Name: Reclaim Your Inner Power! 7-Day Crete Retreat 2025 — Briony Gunson
Start: 2025-05-03T13:30:00+0100
End: 2025-05-09T11:30:00+0100

RECLAIM YOUR INNER POWER - RETREAT 2025

Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation + Nature Retreat - In-Person Event, Greece

Dates - Saturday 3rd - Friday 9th May 2025

Prices - starting at £1,300pp all inclusive

Reconnect and Reclaim You Inner Power!

Join us for this 7-day retreat in Crete, Greece. This retreat is designed to help you tap into your inner strength, develop your confidence, and unleash your full potential. Hosted by Briony Gunson, Eleni Delis and Mel Plehov.

~ Breathwork ~ Yoga ~ Meditation ~ Hiking ~ Wild Swimming ~ Local Culture & more…

Take time to re-connect with yourself, to what lights you up, and learn to work with your body, mind, and spirit to create a life you love.

What can you expect at the retreat?

Breathwork
Dynamic and Restorative Yoga
Guided meditations
Scenic guided hikes
Wild Swimming
Empowering workshops / group coaching
Quiet time for rest, reflection and journaling
Guided cold water therapy
Excursions to some of Crete’s hidden gems
Nourishing plant-based food
Experience Greek mythology, history, culture and cuisine

Explore the different rooms available to book. Click the button below to jump to see the rooms at the stunning Villa we are staying in.

secure your spot

A break away to reconnect to YOU

Join us for this immersive retreat where we’ll explore and enjoy the stunning external landscapes whilst tending to our own internal landscapes. Through the power of our conscious connected breath, movement, meditation, connection, reflection, enquiry and relaxation; come along on a journey to awaken your spirit and rejuvenate your soul.

Enjoy hikes into the Frati valley, from Mourne to Mixorouma, along ancient valleys, rolling hills and rivers churches. And replenishing yourself with some excellent local coffee and cake!

Where will you stay? Accommodation

EliaPetra is a stand-alone Villa situated in its own olive grove, surrounded by nature, peace and tranquillity. Just a short walk to the nearest village, yet not another dwelling in sight of the property EliaPetra is the perfect place to relax, unwind and reconnect with your inner power.

The Yoga Shala and Workshop Space is separate from the villa set amongst the olive trees with views out to the islands and across the Mediterranean.

Location: More about Crete

The south coast of Crete is steeped in history. You will experience dramatic scenery, mountains and coastline, empty beaches, refreshingly cold and clean rivers, thrilling gorges, and beautiful flora and fauna!

May is a beautiful time of year to visit Crete, as the weather is getting warmer and the wild flowers are in abundance. Let your mind and heart be soothed by nature, as you immerse yourself in our daily dips in the sea, along with hikes, yoga, breathwork and meditation. With plenty of time to rest in between!

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Highlights

Connect to yourself: Through movement, breathwork and meditation. Reconnect to your inner power, the very essence of you through guided and safely held practices with plenty of time and space for integration and sharing.

Connect to nature: Wander through picturesque landscapes, bask in the beauty of nature, and immerse yourself in the lush surroundings that the ancient Greeks cherished. From mountains, beaches, sacred groves and spectacular waterfalls, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.

Connect to others: Take part in group activities, excursions, meals and workshops. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion and intentions. Forge meaningful friendships as you engage in group activities, lively discussions, games and collaborative rituals.

Nourish your body and soul: Enjoy wholesome locally-sourced plant-based meals and delight in flavours of traditional Greek cuisine. With nutritious juices, healthy snacks and fresh picnic lunches on our days out and about. PLUS 2 x Greek Style meals in local tavernas for a traditional experience.

Find Peace in Meditation and Reflection: Reconnect with your inner self through guided meditations, quiet contemplation, and serene moments in nature. Allow the tranquil atmosphere to restore balance to your mind, body, and spirit.

Bonus: Guided cold water immersion

For our penultimate day and last night together, we will take the opportunity to visit some ancient ruins and continue our journey back to Chania Town (near the airport). We will provide shared 3* accommodation and enjoy a celebration meal together at a local restaurant.

Included in your ticket price:

Activities:

All guided activities
All travel and excursions on retreat

Transport:

Transfers from Chania Airport or Chania Town on Day 1
Transfer back to Chania Town on Day 6

Accommodation:

5 nights in EliaPetra - accommodation is first come, first serve.
1 night shared 3* accommodation in Chania City (accommodation in the city will be based on a 2 sharing basis).

Meals:

- NourishingYummy plant based meals prepared by your hosts inside the villa

- Fresh picnic lunches, chosen and prepared by you for your individual tastes

- A Shared Greek Style meal in a local Kafeneon for a traditional experience

- A Celebration dinner in the Historic City of Chania.

- 4 breakfasts

- 1 brunch

- 4 lunches (1 in EP, 3 picnic lunches)

- 6 dinners – (4 in ElliaPetra, 2 In local tavernas)

- Access to all food in the villa at all times including; nuts, fruit, olives, cheese, vegetables, etc.

Drinks inside the villa:

Selection of teas

Coffee

Fruit Juices

Sparkling water

Exclusions:

• Flights

• Drinks and snacks outside the villa

• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal travel insurance

Book your place

Explore the different rooms in our beautiful Villa below - hover or click over the image to see the descriptions. Book your space by following the purchase link. Rooms are first come and first serve. Some rooms quote prices for two people sharing or single occupancy.

Room 1: Alectrona – Goddess of the Sun - DOUBLE BED

**Alectrona Room - Reclaim Your Inner Power - Crete Retreat, May 2024**
**Price: £2,450 for 2x people sharing OR £1,850 for 1 person sharing.**
Alectrona – Goddess of the Sun. Double Bedroom with One King size bed. Double doors open directly onto the Lower Terrace. Shared downstairs bathroom. Room price includes the full 7-day retreat experience.

*hover or click over the image to see the room descriptions.

[SOLD] Room 2: Gaia – Goddess of the Earth - TWIN SINGLE ROOM at £1,300PP

**Gaia Room - Reclaim Your Inner Power - Crete Retreat, May 2024**

**Price: £1,300 per person for a single bed.**

Gaia – Goddess of the Earth - Book a single bed in this cute twin room. Double doors open onto the Lower Terrace connected to the garden. Shared downstairs bathroom. Price includes one single bed and full 7-day retreat experience.

*hover or click over the image to see the room descriptions.

THIS ROOM HAS ALREADY BEEN BOOKED - £1,300PP

Room 3: Astraea – Goddess of the Stars - DOUBLE BED

**Astraea Room - Reclaim Your Inner Power - Crete Retreat, May 2024**
**Price: £2,450 for 2x people sharing OR £1,850 for 1 person sharing.**
Astraea – Goddess of the stars. Double Room with One King size bed. Double doors open directly onto the upper terrace. Shared upstairs shower room + toilet. Price includes full 7-day retreat experience.

*hover or click over the image to see the room descriptions.

Room 4: Iris – Goddess of the Rainbow, The Sea and the Sky - DOUBLE BED AND SOFA BED

**Iris – Goddess of the Rainbow, The Sea and the Sky - Reclaim Your Inner Power - Crete Retreat, May 2024**
**Price: £3,000 for a solo booking or couple, or £1,500 for each for 2x individuals sharing.**

**Luxury Twin Room with One King size bed and sofa bed. Own roll top bath in the room, with shared toilet + shower. Price includes full 7-day retreat experience.**

*hover or click over the image to see the room descriptions.

Please note: The booking is 100% non-refundable. It is resell only. If you cannot attend and wish to resell your retreat ticket, it is your responsibility to market this retreat ticket and the price must be sold at the same value. We will support you with marketing your ticket as best we can.

Retreat Testimonials

“We had a fantastic time at Eleni’s Yoga & Hiking Retreat at her fabulous home in Crete. The views from the yoga studio are just breathtaking. Starting the day with a warm-up walk then a yoga session. Then after breakfast heading off on a hike exploring the Cretan countryside, hills, beaches, cliff walks and more. Back for some chill time in the afternoon before another yoga session.

All of the home-cooked food was delicious and nutritious. The spacious accommodation really does feel like home. We didn’t want to leave. Plus Eleni is freaking fabulous, fun and a fantastic yoga teacher and hiking guide. You’ll love it! Just be on your best behaviour if she takes you to the monastery 😳”

— ~ Jo, Crete Retreat attendee 2022

“This is an incredible retreat with a real variety of activities and learnings to be had. Everyone needs to get off the treadmill of life sometimes and there is no better way to reconnect than on one of Briony’s retreats.”

— Phoebe Edwards, Wales Retreat attendee 2022

FAQs

Do I need experience with yoga or breathwork to attend?

No previous experience is needed with either. We will support you with introductory practices and can adapt the session to suit those with different experiences.

What Travel and transfers are included?
The price includes transfer to the villa from Chania Airport or Chania Town; all travel to excursions during the retreat, transfer back to Chania Town for our final night. Participants must arrange their own onward travel from Chania Town after breakfast on day 7.

What Crete airport do I need to fly to?
Chania Airport is the best airport to fly to as this is where we will be providing transfers. Crete also has another airport, Heraklion. It is possible to fly to Heraklion and organise your own travel to either Chania or the retreat site at Elia Petra.

Can I have my own room?
Yes, single supplement options are available for 3 of the 4 rooms at Elia Petra. These are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

What bathroom facilities does the retreat site have?
Bathroom facilities are shared between 2 bedrooms each. The upstairs shower room and upstairs toilet is shared between the Iris and Astraea rooms. The downstairs bathroom (bath and shower) and downstairs toilet is shared between the Alectrona and Gaia rooms. The Iris room also has its own roll top bath inside the room for some added luxury.

I have dietary needs, can they be catered for?
Absolutely. All food will be mostly plant-based, with the option to add some cheeses. Allergies, gluten-free, nuts etc. can all be catered for and we’ll be collecting this info with our registration form. There will be lots of snacks, juices, teas and coffees available throughout the day.

Can I drink alcohol?
Alcohol is not provided as part of the package. The invitation is to embrace sobriety, nourish your body with healthy and tasty fresh food, have your heart filled with great company and be topped up with restorative practices. Giving your body a break from drinking alcohol can support you in staying well resourced and grounded, ensuring you have the clarity of mind and energy to take part in the full experience we have crafted for you. There will be an opportunity to enjoy some local wine at our final evening meal together, should you wish.

What level of fitness do I need for the activities?
All levels of fitness and mobility can be catered for in the breathwork, meditation, yoga, workshop sessions. The hiking and swimming activities can be tailored to the group and these are also optional. The morning walks are gentle and contemplative and will be 30-60 mins max. Hiking on our excursions will involves some hills, some steps and uneven terrain and will be 2-3 hours in duration. There will be plenty of opportunity for rest stops, photo opportunities, and refreshment breaks. We’ll walk as a group and support each other :) We recommend hiking boots, cushioned trainers or hiking sandals. It is not suitable to hike in flip flops, sliders or bare foot for your own safety.
Swimming activities are gentle and in safe spots where you can mostly touch the bottom. For your peace of mind your crew all have advanced first aid and life-saving training. Water shoes are optional but might be useful to bring with you.

How flexible do I need to be for the yoga / is it ok if I’m a beginner?
Experience with yoga is not necessary, just and open heart and mind :) It’s a myth that you need to be flexible to do yoga. Anyone can do yoga! There is no such thing as being good or bad at yoga. It is a practice of bringing your mind, body soul into balance through tuning into your own breath and movement. Modifications and hands-on adjustments will be offered during the sessions and as with all other elements of the retreat, everything is optional, including any suggested position or pose during a yoga session.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all equipment - yoga mats, props, etc. Are provided. However if you prefer your own mat, blanket, or have specific props/supports you know you like, then you are more than welcome to bring those. We would recommend you bring layers or a scarf for breahwork, as your body temperature can drop in this practice.

Are essentials such as linen and towels provided?
All bedding, towels, tea towels, loo roll, etc. is provided. However, you may with to bring your own beach towel or changing robe for the beach, the loungers and dipping opportunities on our walks.

What do I need to pack?
We will send you a pack list of what to bring when you sign up. No specialist equipment is needed.

Is Smoking allowed?
Smoking is only allowed on the property, in designated areas. It is strictly forbidden to smoke in the grounds outside of the property, due to a high risk of forest fires. You must dispose of any cigarette butts responsibly.

Room features - what should I expect?
All our rooms are clean, comfy and modern. All come with fresh towels and linen and extra blankets if required. There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is a TV in the main communal area. There are no hairdryers or straighteners so please bring your own if you need them.

Is there wifi?
Yes there is WiFi throughout the property and there is 4g phone reception.

Are practices on the retreat like yoga and breathwork suitable if I’m pregnant?
You must inform us if you are or think you may be pregnant and consult your doctor before attending. It isn’t recommended that you do general yoga classes (even on a retreat) rather we recommend you seek 1:1 yoga with trained professionals. It is possible to engage in breathwork when pregnant, with an adapted breathing style. With any hiking activity there is risk or fall and we cannot accept liability for the increased risk if you are pregnant. Please contact us directly with any questions.

I like to eat meat, is this available too?
Meals in the villa are mainly plant-based. However, when we eat together in local tavernas, there will be opportunity to include dishes with meat.

What is the weather like?
Average temperature for Crete is around 18-14 degrees C, but can rise if really sunny or a warm breeze comes in. Make sure you pack suitable clothes for warm weather including sun cream and beach wear. Temperature can be cooler in the evenings so a light jacket might be handy.

Are there bugs and mosquitos?
The mosquitos are minimal, however, due to the climate there will be some bitey bugs around. If you are prone to insect bites please bring repellent. We encourage you to use natural and less agressive repellents and avoid using deet.

Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. we recommend you have travel insurance and also make sure you have an EHIC/GHIC card.

How private are the rooms?
All rooms have blinds / curtains for privacy, and also you can access the upper and lower terraces from your room through sliding doors. So it is up to you!

Is there a pool?
There is a plunge pool with spectacular views over the olive groves and Mediterranean Sea.

Is the sea warm and safe enough to swim in?
There are several beaches we will visit and whilst usually very safe and calm to swim in. They are deliberately quiet and away from the crowds so will not have a lifeguard. Temperature of the sea in May is usually 18-20 degrees C.

What if I need to cancel?
Once purchased, retreat spaces are 100% non-refundable. It is resell only. This is due to the nature of the event. If you cannot make the retreat for any reason, the full responsibility is for you to resell your place. We will do our best to support you, with marketing your place. Please let us know ASAP via email at briony @ briony gunons.com if you cannot attend for any reason. This is why we recommend taking out travel insurance, should you need to cancel after purchase.

Meet your facilitators

Eleni Delis Readman @EleniDelis

Eleni is an expedition leader, taking groups on adventures around the world, she leads hikes and cycles working with Health, Fitness and Charity organisations. She is a highly skilled event organiser, making clients experiences safe, challenging and fun. Eleni has been working in Sporting event organisation since 2012 and helped thousands of people to achieve their goals and create amazing memories. She qualified as a Yoga instructor in 2017 having Completed her 200hr teacher training in Kerala, India.

Since then she travels yearly to India for more training and to advance her practice and understanding. Eleni has been hosting retreats from her home in Crete since 2017, with a variety of focuses, from Relaxation, to Yoga to Boot Camps.

Mel Plehov - @Melsy_P

Mel is an adventure facilitator! She started out as an expedition leader, guiding charity challenge hikes and bike rides. She then went on to set up her own business in 2015, organising and running cycling events all over Europe, collaborating with various tour operators and charity partners. She is passionate about empowering people; giving people the time and space to be and express themselves through travel, challenge and connection.

Mel first trained as a yoga instructor in Kerala, India, in 2019. She is currently undertaking Yoga Therapy training through the Svastha school of yoga. She passes on the teachings in a gentle and supportive way and believes yoga is, and can be made, accessible to all.