Cretan Dreams Pilates Retreat

Friday 1st October to Friday 8th October 2027

Our 2027 Cretan Dreams Retreat, seven nights at YogaOnCrete, will again be in the idyllic village of Chora Sfakia on the island of Crete. This is where the White Mountains meet the crystal clear waters of the sea, with steep slopes towering over the beaches. The road from the north of the island meanders through breathtaking scenery with small villages dotted here and there.

Our main accommodation is a beautifully restored 19th century traditional stone ‘yoga’ house set in the picturesque village of Chora Sfakion, with additional offsite accommodation located nearby. Relaxed and peaceful Sfakia is a real haven for anyone wishing to step out of their fast-paced lifestyle for a while. Beaches, crystal clear waters and a number of tavernas line the old harbour and are within easy walking distance. Sfakia sits on the unspoilt south coast, a long way from the island’s larger towns, and that is very much the point. This is a retreat, not a resort: no superstores, no McDonald’s, just traditional Greek village life and time to slow down. Good ferry services run to nearby beaches, including Sweet Water beach, and to the traffic-free village of Loutro. Buses to the rest of the island are infrequent, so plan to enjoy the village, the beaches and the boats.

Your teachers will be Jill Rowland and Lauren McMillan, both fully accredited Level 3 Body Control Pilates teachers, with Richard on hand to support throughout the week. Jill has over 20 years experience and has previously led nine retreats in Spain and Greece whilst Lauren holds a BA(Hons) degree in dance and joined the Wiltshire Pilates team in 2016. Our first session focuses on checking alignment and making sure everyone can complete the Pilates fundamentals. With two teachers on hand, we pay close attention to positioning, and options are offered throughout the week to challenge those who want more. Places are limited to 15. We would love to have you with us!!

2027 prices are still to be confirmed. Our brochure shows 2026 prices as an indication only, and these will be updated. Registering your interest is free, with nothing to pay now. Early in 2027 we’ll ask for a non-refundable deposit of £250 to secure your place, with the full balance due by 1st July 2027.

Find out more in our 2027 retreat brochure (opens in a new tab).

You will need some experience of Pilates practice and a reasonable level of fitness. The Yoga House lies up the hillside, a short distance from the village. The most direct route is a set of rough stone steps, and many walks around the village involve slopes and steps. There is no swimming pool at any of our accommodation; swimming is in the sea.

Register your interest

What’s included:

  • Daily breakfast and 5 nutritious, varied vegetarian evening meals at the Yoga House (fish and meat are available in the village tavernas for evenings out or during the day), light refreshments.
  • Group transfers from Chania airport for our recommended flights.
  • Twice daily Pilates classes: the first session checks alignment and the Pilates fundamentals, with options throughout the week for those who want more of a challenge.
  • Three optional mindfulness sessions (about 30 minutes each).

What’s not included:

  • Travel insurance must be bought separately and is compulsory.
  • Massage and local excursions can be booked and paid for separately.
  • One to one private Pilates sessions with Jill or Lauren
  • Cooking Lesson with Tassos
  • Flights and transfers to UK airports

Previous guest comments :

“Whole experience has been a pleasure. Venue lovely, food fantastic and pilates great….a small piece of paradise.”

“Jill is a fantastic pilates teacher. I’m not flexible – but she moved me in ways I didn’t know I could move!”

“Thank you all very much! I have loved the experience and would highly recommend!”

“I really enjoyed the whole experience, including the group holiday along with the pilates. It offered me a wonderful break and I feel I have made so many new friends. Thank you so much for arranging this wonderful retreat.”

“Had an amazing time! It was great – we would go out and about and do our own thing between classes. Met some lovely new friends.”

“Restful and great pilates. Very much enjoyed – had a fab time!”

“Great holiday! Lovely location, good accommodation, excellent preparation and organisation.”