RECLAIM YOUR INNER POWER - RETREAT 2025
Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation + Nature Retreat - In-Person Event, Greece
Crete, Greece | Saturday 3rd – Friday 9th May 2025
Imagine waking up to the golden embrace of the Mediterranean sun, the scent of wild herbs in the air, and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore. This isn’t just a retreat – it’s a journey back to yourself.
Join us for a transformative 7-day adventure on the stunning island of Crete. Rediscover your inner strength, awaken your confidence, and unleash your limitless potential. Together, we’ll move, breathe, laugh, and learn – creating memories and meaning in equal measure.
Why This Retreat?
This is more than a getaway. It’s a soul-level reunion. You’ll reconnect with:
Yourself: Through breathwork, yoga, and meditation, you’ll peel back the layers to rediscover the authentic, radiant you.
Nature: Explore Crete’s breathtaking landscapes – from serene beaches to myth-laden valleys – and let the magic of the island awaken your spirit.
Community: Share moments of joy and reflection with like-minded adventurers, forging connections that will last a lifetime.
What Awaits You
Your days will be brimming with activities designed to nourish, inspire, and empower:
🌿 Morning Magic
Dynamic yoga in an olive grove shala with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Guided meditations that bring balance and clarity to your mind.
🌟 Daytime Adventures
Scenic hikes through Crete’s untouched valleys and hills.
Wild swimming in crystal-clear waters (perfect for refreshing both body and soul).
Explorations of hidden gems, from dramatic gorges to ancient ruins.
✨ Evening Bliss
Restorative yoga and workshops designed to align mind, body, and spirit.
Local culinary delights – think fresh, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious.
A Home Away from Home
You’ll stay in EliaPetra, a secluded villa set within its own olive grove, where tranquility reigns supreme. The yoga shala offers breathtaking views across the sea, and the accommodations are the perfect blend of luxury and coziness.
🛌 Choose Your Sanctuary:
From goddess-inspired double rooms with private terraces to twin rooms steeped in charm, your space is ready to welcome you.
🍽️ Feast for the Senses:
Enjoy a mix of locally sourced, plant-based meals and traditional Greek cuisine – prepared with love to nourish you inside and out.
🌊 Dive Into Adventure:
Take a dip in our plunge pool or join us for a cold-water immersion experience.
Meet Your Guides
Your expert facilitators are here to guide, support, and inspire you:
Eleni Delis: Yoga instructor and adventure leader with a heart as big as the Cretan skies.
Mel Plehov: Yoga therapist and expedition pro, dedicated to helping you rediscover your power.
Briony Gunson: Mindset coach and breathwork trainer who’s been transforming lives since 2014.
What’s Included?
We’ve taken care of all the details so you can focus on reconnecting:
✅ Guided breathwork, yoga, and meditations
✅ Excursions and hikes with local insights
✅ Transfers to and from Chania Airport or Town
✅ Delicious meals and snacks prepared at the villa
✅ Celebratory meals at authentic Cretan tavernas
Please note: Flights, travel insurance, and any personal extras are not included.
Ready to Reclaim Your Inner Power?
Secure your spot with a £250 deposit today. Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What They’re Saying
“The views, the yoga, the hikes – it was a dream! I left feeling more connected to myself and the world around me.”
— Jo, Crete Retreat 2022
“This retreat helped me step off the treadmill of life and into a place of peace and purpose. I can’t recommend it enough!”
— Phoebe Edwards
FAQs
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. From dietary needs to hiking tips, find everything you need to know in the FAQs below. Scroll down, my friend!
Book your place
How do you book your place? Pay a £250 deposit each for the room of your choice. Then email us here to confirm your booking and complete your booking.
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.
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM
Room 1: Alectrona – Goddess of the Sun - DOUBLE BED
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.
Price: £2,450 for 2x people sharing OR £1,850 for 1 person sharing.
If you are booking for 2x people to share this room, please pay £250 deposit each (you can use the same link).
Pay your £250 deposit in the button below
[SOLD] Room 2: Gaia – Goddess of the Earth - TWIN SINGLE ROOM at £1,300PP
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.
THIS ROOM HAS ALREADY BEEN BOOKED - £1,300PP
[SOLD] Room 3: Astraea – Goddess of the Stars - DOUBLE BED
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.
Price: £2,450 for 2x people sharing OR £1,850 for 1 person sharing.
If you are booking for 2x people to share this room, please pay £250 deposit each (you can use the same link).
Pay your £250 deposit in the button below
THIS ROOM HAS ALREADY BEEN BOOKED for £1,850
Room 4: Iris – Goddess of the Rainbow, The Sea and the Sky - DOUBLE BED AND SOFA BED
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.
Price: £2,300 for a solo booking, or £1,500 for each for 2x individuals sharing.
If you are booking for 2x people to share this room, please pay £250 deposit each (you can use the same link).
Pay your £250 deposit in the button below
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 😳”
“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.”
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 eggs and 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 the owner of travel adventure company, Bike Where You Like. 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.
Briony Gunson - @BrionyGunson
Briony is a highly sought-after mindset coach, meditation teacher and breathwork trainer and facilitator.
Briony blends mindset coaching with wellbeing tools she’s been teaching and practising since 2014. She loves to empower ambitious people to get clear on what’s important to them in life and business, and how to manifest their goals into reality and heal in mind and body as they grow. She’s been hosting regular in-person retreats and workshops since 2019, in UK, Mexico, Thailand, India and Spain.
Do you need anything else? If you have any questions we’ve not answered, get in touch!