Crete Retreat:

a mind and body transformation on the beautiful Island of Crete

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

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

During your retreat, you will have the opportunity to enjoy revitalizing outdoor activities (hiking, swimming etc.), explore the mysterious Southern coast and the incredibly rich in archeological sites area. You can experience oino-gastronomic tours in the surrounding villages, as well as in the broader Herakleion perfecture.

Delicious and healthy meals based on the Mediterranean Diet - also known as the life-saving Omega 3 Nutrition Plan - are prepared daily at the Villa by our local cook. Plenty of options are available for vegans and vegetarians.

Therapeutical massages (Deep Tissue, Atheltic, cupping technique etc.) can be arranged.

Your daily practice includes Pilates in small groups or individual classes, fascia release and restorative movement You can choose to have a therapeutical massage every other day during a week's retreat

You will train with experienced Pilates instructors, internationally certified by either recognised schools i.e. BASI, STOTT, Classical Pilates, who will develop a tailor made Pilates programme for you following a movement and posture "audit". They will discuss with you your needs and medical history and set together with you the objectives of your workout sessions.

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 breakfast and the meals provided are 100% authentic Cretan. This means all fresh all seasonal ingredients, most of which are organically cultivated by our host or regionally 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 can 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.

We usually organise 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.

Cristina Mosora (Retreat Coordinator/ Pilates instructor)

Cristina is a certified BASI Pilates instructor and studio owner. She founded UP Pilates on the island of Cyprus, 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 teaching all the apparatus classes during the retreat and will be assisting the guests throughout the entire duration of their stay at the Villa.

She speaks English, Greek, Romanian, Spanish.

Babis (Villa Kerasia Host, bio wine maker, story-teller)

Babis is our lovely host at the Villa Kerasia. He owns and manages the Villa for more than 15 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. You will taste from all his organic production. He speaks excellent English and German and is a fantastic story teller!

Theodore Tarkazikis (Pilates instructor/ Movement Therapist)

Theodore is teaching Pilates for more than 20 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) 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.

George Portokalakis (Hospitality expert and Cretan Diet researcher)

George had been involved in the travel industry for more than 50 years, having lived all his life in Crete. He founded the exclusive Porto Club Foodie tours and hosted travellers from around the world. He had been a researcher of the Cretan Diet and had been sharing his life long experience of Greece and Cretan culture, food and lifestyle with guests of our retreats as well. He passed away early in 2024 and we will be cherishing his dear memory and what he has done for the Crete Retreat team forever.