I fell in love with Crete over thirty years ago. The magical energy of this island, legendary as the heart of Atlantis is palpable. Whenever I step on its soil I feel as if I've arrived home so it felt like the natural location for holding a transformational retreat.
This September, participants had already spent time with me focusing on what they wanted to achieve for themselves on the retreat. Flying with my group from Bristol Airport afforded another opportunity; a day in Glastonbury so that's where we began.
Famous worldwide as a spiritual centre, this small town build on a convergence of ley lines in the mythical isle of Avalon was our first destination. A private reading and aura photograph from the Aura Wizard at Lion's Light Healing Centre was followed by 'the tastiest food Nia has ever eaten' at The Rainbow's End Cafe' and a memorable afternoon spent touring the eclectic, fascinating and unique shops before finally silently walking the ancient Labyrinth in St John's Churchyard.
An early start meant an early arrival in the Venetian Port of Chania, lunching at a pavement cafe, ambling through the market and old town to soak up the sunshine at the beautiful harbour. Our evening was spent at a Yoga Shala listening to an Introduction to the Psycho-Genealogical Tree before a glorious supper under the trees and stars at Boheme, a hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked behind ancient walls.
Day three saw us travel to the White Mountains to Ano Vouves and a visit to its incredible 3,000 year old olive tree before arriving at Elia and being greeted with a Cacao Ceremony. Raw, ceremonial grade cacao has been used for centuries to unlock euphoric states, release negative emotions and connect to pure heart energy; creating a platform for a truly transformative retreat experience.
Mediation and deep connection with nature followed in the shade of the 1,500 year old Oak before relaxing in the glorious gardens and drinking in the panoramic views from the pool. Pure bliss.
The following morning we travelled south over the mountains to laid back Paleochora, our final destination, to our hotel at the beach.
Trips to Angels Nest Healing Centre and Pearl Cavo Beach Bar, daily meditations tailored specifically to participants needs, relaxation on the glorious beach, therapies at Massage Philosophie, suppers in the World famous ThirdEye Vegetarian Restaurant, shopping in the cool of the evening, artisan coffees, trying Cretan wine at a starlit wine bar were how we spent the rest of our week.
Henry Miller said “It takes a lifetime for someone to discover Greece but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” Each of us fell deeply in love with the island, its people and magical Paelochora.
More unique experiences are planned for our next trip in June 2019, booking is already open and spots are filling up quickly! If you're thinking of joining, now's the time to let me know Cariads, you won't want to miss this for the world! Next year I'm sure there will be even more exciting additions to further our spiritual and intuitive development.