Crete Retreat:

a mind and body transformation on the beautiful Island of Crete

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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