CRETE ISLAND, GREECE

September 20-25, 2026

Meditation | Yoga | Hiking | Culture | Cuisine

Join us for a small group retreat designed as an introduction to the Noema experience, a thoughtful blend of movement, rest, reflection, meaningful connection, and mindful practices. Together, we’ll explore the culture and natural beauty of Crete while creating space for clarity, healing, and unforgettable shared experiences.

Perfect for solo travelers, friends, couples, mother–daughter duos, and anyone drawn to inward journeys in outdoor adventures.

It’s your sign to make space for what’s next. 

Location

Crete has a unique energy, one that naturally invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and feel more present. Crete is Greece’s largest island, known for its diverse landscapes and rich history. Mountains, gorges, beaches, olive groves, and ancient sites exist side by side.

Our retreat is set at a beautiful private villa in the peaceful village of Roumeli, just outside the historic coastal city of Rethymno. This setting offers the perfect balance of relaxation, nature, culture, and adventure, along with the opportunity to share the experience with a small group of like-minded people.

Hosted at Villa Liodentra, managed by ThinkVilla | Bespoke Stays

Meet Our Team

Meet the people bringing this experience to life.

Marilena - Yoga & Meditation Instructor

I’m Marilena, a yoga teacher and retreat facilitator based in Crete. My journey with yoga began in childhood through meditation and yogic philosophy, and deepened through years of dedicated practice and my studies in Drama and Performance in the UK.

My work is an invitation to live with confidence, openness, and trust in your inner wisdom.

As a Yoga Alliance certified teacher, I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of people from all backgrounds through Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, meditation, and other mindful practices. My intention is to inspire presence, emotional healing, and conscious manifestation, bringing people together from around the world to reconnect with themselves and their purpose.

Milda - Founder & Retreat Host

Hi, I’m Milda, founder of Noema Retreats. 

My first solo trip was a retreat, and it completely changed how I experienced travel and life. It showed me how powerful it can be to step away from routine, reconnect with yourself, and meet incredible people in meaningful settings. 

As a yoga instructor, designer, and passionate traveler, I created Noema to share that kind of experience with others. My goal is to design an unforgettable and transformative experience for travelers, and to help them carry something meaningful from the experience back into their everyday lives, along with the friendships they’ve made along the way.

Luiza - Sound Healing Facilitator

My journey as a yoga teacher led me to the wisdom of Nada Yoga, the “yoga of sound” understanding that all life begins with vibration and that everything in existence is vibration.

During my trainings in Bali, I experienced my first transformative sound healing journey, an experience that opened my heart to dive deeper into the medicine of sound. Since then, I have continued studying and exploring this path, intuitively guiding sound journeys from my heart, devotion, and connection with the divine.

I’m Luiza, and I’m honored to hold this space for you, guiding you through a journey of healing, remembrance, and deeper connection. Together, let us tune into our natural vibration

Nikos - Private Local Chef

I’m Nikos, a local chef from Rethymno, Crete, with a deep passion for food, hospitality, and the incredible ingredients this island has to offer. I take great pride in every detail, creating fresh, beautifully prepared meals using the finest seasonal ingredients and authentic local flavors.

For me, food is such an important part of how we experience a place and connect with one another. My goal is to create meals that feel both nourishing and memorable, bringing the warmth, generosity, and flavors of Crete to every shared table.

Accommodations

We’re staying at a beautiful villa near Rethymno, Crete, complete with a heated pool, sauna, steam room and fitness equipment. Each room is designed as a comfortable place to rest and reset, with serene views and thoughtful amenities.

 

Hosted at Villa Liodentra, managed by ThinkVilla | Bespoke Stays

Food

The food is one of the highlights of our retreat experience. Our private chef Nikos prepares a daily brunch and a three-course dinner inspired by authentic Greek cuisine. Meals are different each day and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and designed to be simple and nourishing.

*Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free diets, and allergies are thoughtfully accommodated.

See Sample Menu

Brunch:

Early brunch is served family-style and always includes orange juice from Cretan orchards, yogurt with granola, chia seeds, dried fruits, honey, and fresh fruit, a variety of fresh breads and breadsticks, Cretan olives, and fresh vegetables. See sample brunch meal below.

• Homemade pie with spinach and feta cheese

• Omelet with premium turkey slices, mushrooms, and cheese

• Prosciutto crudo with poached egg, arugula, graviera flakes, and cherry tomatoes

• Bougatsa sweet pie with semolina custard filling

Dinner:

A three-course meal including an appetizer, main course, and dessert. See sample dinner below.

• Appetizers: Stuffed vine leaves with yogurt sauce, Greek-style baked feta, marinated octopus bites with vegetable tartare and fava spread, seasonal salad with lemon dressing

• Mains: Sea bass fillet served with local greens, steamed vegetables, and baby potatoes

• Dessert: Traditional baklava

* Wine pairings available upon request.

The Program

All activities are optional. You’re welcome to join or spend time at your own pace. Most days begin with meditation and gentle yoga, and end with a group dinner and fireside chats. Independent plans can be arranged if you’d like experiences outside the group.

Day 1

  • 18:00 Arrival
  • 20:00 Welcome dinner & introductions

Day 2 -5

  • 08:00 Mediation & yoga (All levels welcome)
  • 09:30 Early brunch
  • 10:30 Excursions, or massages & leisure time
  • 18:00 Mediation & restorative yoga
  • 19:30 Dinner
  • 21:00 Fireside chats or movie night 

Day 6

  • 11:00 Departure

 

Included Adventures

This retreat is a thoughtfully curated experience designed for the mind, body, and spirit. Meditation, yoga, scenic hikes, cultural excursions, and recovery massages are all included. 

Included in your stay are two unforgettable group trips: An excursion to Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach, as well as a day trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island. Additional transportation and activities can be arranged should you wish to explore further.

Wellness Experiences

Your stay includes a massage, a group sound healing experience, and access to the heated pool, sauna, steam room and exercise equipment. 

What’s Included

  • 5 nights / 6 days in a thoughtfully designed luxury villa
  • Two chef-prepared meals daily
  • Local snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the day
  • Morning and afternoon meditation and yoga sessions
  • A group visit to Rethymno & Margarite Village 
  • A group excursion to Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach
  • One 60-minute massage
  • Group sound-healing session
  • Airport transfers from Chania
  • Welcome gift (a surprise)
  • Sauna and gym access
  • Heated pool access
  • Movie night under the stars
  • Retreat guidance and dedicated support 

What’s Not Included

  • Flight costs
  • Additional excursions, activities or transports
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra meals and alcoholic beverages

  • Additional wellness treatments

Explore Further

If you’d like to explore more, we’re happy to arrange additional excursions and activities as optional additions to your stay.

Arkadi Monastery

Nearby Beaches

Melidoni Cave

Local Winery

*Full-day excursions typically begin early in the morning and can last up to 10 hours.

Gorge Hike- Full Day

Imbros Gorge & Loutro Boat Trip- A scenic and accessible hike with dramatic rock formations followed by time at the beach. 

Samaria Gorge- One of Europe’s most iconic gorge hikes, known for its vast scale and striking landscapes. Recommended for experienced hikers. 

*Not included, but available as optional add-ons*

Boat Trip - Full Day

Set sail from Panormo to Bali Bay, a hidden Cretan gem with crystal-clear waters, rocky landscapes, and a rich underwater world. Swim, snorkel, or float on a flamingo, enjoy gourmet Cretan cuisine, drinks, and relax on a luxury catamaran.

*Not included, but available as optional add-ons*

Elafonissi Beach- Full Day

A full-day journey by bus and boat to Elafonissi, one of Crete’s most striking natural landscapes known for its pink sand and turquoise waters. 

*Not included, but available as optional add-ons*

Accommodations

All Rooms Include: 

Each room includes it’s own En-suite bathroom with a shower and essential toiletries  |  Private balcony or direct pool access with sea or countryside views  |  Smart TV  | Room-darkening shades  |  Individual climate control  |  Fresh towels and linens  |  Wardrobe space  |  Extra pillows & blankets.

* Spots are limited.

* Deposits are fully refundable until June 27, 2026 if you choose to cancel for any reason. After this date, deposits become non-refundable. The remaining balance is due by July 20, 2026.

* Please wait to book flights until you receive a Trip Confirmation Email.

* Solo travelers selecting a shared room will be paired with someone of the same gender. 

* If the booking process gives you any trouble, please reach out through the Contact Us form or email the organizer directly at milda.doughouz@gmail.com.

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Transfer included from CHQ Chania International Airport ("Ioannis Daskalogiannis")

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of $400–$760, depending on the room type.

  • The deposit is fully refundable until June 27, 2026. After that, deposits are non-refundable

  • The remaining balance is due by July 20, 2026, after which payments are non-refundable.

 

For any questions or concerns, you’re welcome to reach us through the Contact Us page or email the organizer directly at milda.doughouz@gmail.com.

You are the moment, not the observer