This retreat will be Perfect for you if you long for a sense of renewal, inspiration, and need to recharge from your busy life or even if you crave a luxe vacationing wellness getaway!

At the retreat we will give you the knowledge and confidence to put yourself first, get clarity on your goals and dreams, and take you on a journey of personal transformation.

Trust that magic will happen and that we have a wonderful treat planned for you. We look forward to a most exciting adventure together!

Of course not! You are always in control of your own choices and the captain of your own journey.

That said, every aspect of this retreat (and the experiences we have curated for you) has a purpose and mission in mind. All of this is intended to assist you in the transformation you desire, and you won’t want to miss a step along the way. We encourage full participation so you may experience moments of growth and appreciate the power of the collective experience.

No. This journey is for YOU, and we want you to come on your own.

The retreat is an amazing experience, yes, but it’s also a deep inner journey with an invitation for profound transformation. The more focused and present you can be, the more you will get out of this opportunity. Your family will surely appreciate the new you when you get back!

This is ideal since we believe it’s the best way to experience the retreat and meet new like-minded participants who share a common goal towards wellness and transformation!

Traveling solo does not have to mean being alone. Solo travellers have the best time, as they get to feel the sense of community, support and sharing, and there is still your space to relax or unwind if and when you need to do so. We say, arrive as strangers and leave as best friends for ever!

We understand – your existing commitments (and life in general) can be exhausting!

You’re already doing and giving so much! But being burned out is exactly why you need to take time out and recharge yourself. This is an opportunity to interrupt the norm; restore and replenish your body, mind, and soul; attend to yourself first; and reclaim YOU – your true self.

Your busy life will still be there when you get back, but the inner stillness and learnings you gain at the retreat will guide and support you to flourish and perform at your full potential.

This is not just about a vacationing at a dream destination like Crete/Greece. It is an investment in YOU! Hence, a more appropriate question to ask would be, “how can I afford NOT to invest in myself?”

Just our expert led workshops and wellness sessions are well worth the price of this retreat (let alone the added bonuses that we have offered complimentary) to encourage your participation. This retreat has been designed toward supporting you to step fully into your life’s purpose, improve your eating habits, up-level your self-care, and foster deep alignment and harmony within.

We’ve designed and created a program that offers a transformational experience, and it all starts with the first “YES”!!

Click on the “Book & Reserve Now” button anywhere on the offer page which will take you to the “Participant Registration & Purchase Form” where you can input your details to purchase and book your spot.

Generally, our payment structure consists of a Deposit to reserve your spot, and the Balance Payment(s) to be paid at least 90 days before your arrival date (arrival date means the retreat commencement date).

• To secure your spot at the retreat, a Deposit of ₤ 500 is required at the time of registration. This deposit is non-refundable.
• If your booking is 90 days or less before the arrival date (or retreat commencement date) full Balance Payment will also be due at the time of registration. In such case, both the Deposit and the Balance Payment will need to be processed as one total amount and paid in full through a single payment transaction.

Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer. For security reasons, once you complete the registration process (i.e. by completing and successfully submitting the Participant Registration and Purchase Form) you will receive an email with payment instructions, including bank account details.

You may explore the BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) installment scheme options available through your financial services provider or credit card provider. Depending upon your circumstance, this participation fee (tuition) may also be deductible, please enquire with your accountant or tax advisor.

Our retreat is intended for those who prefer 5-star luxury arrangements as we offer unparalleled personalised care, exclusivity, high-end inclusions, and confidentiality, within an integrated holistic wellbeing retreat programme.

We want you to relax and enjoy. We’re conscious that this may be the only vacation you take all year. Hence, we want it to be special – and that’s why we’re holding this retreat in a 5-star hotel with a resort type setting. You won’t be expected to pay out of pocket for every little extra – for we have included (almost) everything without skimping on luxuries.

We curate your retreat at the destination with utmost care and detail from start to finish. Our venue, third party travel service provider, suppliers, contractors, and vendors have been carefully selected, including all our Wellness Curators/Wellness Instructors (facilitators) who are highly experienced and qualified in their field, ensuring you leave the retreat with tangible results.

We prefer to keep the group size small so you can expect between 12 to 20 guests.

The small group size ensures a safe and nurturing environment where you can open up, express yourself freely, and feel fully seen and heard. With a smaller group, you’ll have the chance to truly get to know your fellow participants, fostering genuine and meaningful connections. The support and camaraderie that emerge from these bonds will stay with you long after the retreat is over. Additionally, all retreat activities have been carefully chosen, and to ensure quality and comfort, the group size needs to be limited.

We anticipate the group will be made up of fun, friendly, like-minded people, who are respectful of each other. Individuals who are looking to focus on themselves, relax, unwind, learn, and transform in a collective setting.

We endeavour and ensure best effort to operate this retreat and have based our pricing structure and policies responsibly as we know how frustrating it is when such activities are cancelled or postponed. However, in the event of all the reserved rooms (12 rooms) not being sold within a certain period, we may have no option but to cancel the retreat or offer a suitable alternative. If we need to cancel the retreat due to unforeseen events beyond our control, we will promptly inform you. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, please note that our policy is for the first deposit to be non-refundable. No refunds or credits can be issued for this portion, but the balance will be refunded to you as per our terms and conditions.

Once all participant spots are purchased and booked, you will be added to a private WhatsApp group, so you’ll get to know everyone. We will also arrange an in-person meet-and-greet session (via Zoom) to allow you time to break the ice and meet the other participants who will be joining you. Through all this, you can build relationships by getting to know others and share the excitement about the upcoming retreat!

The group and the venue are intimate, and the space is private. Rest assured; this is a safe space for you to be YOU.

If you are more comfortable bringing a travel companion or just need someone to share the cost of the room (i.e. Sharing the Suite in Double Occupancy) in order to participate, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate. We do not arrange for a companion or a room mate, so you need to already have their details (and their consent), when you contact us. If not, your participation will be as per Single Occupancy.

Yes, you may come with someone who won’t be practising yoga or taking part in certain activity(ies). Please contact us with details and we will do our best to accommodate.

While our programme and activities have been designed to be suitable for most people, there could be exceptions, including but not limited to:

• You suffer from any medical condition or disability or limited mobility issues or sickness/illness that may restrict, limit, prevent, or preclude your participation at the retreat, including any activities mentioned on the offer page. You are strongly advised to consult your GP or any licensed health care provider, before undertaking any wellness activity(ies).
• You don’t like the outdoors or are allergic to certain elements in nature, or don’t like being in the sun for a few hours, or don’t enjoy walking, or doing mild to moderate level activities.
• You are not flexible enough to go with the flow of the retreat, or you don’t like meeting and hanging out with new people, or are uncomfortable participating in any group settings/activities.
• You’re not willing to have fun, learn, explore, or experiment (this retreat will open up discussions and introduce you to some things you may not have tried before).
• You are generally not a person who is compassionate or tolerant towards people who may be different from you.
• You want quick results, or you are not interested in doing inner work, or you would rather stay stuck and believe investing resources in your overall well-being is a waste of time and money (reflective practice, and durable transformation, take time and dedication – this is just the beginning.)

We really hope you don’t! Our cancellation policy is based on your purchase and booking status and the period when the cancellation occurs between your purchase and booking date and the arrival date (which means the retreat commencement date).

• If your booking is still pending and has not been confirmed or paid for in full, you are entitled to a full refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit of ₤ 500.
• Once your purchase and booking has been confirmed, you may cancel 45 days or more before the arrival date, and you are entitled to a full refund (or to apply this as a credit for our next retreat), excluding the non-refundable deposit of ₤ 500.
• Once your purchase and booking has been confirmed, and if you cancel 44 days or less before the arrival date, 100% cancellation charge will apply to the entire tuition fee, and you will not be entitled to any refund.
• Please refer our terms and conditions for more details.(Note: To secure the venue and programming, we are required to enter into binding agreements with several 3rd parties that do not allow for refund or cancellation in any instance. As such, save for our stated cancellation policy(ies), we will NOT be refunding cancellations by you “for any reason”, including if you contract covid before the retreat or cannot attend/participate fully for whatsoever reason. For this very consideration, we are requiring participants get insurance that covers “for any reason” cancellation – trust us, the peace of mind alone is worth it!)

We require participants to get a comprehensive insurance cover which should cover the activities you plan to undertake and have adequate provisions for travel (delay, changes, cancellation, disruptions, curtailment etc.) and medical (including emergencies, hospitalisation, repatriation etc.), and your personal belongings.

It is your responsibility to choose appropriate and adequate coverage and we suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” cover and “covid” cover within your policy.

You will be required to provide proof of your insurance cover.

This will be treated as a cancellation by you and no refunds can be made. Your insurance policy should include additional Covid cover which will ensure that any medical or quarantine costs are covered while you are away, or on your return home, and that your trip costs are refunded if you test positive for Covid and cannot travel. This kind of insurance is now widely available and reasonably priced.

In the event that the trip needs to be postponed for reasons beyond our control (for example: due to an increase in infection numbers, or increased risk scenarios or notice from relevant authorities), any payments made (excluding the deposit) may be applied as credit towards our next retreat.

To ensure the effectiveness and integrity of our retreat, it is mandatory that all participants refrain from consuming or using any illicit, illegal, or prohibited drugs or substances throughout the retreat. If it becomes apparent during the retreat that an attendee is experiencing or displaying symptoms, or in violation of our drug-free policy, such person(s) will be asked to leave immediately and will be held personally liable for any associated costs, including any damages. No refunds, credits, or any other form of compensation will be provided in such circumstances. Based on local laws, such person(s) may even be liable for fines, arrest and prosecution for possession and/or consumption.

We do include wine (rose, white or red) or beer or raki paired with your meal options as recommended by the Chef(s), so that you get an opportunity to experience local wine / drinks. We encourage you to consume mindfully and moderately so that you can get the most out of your retreat. Outside of such provisions, alcohol is not permitted at any of the retreat venues or activities. Please also note that any alcohol that is not included, or over the limits mentioned in our menu package will need to be settled directly by you prior to departure.

This retreat is smoke free during all the sessions. If you must smoke, please do so only in designated areas of the property (if and where available) and far away from the group and other participants.

​No cancellations or refunds will be granted because of, or in the event of a violation of these policies.

Your safety and wellbeing are very important to us! We will adhere to all COVID-19 travel requirements, including any new requirements imposed at the time of travel/retreat.

Covid-19 vaccination is not required to attend our retreat; however, the destination country may have this as a requirement. Please check the destination embassy website to stay in the know about Covid-19 vaccination requirements or other health requirements for entry.

Knowing the travel and testing rules to enter the destination country, or any country in transit, or for re-entry requirements for your home country, is entirely your responsibility. You must make sure that you have the required tests and/or vaccines and tracking forms as required. After your purchase and booking is completed in full, we may (at our sole discretion) send you the information link(s) so that you can check the entry rules for the destination and track any updates and changes.

Unfortunately, the house rules are such that we cannot accommodate any pets. No cancellations or refunds will be granted because of, or in the event of a violation of this policy.

The retreat and the programme will be run in English.

All fitness levels are welcome! Our Wellness Curators/Instructors are well prepared and experienced enough to cater their sessions to all fitness levels, working around any limitations you may have. Please be aware that a basic level of mobility may be required for the sessions (for example: getting up and down the steps; or walking around the resort on uneven surfaces such as cobbled pavements; or being able to stand or sit or lie down for up to 1 hour at a stretch, etc.).

Subject always to the advice of your GP or certified medical/heath care provider, you may still come if your injury is not going to impact or worsen during the retreat. Our Wellness Curators/Instructors are extensively qualified to work on some alternatives and regressions so that you can get the most out of our sessions. However, to be on the safe side, we strongly advise that you first check with your GP or certified medical/heath care provider.

This retreat may not be for you if you have physical limitations. Our host venue hotel is laid out as a resort style property with facilities spread all over and where some of the activities will be taking place. The venue includes many opportunities for stairs across the property. We want you to feel at home and at ease in our experience and the last thing we want is for you to feel overwhelmed in moving from session to session. Additionally, and for your safety, the experiences planned outside the venue are not appropriate for those with limited mobility issues.

We are also unable to accommodate those with a serious illness or sickness requiring ongoing special attention, needs, or requests.

We could accommodate those who are hearing impaired if they attend with their own professional interpreter and for the purpose of this retreat, the interpreter will be charged as a participant.

For any additional information, please get in touch with us at retreat@theodisseanexperience.com

We welcome all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors can adapt their sessions to cater for beginners as well as challenge those more advanced and will provide guidance tailored to your skill level and offer variations accordingly. We do not want anyone to feel intimidated by yoga. Everyone will have a great experience and by the end of your retreat you’ll be feeling relaxed, supple, and serenely peaceful after these sessions.

Most of our instructors practice a blend of styles (Breathwork, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin, Nidra etc.) that they have forged into their own style over their years of practicing yoga. We practice modalities that strengthen the mind and nourish the body and soul. Morning practices are usually dynamic and energising. Each of our instructors also has their own unique style of teaching, which adds to the diversity and richness of the retreat experience.

We will arrange yoga mats and any equipment you may need for yoga practice. If you prefer to bring your own mat, that is totally fine.

In total, we have planned about 15 wellness sessions over the course of the retreat.

Yes, we are happy to.

During your retreat, all your meals will be provided for you. You can look forward to a diverse menu of mouth-watering gourmet dishes that cater to various dietary requirements – including vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, as well as plenty for those who prefer meat and sea food. Because we’re not a “weight-loss bootcamp” or one of those “starvation juice retreats”, we’ll make sure you have plenty of food to refuel! We are all about a wholesome, balanced approach to food so expect tables full of fresh, nutritious meals that we’ll enjoy together! The Chefs we work with only use fresh, local produce, and always give you a taste of their signature dishes.

After your purchase and booking is confirmed, you will be asked to complete a form where you can let us know your needs. If what you need is not available, we will let you know, and together we’ll work on finding an alternative solution.

In the form, please clearly state any allergies and intolerances you have, along with your dietary preferences. In case the list of things you can’t eat is long, we may ask you for a list of things you can eat instead, and we will check with the venue(s) for availability.

Please note that meat and sea food options will be served on the same table (group seating table) to those who wish to experience such. For those vegetarians or vegans who are put-off by the sight or smell of such food or items, this retreat may not be for you.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure your dietary needs are properly catered for, it will be subject to availability at the venue(s) so it cannot be guaranteed.

You bet; we told you this is a luxury retreat meant to pamper you! We have a state-of-the-art SPA on site, and we will be providing you with a whole range of treatments and massages. All the details will be included in your retreat package which will be handed to you when you arrive at the retreat.

We offer luxurious and comfortable accommodation in suites with sea view, high end amenities, and approximately 86 sqm of personal space (combined indoor and outdoor space) and each suite offers an ensuite private plunge pool for your maximum enjoyment.

Yes, Wi-Fi is complimentary in-room. Wi-Fi signal strength may vary depending on where you may be at the hotel so we cannot guarantee that you will have reliable and consistent signal throughout, and in all areas of the hotel.

However, for your sake, we would strongly advise you to leave as many stresses back home as you can and disconnect as much as possible from the digital world – this is a unique chance for a wonderfully selfish week, and we want you to spend as much of the time as you can focusing on yourself and your own wellbeing.

You should arrange to arrive and depart as follows (times shown refer to local time in Crete, Greece):

• Arrive at the venue by 4pm on Day 1 (Friday, 4 October 2024).
• Depart from the venue by the hotel’s checkout time- 12pm on Day 8 (Friday, 11 October 2024).

Here is a summary of the highlights:

• 7 nights / 8 days accommodation at a stunning 5-star beachfront property (retreat venue)
• Private car transfer to/from airport and retreat venue
• 3 x Daily Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day
• 15 x Wellness sessions and Workshops (the Retreat Programme) conducted by expert Curators
• Instructors, including one Special Presentation
• 4 x exclusive experiences and activities
• Qualified English-speaking guides
• All ground transportation and transfers between activities and venue
• On-site management by our team including photographer
• All entry charges, Fees & Taxes

The following items are not included in your retreat package:

• Return airfare to and from Crete and any excess baggage charges, seat selection or meal fees, air tickets taxes, fees, and surcharges
• Personal Medical and Travel Insurance
• Alcohol at the hotel or on excursions, over and above what is included in our menu(s)
• Meals or snacks not specified, or at a venue not part of the retreat itinerary
• Items of strictly personal nature (including but not limited to phone calls, laundry services, souvenir shopping, taxis, additional snacks, or meals, in room services, additional treatments or SPA services) or items not included or mentioned in the retreat welcome package
• Pre or post stays that take place outside of the retreat start and end dates, including the costs of any accommodation or services, enroute or in Crete caused by weather, flight schedules (flight delays, missed connections, trip interruptions) or any other event.
• Cost of any attractions, tours, or activities not listed in the itinerary and related entry fees, transportation costs, including any equipment rental.
• Tips you may personally wish to give to the venue’s local staff, guides, drivers, porters etc.
• Anything not specifically noted in the what’s included section

Yes – we always try our best to schedule down time within your itinerary so you can relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or the beach. If you need more time for yourselves, or feel the need to skip some activity, feel free and just let us know during the retreat.

Of course, you will. Our selected venue is beautiful, but naturally we would expect you to want to visit areas of local interest and we have hand picked top activities that will enable you to still experience the destination within the special time we have together.

All tours will be offered as a fully private tour with just our group sharing the experience together.

Outdoor activities and tour experiences require good weather. If any tour is cancelled due to poor weather, we will try to move things around to give you the same experience on a different date/time, or we will substitute with another experience of equal or higher value entirely at our discretion.

On the offer page we have already shared what a sample day (indicative schedule) looks like. Each day of your retreat will be inspiring, motivational, unique, and fun.

Your typical day is likely to have: a morning wellness session for 1 to 2 hours comprising of meditation and morning yoga practice, followed by a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon we offer workshops or activities with lunch, and in the evenings, you will have the opportunity to share the day’s experiences over amazing dinners that we will have together (on most days).

We generally do not publish the full schedule on our website, and this is only provided to confirmed retreat attendees – i.e. those who have fully paid for and successfully booked their slot on the retreat. The offer page shows a general itinerary and a summary of everything that is included (and excluded) at the retreat.

Once you have successfully booked, we will provide you with an itinerary overview with which you can plan your trip. Subsequently, when you arrive at the retreat you will receive the full retreat package with a comprehensive day-by-day schedule of events and activities.

Please be aware that the itinerary and activities are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to update with new activities or programmes and keep things fresh and exciting.

You are responsible for booking your return flights to and from Crete, Greece. We have provided the suggested arrival and departure details for the retreat.

Please wait until we confirm your completed purchase and booking via email before you arrange your insurance or book your flights.

We are not responsible for any monies you have paid for flights or any other travel arrangements, so please make sure you have booked flexible flights with an airline that allows for free date change(s) or offers a fully refundable ticket. We would recommend that you arrange your insurance first (or at the same time as booking your flight tickets), to ensure that your flights and travel arrangements are adequately protected.

Once you have booked your flights, we will ask for the details so that we can organise your pick-up transfer to the retreat venue.

We suggest that you fly into Crete’s Heraklion International Airport (code: HER) and plan to arrive on Friday, 04 October 2024 before 4pm local time – so we can pick you up and get you settled in your room before our Welcome Dinner. You will be met and assisted on arrival at Heraklion airport and, from there on, you’ll be taken care of throughout your visit. (In case you end up arriving after 6pm local time on Friday, 04 October 2024 please let us know to arrange your pickup, so you can catchup with the program from the morning of Saturday, 05 October 2024).

Plan your departure from Crete’s Heraklion International Airport on Friday, 11 October 2024 by the hotel’s checkout time of 12pm. If you have a late departing flight, please let us know the flight details and we will do our best to request the hotel for a late check out- this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, Crete is safe. We are careful to pick a destination address that enjoys a good reputation for safety and security. We also constantly monitor the situation on ground to make sure there is no danger. That said, we’ll give you some common-sense guidelines to follow, just as you would traveling anywhere else in the world.

If your flights are within our recommended times, you will be taken care of from the moment you land and until the time we drop you back to the airport for your return flight home. Our collective safety is a priority and everything at the retreat has been thoroughly vetted by us.
Our pre-trip documentation will give you any additional information you need.

The above said, prior and during your travels, please always check with and follow your home country’s advise/guidance regarding travel to Crete and/or any other destination.

As the rest of Greece grows cooler in October, the southern islands are often still sunny and warm. Crete stays relatively warmer since it is the largest island and is in the southernmost part of Greece. Even with the occasional rains, temperatures stay warm (and due to the humidity, it feels warmer) with average historical temperatures ranging from highs of 24°C (75°F) to lows of 17°C (63°F) so you can usually expect very pleasant temperatures during the day, but be sure to bring something warm for the cooler evenings. The sea temperature is also usually pleasant for water sports and swimming.

Weather is unpredictable and we make no guarantees, but our retreat in early October should give us better odds of great weather!

Once you decide to join us, we will provide a recommended packing list of what to bring, so you don’t forget anything important.

Absolutely. Please contact us at retreat@theodisseanexperience.com and we’ll arrange a convenient time to connect by phone so we can get you booked. Alternatively, you can fill out and submit our Participant Registration and Purchase Form and we will contact you.

If you have other questions which are not covered in these FAQs, then please do not hesitate to email us at retreat@theodisseanexperience.com. We would be happy to respond to your query(ies) either via email and/or by setting up a call with you.