A blissful place to stay!

Astrikas Retreat gives you simplicity of life which is so valuable for yoga or which ever holiday you choose here. A quiet life is possible. The hill village has just one tourist venture – the small hotel where you stay. It is owned by local people.

There are three studios: two spacious, uncluttered interior spaces and a lovely bamboo shaded area in the privacy of the garden. Each has its contemplative ambiance for yoga or workshops.

In the communal kitchen you can pick the tea that takes your fancy, in the mug of your choice and wander out to the garden and pool. There, in the shade of brollies you might decide to take a dip in the pool or pick up a book – there's plenty to choose from. There are just 12 bedrooms, all comfortably furnished, light and spacious. Each room has a private balcony and rooms on the 2^nd floor have a/c.

It is surrounded by deep gorges, sheep grazing hills and olive groves where the air is clear.

If you can draw yourself away, then we arrange a walk to the beach. It's downhill, easy grade and after 1^3/4 hours you'll be ready to sample the fresh orange juice served there. For other beach trips we organise joint taxis from the hotel.

Being in the countryside there's plenty of walks. We guide a local gorge walk where griffon vultures nest. At the end there's a taverna or you can return to the hotel for the snacks and fresh fruit that we provide daily. There's a walk to an organic olive mill too. Other visits can be to a local pottery and a nearby archaeological site. Any taxi rides are extra – shared for economy. However, you don't have to do anything, you can simply stay and give your wallet a rest too.

Living quietly extends to your food. Set meals are cooked either by Eleftheria at the café next to the hotel or by Juliet who cooks with love and loves to cook. People really like the food, all vegetarian and locally sourced - the field between the café and the hotel provides many fresh vegetables. Special diets are our speciality; just tell us in advance, there are no local supermarkets. Breakfasts and five evening dinners are included so you can choose a different taverna twice in the week. There are family run tavernas at the coast or in nearby villages. They take pride in presenting you with traditional local Cretan dishes.

Massages, treatments and counselling are available for health, life changes or just for relaxation.

So, you can return refreshed and relaxed - a different person.


'Lovely week, beautiful hospitality - I'll be back' - Paula

'Fantastic hosts, very supportive and proactive. I loved the food and the pool. Rooms lovely and comfortable. A blissful place to stay. So peaceful and a true sense of retreating. Thank you' - Nicky

'Amazing place and people - really wonderful experience, will stay with me always. Thank you.' - Lara