REWILDING RETREAT
R E A W A K E N - R E M E M B E R - R E B I R T H
May 3 - 10 2025
retreat in magnificent place in Crete
Limited to an intimate group of 8
Welcome to the sacred land of Crete
- to an ancient land, rich in history and traditions. Olive trees, wild thyme, honey, mountains and sea. Small villages where life is simple and time is slow.
Simplicity. Silence. Sisterhood.
Laughter and play.
Belonging and unforgettable memories.
all of you is welcome here
We’re going to the beautiful island of Crete to a magnificent place in the historic village Gavalochori in Apokoronas only 30 min from Chania airport.
Our home Rhea is located on top of the village in total privacy with breath taking views of the White mountains, the sea and several other villages. The salty sea is a 5 min drive or 45 min walk away.
Rhea is a new luxury traditional stone villa that also includes two smaller villas; Hera and Hestia on the property.
The villa has been designed so that it can accommodate several guests at the same time still ensuring privacy and space for everyone. The outdoor area has a covered terrace and a 50 square meter infinity pool. There is an outside kitchen and wood oven for pizza baking or traditional foods as well as another outside dining area, ideal for dinners at sunset. There are several large comfortable sofas outside in the shade, a corner for everyone, either together or in privacy. There is also a shaded yoga platform 48 sqm in the garden for our morning and evening practice.
Meditate and rejuvenate here
Single room in main villa
YOUR RETREAT HOME
First floor has 3 beautiful bedrooms with en suit bathrooms. One room has a mezzanine with 3 single beds, the other two have mezzanines with 2 single beds. Note that you'll pass the single room to get up the stairs. In 2026 there will be a few complete private rooms! All rooms and beds have the same high quality, private bathroom, high quality linens and towels, and tasteful design.
PRIVATE AND SHARED ROOMS
Choose between a private room just for you or a shared room for two. Bring a friend, sister (or your mom!) or I’ll pair you with a roommate.
All rooms are lovely, have a private bathroom, and are interspersed with cozy outdoor sitting areas.
There are two beautiful smaller houses, with individual pools of 18 sqm on the property with complete privacy. These houses have double beds on the mezzanine with a small balcony with breath-taking view outside. Ground floor has kitchen and living room together. The bathrooms are equipped with laundry machine. Each house has plenty shaded area, outside dining, sofas and sunbeds as well as gas BBQ
First floor has 3 beautiful bedrooms with en suit bathrooms. One room has a mezzanine with 3 single beds, the other two have mezzanines with 2 single beds. Note that you'll pass the single room to get up the stairs. In 2026 there will be a few complete private rooms! All rooms and beds have the same high quality, private bathroom, high quality linens and towels, and tasteful design.
PRIVATE AND SHARED ROOMS
Choose between a private room just for you or a shared room for two. Bring a friend, sister (or your mom!) or I’ll pair you with a roommate.
All rooms are lovely, have a private bathroom, and are interspersed with cozy outdoor sitting areas.
There are two beautiful smaller houses, with individual pools of 18 sqm on the property with complete privacy. These houses have double beds on the mezzanine with a small balcony with breath-taking view outside. Ground floor has kitchen and living room together. The bathrooms are equipped with laundry machine. Each house has plenty shaded area, outside dining, sofas and sunbeds as well as gas BBQ
Shared ( or single) mezzanine
Private Villa ( not available )
Private Villa 2 ( fully booked)
THE FOOD
Enjoy yummy, cretan meals with an ayurvedic touch.
You’ll be fed by our private chefs Julien and Giannis from The Olive Farm that will nourish us during the week.
In honor of our location, our menu is mostly Greek/ Cretan cuisine - fresh local food. All food will be as fresh as it gets, made from scratch, and prepared with genuine love.
THE PRACTICE
Morning rituals for all your senses. Daily Circles with gentle movement and somatic exploration to rejuvenate during midmorning. Journaling, rituals, ceremonies, Ayurvedic practices and more. Restorative Yoga practice to relax in the afternoon. Yoga Nidra in the evenings.
Please note: read carefully as this is not just your average retreat experience.
This retreat is not a Yoga Holiday. It is neither a "yoga retreat" (yes we will be practicing some asana / yoga but it is not a yoga retreat in the way that you are having your "workout" in the morning and spending your time at the beach most of the day). It is not a retreat to travel and do a lot of adventure. It is a retreat where you have the possibility to go deep and permission to fully surrender.
We will be cocooned for most of the retreat and if you want to explore Crete I highly encourages you to arrive earlier or stay after there retreat to explore this powerful island.
Whether you’ve been my student or client for years, a few months, or if we’ve never met and even if you don’t have any experience with Yoga and Women Circles, I know you’ll get so much from this experience and you are SO welcome!
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF…
This retreat was created to reconnect to the wild, boundless feminine energy within your mind, body, and spirit-- the same feminine forces that ignite joy, true connection, beauty, awe and wonder in your life. That said - we embrace all facets and forces, also the ones that are not so well accepted in our society.
We will nurture and use authentic embodiment inviting you to expand into versions of yourself that you've maybe forgotten and that's part of your full expression.
In between sessions you have plenty of free time to enjoy the sun, the pool, the Village Gavalochori, maybe the salty sea, the beautiful land of Crete alone or in Sisterhood.
You will also have the opportunity to book a healing massage with Artemis who will be offering her services to us during the week.
"OUR RETREAT TIME IS SACRED TIME TO TUNE IN WITH OURSELVES AND OUR UNIQE PATH"
A SPACE FOR SILENCE, HOWLS, SALT WATER, SUN, SISTERS, SUNRISES, CONNECTION, RITUAL, ROOTS AND WINGS. THE SACRED LAND OF CRETE HEALS, REJUVENATES AND REMINDS US OF THE ABUNDANCE AND BEAUTY OF LIFE ITSELF; THAT WE ALL ARE EMBODIMENTS OF MOTHER NATURE.
COME WITH YOUR WEARINESS, YOUR LONGING, YOUR JOY, YOUR GRIEF, YOUR HOPE, OLD AND YOUNG ;
ALL OF YOU IS WELCOME HERE
THE NAME RHEA
Rhea means mother of the gods, and goddess of female fertility, motherhood, and generation. Her name means "flow" and "ease." Some texts also describe her as the goddess of Earth.
Rhea was the daughter of Gaia, the primordial goddess of the earth, and Uranus, the primordial god of the sky. She was one of the original titans and sister of Cronus, who also became her husband. When Cronus dethroned Uranus as the ruler of the universe. Some myths state that Uranos was also castrated by Cronus – a gesture that symbolized the split between the Sky and the Earth. Cronus went on to marry his sister Rhea, which might sound strange but is not uncommon in Greek myths! Rhea then became the queen of the universe by his side, but not for long. She is also the mother of the five eldest Olympian gods (Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus) and Hades, king of the underworld.
ANCIENT CRETE
The history of Crete is long and rich and, according to archaeologists, it started in the Neolithic times.
Crete was the centre of Europe's most ancient civilization, the Minoans.
The Minoan civilization in all its particularities seems to always have in mind every manifestation of the female gender. It is no coincidence that perhaps the most characteristic image of the Minoan civilization is the Serpent Goddess or snake goddess. Women were not only goddesses and priestesses for the Minoans. As in every human society, they were also mothers, the beginning of the chain of life and continuity of Crete.
The most prosperous period in the history of ancient Crete was certainly the Minoan period, named after the mythical king Minos. This period reached its peak from the 16th to the 14th century B.C. and many excavations have revealed important information about this ancient civilization. For example, stones with a strange form of writing, known as Linear A, have been found, which makes Crete the first Greek region to invent writing. These writing symbols have not been de-coded yet by modern scientists.
A handful of Minoan inscriptions use other unknown writing systems. For instance, the Phaistos Disc features a pictorial script whose only close comparison is found on the Arkalochori Axe. Because so few instances of these scripts have been found, they remain undeciphered.
Enjoy yummy, cretan meals with an ayurvedic touch.
You’ll be fed by our private chefs Julien and Giannis from The Olive Farm that will nourish us during the week.
In honor of our location, our menu is mostly Greek/ Cretan cuisine - fresh local food. All food will be as fresh as it gets, made from scratch, and prepared with genuine love.
THE PRACTICE
Morning rituals for all your senses. Daily Circles with gentle movement and somatic exploration to rejuvenate during midmorning. Journaling, rituals, ceremonies, Ayurvedic practices and more. Restorative Yoga practice to relax in the afternoon. Yoga Nidra in the evenings.
Please note: read carefully as this is not just your average retreat experience.
This retreat is not a Yoga Holiday. It is neither a "yoga retreat" (yes we will be practicing some asana / yoga but it is not a yoga retreat in the way that you are having your "workout" in the morning and spending your time at the beach most of the day). It is not a retreat to travel and do a lot of adventure. It is a retreat where you have the possibility to go deep and permission to fully surrender.
We will be cocooned for most of the retreat and if you want to explore Crete I highly encourages you to arrive earlier or stay after there retreat to explore this powerful island.
Whether you’ve been my student or client for years, a few months, or if we’ve never met and even if you don’t have any experience with Yoga and Women Circles, I know you’ll get so much from this experience and you are SO welcome!
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF…
- You long for more connection with nature and the elements
- You need rejuvenation and change
- You are longing for belonging
- Yoga / Ayurveda / Women Circles are new to you and you’re ready to explore and dive in OR you are a space holder and want to immerse and get deeper into practice yourself.
- You need a break away from your daily routines and maybe incorporate a few new ones.
- You feel alone in your journey and ready for community and sisterhood
- You’re in need of connection with yourself
- You’re in need of authentic connections with others
This retreat was created to reconnect to the wild, boundless feminine energy within your mind, body, and spirit-- the same feminine forces that ignite joy, true connection, beauty, awe and wonder in your life. That said - we embrace all facets and forces, also the ones that are not so well accepted in our society.
We will nurture and use authentic embodiment inviting you to expand into versions of yourself that you've maybe forgotten and that's part of your full expression.
In between sessions you have plenty of free time to enjoy the sun, the pool, the Village Gavalochori, maybe the salty sea, the beautiful land of Crete alone or in Sisterhood.
You will also have the opportunity to book a healing massage with Artemis who will be offering her services to us during the week.
"OUR RETREAT TIME IS SACRED TIME TO TUNE IN WITH OURSELVES AND OUR UNIQE PATH"
A SPACE FOR SILENCE, HOWLS, SALT WATER, SUN, SISTERS, SUNRISES, CONNECTION, RITUAL, ROOTS AND WINGS. THE SACRED LAND OF CRETE HEALS, REJUVENATES AND REMINDS US OF THE ABUNDANCE AND BEAUTY OF LIFE ITSELF; THAT WE ALL ARE EMBODIMENTS OF MOTHER NATURE.
COME WITH YOUR WEARINESS, YOUR LONGING, YOUR JOY, YOUR GRIEF, YOUR HOPE, OLD AND YOUNG ;
ALL OF YOU IS WELCOME HERE
THE NAME RHEA
Rhea means mother of the gods, and goddess of female fertility, motherhood, and generation. Her name means "flow" and "ease." Some texts also describe her as the goddess of Earth.
Rhea was the daughter of Gaia, the primordial goddess of the earth, and Uranus, the primordial god of the sky. She was one of the original titans and sister of Cronus, who also became her husband. When Cronus dethroned Uranus as the ruler of the universe. Some myths state that Uranos was also castrated by Cronus – a gesture that symbolized the split between the Sky and the Earth. Cronus went on to marry his sister Rhea, which might sound strange but is not uncommon in Greek myths! Rhea then became the queen of the universe by his side, but not for long. She is also the mother of the five eldest Olympian gods (Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus) and Hades, king of the underworld.
ANCIENT CRETE
The history of Crete is long and rich and, according to archaeologists, it started in the Neolithic times.
Crete was the centre of Europe's most ancient civilization, the Minoans.
The Minoan civilization in all its particularities seems to always have in mind every manifestation of the female gender. It is no coincidence that perhaps the most characteristic image of the Minoan civilization is the Serpent Goddess or snake goddess. Women were not only goddesses and priestesses for the Minoans. As in every human society, they were also mothers, the beginning of the chain of life and continuity of Crete.
The most prosperous period in the history of ancient Crete was certainly the Minoan period, named after the mythical king Minos. This period reached its peak from the 16th to the 14th century B.C. and many excavations have revealed important information about this ancient civilization. For example, stones with a strange form of writing, known as Linear A, have been found, which makes Crete the first Greek region to invent writing. These writing symbols have not been de-coded yet by modern scientists.
A handful of Minoan inscriptions use other unknown writing systems. For instance, the Phaistos Disc features a pictorial script whose only close comparison is found on the Arkalochori Axe. Because so few instances of these scripts have been found, they remain undeciphered.
It is essential sometimes to go into retreat, to stop everything that you have been doing, to stop your experiences completely and look at them anew, not keep on repeating them like machines. You would then let fresh air into your mind. Wouldn’t you?
- Krishnamurti
- Krishnamurti
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ROOM OPTIONS & PRICING .
Come solo or bring a friend or maybe your mom! If you’re a solo traveler and would like to share a room, I’ll pair you with a roommate. Sometimes is a surprise how lovely it is sharing a room with someone you haven’t met before.
Questions? Contact Maria at [email protected] THE DETAILS - PLEASE READ! HOW TO GET THERE: You fly into Chania airport. From there, you will either drive your rental car or be picked up by a taxi ( we can arrange so you can travel together) The ride between the airport and the retreat center is about 30 min. We meet at our place in the afternoon at 3 pm. Arrival at the retreat center from 2 pm. I always encourage taking a day or two extra for yourself to explore Crete in your own time. More details are provided upon booking and as the time gets closer to our retreat! CANCELLATION TERMS 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking The deposit is non-refundable. You can pay the remainder in full or with a payment plan. Final payment is due February 15, 2025. Because we have committed funds to the retreat center: All deposits are 100% non-refundable. You may cancel your reservation up to Dec 3 and receive a 75% of the amount paid, minus the 30% deposit. There will be no refunds thereafter for any reason. It is advised that you take out personal travel insurance. If the retreat is cancelled or the dates postponed for any reason, from my side your payments will be put forward to new dates, or returned to you by choice. In the event that the retreat has to be cancelled due to a force majeure, I will reschedule the retreat and your payments will be applied toward the new retreat date. *due to the world and ever changing times, please note there are no refunds in the case of world events as the venue does not refund me. It is highly encouraged to purchase travel insurance for this trip. EMAIL ME YOUR QUESTIONS! |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
*7 night / 8 day stay at Rhea *All meals + drinks (non alcoholic): wholesome and fresh breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; everything with an ayurvedic touch. *Daily all-levels yoga practice ( asana and beyond) * Somatic exploration * Journaling, sharing, dance * Evening Yoga Nidras for a sound sleep * Opening and closing circle * Sound bath afternoon by guest teacher on site * Simple Cacao Ceremony * Ayurvedic giftbag NOT INCLUDED *Airfare *Airport transfer *Travel insurance * Massage with Artemis * Food on our free day + local taverna. 
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There are no refunds.
I plan and prepare the retreats and activities with full dedication and expect that participants who intend to come will come.
In exchange for my promise to keep my commitment to deliver the service, I ask my students to keep their promises to pay and participate.
I understand that life happens, regardless of plans. For maximum fairness and consistency, I do not make exceptions with the refund policy.
If you are prevented, you can transfer the place to another participant that you take care of yourself..
Upon registration, you accept these terms and commit to pay in accordance with the booking confirmation and/or invoice received, regardless of whether you actually participate.
I plan and prepare the retreats and activities with full dedication and expect that participants who intend to come will come.
In exchange for my promise to keep my commitment to deliver the service, I ask my students to keep their promises to pay and participate.
I understand that life happens, regardless of plans. For maximum fairness and consistency, I do not make exceptions with the refund policy.
If you are prevented, you can transfer the place to another participant that you take care of yourself..
Upon registration, you accept these terms and commit to pay in accordance with the booking confirmation and/or invoice received, regardless of whether you actually participate.
MEET MARIA
Crete feels like my second home. I have been offering retreats at this sacred land since 2009. In 2025 it will be 6 years since I brought with me a bunch of beautiful humans to this gem of an island.
Now the time has come to gather again.
There is something so energetically special about this island.
I even have been (and still are) in processes of living here part time.
Years ago I was offering retreats in Italy, Costa Rica and other parts of the world. Past years there has been only Crete where I have been offering retreats outside Scandinavia.
One of the main reasons I choose Crete as the destination for retreats at first was the connection I felt to both the Earth itself and with myself being there. In the embrace of Mama Crete I recognized a deep and rich connection that I always had been longing for.
And Crete really speaks my language; including all facets of life. She is wild and gentle, raw and honest, harsh and sweet, daylight bright and starlight dark at night. She is closeness and integrity at the same time. She's got clear boundaries and she is welcoming you in her warmest essence. She is guiding me to be awake and aware. Present and alive. And there is a simpleness of living life there that's speaks to me.
I want to share that with you.
I’ve been studying and practicing embodiment in different modalities like Yoga, somatic practices, energy work and Ayurveda for 30 years. I’ve been guiding students, clients, ( mostly) humans through ancient healing practices and reflections for over two decades.
I’m dedicated to sharing this wisdom with you so that you too can reconnect to your inner home over and over again.
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Yoga at Triopetra in the South