crete DatesNO RETREATS SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME
What's Included
what's not included1. Transportation to and from airport to hotel. We will do our best to have the hotel do a pick up for each participant at the Chania airport
2. All transportation to the excursions including the hiking event, the Monastery, an outing to local village, dinner at the local seaport (All of these excursions are all optional) The Monastery and Day in Village is no cost, yet if we eat dinner in the village, this will not be included, as well as our dinner out to local seaport. (These 2 dinners are also optional) |
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our mission
Our intention is to explore this magical Greek island while diving into daily Vinyasa yoga integrated along with the practice of Myofascial Release, which will transform your energy and your flow. We invite you to join us to heal yourself from the inside out—to do something just for you. You'll learn to release the energies that are blocked within us and create a positive energy shift in your life. Come away with optimized body function and feeling deeply restored!
Discover Transformation and Rebirth as we re-align with our essence and flow.
This retreat is a space for you to immerse yourself with the local culture and to experience the Greek way of living: slowing down and being present in the moment. We will slow down, connect, laugh and enjoy the simple pleasures of all that Greece has to offer. We are here to bring you home to the "roots" within yourself and to share the warmth and hospitality that one can only experience in Greece!
Watch our videos below that talk through the unique integration of fascia and yoga that this retreat offers, as well as our retreat's intention. Be sure to turn your audio on!
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What to Expect
This energy-friendly retreat will be full of a dynamic Vinyasa Flow yoga, Myofascial & Self Release workshop/learning, replenishing time in nature, traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and a community of travelers all called to revive and replenish their souls on this charming island. Discover your true power of healing and transformation combined with lazy beach days, sacred monasteries, downtown strolls, and soul-reviving hiking trips, where Crete's ethereal nature invites you to unwind and let yourself simply be. Return home feeling whole and awake.
We’ll practice yoga daily, with Vinyasa and Myofascial classes in the morning and Yin yoga three of the evenings. We will learn "hands-on" techniques and self-release tools to take home with you for your own daily practice. All classes will be practiced outside on a beautiful landscape overlooking the blue Mediterranean sea. We may take our mats one day to the nearby beach for a gentle practice. After our classes and meals, you'll have free time to relax, explore, or take part in optional excursions.
*This is a healing retreat. It is for anyone who wants to heal and release their "pain bodies." It invites all those who have "issues in their tissues," diseases, and dysfunctions that keep them from their best life. Please know that you will be releasing everything that is not of love from your body, mind, and spirit's system.
Daily schedule
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8:00-9:00 AM Vinyasa Yoga Class Daily 9:00-10:00 AM Breakfast 10:15-12:00 PM Myofascial Class Daily 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch 1:00-6:00 PM Free Time 6:00-7:00 PM Yin Yoga (3 nights of the trip) Sharing Circles- Two Classes 8:00-9:00 PM Dinner *Schedule is subject to change |
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The island: Crete, Greece
Crete is the most historical Greek island, sophisticated yet rustic, mountainous yet beach-lined, and nautical yet agricultural. The island is rich in spring waters...green, lush, and fertile, but also lined with great barren, rugged mountains. The hillsides are terraced with scattered farmsteads, orchards, and vineyards....oranges, lemons, figs, grapes, and olives all proliferate. The island is rich in traditional white-washed villages, ancient monasteries, and isolated beaches along the coast. The people in Crete are welcoming and happy, living a slow life following the rhythm of the sea. Crete is a calm sanctuary that takes pride in its traditional way of life. Come uncover the secret wonders of Crete with us!
The accommodation
This retreat will be taking place at the breathtaking Mythos Palace Resort and Spa. It is pure serenity! Every room has simple, elegant decor, enhancing the culture and natural beauty of Crete. Single occupancy, double occupancy, and triple occupancy rooms will available for your choosing on a first come, first serve basis.
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Your retreat host Maria creates bespoke retreats, workshops, and events to explore and discover more about the energy-friendly island of Crete. She will be there to ease you into the rhythm and patterns of everyday local life, as you journey through wonderful landscapes, uncover the hidden corners, and share authentic encounters with local people along the way.
We'll give you time to relish delicious, traditional, local cuisine at family-run tavernas, and relax in this local, Greek-style hotel, where you receive the warmest of welcomes. We are looking forward to having you here!
The practice
Our yoga retreat classes are designed to offer you a complete practice of strengthening and flexibility to feel aligned and connected. Our yoga classes will be a blend of Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin Yoga. We will use specific alignment yoga practices to improve patterns in the way we hold our body and creative sequences to become attuned to our energetic body. Each session will include asana, pranayama, and mediation.
In our Myofascial classes, we will be teaching "hands-on techniques" to learn to release fascia. In addition, we will also be using foam rollers for teaching Self Release.
Retreat Photo 2018
Fascial Release is applying sustained pressure to our Fascial restrictions in order to restore and enhance motion, eliminate pain, and to facilitate release of the fascia. Maria will be teaching you "hands-on techniques" on how to release fascia while in different positions and Yoga postures, as well as to Self Release with the Foam Roller in many different positions and Yoga poses.
On paper, Maria is a Physical Therapist, a Myofascial Master, and a Reiki Virtuoso.
She brings her gifts and talents of healing through Fascial Release which she has been teaching for 34 years. She has given a series of courses in Myofascial Mobilization and incorporates the understanding of emotional causation of disease and dysfunction into her work. She specializes in teaching her students to Release Fascia with their heart and hands, as well as self release with foam rollers.
What her credentials don’t tell you is that her calling in life is to help people stand in their own truth, release old patterns, and begin leading authentic and fulfilling lives. Maria's style for leading retreats is one that begins with the soul, moves through the heart, and elevates the individual.
Through, "hands-on techniques," she guides you toward freeing your fascia, which helps you release patterns of emotional & physical pain that have been holding you back from reaching your full wellness potential.
Her healing workshops and one-on-one sessions are designed to blend her knowledge & experience of physical therapy, myofascial release, energy healing, and her spiritual trainings.
Through healing past wounds, her students can then step into lives filled with peace, purpose, and true fulfillment. Maria will facilitate the release of the false self which lies in the Fascia so the Emergence of your True Self (self-love) can take place.
Check out these photos from our June retreat below! To watch videos and see more photos from the trip, please click here.
Testimonials from
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"How I Healed in Greece" - Nalie
Social media influencer and cancer survivor @nalieaugustin joined us on our June 2019 trip to Andros. We are so thankful for this exciting and moving video recap she put together! Check it out to get a glimpse into what goes on at our retreats—from yoga and fascia release to exploring around and making friends. Hope to have YOU join us on our next healing adventure! |
Meet your teachers
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MARIA ALFIERIS, PTPHYSICAL THERAPIST, MYOFASCIAL RELEASE MASTER, AND REIKI VIRTUOSOMaria Alfieris, who loves to return to her Greek Roots, is a masterful teacher and powerful leader with a joyous spirit and open heart. She builds community and connection wherever she goes. She sees the best in her students and creates the space for them to see it too. Maria is down to earth and her humor sets the stage for easy learning. Her students trust her and take their learnings off of their mat and into their LIFE.
CONNECT WITH ME: Phone or WhatsApp: 732 740 5659 E: marinabee@aol.com Instagram: Magical Hands Physical Therapy |
RYT 200 YOGA INSTRUCTOREmily Pareti always loved being active - flexibility and balance came naturally to her after growing up as a dancer, gymnast and cheerleader. Emily’s love for yoga started in 2014, after moving to Hawaii from NJ with her high school sweetheart. She started learning from YouTube, then fell in love with yoga on the beach, Bikram Yoga and eventually Vinyasa Flow. Emily is a two-time cancer survivor who found the healing power of yoga in 2017 during her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma relapse. Yoga not only helped with the physical side effects of treatment, but also allowed Emily to release anxiety and find a Mind-Body-Spirit connection. She loves to share the gifts that yoga has offered her and to help each person find their own path to this joyful practice. She looks forward to helping others heal through yoga. Emily is known for storytelling, her inviting smile, and her willingness to allow each student to come just as they are. Each class is an invitation for self nuture, for laughter, and an opportunity for pause. Emily completed her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Honor Yoga in North Brunswick, NJ. She identifies as a Vinyasa Flow teacher and also finds relaxation and health benefits in Yin and Gentle Flow.
CONNECT WITH ME: E: yogaemilyp@gmail.com Instagram: @emilypareti |
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MORE INFORMATION
Recommendations:
- Arrive at least a day earlier to minimize jet lag.
- If you want to come earlier or stay longer, there is a very famous hike in Crete called The Samarian Gorge Hike. It is about an 8-9 hike with fabulous views.
Optional Activities (Extra Cost):
- Hiking Tours
- Explore Ancient Monasteries and Traditional Villages
What’s not Included:
- Airfare
- Alcohol
- Lunch
- Tips & Gratuities
- Car Rental
- Travel and Health Insurance
- Extra Excursions & Activities
- Transfers to and from Chania to Mythos Palace Resort and Spa
Pricing
Single Accommodation
- $3600 USD per person
- Two-person room $2800 USD per person
- Three-person room $2500 USD per person
*Traveling solo but don't want your own room? We're happy to pair you up with a same-sex roommate.
Payment Policy
We currently accept bookings through WeTravel - please see the available dates (above) and click the "Details" button to reserve your spot.
Cancellation Policy
If you or any member of your party cancel your arrangements at any time, written notification from the person who made the booking must be received by email at marinabee@aol.com. If you must cancel your retreat, the required $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full refund, less deposit, will be given if cancellation is made 60 days or more before your retreat start date.
Cancellations made 60 days or less, but more than 30 days prior, to the retreat start date can be applied to a future retreat. Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat start date are forfeited. Due to our need to commit to accommodation and other arrangements in advance, exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason.
Getting to Chaina, Crete
Fly into Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, commonly initialized as "AIA." From there, you can take a second flight to Chania, Crete. Upon arrival, a hotel shuttle will be available to bring you to the hotel (for additional cost).
You may also fly directly into Chania, Crete from other destinations (such as Germany or France) if you don't want to transfer from Athens International Airport.
Travel & Health Insurance
Travel Insurance is required for all international yoga retreats. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. In addition to refunding your trip fees, it can also include medical evacuation coverage, medical expense coverage (remember that your USA based health insurance will not apply outside of USA) and reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects.
Travel insurance that includes medical coverage is mandatory. Unfortunately, we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. We suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” with your policy. We recommend purchase insurance within 1-2 weeks after making your first trip payment (ie. flight or retreat reservation) to secure the best price and best coverage.
Compare Insurance Options at SquareMouth.com. We suggest this policy from Travel Guard or similar: Travel Guard- Gold(Protect Assist) w/ Cancel for any reason.
Read our Terms and Conditions Here.
FAQs
We have a wonderful travel agent who can assist you with booking travel if you'd like to go through her. We use her for all of our flights! You can reach her at (954) 383-7308. Her name is Allison with Over The Moon Travel.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is the "butterfly net" that we sit in. It is the dense, covering system that catches all the emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma we endure throughout our lifetimes. Fascia, carries the diary of all our lifetime experiences. Fascia, is the connective tissue system of the body, that has an appearance similar to a spider's web. Our Fascia, covers and encases every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, vein, and organs. Fascia plays an important role in the support and function of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. In the healthy state, the fascia is relaxed, it has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When one experiences physical , emotional or spiritual trauma, the insult lands in the fascia and the fascia loses pliability over time. It becomes tight, hardened, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
When our Fascia becomes restricted, we can lose range of motion, experiencing pain and discomfort. Myofascial pain differs from other types of pain because it originates in "trigger points," which are related to stiff, anchored areas within the myofascial tissue. Some of the healing shifts that you will feel when experiencing Fascial Release: Emotional releases, decreased pain & inflammation, enhanced movement, improved immune system function, and releasing our blocked energy to "flow" again, as it works through the meridian system. Maria will be teaching you "hands-on" techniques to help you release patterns of emotional and physical pain that have been holding you back from reaching your full wellness potential. She's here to help you heal the issues in your tissues!
Do I need yoga experience?
We welcome yogis of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Yoga retreats are not just for the yogi who practices every day and can touch the floor with their elbows. Our retreats offer opportunities for growth and new experience, no matter how much time you have spent on your mat. Regardless, we suggest keeping an open mind and trying out practices that might be new to you.
Can I go on a Retreat by myself?
Yes! Participants come alone and often come away with lifelong friends. If you’re traveling alone, a yoga retreat is the best way to meet new people with similar interests in a safe and healthy environment.
When does the retreat start and end?
Please arrive by TBD on TBD. We will have an included Welcome dinner at 7pm. The first official yoga class is on TBD. Check out is (again) TBD.
What do I need to know about booking flights?
Your ultimate destination is Chania, Crete. This can be accomplished by flying into Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and getting on a connecting flight to Chania, Crete out of Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
You can also fly directly into Chania, Crete from alternate destinations in Europe (such a Germany of France). Please see your travel agent for the most efficient travel itinerary/ cost effective flights.
We have a wonderful travel agent who can assist you with booking travel if you'd like to go through her. We use her for all of our flights! You can reach her at (954) 383-7308. Her name is Allison with Over The Moon Travel.
What should I bring?
Please bring: yoga mat (we would really appreciate that everyone remember to bring this!), sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, hat, book, journal & pen, reusable water bottle, toiletries, cash, passport, flashlight, and a little sense of adventure! If you plan on going on a walking or hiking trip, please bring comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.
How much free time do we have?
Our retreats include a healthy balance between group activities and solo free time to relax, read a book, take a walk, etc. The days that we have outings planned we will go lighter on the yoga and we generally build in time for participants to go off on their own or simply stay at our hotel.
What is the weather like in Crete in June?
June is one of the best times of the year to visit Greece. Air temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the water temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
When will I receive trip details?
Upon registration, you will receive a welcome message with general trip information. As the date approaches, you will receive trip reminders and specifics relevant to your retreat.
Do I need to book my own flight?
You are responsible for booking your own flight. This trip will start on TBD. Feel free to arrive at the hotel early for check in if desired. We will be departing on TBD, and check out will be at noon. If you wish to stay longer, you are welcome to extend your stay (at your own cost).
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
For most of our retreats, you are responsible for your own airport transfer unless stated otherwise. You can always request support booking your transfer, and we are usually able to pair people up to share in the cost. The hotel will provide a shuttle to guests (additional cost), and you will be greeted and escorted by a retreat staff member.
What is the currency and where do I get it? How much cash will I need?
Greece's national currency is the Euro. The only cash you will need is for any additional food/drinks, transportation, or excursions. We recommend having some cash on hand while traveling, money can be exchanged at the Alpha bank at the airport or take money out of the ATM when you arrive at the airport.
Can I arrive early and stay late?
You will need to purchase your flights in order to arrive/depart by given dates and time ranges for your specific trip. If you choose to arrive earlier or later than given day/time you will be responsible for the cost of transportation needed to join up with the group. If you will be arriving early or staying later in Crete, you will need to make your own arrangements with the hotel.
Is participation in all yoga and myofascial classes mandatory?
All the yoga and myofascial classes are optional as this is your time to decide how you want to unwind. If you want to apply the myofascial classes to your continuing education through Yoga Alliance, you are expected to be present for those classes.
Should I bring my own yoga mat?
Yes! Please bring your own yoga mat. If you prefer to use a strap or block you can bring those, but they are not required.
Is there cell phone service? and internet access?
There is internet access at the hotel. Please check with your cell service provider to discuss your international plan.
What is the electrical current and do I need to bring a transformer?
There are two associated plug types for Greece: C and F. Type C has two round pins and type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the sides. Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50HZ. We suggest bringing an adapter if your electronics are from the US and/or do not run on the same voltage.
Is travel insurance mandatory? How do I purchase it?
Travel insurance for all of our international yoga retreats is mandatory. We will need you to send us a copy of this insurance. Unfortunately, we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. Click here to visit Travel Guard's site and purchase your travel insurance.
future retreats
May 2020 Montreal (Friday-Sunday)
End of June 2020 Greece (7 days, 6 nights)
August 2020 Spain (7 days 6 nights)
End of June 2020 Greece (7 days, 6 nights)
August 2020 Spain (7 days 6 nights)