A link to reset your password has been sent to your email

 

Change language & currency

Language

Currency

Sensit Yoga Somatics Retreat on Crete

This year, the program will focus on embodied mindfulness self-regulation, and resilience-building. Somatic movement as a body-based approach to supporting mental health and well-being. For the 12th consecutive summer, Athens Yoga Center will return to this magical place on Southern Crete to expand your horizons. Surrounded by a mesmerizing natural environment, you will deepen the connection with your body and nourish your mind with meditative awareness. The yoga practice is fundamentally centered on self-care, guiding you towards a profound integration of body and mind, fostering a deep sense of belonging and wholeness.

Meet the instructors

Maja
Read more

Highlights

  • Yoga somatics as a practice of self-care and mind-body integration
  • Awareness of movement for connecting with the body's innate wisdom
  • Finding new avenues of support, healing, and vitality from within
  • Seeking an effortless way of moving and being
  • Always ending with deep relaxation
  • Self-regulation and resilience skills
  • Daily brunch and dinner
  • 6 nights accommodation

Skill level

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Yoga styles


6 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Greek, Italian, Serbian
Group size: Maximum of 20 participants
Airport transfer available:
Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) (US$ 31 per person)
Airport transfer available:
Chania International Airport ("Ioannis Daskalogiannis") (US$ 31 per person)
Hide all

Accommodation

Check-in Time:
13:00
Check-out Time:
11:30

Facilities

  • Swimming pool (outdoor)
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge
  • Terrace

Cavos Melissa rooms

Melissa rooms are on the ground floor and on the 1st floor, all with a wonderful view overlooking the sea. All rooms are equipped with a small terrace, kitchenette, and fridge, and own bathroom with shower and air-conditioning. Distance from the sea is 400 meters.

  • Cavos Melissa 1 (One person) - One room with double bed, living room, fridge and kitchenette, air-conditioning, private bathroom and shower, balcony with panoramic sea view
  • Cavos Melissa 2 (Two persons) - One room with either two single beds or one double bed, living room, fridge and kitchenette, air-conditioning, private bathroom and shower, balcony with panoramic sea view
  • Cavos Melissa 2x (Two persons) - Two separate rooms, living room, fridge and kitchenette, air-conditioning, private bathroom and shower, balcony with panoramic sea view

Luxury apartments Varkotopi

All rooms are looking over the sea, have air conditioning, a private bathroom and shower, a living room, and a terrace with a private pool. The distance from the sea is 50 meters.

  • Varkotopi Luxury 1 - One person with a double bed, living room with a kitchen, private pool, terrace​ with panoramic view, air-conditioning, private bathroom and shower
  • Varkotopi Luxury 2 - Two persons with a double bed, living room with a kitchen, private pool, terrace​ with panoramic view, air-conditioning, private bathroom and shower
  • Varkotopi Luxury 2x - Two persons - two separate rooms, each with a double bed, living room with a kitchen, private pool, terrace​ with panoramic view, air condition, 2 private bathrooms, and showers

Program

Sensit Yoga Retreat offers a unique experience of reaching new depths of awareness through a sensitive yoga practice. Surrounded by a mesmerizing natural environment and deeply connecting with the body, participants begin to feel truly at home with themselves.

Sensit yoga practice and movement

The program consists of twice daily yoga and somatic practice. In each session, you are guided into movement while exploring the body systems, such as the skeletal, myofascial, organ, fluid, and neuroendocrine systems.

In Sensit Yoga, moving into and through different shapes and postures, the focus is always on moving from the inner body with sensitivity and awareness. By becoming conscious of the support that comes from the relationship to gravity and the connections between inner spaces and structures, the nervous system can relax, becoming receptive and open to new learning. This learning involves honoring the body and breath, listening to its guidance, and feeling connected to the earth and the surrounding environment, sensing its support.

The body communicates where unnecessary tension has been stored, and we learn how to release it by directing attention and breath, initiating movement from specific areas, and working with gravity in particular ways. It becomes easier to tune into the body's signals, develop intuition, recognize when unhealthy patterns and automatic reactions arise, and begin to build new patterns of more conscious living.

Unleashing the energy that was used for holding the accumulated tension results in a grounded, energized, joyful, and effortless way of moving and being.

Schedule

Monday

  • Arrivals
  • 18:30 - 20:00 Sensit somatics - gentle and grounding practice

Tuesday

  • 08:00 - 10:00 Sensit yoga - energizing practice
  • 18:30 - 20:00 Sensit somatics - gentle and grounding practice

Wednesday

  • 08:00 - 10:00 Sensit yoga - energizing practice
  • 18:30 - 20:00 Sensit somatics - gentle and grounding practice

Thursday

  • Free day

Friday

  • 08:00 - 10:00 Sensit yoga - energizing practice
  • 18:30 - 20:00 Sensit somatics - gentle and grounding practice

Saturday

  • 08:00 - 10:00 Sensit yoga - energizing practice
  • 18:30 - 20:00 Sensit somatics - gentle and grounding practice

Sunday

  • Departures

Fields of exploration include:

Bone intelligence and skeletal connections

Tracing skeletal connections improves postural comfort, directly influences physiological state, and elevates emotional well-being. Skeletal clarity and coherence bring forth the natural and optimal alignment of the bones with space and gravity. Sensing how gravity moves through the bones contributes to a felt sense of being firmly and pleasantly grounded, well-integrated, and safe in the environment.

Embodying fascia - A felt sense of wholeness

Embodying fascia in movement practice fosters a strong sense of inner and outer interconnectedness, as fascia is the connective webbing that envelops, integrates, and distinguishes all the spaces in the body. As the largest sensory organ, fascia provides important feedback about psycho-emotional states and the energetic resonance field. In this deeply regenerating practice, fascia comes alive through whole-body movements that expand from within.

Through mindful stretches and activation, deep fascial layers are targeted, and once accessed, they release accumulated tension. The practice concludes with a deeply calming method of releasing tension from the visceral fascia.

Mind of the organs

The organs form a highly intelligent internal system that nourishes, maintains, and balances all life. With care and refined attention, the organs can relax, revitalize, and return to balance. Sensit yoga, with its refined attention to the organs, enhances the functioning of the organ system while strengthening its communication with the nervous and endocrine systems.

The movements, asana, sound vibration, and gentle touch with presence help locate tension in the organ tissues and discover ways to release it. This practice brings deep relaxation and relief, along with toning and vitality to the entire organ system. Additionally, when the external structure of the musculoskeletal system is supported by the buoyancy of the internal organs, asana becomes experienced with more lightness and ease.

External movement then responds simply and beautifully to the internal drive for motion, breath, spaciousness, and connection that emerges from deep within.

Ever more subtle: Nerves, glands, and self-regulation through Restorative yoga, somatic spiraling, and embodied meditation

In this exploration, a deeply regenerating state of awake, quiet presence nourishes the body-mind and helps alleviate symptoms of chronic over-stimulation, such as stress, headache, insomnia, shallow breathing, inflammation, and more. The practice interweaves restorative yoga with pranayama, somatic spiraling on the ground, embodied meditation, and other practical techniques for stimulating the Vagal tone. By observing, sensing, and harnessing the tone and interchanging states of the neuro-endocrine system, balance is restored and greater skill in self-regulation is developed.

The anatomy of breathing - an interface between consciousness and physiology

The last exploration focuses on the breath, the ongoing life-giving process that unites all of the body’s systems—myofascial, respiratory, fluid, and neuroendocrine. When inhibitions in the physiology of breathing are released, the movement of the breath becomes easy, rhythmic, responsive, and adaptable to the circumstances. This harmonious flow enhances the overall functioning of the body.

The jellyfish-like pulsation of the diaphragm revitalizes the entire fascial system as well as the organ body. As awareness of the synergistic intelligence of the breathing architecture deepens, breath energy flows throughout the body, transforming the act of breathing into a voluminous and pleasant experience. This increased flow fosters greater vitality and ease in the body.

The breath invites the mind to settle down, riding on the graceful wave of each inhale and exhale. This gentle rhythm naturally ushers in spontaneous meditation states, allowing for deeper relaxation and inner peace. The experience of breathing becomes not just a physical act, but a meditative process that nurtures both body and mind.

Included excursions

There is a possibility of going on an excursion together on the free day. It is not binding and it depends on the group's preferences.

Instructors

Maja Zilih

Retreat location

The retreat base is located at Agios Pavlos, an area at the Southern Edge of Crete, with a majestic 180-degree view of the Libyan sea. Rugged and unspoiled, the area offers breathtaking scenery with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Overlooking the stunning bay the hotel has a fine restaurant, a relaxing café / bar, and a mini market so you don't have to leave for any of your holiday essentials.

On the high rock above the sea, there is another, night bar formed as a cave naturally inside the rock and overlooking the sea.

Unique features

General

  • Air-conditioned public areas
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Bar
  • Café
  • Dining area
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge
  • Multilingual staff
  • Restaurant
  • Special menu request
  • Yoga deck
  • Yoga shala
  • Yoga studio

Services

  • Convenience / grocery store
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Internet access
  • Laundry
  • Parking lot
  • Wireless internet

This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly

Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats

Food

You will be served daily brunch and dinner. The worldwide famous Cretan cuisine can be found in the Agios Pavlos restaurant, as well as other nearby tavernas.

  • Delicious breakfast with local products, fresh juice, fruit, yogurt, cheese, eggs, avocado, bread, and honey
  • Homemade dinner with Mediterranean recipes including plenty of vegetarian dishes, seafood, fresh fish, and meat. Special meals are prepared for participants who are vegetarian or vegan or eat gluten-free.

The following meals are included:

  • Brunch
  • Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
  • Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Once you have reached this Southern edge of the continent, you can dive into a mesmerizing landscape. You can also:

  • Swim in the warm inviting waters of the sandy beach - ideal for families
  • Descend to one of the most amazing beaches of Crete, called St. Pavlos Sandhills, offering spectacular sunsets
  • Visit the long oceanic-type Triopetra beach for a swim, a walk, coffee, lunch, or dinner at the fantastic taverns with a breathtaking sea view - a 5-minute ride by car
  • Hike the beautiful canyons of Rethymno. Kourtaliotis (length: 3 kilometers) is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Rethymnon. The enormous cliffs of the canyon reach a height of 600 meters and are full of caves with significant fauna species
  • Go further to the west to the worldwide known Samariá Gorge. A National Park of Greece and a World's Biosphere Reserve. It will take 6 hours to cross it, so plan wisely. There is a boat departing from Agios Pavlos to Samaria’s sea mouth (Agia Roumeli) and you can always visit without walking the gorge to its North existence
  • Visit Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for hippies. On the banks of the Grand River, there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of an African landscape. The river, forming a large lake, 1.5 kilometers long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending the beautiful canyon

What's included

  • Twice daily yoga sessions
  • Pranayama and meditations sessions
  • Asana practice as a platform for listening to the signals of the body
  • Exploration of muscles, fascia, bones, organs, glands, and diaphragms
  • Discover a joyful and effortless way of moving and being
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Daily brunch and dinner

What's not included

  • Airfare
  • Airport transfers
  • All lunches
  • Personal expenses

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Arrival by airplane

There are two airports on the island at more or less the same distance from the retreat center. Chania (CHQ) and Heraklion (HER) are Crete’s region capital city. In both airports, there are direct flights to and from all major cities in Europe and the world. Mini-van taxi is arranged on the first day of the retreat from Heraklion Airport. It fits up to 8 people and the cost is 30 EUR per person per ride. It is about a 2-hour drive. If you wish to come by taxi independently, the cost is 130 EUR per ride.

Many participants choose to rent a car at the airport (approximately 30 EUR per day), as this enables them to move around more and visit many amazing beaches near Agios Pavlos.

Airport: Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) Airport transfer available: Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) (US$ 31 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Chania International Airport ("Ioannis Daskalogiannis") Airport transfer available: Chania International Airport ("Ioannis Daskalogiannis") (US$ 31 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
  • The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
7 days / 6 nights
from --

Availability

Arrival: Monday July 14, 2025
Departure: Sunday July 20, 2025

Select your package:

For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.

Why choose BookYogaRetreats.com

Best Price Guaranteed
7622 Yoga Retreats Worldwide
Friendly and Fast Customer Service
Offers for every budget
Don't miss out! Join our mailing list to get inspiration, tips & special offers sent directly to your inbox.
Served by www:8000

Logging out

of Tripaneer websites