An alternative kind of holiday in Elounda, Crete, where daily Mindful Pilates, breathwork, and meditation meet Cretan sunshine, rooms with stunning views over the Cretan sea, locally sourced cuisine, and the culture of one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful corners. It’s not only about Pilates; it’s so much more.
GROUP RETREATS · ELOUNDA · CRETE
Retreat with us in Crete.
WHERE
Crete
Elounda
WHEN
May – October
2026 – 2027
DURATION
4 or 7 days
to suit all
GROUP
Small groups
All levels
PRICE
From £590
per person
THE RETREAT
Sometimes the only way to move forward is to retreat.
At Create Retreats, it’s not only about the Pilates — it is so much more. Our group retreats blend relaxation, culture, culinary experiences, therapies, and wellness into one restorative week (or a shorter long-weekend escape) on the beautiful shores of Elounda Bay.
You’ll move each morning, breathe deeply, eat beautifully, and explore a corner of Crete steeped in history and myth — all in the warm company of a small, like-minded group.
And, you’ll come away stronger, calmer, and more energised than when you arrived.
PILATES & BREATHWORK
Move with purpose, then breathe.
Every morning begins with a 1.5-hour mat-based Pilates practice with Gillian in our own private studio, and ends with mindfulness and relaxation. Sessions welcome all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners, with modifications offered throughout so you can move at exactly your own level.
You’ll explore your internal environment and anatomy, connect with your breath, and build real strength and flexibility across the week.
Woven through the days, alongside the movement, are breathwork and meditation with Andreas. Simple yet powerful practices that settle a racing mind, regulate the nervous system, and bring a calm you can genuinely feel in your body. It’s often the part of the week people are most surprised by.
CULTURE & CUISINE
Discover the true beauty of Crete.
A Create Retreats break is woven through with the real Crete. It is home to the world’s oldest olive tree (around 3,500 years old) and more than 2000 herbs and flowers, around 650 of which are indigenous. This is a corner of the Mediterranean where 4,000 years of history and easy island life sit side by side.
Enjoy morning practice and unhurried afternoons by the pool, guided excursions into mountain villages and along the coast, long taverna lunches in the mountains and Andreas’s storytelling bringing the island’s history and myths to life. And you’ll eat beautifully throughout: a rich Cretan breakfast each day, a welcome dinner at the celebrated Terrassa Restaurant, and menus planned around the very best of the island’s seasonal, Mediterranean table.
THE RHYTHM OF YOUR WEEK
To move, breathe, explore, eat well, and simply be.
Every day holds a gentle shape of its own. Everything is arranged for you; all you need to do is arrive.
Move
A 1.5-hour morning Pilates practice with Gillian in our private studio, building strength, mobility and mindful movement, and closing each session with a guided relaxation. Suitable for all levels, adapted to all bodies.
Breathe
Breathwork and meditation with Andreas to settle a racing mind, regulate the nervous system and bring a calm you can feel in your body. Simple, powerful practice.
Explore
Guided excursions with Andreas into the real Crete. This could include a visit to traditional Mountain villages, archaeological sites from the Minoan times, or a boat trip around Elounda gulf.
Eat well
Each day begins with a generous Cretan breakfast, followed by thoughtfully planned menus created by Andreas, and a memorable welcome dinner at the celebrated Terrassa Restaurant. Fresh, locally inspired cuisine prepared with care, bringing everyone together around one table.
Simply be
Between it all there's space. By the pool, along the promenade of Agios Nikolaos, or gazing across the bay. A complimentary therapy treatment, unhurried afternoons, and nowhere else you need to be.
Your journey doesn’t end when the day does. You’ll leave with a carefully curated digital toolkit, including guided videos, practical handouts, trusted resources, educational content, and an invitation to continue your wellbeing journey in our supportive Virtual Studio.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything held for you, from arrival to farewell.
Your place includes accommodation, all sessions, most meals, cultural excursions, and a complimentary treatment. Just about everything but your flights.
STAY & TRANSFERS
- Luxury car airport transfers (for 5+ guests arriving within a similar timeframe)
- Sea-view room with a balcony overlooking Elounda Bay
- Private bathroom, air conditioning and in-room safe
- Welcome basket to start your retreat
- Swimming pool with sun loungers
PRACTICE & WELLBEING
- Daily 1.5-hour morning Pilates in our private studio
- Breathwork sessions with Andreas
- Guided meditation
- One complimentary treatment from our on-site therapists
- Instructional video & handouts to take home
CULTURE & CUISINE
- Welcome meeting with Gillian & Andreas to make you feel at home
- Rich daily Cretan breakfast/brunch
- Welcome dinner at Terrassa Restaurant
- Farewell light bites & reflection session
- BioAroma distillery tour & step back in time in the mountain villages, sunset dinner
Please note: flights are not included. We ask that you don’t book your flights until you’ve spoken to us.
OUR INVITATION
The greatest investment you can make is in your own wellbeing.
Pricing & availability.
All prices are per person and include your accommodation, breakfast/brunch, all sessions, a complimentary treatment and a full-day tour. Flights are not included.
7 Day Retreat – 2026 Pricing
Per person, per room type and occupancy. Prices vary a little by season.
| Room Type | No. of People Sharing | Sept | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio: Open plan twin | 1 Person | £1573pp | £1402.50pp |
| Studio: Open plan double | 2 People | £1259.50pp | £1122pp |
| Standard Apartment: Open plan twin + 1 bedroom with a double | 2 People | £1309pp | £1177pp |
| Standard Apartment: Open plan twin beds + 1 bedroom with a double | 3 People | £1177pp | £1061.50pp |
4-Day Retreat 2026
A shorter signature retreat, from £590 per person. Room types and occupancy as above. Please get in touch or start a booking for the exact price on your chosen dates.
4-Day Dates 2026/2027
25–29 Sept 2026
places available
2–6 Oct 2026
places available
14-18 May 2027
places available
28 May-1 June 2027
places available
21-25 Sept 2027
places available
7-Day Dates 2026/2027
25 Sept-2 Oct 2026
places available
2–9 Oct 2026
places available
14-21 May 2027
places available
28 May-4 June 2027
places available
21 Sept-1 Oct 2027
places available
4-Day Dates 2026/2027
25–29 Sept 2026
(places available)
2-6 Oct 2026
(places available)
14-18 May 2027
(places available)
28 May-1 June 2027
(places available)
21-25 Sept 2027
(places available)
7-Day Dates 2026/2027
25 Sept-2 Oct 2026
(places available)
2–9 Oct 2026
(places available)
14-21 May 2027
(places available)
28 May-4 June 2027
(places available)
21 Sept-1 Oct 2027
(places available)
Payment & Flights
Payment plans are available on request. Please don't book your flights until you've spoken to us, so we can help you arrive at the right time for transfers.
YOUR HOSTS FOR THE DAY
In warm, experienced hands.
Your retreat is led by Gillian and Andreas: steady, encouraging, and grounded in decades of experience.
MOVEMENT & PILATES
Gillian Bennison-Souri
A former gymnast with over 40 years in movement, Pilates, yoga, breathwork, and wellness, Gillian leads immersive retreats in Crete and across the UK.
Her teaching meets you exactly where you are: steady, encouraging, and grounded in decades of practice.
BREATHWORK & HOSPITALITY
Andreas Souris
Andreas is an accomplished therapist who guides the day’s breathwork: simple, powerful practices to settle the nervous system, sharpen focus, and bring a deep sense of calm.
Your breath is your power; come back to it.
PRIVATE & BESPOKE
Prefer a retreat of your own?
For hen parties, anniversaries, birthdays, or family get togethers, we also create luxury private retreats in hand-picked villas around Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, tailored entirely to you, with daily Pilates, private boat trips, chef services, treatments, and cultural experiences arranged to suit your group.
Tell us a little about your group, and we’ll design something just for you.
Stronger, calmer & more energised.
Have a question about a group retreat or an idea for a private one? We’d love to hear from you.
