The Gifts of Crete: A Holistic Yoga Retreat in Greece with Stephanie Schwartz

As you step onto the soil of Greece, a sense of tranquility washes over you, signaling the beginning of your transformative journey. After a seamless group transfer from the airport, you find yourself at the doorstep of Cretan Malia Park. Checking in, you're greeted with warm smiles, setting the tone for the days ahead. Take some time to rest from the travels and look forward to dinner in the evening.

This day is designed for you to rest and relax before the retreat program starts.

Enjoy the serenity at Cretan Malia Park, your sanctuary for the week, as you familiarize yourself with the setting and your surroundings. We begin with coffee and tea before morning yoga and an opening circle. Here, under the vast Cretan sky, surrounded by fellow seekers, you share intentions and embrace the collective energy that will guide your practice.

In the evening, we switch gears a bit and head into the mountains to visit a traditional village where we will spend some time with some of the locals. After indulging in some Cretan firewater, we will observe rural life and dig into a meal at a taverna. Our dinner will be accompanied by classic Cretan music and dance. If you're in the mood, you can even join in with the dancers and learn a few Greek moves!

Awakening to the gentle melody of the morning, you start your day with a cup of coffee or tea, preparing your mind and body for the enriching experiences ahead. As the sun rises, you flow gracefully through a morning vinyasa yoga practice, synchronizing breath with movement in harmony with the elements. Following breakfast, you embark on a journey through time with a tour of the legendary Knossos Palace, an ancient archaeological site that served as the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. This experience will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient history and mythology of Crete.

As evening falls, we will unwind and immerse ourselves in total relaxation through meditation, journaling & sound bath. Before dinner, indulge your senses with a journey through the flavors of Crete during a wine tasting experience, discovering the nuances of local varietals amidst stunning vineyard landscapes. Then, gather with your companions for a soulful dinner.

The day begins with the familiar ritual of coffee or tea, grounding you in the present moment as you prepare for another day of exploration and self-discovery. With the sun casting its golden glow upon the island, you flow effortlessly through your morning vinyasa yoga practice, finding strength and serenity in each breath. As the day unfolds, indulge in moments of solitude or connection during free time, allowing space for introspection and journaling. Before dinner, we continue our work on alignment through a tailored workshop.

Greet the morning with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, infusing your spirit with warmth before a vinyasa yoga session. After replenishing your energy with breakfast, you have the remainder of the day free for you to spend however you'd like. Embrace the beauty of the day, connect with your fellow retreat companions, or find solace and strength by forging a deeper connection with your surroundings and yourself. As the sun dips below the horizon, we gather once more for a Sound bath experience followed by a well-deserved dinner, celebrating the end of a relaxing day.

Greet the day with gratitude and savor the simple pleasures of a calm morning before engaging in mindful movement during our vinyasa yoga and inversion workshop that refines our skills when it comes to these poses. Then, indulge in moments of solitude or connection during free time, allowing space for introspection and journaling.

As the day winds down, we’ll come together for a special inversion workshop to refine our skills when it comes to these poses, then close out the day with dinner under the stars.

The scent of salt hangs in the air as we awaken to our final full day on the island. As always, we begin with our morning vinyasa practice, moving with fluidity and grace in tune with the rhythm of the sea. Following breakfast, embark on a leisurely cruise along the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, soaking in the panoramic views and gentle sea breeze. Allow yourself to feel the vibrations of everything that is around you. If you allow yourself to be highly sensitive, you will be amazed at what you can feel.

Back at the retreat, take some time to freshen up and prepare for our final dinner together. With hearts full and spirits uplifted, we indulge in delicious food while expressing gratitude for the community we've created with each other on the beautiful island of Crete. From here, we close out the night and the retreat with a closing circle to harmonize our experiences and ignite the spark for our journey beyond the retreat.

As the final dawn breaks over the horizon, you rise with a bittersweet sense of farewell, embracing the beauty of the present moment one last time. With a mixture of gratitude and reflection, you gather for a final breakfast, savoring each bite and sip as you bid farewell to the sanctuary that has been your home. With belongings packed and hearts brimming with memories, you embark on the next chapter of your journey as we transfer to the airport. We are so happy you could join us here in Greece. We will see you next time!