Crete retreat: radiantly into spring
A yoga and qi gong retreat that will make you shine from the inside out
from MONDAY 5 to 12 MAY 2025
Your retreat guide: Nathalie De Snijder
Walk in flower fields at the Crete Retreat 2024 (Spili)
7 days to recharge, prepare for a wonderful spring and above all, enjoy the moment. We do yoga, qi gong, exercise, walk, rest, meditate alone and together, surrounded by pristine beaches, flower fields, mystical rocks and lots of love. We anchor the 10 rituals for a radiant life in our daily rhythm, so that you can shine fully. Welcome!
RETREAT ThemE
Each retreat centres around a theme. This retreat takes place at the moment nature enters in the fire season. Fire radiates. Fire is love. Fire is happiness. Fire is your life blossoming into full expansion and you reaching your full potential. Fire makes flowers grow high into the sky and open in vulnerability. Fire gives you the boldness to dare to express the true colours of your soul. Fire is a (wo)man who radiates from within. Charisma. A warm heart. Relationships in balance.
Fire needs the fuel of wood, space and air. How can you not lose yourself in this fierce phase and, above all, not burn out? How can you find the balance between freedom and closeness in relationships. We look for tools in Chinese Medicine, the teaching of the 5 elements, Ayurveda, nature and in our own inner wisdom. Water and earth keep the fire in balance. The 10 rituals for a radiant life give structure to our days.
“You will begin to see the exquisite wonders in the simplest of things and live in the ecstasy you deserve.” ”
the 10 rituals for a shining life
The 10 rituals will give structure to our day. We weave the rituals into our daily rhythm.
Ritual of time for yourself
Time for yourself is structurally built into the daily rhythm. In addition, you can always enjoy some extra alone time when you need it.
Ritual of moving and caring for your body
We will move the body daily in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to sleep, so that you can wake up with grace and go to sleep completely relaxed. In addition, there are opportunities during the day to walk, participate in extra sports sessions, the exercise circle or to follow your own exercise schedule. You will also receive an explanation about Ayurvedic self-massage where you will learn which oils are good for which skin type and how you can massage and balance the fire meridian in your body.
ritual of nourishment
In the morning and evening, the hotel provides a healthy, tasty, nutritious buffet based on fruit, vegetables and of course Greek yogurt. You can add extra fish or meat to the menu as you wish. In the afternoon you can explore local restaurants or you choose what you need to feel fully nourished.
ritual of character
The ritual of character is always present. It is consistently integrating your intention into your actions and way of being. It doesn't have to be anything complicated that you impose on yourself, but rather it is about finding what is natural for you if you are in the fully supportive container of the retreat.
ritual of reading and study
After lunch you can enjoy to relax or read at the beach, in a beach bar or in an unspoilt place in the area. You can also bring an extra book that you like and we will create a small retreat library for the participants to read from.
Ritual of self reflection
Before dinner we come together in a “large circle” where we reflect on the theme of the day. These circles can be preceded by optional “small circles” in subgroups, in which there is a space to work with movement, sound, image or word. These small circles then form input for the large joint circle before dinner.
ritual of healing sounds and music
The yoga and qi gong sessions will include mantra, the healing power of silence and sometimes some subtle music sounds. The whole environment is full of healing nature sounds.
ritual of the spoken word
During the “large circle” you can explore the power of the spoken word, by talking and listening, from your inner wisdom. You can also participate in the small “word” circle if you feel called to explore the power of the word more deeply.
ritual of early awakenings
The author of the book from which the 10 rituals come, Robin Sharma, is the founder of the 5AM club. This is a group of very productive people who get up at 5am to exercise and then start the day with the “important things”. This way, the important things are already done before most people get up and this gives a certain peace in the day, plus the certainty of progress with regard to the important goals that you set for yourself. Who knows, a 5AM club may “spontaneously” arise, I will of course not stop that, but that is not the goal of this retreat. I personally love to follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and in spring I get up early, together with the sun (and in the winter sleep in a bit later). Through physical exercise before breakfast, you help your body with the spring detox happening in your body. So we are going to start exercising relatively “early” (at 8am, that’s not too bad, right?) and those who want can start earlier with self-massage, sports or that what is important to you.
ritual of simplicity
In addition to all this, there is the ritual of simplicity to not make it too complicated and to enjoy the little things in life. A beautiful sunset, a spontaneous burst of laughter, a delicious taste, the sounds of the sea, seeing a beautiful flower. This is the path to the inner happiness that is always there, regardless of your victories or disappointments. There are always “diamonds” to be found in the morning dew. On this retreat you have time to admire and enjoy them.
“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator.”
the place
The retreat takes place on the pristine beaches of South Crete. There are small magical caves in nature where we can meditate, walk, rest. The landscape is interwoven with myths of ancient cultures that we can walk with serene steps. The elements (earth, water, fire, air, wood and metal) are still present in their pure form. With Qi gong exercises and just being there, we can recalibrate ourselves.
the rhythm
mornings
sunrise: 06:43
We move with the rhythm of the spring. The retreat program starts with a yoga and gi gong session in the gentle, radiant morning light. (Or you can start the day in the safety of their own room with a healing self-massage, sports or what is important to you.) After the morning session we walk to the breakfast area and nourish ourselves with a healthy Greek breakfast.
Abyangha and shower (ritual of self care)
8h Yoga & qi gong (ritual of moving)
9h30 Breakfast (ritual of nourishment)
Ritual of time for your self
Optional activity
(after)noon and evening
The afternoon lunch is free or can be eaten spontaneously somewhere along the way with tapas Greek style. In the afternoon there is time for the ritual of reading, free time and/or an activity and we a group circle. We end the day with a meal together, the opportunity to watch the sun set, and a relaxing evening session in the yoga studio.
Afternoon
Free lunch
Ritual of reading
Free time and/or an activity
16h Circle: We work with healing sounds, movement, words and self-reflection around your intentions for this retreat.
18h30 Dinner (ritual of nourishment)
20h Yoga & qi gong (ritual of moving)
21h30 Ritual of time for your self
sunset: 20:02
Week program
The chakras form the guideline for the week program. Every day we will detox and recharge a chakra, so that it can shine again. The chakras are energy vortexes in our body. In their natural forms they shine, each with its own color, vibration and sound. They are in charge of specific bodily functions through the hormonal system. The chakras are centres of conscious and unconscious patterns that guide our daily actions. Each chakra bundles the energy around a specific theme, feeling, hormone gland and body part.
The yoga sessions, activities and circles of the day are related to the theme of the chakras. Possible activities are adventurous walks, extra yoga session, boat trip, arts and crafts such as pottery, cooking workshops, ... You can indicate your wishes when you register and on site we can also look at the best possibilities of the moment together with the hotel. The yoga & qi gong session, the circle, breakfast and dinner form the basis of the retreat. The rest of the time is free to fill in.
Below is a proposed program, subject to changes based on the selected excursions.
monday- welcome hartchakra
Affirmation: I am loved and love to see. I live in love.
Arriving, settling in, welcome diner and opening the retreat.
Tuesday- roots- rootchakra
Affirmation: I am completely safe and firmly grounded.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Ritual of time for yourself
Optional walking excursion
Ritual of reading
16h Circle
18h30 Dinner
20h Yoga & Qi gong
WEDNESDAY- inspiratiON- CROWNchakra
Affirmatie: Ik sta open voor inspiratie.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Ritual of time for yourself
Free lunch and optional excursion
Ritual of reading
16h Circle
18h30 Dinner
20h Yoga & Qi gong
thursday- sacral waters- sacral chakra
Affirmation: I feel. I enjoy. I am creative. I am alive.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Ritual of time for yourself
Free lunch and optional excursion
Ritual of reading
16h Circle
18h30 Dinner
20h Yoga & Qi gong
FRIDAY- WISDOM- THIRD EYE
Affirmatie: Ik zie mijn pad voor me ontvouwen.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Ritual of time for yourself
Optional meditation and walk in flower fields
Ritual of reading
16h Circle
18h30 Dinner
20h Yoga & Qi gong
saturday- fiery power - solar plexus
Affirmation: I embrace my fiery power and passion. I am fire and water in balance.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Optional sport session
Free lunch
Ritual of reading
16h Circle
18h30 Dinner
20h Yoga & Qi gong
ZATERDAG- expressing your authentic self- throat chakra
Affirmation: I express my true colours freely. I radiate from within.
8h Yoga & Qi gong
9h30 Breakfast
Ritual of time for yourself
Free lunch and optional excursion
Ritual of reading
16h Circle with cacao ceremony and chakra dance
18h30 Dinner
20h Closing the retreat
THE HOTEL
This year we will have breakfast at the Sleeping dragon and dinner at the cozy family hotel Agios Pavlos. Both are within walking distance of "Kavos Melissa", where the yoga studio and rooms are and the villa’s’s. It is a steep climb, so training for the leg muscles is guaranteed. The yoga studio has an indoor and outdoor area with a view of the sea. All bedrooms have a terrace with a sea view, kitchen and bathroom. And for those who want even more luxury, there are several villas with private pool on the other side of the hotel. You can read more about the different accommodation options further on.
Kavos Melissa with the yogastudio and sleeping accomodation
writing session in he outdoor space of the yogastudio
at the restaurant of agios pavlos
BUILDING BLOCKS
Yoga
Yoga is a meditative form of exercise in which you move your body through various yoga postures, with the aim of improving your health and happiness on a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual level.
NATURE WALKS
Walking is super healthy and fun. The beaches around the yoga studio are the perfect starting point for short and long walks. On the beaches there is space to meditate, experience nature and do some qi gong . We also go on a road trip to walk in flower fields.
circle
During the circles we work with our intentions and share our wisdom related to the theme (chakra) of the day. You can freely choose whether or not to participate in the creative “small circles”, where we deeper explore the rituals of image, word, sound and movement in relation to the chakra of the day.
Qi Gong
Qi gong is connected to the Taoist philosophy of life in which our body is part of the surrounding nature. Energy (or qi) are the building block of your body and nature. With qi gong you connect with this energy through movement, visualization and breathing. On this retreat you will learn the spring and summer sequence of the shamanistic tiger form. (Master Zhongxian Wu)
YOUR GUIDE
Nathalie teaches the yoga and qi gong sessions. She invites you to intuitively find your authentic way of moving with the seasons (of your life), from a broad experience of different movement styles (yoga, qi gong, dance and meditation) Nathalie has been teaching yoga for over 10 years. She was trained by the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica and Shiva Rea. In 2022 she was certified to teach Qi gong by Master Zhongxian Wu. She is a Master in NLP and a certified soul art facilitator. This is the fifth retreat she gives on Crete. She regularly teaches yoga in the Merchtem region and founded Puras Vidas.
accomodation
You can choose to stay in a simple Cretan family hotel or you can opt for modern, natural luxury in the villas that were recently built along the slope of the mountain. All housing has a splendid sea view.
kavos melissa
A studio with A view
Simple, pure, authentic
Kavos Melissa is named after the famous rock formation. The yoga studio is part of the building. So you can literally get out of bed and come to the morning session. The studios have their own kitchen, bathroom and a terrace with a sea view.
Here are the different options.
A shared studio with each a separate room and shared bathroom, for 1150 euros.
A shared studio for 1075 euros per person. The studio has two separate single beds. You share the bathroom, thepersoon. De studio heeft twee aparte eenpersoonsbedden. Je deelt de badkamer, the terrace and the kitchenette.
A studio all to yourself, with your own kitchen, bathroom and terrace for €1250.
Varkotopi
a villa with a view and a pool
Pure luxurious nature
The "Varkotopi" villas are embedded in the rock that overlooks the sea. The villas each have their own private pool, kitchen, bathroom and overlook the Libyan Sea.
Your options here are as follows:
You can share a one bedroom villa (35 m2) for 1390 € per person.
Or you can go for the two bedroom villa (60 m2) for 1545 € per person.
the price includes
your stay of 7 nights
daily yoga and qi gong in the morning and evening (in Dutch and English)
3 extra sessions: pilates, hiit and yoga
6 x breakfast in a restaurant with sea view
7 x pure Greek dinner in a restaurant with sea view (vegetarian)
walks along pristine, mythical beaches and flower fields
Qi gong form of the tiger of Master Wu, part 1 and 2
daily group circles (in Dutch and English)
deep friendships for life
blissful moments and transformations that last
energy boost at the beginning of spring
the price does not include
your plane ticket
a meal a day
local transport
extra optional excursions
How can you register? when can you pay? is there an early bird promotion?
Enrollment: You can register by email. You will soon receive a registration form some questions (related to your yoga experience, room preference, etc.). You can also opt for a connection call and than we will arrange a time for you to ask your questions by phone. If the requested room is available, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and request to pay an advance.
Payment: The payment will be in 3 parts: part 1 as an advance to confirm your registration part 2 on the spring equinox of March 21, part 3 at the retreat.
Would YOU LOVE TO BECOME A RETREAT ASSISTANT
Would you like to join the retreat at a lower rate and learn how to prepare the space, assist with the yogaposes etc? There is one spot for an assistant who helps with setting up the spaces, taking photos, promoting the retreat, … The tasks can be tailored to you. Let me know in your registration form and I will contact you.
Questions?
You can mail Nathalie: nathalie@puras-vidas.com
SOME impressions of the previous retreat
The elements (earth, water, wood, fire and metal) helped me on my quest for balance; the peace and space brought me back in touch with myself; the sun, the good food, the nice group and the caring attention of Nathalie for each of us brought me very close to my inner bliss.
Nathalie has the special gift to bring out the best in me and to let me uncover who I truly am and what I truly desire. I found back the key to my own heart.
I am so grateful that I was able to experience something like this! Found the right path. Stones grind into sand, waves rock the sea, pure water feeds the source.
Paint box, paint brush, speak with images, discover yourself again. A yoga retreat with people, with nature, the sun, the sea, in short all elements to cherish for a lifetime.
Disclaimer
This retreat requires a certain degree of fitness and ability to walk on uneven terrain such as beaches with rocks and stones and to do steep climbs. This retreat is for (wo)men with an adventurous soul who love pure nature. This retreat is for those who can deeply enjoy the taste of fresh Greek tomatoes and feta. There may be nice warm weather (there is a good chance that it will in May), but there may also be a storm passing by. We do not guarantee good weather all the time. But we do guarantee of deep ecstasy that welcomes all natural elements and weather conditions. We look forward to experiencing this journey with you.
