Blog
Yoga Retreat 2011 Out Takes
Here's a few of the lighter moments. While people come to retreat here, enjoy the peace and find themselves, they also bond, laugh and are silly! An amusing view of our yoga holidays showing glimpses of the joy that comes out on a yoga retreat here.
FAQ: Yoga at the Retreat
Yoga is a massive topic and we get asked many questions by beginners, experienced yogis and teachers alike. So don't be shy, if you can't find the answer to your question below, or in are other FAQ sections, please write to us at info@yogaholidaysgreece.com
What does the daily schedule look like?
Each teacher schedules the retreat differently, depending on their yoga style and the sun rise and sun set times as well as the daytime temperatures. We normally have a good idea of what the schedule will be for each teacher so you can ask us, but we are very flexible and happy to make changes according to the needs of the individual group.
On which days does the yoga start and finish?
Most people arrive for the retreat on the Saturday so they can settle in and the first class is Sunday morning. The last yoga class is normally Friday morning, leaving Friday afternoon free for absorbing your week and relaxation. Occasionally a group may do Friday afternoon and, rarer still, a Saturday morning yoga class.
What type of yoga is good for me?
There are many different styles of yoga with many different ways of teaching them. At Yoga Rocks we like to look to the similarities between styles rather than the differences! However, some styles are more suitable for some people than others, so you can write to us to see which week would be good for you. What's often more important than the style is the personality and experience of the teacher - our teachers are all caring, knowledgeable and supportive. We have a page about which retreat week is best for you here.
What will I get out of the yoga retreat?
You will enjoy a peaceful yet fun and healthy holiday with like minded people in a beautiful place. However, it is not just your holiday that will be greatly enhanced by yoga but your return to your real life too. Most people go home with a new sense of well being, some good habits and a higher level of energy - in some cases this can change your life! We can't promise this though, but we will do our utmost so that you have a great holiday and you should gain a relaxed smile at the very least.
Who is the yoga retreat for?
The retreat is for anybody who wants to come. We have guests from 0-70 years old, and from all over the world.
Are the retreats suitable for yoga beginners or people with no yoga experience?
Most yoga holidays here are aimed at all levels. Our teachers are highly experienced in working with all level groups. However occasionally, especially if a teacher is teaching two weeks, some weeks may be better for more experienced yogis. We can advise you on this.
Do I need to bring any yoga equipment? We have black yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga bolsters, blankets and cork yoga blocks for you to use. Some people prefer to bring their own mat - of course this is fine.
Is there meditation?
Some weeks there is formal sitting meditation otherwise there is pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), chanting or some form of enjoying the space between the thoughts. The atmosphere at Yoga Rocks is particularly good for finding quiet space for yourself. If you have a particular interest in meditation please contact us and we'll recommend particular retreat weeks.
What are the yoga spaces like? We have two lovely yoga spaces, one inside and one outside.They are both spacious and light with great views looking out to sea. The indoor shala is heated and air-conditioned. The shaded outdoor deck, next to the swimming pool, is bathed in the sound of the sea below and bird song. You will probably end up using both, depending on the weather and your teacher's preference.
What are the class sizes? Class sizes vary, but are normally between 5 and 20.
Is there pranayama taught on the Retreat? Pranayama are yogic breathing exercises and most teachers do some form of pranayama during the week, either as separate sessions or, before or after asana practice.
FAQs: Food & Rooms
Our high quality accommodation and catering is an important part of your Yoga Rocks holiday experience. If you can't find an answer to your question below, or in the other FAQ sections please e-mail us at info@yogaholidaysgreece.com
Can I have a single room?
We have a limited number of single rooms available. If one is available you will pay a €200 single supplement on most retreats. In practice it is often nice to share with another guest; we sensitively arrange the room sharing.
Can I get a cup of tea/bite to eat anytime?
Yes, there is a separate kitchen for the guests which is always stocked with coffee, teas, various fruit, oranges to squeeze, nuts, honey, homemade yoghurt and more. You can help yourself anytime. A homely spot to snack, read or simply relax.
Is there any beer/wine/spirits and can I smoke?
We ask our guests not to drink alcohol at the retreat and to smoke outside the perimeter. There are two tavernas nearby where you can have a drink and most people have a drink at the Friday Cretan Banquet to celebrate the end of the week.
Is the retreat vegetarian? Yes, we are fully vegetarian with no fish or meat at the retreat itself. We provide a well balanced and delicious menu. Most of our guests are not vegetarian but find the cuisine one of the highlights of the holiday. At the Friday night Cretan banquet there is normally some fresh fish. You can always pop to the taverna should you have any extra needs.
Do you cater for gluten free, vegan, raw and other special diets?
We can cater for just about any special diet, but please let us know in advance so we can stock up on what we need to feed you well.
Is the food organic?
While not entirely organic, much of it is. On any retreat it's likely all the fruit and veg will have been produced on the island and we prepare all food fresh from these local ingredients. Yoghurt and bread are made at the retreat and no tinned, preserved food is used.
What is a typical room like? All the rooms have a balcony with a sea view, air con and a nice bathroom. They are fresh and spacious - lovely to relax in.
Do you supply towels? We provide hand towels and a bath towel for the room. We ask you to bring your own beach towel. Thanks.
Are there clothes washing facilities? Most people find for one week they have enough clothes and normally too many! However, we will always provide a bucket and washing powder if needed. We do have a washing machine you might be able to use, especially if you are staying longer than a week, or have particular needs.
Can't find the answer to your question?
Please email us on info@yogaholidaysgreece.com or check out these other frequently asked question categories:
General questions
Booking, Paying & Travel
Yoga at the Retreat
FAQ: General
Here are some miscellaneous questions we have been asked, starting with the weather! If you can't find the answers to your questions below or in are other FAQ sections please email info@yogaholidaysgreece.com
What's the weather like?
The weather is normally lovely but bring a jumper for cooler evenings at the beginning and end of the season. Check these websites for temperatures.
www.worldweatheronline.com
www.holiday-weather.com/crete/averages/
www.explorecrete.com/nature/crete-weather.html
What massage services do you have? There is always at least one kind of massage. We think it very important that a high quality massage is available for you at Yoga Rocks to complete your relaxation. We have incredibly talented masseurs ranging from oil massage and Thai massage to deep healing.
Are you really on the beach?
The retreat is just above the beach. We are equal distance from two lovely beaches, one with a taverna and umbrellas (see pic) and the other completely untouched.
Are there watersports? You can snorkel and swim at Yoga Rocks but there are no motorised water sports nearby. We have snorkels, masks and flippers you can borrow.
If there wifi available? The internet connection is slow, but will be available at various times during the week to check your mails but it will not be available at all times and is not fast enough to skype or download.
What nationalities do you have at the retreat? We have people from all over the world. Some teachers have a greater following in specific countries. In our experience people's nationalities melt away at the retreat.
What is the average age? In 2010 we had guests from 0-70 years old. We welcome all ages and there is something for all ages every week. Different teachers tend to attract younger or more mature guests. Write to us for more info.
Can't find the answer to your question?
Please email us or check out these other frequently asked question categories:
Booking, Paying & Travel
Yoga at the Retreat
Food & Rooms
FAQ: Booking, Paying & Travel
We get asked many different questions by future guests - if you can't find your question below or our other FAQ sections please email info@yogaholidaysgreece.com
What happens once I contact you?
We will answer any specific questions you may have and if appropriate offer you two ways to pay a 25% deposit or the full amount to reserve your yoga holiday. If you don't want to confirm your place straight away we are here to answer your questions on accommodation, yoga, travel plans or anything else.
What should I do if I get no reply to my email?
We endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours so if you do not hear anything by then please write again or ring on 0044(0)20 32862586. Very occasionally mails get lost in cyber space.
Who is writing to me?
All mails are answered personally by Yoga Rocks hosts, Helen and Phil. We are happy to help you throughout the booking process and will be there during your retreat to make sure you have a great holiday.
How can I pay?
You can pay by Pay Pal or by bank transfer but your bank may charge you for the bank transfer. Once you decide by which method you want to pay, we'll email you either our bank details or a Pay Pal invoice. Pay Pal is very secure and free for you to use. If you haven't used it before just follow the instructions with your card - the verification process may take a few days. Once you've paid your deposit or the full amount your place is confirmed. If you pay a deposit we'll send you a reminder so you can pay the balance two months before the retreat begins.
Is the holiday refundable?
All holidays are fully refundable up to six weeks before start date of the retreat (including the deposit). We can give half refunds from six weeks to three weeks before the retreat start date.
I live in the UK can I pay in pounds?
Yes normally we offer the option of paying the equivalent of the euro price in pounds to save you paying exchange rate costs.
I can't find the price for the holiday
Click here: Retreats & Teachers and click on the more button for each teacher and the price is on that page. The normal price is €750-€800.
What is included and will I need money?
Accommodation, yoga and all meals except for our Friday evening meal are included in the retreat cost. Hot drinks and snacks are available at all times from the guests' kitchen. The Friday Cretan feast at a traditional taverna is normally between €10 and €14. You will also need money for transfers and maybe massage, souvenirs or drinks at a taverna. Everything at the retreat except for massage is included. The nearest cash point from the retreat is half an hour's drive away so it is good to bring euros with you or pick them up at the airport.
Where should I fly to?
You can fly to Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) aiports on Crete. Chania confusingly is sometimes written Hania though it can also be written Khania, Cania, Canea and Kania and in Greek is Xania!
Are transfers available for night flights?
Our taxi drivers are happy to pick you up any time. Some flights do get in at funny times! You can pick up a hire car from early until late.
How far and how much are the transfers from the airport to the retreat?
Both Heraklion (€110) and Chania (€120) are about one hour and forty-five minutes from the Yoga Rocks retreat by taxi. Normally you will be able to share the taxi with up to three other guests. You can also rent a car from the airport for the week. This will be about €155- a little more in high season. We arrange both car hire and taxi transfers as well as sharing these with guests arriving at similar times.
Can I have a single room?
We have a limited number of single rooms available. If one is available you will pay a €200 single supplement on most weeks. In practice it is often nice to share with another yogi and we sensitively arrange the room sharing.
Can we bring children to the retreat?
Unless the teacher has specified otherwise, we can provide for well behaved children. Please contact us over details if you want to bring kids. Those who have been so far had a great time.
Can I come alone - will I feel welcome?
Many of our guests come alone and all feel very welcome. The community atmosphere is a lovely part of the retreat and there is always room to find your own space.
I’m travelling alone does this mean I have to pay a single supplement?
No we can sensitively put you with another yogi of the same sex. If you want a single room there is a single supplement.
Can a friend come who does not want to participate in the yoga?
We welcome non participating partners, though few find they can resist joining in. For those who really don't want to do the yoga we can work out a non-participating rate on most retreats.
Can I take a bus to the retreat?
You can't get right to retreat by bus but you can get to Akoumia which is about 11km away and normally we can pick you up if you arrange it in advance. We are very happy to do this if you have made the effort to get the bus! From either airport it is three buses. They are not so regular and it would be good not to have so much luggage. If you are serious about bus-ing it we can help you organise it. Its not the most relaxing way to start a week yoga retreat if you are not used to travelling. Crete bus timetable here
What time is best to arrive?
On the first Saturday of the retreat the rooms will be ready from 14.00 but you can arrive earlier than this and have some lunch while you wait for your room to be ready, or leave your luggage and explore the beaches. You can also arrive late - there are always some late arrivals.
When must I depart?
We normally ask you to be out of your room by 10.00am on the Saturday you depart but you can then hang out at the retreat for lunch or at the beach until it is time for you to go.
Are your retreats only Saturday to Saturday or can we join at a different time, Sunday to Sunday for example?
Some weeks there may be an option to come on other arrival and departure days, depending on your flights or circumstances. Please write to us and ask.
Do you offer any discounts for families or otherwise?
Sometimes we have early bird retreat discounts, for our Facebook group or particular weeks. If you are coming with your family, want to share a room with three friends, want to come for two weeks or more or have any special requests/circumstances then let us know and we'll see what we can do.
Do you ever cancel yoga retreats due to low numbers?
No we never have and never will cancel a holiday due to low guest numbers. Guests as well as teachers have taken time out, organised flights etc and we will always run the scheduled retreat.
What happens if the teacher can not make it to their retreat week?
Thankfully not a situation we've been faced with - but if it were to happen we have expert teachers on standby who could cover the yoga retreat and all guests would have the option of attending the replacement teacher or receiving a full refund.
Can't find the answer to your question?
Please email us or check out these other frequently asked question categories:
General questions
Yoga at the Retreat
Food & Rooms
Things to Do at Yoga Rocks, around Triopetra and further afield
There are many things to do round the retreat and further afield. Though most guests do very little and really relax, there are always options. Here's a mini guide:
Nothing
This is a popular pastime at Yoga Rocks.
Massage
There is always at least one kind of massage. We think it very important that a high quality massage is available for you at Yoga Rocks to complete your relaxation. We have had some incredibly talented masseurs ranging from oil massage and Thai massage to deep healing.
Swimming Pool & Hammock Lounge
We have a swimming pool and shaded and sunny hammock lounges.
Library & Film Night
Our library has a good selection of yoga and reading books. Sometimes we have film night if it suits the week.
Beaches & Swimming
There are four beautiful beaches within walking distance and many more if you hire a car for the week. One is completely unspoilt. There is a beach either side of the three rocks that give the area its name - Triopetra.
Snorkelling
You can snorkel - it is not prolific tropical reef but there are some nice fish and the visability can be mind blowing. Click here to check out the fish. The octopus below was spotted just below the retreat - thanks Denis for the photo.
Can we borrow snorkels?
Yes we have snorkels, masks and flippers for you to borrow.
Walking
There are lots of nice walks around the retreat.
Spili
A popular afternoon out is to go to Spili which is about forty minutes drive and has many shops for tasteful souvenirs and tavernas for, amongst other things, traditional ice coffee.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a pleasant seaside holiday town 30-40 minutes by car east of Triopetra. It is a busy little place and you will appreciate the peace and quiet of Yoga Rocks on your return.
Matala
A little further afield from Yoga Rocks is Matala where Joni Mitchell and lots of other hippies once lived in caves. You can see the caves, a nice beach and lots of tourist shops. Our guests have come back with completely conflicting reviews but we like it! It makes a nice addition to a day out at Phaistos.
Phaistos/Festos Palace
Crete is full of ancient history and the best place to see it within in a day trip from Yoga Rocks is Phaistos and its a spectacular setting for a palace. Click here for an interesting web page on Phaistos another webpage is here
Knossos
Knossos is too far to visit from the retreat in a day trip but you could go and see it easily on your way to Heraklion airport. It is the most famous archaeological site on Crete.
This site has a lot of information on it - click here
Psiloritis/Mount Ida
Interestingly you can still see snow on the top of Psiloritis, Crete's highest mountain, from the retreat in to June - a great sensation when you come out of the yoga room into the warm sunshine wearing your shorts and vest. In Greek mythology this was where Zeus spent much of his childhood.
So much more!
There are so many things to do on Crete that are a little too far to do in day trips whist on retreat. We're happy to help if you fancy extending your holiday on the island after the retreat and using some of your new found energy to get to know anything from Europe's biggest gorge to the delights of Chania.
What To Bring To Yoga Rocks
You won't need to bring anything complicated but this list may help with efficient packing! As with all holidays you'll probably find you did not need to bring as many things as you have done.
Since we are in the middle of no where with the nearest useful shops and cash points half an hour's drive away, it is important to bring essentials. You will need money for transfers and maybe massage, souvenirs or drinks at a taverna and the Friday night meal out which is €10-14.
Essential Retreat Items
Flip Flops/Sandals
Walking shoes if you are planning to walk
Sun hat, sun cream, sun glasses
Bikini/Swimming Costume/Trunks
Beach towel(s) - we provide room towels
Comfortable yoga clothes
The summer dresses you hardly wear
Cool practical summer clothes
Some long sleeves for cool evenings/beach cover up/sun burn
Camera
Enough money (the cash point is forty minutes drive away)
Optional Extras:
Binoculars (for birds or the very slight possibility of dolphins)
Snorkel, mask and flippers (we have them at Yoga Rocks to borrow though if you have your own its better to bring them)
A good book (though we have quite a nice library)
Mobile phone charger (Euro adapter if necessary) if you are bringing a phone
Flights & Ferries to Yoga Rocks in 2012
If you're going to enjoy a yoga holiday here at Yoga Rocks you'll have to get to Crete, Greece. Here is a helpful list of airlines that fly to Chania (CHQ) or Heraklion (HER) airports on Crete. We list by country prioritising Saturday flights to coincide with retreat starts. There's also package operators and flight search engines that you can check if you don't get any joy with our suggested airlines.
Generally flights from Scandinavia serve Chania while those from the rest of Europe are more likely to land in Heraklion.
Ferry information from Athens to Crete is also listed for those in Greece, those travelling overland or arriving in Athens who don't fancy another flight.
Since flight options regularly appear we'll be constantly expanding and updating this section as needed. If you find the perfect flight to come and enjoy a yoga retreat that is not listed here please let us know.
Flights:
Greece
Athens:
From Athens there are 10 daily and normally cheap flights to Heraklion or Chania with either Aegean Air or Olympic Air They also have flights from Thessaloniki to Crete.
Both Aegean and Olympic Air have flights from most major cities/capitals to Athens and is always worth checking if you're having problems finding flights.
UK
London:
Easyjet Fly twice daily on Saturdays from London Gatwick to Heraklion and once daily on Saturdays from London Luton throughout the holiday season.
Easyjet also fly out of Gatwick to Chania on Saturdays from late June to end September as well as Sundays through the season for those who fancy a day in stunning Chania after the retreat.
There's twice daily Easyjet flights to Athens from London Gatwick.
Ryanair On Saturdays from London Stansted direct to Crete Chania.
Bristol
Easyjet fly on Saturdays throughout the season in 2012 to Heraklion.
Manchester
Easyjet on Friday evening into Heraklion.
Thomas Cook fly to Heraklion Friday night/ Saturday Morning.
Leeds Bradford
Ryanair On Saturdays direct to Crete Chania.
UK Charter Flights
There are many Charter flights operating from the UK's other airports. Unfortunately these are not on a Saturday when our retreats begin. You could consider a few days holiday either side of a yoga week and explore Crete a little. We're more than happy to help with places to stay near Yoga Rocks, near the airports or near places of interest on the island.
Jet 2 Fly from Manchester, Newcastle, East Midlands, Glasgow and Leeds-Bradford on Tuesdays to Heraklion
Thomson Fly Fly to Heraklion from Birmingham (Thursday & Sunday), Bristol (Thursday), Cardiff (Thursday), East Midlands (Thursday & Sunday),Glasgow (Tuesday), London Gatwick (Tuesday, Friday & Sunday) London Luton (Sunday), London Stansted (Sunday), Manchester (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday), Newcastle (Thursday)
They also fly to Chania from Gatwick and Manchester on Tuesdays.
Monarch Fly to Crete Heraklion from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle as well as to Chania from Gatwick and Manchester - all on Tuesdays.
Thomas Cook Fly to Crete Heraklion from Belfast (Tuesdays), Birmingham (Wednesday & Friday), Bristol (Tuesday), Cardiff (Tuesday), East Midlands (Friday & Tuesday), Glasgow (Tuesday & Thursday), Leeds Bradford (Tuesday), Newcastle (Tuesday).
Ryanair Fly to Crete Chania from Glasgow (Tuesdays), East Midlands (Fridays) as well as Saturday flights from London Stansted and Leeds Bradford.
Occasionally it can be cheaper to buy a package holiday and not use the resort. Try Icelolly
Sweden, Norway, Denmark & Finland
If you're coming from Scandinavia for a retreat at Yoga Rocks there are more flights to Chania(CHQ) than Heraklion(HER) though the later are still worth checking. We've organised this section by airline rather than by country.
Norwegian Air: fly to Chania from Stockholm , Oslo, København, Helsinki, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, Helsinki & Gøteborg-Landvetter.
Cimber Sterling fly to Chania directly from Copenhagen & Aalborg, and indirectly from Sonderborg via Copenhagen to Crete.
Ryanair fly to Crete Chania from Oslo (Saturdays) and Stockholm Skavsta(Tuesday and Friday).
SAS fly via Athens to Crete from all over Scandinavia though there will be another stop unless you leave from Copenhagen or Stockholm.
You can also try last minute charter flights with www.destination.se or Appolo
Netherlands
Transavia Fly from Amsterdam, Eindhoven Groningen, Maastrich, & Rotterdam to Heraklion as well as to Chania from Amsterdam. Unfortunately none of these flights are on a Saturday.
Transavia also fly daily to Athens from where it is easy to get to Crete - see the 'Greece' section above. KLM and Olympic Air are also options if flying via Athens is a possiblity.
Corendon fly Amsterdam to Heraklion on Thursdays and Sundays.
It can be cheaper sometimes to fly with a package tour operator: www.vliegennaar.nl has links to many budget airline websites.
Tix.nl often turns up good options.
ArkeFly or D-reizen are other options
Beligium
Jet air fly Brussels Charleroi to Heraklion on Saturdays. (They also fly from Brussels main to Heraklion and Chania , as well as Ostend and Liège to Heraklion though non of these are Saturday Flights)
Thomas Cook Airlines fly Brussels to Heraklion on Saturdays.
Aegean Air has direct flights from Brussels to Crete Heraklion.
Olympic Air often has reasonable priced flight to Crete via Athens.
Germany
Berlin:
Easyjet fly on Saturdays into Heraklion.
German Wings fly Stuttgart, Köln-Bonn & Hannover to Heraklion on Saturdays. Connections from other German airports via Stuttgart and Köln-Bonn are available on Saturdays as well as direct flights to Crete from other airports, though not on a Saturday.
Condor fly Frankfurt, Dusseldorf & Munich to Chania on Crete on Saturdays.
Lufthansa, Aegean Air & Olympic Air have flights to Crete via Athens.
France
Transavia fly to Heraklion from Paris, Lyon and Nantes. Though only Nantes is a Saturday flight. Also on Mondays to Crete Chania.
Air France, Olympic Air & Agean Air are options to travel to Crete via Athens.
Italy
Easyjet Fly from Rome and Milan to Crete in from mid summer to Autumn.
Ryanair Fly to Crete Chania from Milan and Pisa.
Air One and Vola gratis are worth checking out.
Alitalia and Aegean Air have flights to Crete via Athens
Switzerland
Zurich
Edelweiss fly Saturdays to Heraklion on Crete.
Kuoni also take booking for the Edelweiss flight.
Geneva
Easy Jet fly Saturdays to Heraklion from Geneva.
Edelweiss also fly Saturdays from Geneva.
Basel, Bern & Elsewhere
United States
Try flights with American Airlines or alternatively Expedia & Skyscanner can produce some good deals.
Czech Republic
Try Smart Wings or via Athens Aegean Air or Olympic Air
Ireland, Poland, Spain & Austria
2012 sees a new Ryanair from Wrocław airport in Poland to Crete Chania.
Also Easy Jet begin a Madrid - Crete/Heraklion route in 2012 Skyscanner can find some good deals as can Expedia
Israel
Arkia have summer flights to Crete.
The Rest of the World
Try Skyscanner & Expedia or email us for help.
Ferries to Crete:
There are several ferries nightly from Pireus (Athens) to both of Crete's main ports of Heraklion and Chania with ferries arriving in the early morning. There are fewer daytime services - though several in the summer.
Bookings can be made through www.greekferries.gr - unfortunately a sometimes confusing site to book through. Alternatively book through http://www.directferries.co.uk/
Currently you'll find answers to most FAQs you might have about a yoga holiday at Yoga Rocks - we'll be expanding these and adding more exciting yoga related matters soon.