Gill is an expert in pilates, mindfulness and rehabilitation. Andreas was born & raised in Athens and has so much passion and knowledge about Crete and its culture. Together, they have created the perfect mix of pilates and culture to give you a blissful retreat in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Gillian Bennison-Souri
From a very young age I started gymnastics, competing for the North East. It was my passion. As the years went by I was lucky to continue with my passion, teaching Classical Gymnastics, Acrobatics and later on aerobics and general fitness in UK and later on in my own studio in Crete, Greece.
On my return to England, I went back into studying, attained a teaching qualification and started to lecture for Gateshead college. I went on to be appointed Team Manager of Health and Fitness in the community, managing a team of seven teachers. At the same time, I was running gym clubs with my dear friend Jackie in primary schools feeding new talent to the national team.
I discovered the Pilates method which led me to study with Michael King, a well respected world wide Pilates trainer and then with the Stott Pilates method. I continued my studies with Cherry Baker in spinal health and pelvic floor management. Fusion Pilates (New York, Neuropilates with Sheila Done (Parkinson and MS) and the wonderful world of fascia (connective tissue) with Tom Myres.
As I am always seeking to improve my knowledge now I am studying “Biomechanics method for Corrective Exercise”.
In my 20 plus years running my Pilates studio (Pilates North East), we specialised in postural analysis, spinal health and rehabilitation, helping hundreds of people return to health and committing to a regular practice.
For 12 years I was invited to teach Pilates at the oldest Astanga Yoga centre in the West – Yoga Plus – teaching Pilates to very advanced yoga practitioners.
I then took the plunge and started my own retreats in Crete (Elounda), my second home, combining Pilates and mindful movement, cultural and culinary experiences on the wonderful Crete, an island full of history and the best hospitality one can experience.
Meeting the needs of the individual is very important to me and quality is always in the forefront of my mind. I am passionate about my subject and it will be a pleasure to share it with you here in Crete or in the UK.
Warm wishes,
Gill.
Andreas Souris
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. During our three months school holidays each year, I took the magical trip to Crete to stay with my grandparents. I became a part of this magnificent island, its proud people and it’s long and rich history. To this day, I still remember the excitement and anticipation seeing the high mountains changing colours with the sunrise as the boat was approaching the island.
After my studies in hotel management, I returned to live in Crete permanently to build my hospitality business. This is where we started our family with my English wife and our two children. We enjoyed work and play, sea and mountains, villages with warm hospitable people, fantastic food, nice friends and family.
In 1997, we moved to England where a new life started. As well as working in my business, I became a student again, fulfilling an old dream of becoming an alternative therapies practitioner. I studied and qualified in many different techniques including Bowen Technique, NST/ Bowen, CranioSacral Therapy, Apply Kinesiology Reflexology and various Therapeutic Massage Techniques. I’m also qualified as NLP, Life Coach practitioner and First Aider.
My passion and longing for Crete never ended, and I am now in a position to share my experience with you. Let’s walk together in well known paths, be a part of the local life, eat the best and freshest food Crete has to offer, see and talk about its long history and feel how the heart of this unique island beats.
This is an authentic and intimate experience for curious travellers and I can’t wait to share it all with you. I look forward to meeting you.
Andreas.
*Please note: Andreas Souris is not a tour operator, he acts as an “on trip concierge”. He will not be held responsible for breach of contract, failure to comply with any state laws, or for any added costs of travel or meals that are not included within the package that has been purchased. Traveller’s baggage and personal property are completely at the traveller’s own risk. He wishes to bring your attention to the terms, conditions and cancellation section and asks that you ensure that you fully understand it prior to booking.