Luxury Yoga Retreat October 2026
Crete, Greece
Thursday 8th October - Tuesday 13th October - 5 nights
** FULLY-BOOKED - PLEASE JOIN WAITLIST**
This October, we are hosting our final retreat of 2026 on the beautiful island of Crete. You can expect daily yoga classes and workshops, Mediterranean nourishment, and deep rest . No rushing, no over-scheduling and a luxury villa surrounded by the wild beauty of mountains and the sea.
Why Crete in October?
The summer crowds have gone but the warmth remains. October in Crete is golden light, warm evenings, and the island settling into quiet. It's the perfect season to slow down.
Still warm enough to swim, cool enough to breathe. Softer light, quieter beaches, unhurried days. The landscape shifts into harvest season with olive groves, wild herbs, and figs ripening on the branch.
The Setting: Crete, Rethymno
Nestled in the traditional village of Mesi, just ten minutes from the coast, our Villa is a beautiful, intentionally designed, bohemian countryside retreat. Think sun-bleached stone walls, natural textures, soft tonal interiors, and outdoor spaces designed for long afternoons doing absolutely nothing.
The villa is exclusively ours for the week.
A private 15m swimming pool and six-seater whirlpool spa. Lots of outdoor space with shaded lounging areas, al fresco dining, and sunset views. Eight beautifully styled bedrooms across two houses and two guesthouses, each with their own character and en-suite or private bathrooms. Multiple living spaces, verandas, and quiet corners to retreat into. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen where our onsite chef will work their magic.
Daily Yoga & Practices
You can expect daily yoga, a morning practice or workshop to wake the body and an afternoon or evening class to soften and settle. Classes are intelligently designed by Jess, weaving together asana (postures), ancient wisdom, and deep inner work.
Throughout the retreat, we'll explore the archetypes of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses and discover where they cross over with the Eastern deities you may already know from your yoga practice. Aphrodite and Lakshmi. Athena and Durga. Noticing their energy and teachings as mirrors, and how we can use them as tools for transformation on and off the mat.
Expect morning sun salutations to salute Surya as the Cretan sun rises. Arm balance and inversion workshops that build strength, trust and play. We will delve into connection through women's circle, ceremony, ritual. Deep breathwork practices to explore the Koshas, especially our energetic, mental and wisdom sheath.
You will be offered journalling prompts to process what surfaces and we will alsways end each practice with shared reflection and space to simply be.
Mediterranean Food & Nourishment
One of the greatest pleasures of Crete is the food, and this retreat leans all the way in. Our dedicated onsite chef will prepare fresh, seasonal Mediterranean meals daily. Think local olive oil, herbs picked from the hillside, ripe tomatoes still warm from the sun, and long, slow dinners under the stars.
Nourishing breakfasts each morning to start the day. A private lunch excursion during the week at a handpicked local spot. Beautiful evening meals prepared at the villa, eaten together al fresco. Fresh fruit, snacks, and refreshments available throughout the day.
Every meal is designed to nourish deeply, not just your body, but the whole experience of being here. Dietary requirements are welcomed and catered for with care.
Free Time & Exploration
Between practices, the days are yours. This is a retreat that trusts you to find your own rhythm.
Some days you'll want to do nothing at all, and that is more than enough.
Swim in the private pool or soak in the whirlpool spa.
Wander the cobbled lanes of Mesi village.
Read in the shade with nowhere to be.
Nap without guilt, the Cretan sun invites it.
Journal or sit in stillness in one of the villa's many quiet corners.
We'll also head out together to explore.
Think coastal walks, a visit to a local beach, or a long lunch at a traditional taverna tucked into the hills.
Crete reveals itself slowly, and we'll make space to receive it.
Accommodation: Your Private Room, Your Personal Space
Every guest enjoys their own private bedroom with en-suite or private bathroom. No sharing, unless requested.
Beautifully designed rooms with bohemian meets contemporary styling.
Natural textures, soft linens, and art throughout.
Air conditioning, WiFi, and modern comforts. Private verandas and balconies with mountain and sea views.
Meet your hosts:
This retreat is lovingly guided by Jess, who brings deep expertise and embodied wisdom to her teachings. Her approach is both intelligent and intuitive, rooted in ancient practice and grounded in lived experience.
Jess
Jess brings over a decade of global teaching experience to her work. Initially trained in India, and later in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, she integrates traditional teachings with contemporary somatic science. Her qualifications include training in Embodied Flow™ as well as studying Somatic Breathwork and Movement for Trauma with The Dr Scott Lyons Embody Lab.
Jess has a degree in Psychology from the University of Manchester, she is committed to understanding the intricate connections between the human mind and body. Her classes are informed by non-dual Tantric philosophy, yogic mythology, and the sacred feminine, often weaving in the archetypal power of goddesses and ancient storytelling as tools for personal transformation.
Jess invites students into a deepened relationship with their own inner teacher. Her teachers include Scott Lyons, Adele Kinghan, Tymi Howard, Tara Judelle and Sally Kempton.
Zoe
With over 30 years in the travel industry and a deep specialism in Southern and East Africa, Zoe has built a career on creating journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Bespoke itineraries, handpicked experiences, and an intimate knowledge of the continent that only comes from decades of genuine love for the place.
Now a luxury travel specialist with Roho Journeys, Zoe is sharing what moves her, from the African bush to a Sunday morning walk, from the yoga mat to a really good homeware find. Travel, movement, style, and the art of living well.
Investment & Booking
This retreat is now fully-booked, and we have a waitlist. If you are interested in our next luxury yoga retreat, you can subscibe to our mailing list or message Jess direct here
Whats included:
- Daily yoga practices
- Accomodation
- Daily meals
- Transfers to and from airport in Crete
What's not included:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Journey to and from Manchester Airport (or your chosen UK airport)
Thank you for your interest,
Jess and zoe
FAQs
1) Do I need to be experienced in yoga?
No, this retreat is open to all levels.
2) Can I come alone?
Yes. Most guests attend solo. You’ll have your own private room and a warm community around you.
Hosted at Villa Spartacus, managed by ThinkVilla | Bespoke Stays