Wellness and Yoga Escape in Crete: Beachside Retreat with Greek Cuisine

The retreat is based in a two-story villa in Agia Marina, a coastal village near Chania on Crete's northwest coast. Guests stay in a self-contained apartment on the top floor with two double bedrooms, a living room, a balcony facing the sea, a kitchen, and a private bathroom. Yorgos, the founder and host, lives on the property and is on hand with advice, taxi arrangements, and local knowledge. He is also the chef, cooking dinner most nights using local ingredients.

The yoga is led by Yota, a certified instructor who started practicing in India in 2006 and has since studied Hatha and Ashtanga. Her style is therapeutic and gentle, and evening sessions often take place in the olive grove, with cicadas providing the soundtrack. Mornings are a slow practice suitable for complete beginners, and there is also a focus on pranayama and yoga nidra. Guests can skip sessions without any issue — this is presented as a holiday with yoga, not a bootcamp.

Two excursions are included in the week. One is a full-day trip to Elafonisi Pink Beach on the south coast, known for its shallow turquoise water and pink-tinged sand. The other is a ride on a small tourist train through the Therisos Gorge, with a stop at the Koukakis olive mill to taste fresh olive oil, then lunch in the mountain village of Therisos. These trips run with external tour companies, so guests may share them with other travelers.

The house is a five-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. Chania's old town is a short bus or taxi ride away, and public transport is reliable. Extra services like massage and Reiki can be arranged on site for an additional charge.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a private double room in a shared apartment - Breakfast or brunch and drinks - 5 dinners showcasing the Mediterranean diet - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - 5 morning energizing yoga classes - 3 evening yoga, pranayama, and meditation sessions - Day trip to Elafonisi Pink Beach - Trip on the Little Fun Train through Therisos Gorge - Mediterranean diet information and recipes - Free excursions to sites of interest - Luggage storage

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Flights cost - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments