quickly restore balance in our daily stressful lives. Theodore has been working with individuals with severe injuries and has successfully contributed to the rehabilitation of many clients of all ages and health conditions. He conducts workshops and seminars regularly in Greece, and will be teaching at our retreat in Crete. Theodore is fluent in English and Italian.

       

      Christos Georghiades (Pilates instructor, Certified Bowen Technique)

      Christos has a BA degree in Sports and Fitness Studies from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. He later proceeded to study the Pilates method at the Pilates International in London. He lives in Nicosia, Cyprus, where he owns and runs his own Pilates studio since 2004. Christos specializes in helping people with back or neck pain, knee pain, scoliosis, kyphosis and various other issues. Over the years he noticed that he had healing abilities with his hands and to make better use of this he decided to go back to the UK and learn the Bowen technique. His clients have shown amazing results and we are extremely lucky to have Christos in our team!

       

      George Portokalakis (Hospitality expert and Cretan Diet researcher)

      George has been involved in the travel industry for 44 years, having lived all his life in Crete. He runs the exclusive Porto Club Foodie tours and hosts travellers from around the world. He is a researcher of the Cretan Diet and will share his life long experience of Greece and Cretan culture, food and lifestyle with the guests. A half a day cooking experience with George and his team can be booked for the guests upon agreement.

       

      Babis (Our Host, Wine maker, story-teller and Villa Kerasia owner)

      Babis is our lovely host at the Villa Kerasia. He owns and manages the Villa for more than 10 years and has been commended for his hospitality and personalized service to visitors from all over the world. He will be glad to make your stay at the Villa an exquisite experience. Babis has his own wine, raiki, honey and olive oil organic production. He speaks excellent English and German and is a fantastic story teller!

       

      General Terms and Conditions

      DUE TO THE PANDEMIC OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE BEING CONSTANTLY UPDATED. PLEASE CONTACT FOR DETAILS.

    • The Retreat in Pictures

      Pilates Retreat facilities, activities and professionals

      Swimming Pool
      Private Outdoor Garden
      PIlates Outdoors Class
      Massage therapy
      Foraging
      Greek Salad
      Location from above
      Trip to Herakleion Port
    • Retreat Packages and Options

      Please note that due to the unpredictable circumstances brought by the pandemic, retreats in 2022 will INCLUDE ONLY MAT AND PROPS SESSIONS IN THE OUTDOOR PRIVATE AREA OF THE VILLA

      FULL PACKAGE PRIVATE RETREAT

      from 2050 EUR*

      Price is per 1 pers. 7 nights/ 8 days, single, double or suite luxurious accommodation, meals included

      This is our PRIVATE RETREAT FULL PROGRAMME PACKAGE

       

      Accommodation:

      • 7 nights accommodation in single, double occupancy or suite room at the luxurious Villa Kerasia;
      Meals/ Diet:
      • 7 days meals: Traditional Breakfast  +  Rich Dinner for every day of your stay 
      • Detailed Omega 3 Diet Plan and Guidelines how to implement at home;
      • 1 Cooking class to prepare many Omega 3 rich dishes
      Pilates/ therapy/ massage/ mind and body regime:
      • Daily 1-on-1 Pilates Sessions  (total 2 hours daily including on departure/arrival day)
      • 1 Postural Evaluation  or 1 Stretching, joint-release and massage session 
      • 1 Aqua Pilates in Villa Swimming Pool or 1 Meditation Session 
      • Detailed personalized Pilates regime to take home;
      Tours on the island:
      • 1 Guided Visit to Knossos Archeological Site;
      • 1 Guided visit to the Museum of Archeology in Heraklion;
      • 1 Visit to Archanes Village including dinner at a traditional village tavern especially cooked for our guests;
      • 1 Tour to surrounding villages and local winery;
      • 1 Tour to cheese producer/shepherd, including tasting and gifts or 1 Gastronomic Tour of Herakleion including tastings, mezes, drinks;
      Transportation:
      • Transfers to/from the airport of Heraklion and the tours/visits in the program in private car with driver;
      • Omega 3 Rich Delicious gifts to take at home: 1 bottle of Organic Cretan Olive Oil, 1 package of locally grown beans (Koukia, black beans, fava beans etc.), 1 piece of organic cheese (traditional goat, sheep) plus many other souvenirs from the island!
      Advantages: practically all your expenses for your stay on the island are covered by this package.
       
      * Please note the prices vary according to dates, room occupancy type, museum, site entrance tickets, local transportation costs. VAT NOT INCLUDED
      BOOK NOW

      PILATES MAT GROUP RETREAT

      from 1760 EUR*

      Price is per 1 pers. 7 nights/ 8 days, single, double or suite luxurious accommodation, meals included

      This is our GROUP RETREAT PACKAGE

      PRESET GROUP SCHEDULE, EXTRAS

       

      Accommodation:

      • 7 nights accommodation in single, double occupancy or suite room at the luxurious Villa Kerasia;
      Meals/ Diet:
      • 7 days meals: Traditional Breakfast  +  Rich Dinner for every day of your stay
      • Detailed Omega 3 Diet Plan and Guidelines how to implement at home;
      • 1 Cooking class to prepare many Omega 3 rich dishes
      Pilates/ therapy/ massage/ mind and body regime:
      • Daily Group Pilates Sessions (total 1 hour daily including on departure/arrival day)
      • 1 Postural Evaluation 
      • Detailed personalized Pilates regime to take home;
      • Massages and other mind-body therapies not specified are extras.
       
       
      Tours on the island:
      • 1 Visit to Archanes Village including dinner at a traditional village tavern;
      • 1 Tour to surrounding villages or 1 Gastronomic Tour of Herakleion including tastings, mezes, drinks;
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Transportation:
      • Transfers to/from the airport of Heraklion in private car;
      • Omega 3 Rich Delicious gifts to take at home: 1 bottle of Organic Cretan Olive Oil, 1 package of locally grown beans (Koukia, black beans, fava beans etc.), 1 piece of organic cheese (traditional goat, sheep) plus many other souvenirs from the island!
       
       
      Extras tours and visits can be arranged but are NOT included in the package.
       
      * Please note the prices vary according to dates, room occupancy type, museum, site entrance tickets, local transportation costs. VAT NOT INCLUDED
      BOOK NOW

      INTENSIVE PACE 5 DAY RETREAT

      from 1585 EUR*

      Price is per 1 pers. 4 nights/ 5 days, single, double or suite luxurious accommodation, meals included

      This is our INTENSIVE PACE 5 DAYS PACKAGE, EXTRAS

       

      Accommodation:

      • 4 nights accommodation in single, double occupancy or suite room at the luxurious Villa Kerasia;
      Meals/ Diet:
      • 4 days meals: Traditional Breakfast  +  Rich Dinner for every day of your stay
      • Detailed Omega 3 Diet Plan and Guidelines how to implement at home;
       
       
      Pilates/ therapy/ massage/ mind and body regime:
      • Daily Pilates Sessions  (total 2 hours daily including on departure/arrival day)
      • 1 Postural Evaluation  or 1 Stretching, joint-release and massage session 
      • Detailed personalized Pilates regime to take home;
      • Massages and other mind-body therapies not specified are extras.
      Tours on the island:
      • 1 Visit to Archanes Village including dinner at a traditional village tavern;
      • 1 Tour to surrounding villages or 1 Gastronomic Tour of Herakleion including tastings, mezes, drinks;
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Transportation:
      • Transfers to/from the airport of Heraklion in private car;
      • Omega 3 Rich Delicious gifts to take at home: 1 bottle of Organic Cretan Olive Oil, 1 package of locally grown beans (Koukia, black beans, fava beans etc.), 1 piece of organic cheese (traditional goat, sheep) plus many other souvenirs from the island!
       
       
      Extras tours and visits can be arranged but are NOT included in the package.
       
      * Please note the prices vary according to dates, room occupancy type, museum, site entrance tickets, local transportation costs. VAT NOT INCLUDED
      BOOK NOW
    • Safer Pilates Retreats

      Enjoy a carefree retreat with our up to date safety regulations

      LEARN MORE
    • Contact us to get the best price today

      Please be as detailed as possible regarding your preferred dates, number of persons, preferred room accommodation (single/double/triple or suite occupancy).

      We will get back to you with comprehensive reply and exact pricing options for your stay!

      Heraklion Crete Greece
      cmosora@gmail.com
      Submit
    • We absolutely loved our stay at the Villa, Babis' organic wine and hearty breakfasts and dinners, Cristina's classes and the famous Cretan hospitality... fantastic retreat!

      Anne - Maria, Netherlands

      The trip was perfectly organised, the hosts and pilates instructors went over the top to accommodate our requests, we hope to return soon for another truly Mediterranean retreat in Crete...

      Natasa, NYC

      Theodore was a brilliant teacher and we enjoyed the pilates tremendously. We return with new horizons feeling the benefits. Now I have abdominals and breathe!

      Lynda, UK

      What a perfect location for a retreat! Lucky to have met you and your team, after a week at the Villa Kerasia, Pilates, delicious food, amazing view from my room, I feel young again! Big thank you for the gifts!

      Mike, UK

    • Upcoming Pilates retreat in Crete

        

                      Pilates at the Villa
      February 7, 2022
                Save your spot: Crete Retreat 2022 Pilates at the Villa, 30 May -6 June
      October 29, 2021 · pilates,Crete,RETREAT
      Crete Retreat Healing Focus
      July 22, 2020
      More Posts

     

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