South-Facing Ocean Views in Southern Crete
Join us for a luxurious stay on sun-drenched Southern Crete where the rugged, rocky, untamed landscape features dramatic gorges and sheer cliffs plunging into crystal-clear turquoise waters, the unhurried pace of life is more traditional and laid-back than the northern part of the island (and many other parts of Greece), and where food and "philoxenia," a spirit of genuine, warm, welcoming hospitality is not just a gesture but a deeply ingrained way of life.
Mid-October's quiet shoulder season is one of the most magical times to experience southern Crete's natural beauty and authentic local lifestyle that remains closely tied to tradition, farming, and fishing. The summer crowds and hot temperatures have faded, the island is bathed in soft golden light, and the seas remain warm. This is an ideal time for getting out into the dramatic natural landscapes, hiking, and cultivating highest wellbeing in body, mind and spirit on Greece's largest and most diverse island and (aside from the nearby tiny island of Gavdos) the southernmost point in Greece and Europe.
Held at an elegant south-facing villa with expansive views of the Libyan Sea, each day of this wellness longevity retreat will begin with morning “Slow Flow” Vinyasa Yoga and meditation on the expansive terrace as the sun rises over the sea. Afternoons will alternate between luxuriously long restorative Yin Yoga practices on the terrace and hikes along ancient paths, through deep gorges, and to secluded beaches and coves.
Between practices and explorations, there will be time to lounge by the pool, swim or snorkel in the warm autumn sea, explore nearby hidden villages, or simply take in the endless horizon.
In the evenings we’ll gather for elegant, candlelit, sunset dinners at our villa as the sun sets over the sea to savor nutritional, "ingredient-driven" Mediterranean cuisine that southern Crete is renowned for and which emphasizes locally sourced, seasonal, sometimes foraged produce like nutrient-dense wild greens (Horta) that are foraged, often boiled, and dressed with local olive oil (known in Crete as "liquid gold") and lemon. The cuisine in this part of the island is described as an "edible landscape" where simple, high-quality ingredients are used to create profound flavors
From bedtime till breakfast each day we'll observe noble silence, a practice commonly observed in Buddhist traditions of voluntarily refraining from verbal communication to cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and deeper self-awareness.
This retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature’s rhythms, and experience the profoundly healing blend of mindful movement, breath, contemplative stillness, open sky, and spacious sea on one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
All bedrooms offer bathrobes, slippers, and self-care products.
Private bedroom (king bed, private hallway bathroom)
Double Occupancy: $2495/person
Single-Occupancy: $3595
King Suite (ensuite bathroom)
Double Occupancy: $2695/person
Single-Occupancy: $3795
Master King Suite (ensuite bathroom)
Double Occupancy: $2895/person
Single-Occupancy: $3995
Independent Master King Suite Studio Personal Private Retreat (ensuite bathroom with double sinks, stand-up shower and hammam, kitchenette, lounge sofa, private entrance, and private "Cour Anglaise" patio,)
Double Occupancy: $3095/person
Single-Occupancy: $4195
Included: Accommodations, all meals, daily yoga and meditation
Not included: Airport and other transfers, car rental (recommended but not required), excursions, massage and spa treatments, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, gratuities.
A non-refundable $750 deposit will hold your space. Subsequent payments are also non-refundable unless we're able to fill the space. Payment schedule: 50% of the remaining balance due three months prior to the start of the retreat; final payment due two months prior to the start of the retreat.
To register, or for questions, please email Christy at christy@christybrownyoga.com.