🌿 CRETE YOGA & PILATES RETREAT – SEPTEMBER 2026
 September 28th 2026
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LOTUS RETREAR EXPERIENCE – CRETE SEPTEMBER 2026
Join us for a rejuvenating 5-night Yoga & Pilates experience in beautiful Crete.
Our home for 5 nights is the Mantalari estate, beautifully situated amongst Crete’s fertile heartland. The views showcase the very best of the popular wine-growing region; a romantic panorama of rolling hills where neat vineyards border ancient olive groves and the silhouettes of distant mountain ridges rise as the proud backdrop to it all. Less than 10 minutes from Agies Paraskies and local tavernas, our villa is in a secluded and scenic location perfect for exploring on foot.
Heraklion, Crete’s lively capital, is a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The city is home to the legendary Palace of Knossos and an outstanding Archaeological Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Minoan past.
Stroll through the charming old town with its Venetian architecture and bustling markets, relax in a café overlooking the harbour, or browse for local crafts and delicacies. Rich in culture yet wonderfully relaxed, Heraklion provides a rewarding change of pace within easy reach of the retreat.
ACCOMMODATION
The estate is made up of four charming houses on different levels, offering seven one- and two-bedroom suites designed for comfort, privacy and flexibility. Across the properties there is a choice of double or twin bed arrangements, with some suites also able to accommodate additional guests or children, making the retreat suitable for individuals, friends or couples sharing.
Every suite includes its own private bathroom with shower and WC, and each property features a small, well-equipped kitchen area for added convenience. Guests will also enjoy Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable stay between classes and activities.
Whether you are in a spacious suite in the main house or one of the more secluded detached properties, all accommodation offers a welcoming, homely atmosphere with terraces or balconies from which to enjoy the peaceful Cretan surroundings.
FACILITIES
The 10-acre estate is a lush sanctuary, rich with fruit trees and framed by sweeping views of the Mantilari vineyards.
The grounds themselves invite both relaxation and gentle activity. Make use of the gym and fitness room, wander between the many terraces and peaceful corners scattered throughout the gardens, or simply unwind in a quiet spot with a book. At the heart of the main house lies a magnificent sunroom—an enchanting place for morning coffee, an afternoon pause, or an evening drink as the day softly fades.
Our retreat schedule includes daily Pilates and yoga sessions, yet there is plenty more to enjoy beyond the mat. Guests can take a refreshing swim in one of the two pools, or challenge new friends to a relaxed game of tennis beneath the blue Cretan sky.
No stay here would feel complete without tasting the local harvest, and the well-stocked wine cellar offers guests the perfect introduction to the region’s celebrated flavours. The owners are also happy to arrange a guided tour of the neighbouring vineyard, offering a memorable insight into the landscape and traditions that shape the wine in your glass.
FACILITIES OVERVIEW
Outdoor yoga spaces immersed in nature
Two Swimming pool with spacious sun terraces
Beautiful gardens and quiet relaxation areas
Tennis Court
Gym & fitness room
Indoor & outdoor dining spaces / outdoor Barbeque
FOOD FOR NOURISHMENT & ENJOYMENT
At the heart of our retreat is a love of good food shared well. Each meal will be prepared especially for us by a talented local chef, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and inspired by the vibrant flavours of Crete. Think sun-ripened vegetables, fragrant olive oil, aromatic herbs and simple, soulful dishes that reflect the warmth and generosity of the island.
This week is about nourishment, not deprivation. We will eat beautifully—delicious, wholesome meals designed to support your wellbeing while delighting your senses. All dietary requirements can be catered for, so everyone can relax and enjoy the experience of being cared for around the table.
Mealtimes will be enjoyed al fresco in our peaceful surroundings, with long tables, soft breezes and views that invite you to slow down. These gatherings are a chance to connect, to laugh, and to share stories with like-minded people, creating a sense of community that is just as nourishing as the food itself.
If you have any dietary requirements or sensitivities, such as gluten or dairy restrictions, simply inform us beforehand and we will gladly tailor the meals to suit you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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- 5 nights’ accommodation in shared or private bedroom
- Private luxury location with pools, onsite gym & fitness room
- All meals included – delicious and healthy menus (dietary requirements can be accommodated)
- Water, juices & local wine
- Daily Yoga and Pilates with experienced teachers
- Daily meditation sessions
- Breathwork sessions
- Yoga & Pilates workshops
- Day trips including local vineyards and Heraklion – Crete’s capital
- Sunrise and sunset nature hikes
OUR SCHEDULE
Each day at the retreat follows a gentle, unhurried rhythm designed to balance movement, relaxation and time to explore the beauty of Crete. Mornings begin with an energising yoga or Pilates session, followed by a nourishing breakfast enjoyed together al fresco. Free time during the day allows you to swim, rest, read in a quiet corner of the gardens, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Afternoons may include a second, more restorative class, workshops, or time to unwind by the pool before gathering for a delicious evening meal prepared by our local chef. Mealtimes are relaxed and sociable, offering a chance to connect with fellow guests and share the experiences of the day.
Our soft itinerary also includes opportunities to discover more of the island. Should there be enough interest, we will arrange a visit to a nearby vineyard to sample Cretan wines and learn about local traditions. A day trip to Heraklion, Crete’s vibrant capital, will also be offered, giving you the chance to explore its historic old town, museums and harbour at your own pace.
Morning
Yoga / Pilates class
Free time – relaxation by the pool, tennis, private gym session
Nourishing brunch
Afternoon
Free time / relaxation / local walk
Optional workshop or breathwork
Evening
Yoga / Pilates class
Dinner together
Meditation / yoga nidra/Sunset walk
There is no pressure and no set timetable to follow—this week is entirely yours to enjoy in your own way.
MEET THE TEACHERS
Heidi
Heidi is the owner of Hot Lotus Manchester and has over 10 years’ experience as a Bikram-trained teacher, specialising in the Bikram series and Inferno Hot Pilates. Additional training includes Mat based Pilates with Body Control Pilates, Barre contour with Pilates Union, Aerial Yoga training, pregnancy yoga and menopause yoga with Cherie Lathey from the Yoga mama wellness.
Heidi is currently training once again – this time in reformer Pilates which she is excited to introduce to the Hot Lotus community later this year. Heidi is known for her warm, inclusive teaching style and her ability to make students feel confident and supported.
Jo
Jo has practiced Bikram yoga since 2008 and has been fortunate to experience studios around the world, seeing how this series connects people across cultures. In 2014, following the loss of her mother, she was inspired to complete Bikram teacher training—an enriching journey that brought many wonderful students and teachers into her life.
Jo continued to deepen her knowledge embarking on Sports Yoga with Sarah Ramsden, a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy from the British College of Nutrition and Health, yin yoga and also Inferno Hot Pilates so her breadth of knowledge is immense and this comes across in her teaching with personal guidance and alignment support.
Together they create a professional yet relaxed environment where everyone feels welcome.
INVESTMENT & BOOKING
£1350– excluding flights & transfers
(based on twin room share)
Single room supplement: ÂŁ500
EARLY BIRD OFFER BOOK BEFORE 30TH APRIL AND SAVE 10%
✔ We can arrange your flights through Travel Counsellors – ATOL protected. There are limited flights available and we would strongly recommend booking through us to secure the best deal.
âś” All UK airports can be accommodated
âś” We can also arrange transfers to and from the airport (regardless of whether you book flights with us or independently.
Payment Plan
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£500 deposit – secures your space
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Final balance due: 4th July 2026
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Payments can be spread across a series of installments
How to book
Simply email info@hotlotus.co.uk to reserve your space
Let us know if you are booking with a friend or what occupancy basis you prefer.
If you have any questions or want any more information do not hesitate to get in touch!